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Will Ethiopia's Search For New Sea Ports Spark Conflict?

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has over the past few months shifted his focus to his country's access to seaports for easier access for trade. This follows on the heels of Ethiopia's move to fill the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) situated on the Blue Nile tributary, which has seen growing opposition from Sudan and Egypt.

Ethiopia's landlocked status has been a barrier to its trade and development limiting its potential for growth and prosperity. By granting Ethiopia sea access, neighbouring countries can foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships and contribute to the overall stability and development of the region, writes Addisalem Mulat for Ethiopian Herald.

But some countries are becoming concerned at the port move, particularly Eritrea with whom Ethiopia signed a peace deal in 2018 after decades of fighting - a deal that won Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize. At the centre of these concerns is Ethiopia's quest to have access to a port on the Red Sea - specifically the port of Assab, located in Eritrea which was part of Ethiopia until it gained independence more than 30 years ago, writes Deutsche Welle.

Ethiopia also has strong relations with Djibouti, bordered by Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. The long-standing diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Djibouti go back to 1984 and continue to gain momentum in all spheres. With Ethiopia largely dependent on Djibouti port for its import and export of goods, the latter imports fresh fruits and water from the former.

Ethiopian Herald reports as false, information claiming that Ethiopia poses a threat to neighbourring countries in relation to its interests in the Red Sea.

InFocus

Embassy of Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (file photo).

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