Ethiopia’s PM insists on access to Red Sea despite regional conflict threat
Summary
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country must have access to the Red Sea, even though fighting in northern Ethiopia risks spreading to the region. Ethiopia lost its coastline when Eritrea became independent in 1993, and Abiy wants to secure a port to support the country’s development.Key Facts
- Ethiopia is landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, blocking Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea.
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was sworn in for a new five-year term and demanded access to the Red Sea.
- There is ongoing fighting in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region between government forces and opposition groups, some backed by Eritrea.
- Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the opposition forces in Tigray.
- A coalition of armed groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, aims to remove Abiy’s government.
- Somalia’s president said Ethiopia can access the Red Sea through Somali land but formal talks are needed between the two countries.
- Four Red Sea-bordering countries (Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia) recently met to assert their control over the coastline.
- Ethiopia’s foreign ministry stated Red Sea discussions must recognize Ethiopia’s rights and strong connection to the sea.
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