Red Sea Ambitions: Ethiopia Chooses Diplomacy Over Tension

Edition : Widad wahbi

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated his government’s firm commitment to securing access to the Red Sea through peaceful means, emphasizing dialogue and regional cooperation over confrontation. Amid rising speculation about potential friction with neighboring Eritrea, Abiy clarified that Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access stems solely from economic imperatives linked to its landlocked status—not from any military intent.

Since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Ethiopia has remained without direct access to a port, a limitation that continues to hinder its trade capacity and long-term development goals. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Red Sea for regional commerce and connectivity, Abiy urged a collective approach grounded in diplomacy and mutual understanding among Horn of Africa nations.

By firmly rejecting rumors of conflict and doubling down on his vision for regional integration, the Prime Minister positioned Ethiopia as a proponent of peaceful collaboration in a region often marred by instability. His stance reflects a broader ambition to turn the Horn of Africa into a space of cooperation, development, and shared prosperity.