Experts back Ethiopia’s policy of dialogue and shared prosperity in pursuit of sea access

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2025 (FMC) — Scholars have emphasized that Ethiopia’s pursuit of direct access to the Red Sea should be addressed through peaceful dialogue and the principle of mutual benefit, underscoring the country’s legitimate historical and geographical ties to the sea.

Political Science and International Relations scholar Prof. Brook Hailu told Fana Media Corporation that Ethiopia, a nation with a long maritime history, should not be deprived of its natural access to the sea due to developments of the past three decades.

He recalled that Ethiopian vessels once operated freely across regional trade routes, affirming that reclaiming access to the Red Sea is both a historical right and a national necessity.

Prof. Brook noted that previous administrations had neglected the issue, recalling that discussions on the Assab port were dismissed during negotiations following Eritrea’s independence.

He said that since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, the government has consistently advocated for dialogue based on partnership and reciprocity to resolve the matter peacefully.

He, however, observed that Eritrea has so far shown little interest in engaging in such dialogue. “No one has a greater responsibility than Ethiopians themselves to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests,” he stressed, adding that countries located thousands of kilometers from the Red Sea have established bases there to protect their interests, while Ethiopia — geographically part of the Red Sea region — must not remain excluded.

For his part, Abebe Kebede (PhD), a lawyer specializing in natural resources and environmental protection, described Ethiopia’s current efforts to secure seaport access as both “natural and lawful.” He said the previous government’s handling of the matter was a historic mistake that the current leadership is now working to correct through renewed diplomatic and developmental initiatives.

Abebe added that Ethiopia’s ongoing path of growth and modernization demonstrates an increasing need for diversified port access to sustain its expanding economy. “Ethiopia must continue to explore port alternatives in ways that promote regional cooperation and shared prosperity,” he said.