Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access anchored in legal, historical, and strategic rights: NaMA Chairperson

Addis Ababa, March 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s quest to regain access to the sea is grounded in its natural, legal, and geographical rights, Belete Molla, Chairperson of the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), stated.

Speaking on pressing national issues, including strategic interests and political developments, Belete highlighted that the nation’s loss of direct Red Sea access continues to evoke deep resentment among the current generation.

Ethiopia is actively seeking a Red Sea port, citing historical, geopolitical, and economic imperatives, with the ultimate aim of transitioning from a landlocked state to a maritime-connected nation. This initiative has attracted international attention as a means to advance regional economic integration and security, underpinned by legal, moral, and historical claims.

Belete emphasized that Ethiopia once enjoyed direct access to the Red Sea and described its loss as a profound injustice affecting the nation as a whole.

“The deprivation of Ethiopia from the Red Sea was illegal and constitutes a grave injustice against all Ethiopians,” he said.

He underlined that both the Abay River and sea access are critical strategic assets for Ethiopia, requiring broad national consensus. The NaMA chairperson noted that the government has taken a significant step by placing the seaport issue on the national agenda and pursuing diplomatic measures aimed at protecting Ethiopia’s long-term strategic interests.

“The decision to pursue access to the sea is a development we wholeheartedly welcome and support,” Belete remarked.

Reflecting on past political choices, he described decisions that resulted in Ethiopia losing sea access as historic errors that undermined national interests.

“The bold political decision taken at the time was a historic mistake that betrayed the country’s national interests,” he said.

Belete stressed the importance of establishing conditions that would enable Ethiopia to reclaim what he termed its historical right to sea access, pledging that his party would work resolutely to achieve this objective.

He also cautioned against political actors seeking to compromise Ethiopia’s national interests.

“Political forces that attempt to surrender Ethiopia’s national interests to historical adversaries should have no role in the country’s political process,” he said.

Addressing Ethiopia’s management of the Abay River, Belete highlighted the country’s restraint, noting that the waters have primarily been utilized for power generation despite their broader potential.

“Ethiopia has demonstrated responsibility by limiting the use of the Abay waters mainly for electricity production,” he said, adding that similar unity and resolve are essential regarding sea access.

He further asserted that forces opposed to Ethiopia’s development are working to obstruct the nation’s progress but expressed confidence that national unity will enable Ethiopians to overcome such challenges.

“Historical adversaries are tirelessly working to hinder Ethiopia’s development, yet Ethiopians will remain steadfast and overcome these challenges,” Belete told local news agency ENA.

He concluded by underscoring that safeguarding Ethiopia’s strategic interests, particularly concerning the Abay River and sea access, remains among the country’s most critical national priorities.