As Ethiopia’s Sea Quest Gathering Global Momentum, Somaliland is the Sole Option
Ethiopia is adamant in gaining access to the Red Sea maritime, and the international community supports and acknowledges this necessity.
Ethiopia heavily relies on Djibouti as its port for 90% of its imports and exports, however the port is now at capacity and cannot support Ethiopia’s continued development.
Given that Somalia is a failed state and that international efforts to establish a functioning government have been ongoing for over 32 years with no sign of success, Ethiopia would not take the chance of trying to negotiate a deal with Somalia to use its ports.
Making a deal with Eritrea is nearly impossible in this endeavor because Ethiopia’s fundamental interests are never accommodated by the dictator who has been ruling Eritrea for a very long time and is passionately opposed to Ethiopia.
Sudan would not be taken into consideration at all because it is engulfed in a full-fledged civil war.
Given that Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Eritrea are unfeasible options for Ethiopia due to the various reasons outlined above, what other country in the region is the best fit for Ethiopia’s desire that has the backing of the international community? Somaliland Republic.
The remarks of Ethiopia’s foreign minister – Taye-Atske Selassie – indirectly highlights this reality.
The international community is now clued-up about Ethiopia’s aspiration to access the sea following the extensive diplomatic engagement in the subject, the Foreign Minister said.
Speaking to local media, Foreign Minister Taye-Atske Selassie stated that Ethiopia has been informing the international community about its quest to secure sovereign access to the sea.
Ethiopia should not be holder of undue burdens and it should not be a victim of other countries’ internal burden. Diplomatic tasks to inform the reality have been carried out during the past six months and it was almost successful, he added.
“Direct access to the sea is a matter of our stability and national security that is why we are questing for seaports which is very legitimate.”
FM Taye also said that Ethiopia, as a sovereign state, needs solid economy that is supported by stable transaction. Accordingly, the country’s quest for sea access is not against factual settings.
He further highlighted Ethiopia’s readiness to engage in additional negotiations over its seaport aspiration and on the Abbay Dam. “We had been in negotiation with Egyptians for four rounds. Similarly, we are ready to resume the negotiation whenever they want.”
“Ethiopia has no history of embracing foreign commands and dictations. But, it will negotiate in some cases for the benefit of all.”
Meanwhile, the minister mentioned Ethiopia’s commitment to advance the cooperation with continental and regional blocs to resolve existing instabilities.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) tried to mediate Sudanese warring parties for several times. Ethiopia will have strong cooperation with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to resolve the case, Taye remarked.
Recently, political science and international relations expert Lakew Regassa told The Ethiopian Herald that the current government’s meticulous approach in the Abbay Dam negotiation and port deal will keep the country’s longstanding success in Africa’s diplomacy.
According to the expert, the country has maintained its success in Africa’s diplomacy in Abbay Dam negotiations and concluding a port deal with Somalia.
“The coming of Abay Dam into reality would showcase how Ethiopia is paving its way to diplomatic and economic prowess,” Lakew emphasized.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2024