Ethiopia’s Identity, Security, and Prosperity Intertwined with the Red Sea and Abay Basin

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s existence and sustainable prosperity are inseparable from the development of the Red Sea and the Abay (Nile) basin, the Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Jafar Bedru, has said.

He made the remarks during a high-level conference held on October 18 in Semera town the capital of the Afar Regional State.

The discussion was jointly organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the FDRE Defence War College, and Semera University under the theme “The Nexus of the Abay (Nile) and the Red Sea and the Role of the Afar Region.”

Jafar emphasized that Ethiopia, as the energy hub of East Africa and a nation of ancient civilization and patriotism, shares an intrinsic connection with the Abay Valley and the Red Sea—both central to its geopolitical identity. “Ethiopia’s geopolitical vision is aligned with these two water bodies,” he said, adding that “as we move closer to the Red Sea, our strength and vision expand.”

He reflected that, for decades, discussing the Red Sea and access to maritime outlets had been considered taboo, but the current national reform “has brought an end to that era.” He described this shift as part of overcoming what he termed Ethiopia’s “period of resentment.”

Explaining the objective of the conference, Jafar noted that the aim was to make the two water bodies “a daily national agenda” to secure Ethiopia’s comprehensive benefit. He stressed that the issue of sea access “goes beyond geography,” describing it as “a matter of reconciling with one’s history, truth, and psychology.”

He emphasized that “the demand for a sea outlet is not a luxury—it is about reconciling with oneself, achieving selfhood, and restoring harmony with one’s history and identity.”

Semera University President Mohammed Usman said the platform plays “a vital role in fostering intellectual dialogue to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interest.”

He added that Ethiopia’s aspiration to secure access to the Red Sea “is closely linked to its history, geography, and regional security.”

Commodore Tegegn Leta, Deputy Commander of the Ethiopian Navy for Combat Support Service, reaffirmed that “Ethiopia’s national interest and comprehensive benefit are deeply tied to the Abay and the Red Sea.”

He said the Ethiopian Navy, once disbanded, “is being reorganized and strengthened in manpower, structure, and technology to ensure a reliable maritime force.”

The conference was attended by Fethi Mahdi, Deputy Chairperson of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, alongside senior government officials, members of the defense forces, and invited guests.