Addis ababa: Ethiopia's role as the source of the Abay (Nile) River has reportedly driven Egyptian politicians and their allies to devise strategies aimed at weakening the nation and restricting its access to the Red Sea, as revealed by former Water Minister and Ambassador Shiferaw Jarso in a statement to ENA.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Shiferaw asserted that Egypt has been actively working to undermine Ethiopia's strategic interests in the Red Sea by exploiting internal divisions and backing forces that could destabilize the country. He connected Ethiopia's current geopolitical challenges regarding sea access to the events leading up to Eritrea's separation from Ethiopia, emphasizing that both external and internal political forces played roles in the country's loss of maritime and territorial interests.Observers have noted Egypt's historical involvement in the Eritrean issue as a prime example of its divisive regional strategy and its broader implications on Ethiopia's territorial int egrity. Cairo was reportedly supportive of separatist movements and political initiatives designed to limit Ethiopia's regional influence.The separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia is seen as a significant episode in the Horn of Africa's history, highlighting how external geopolitical strategies can alter national destinies. Historical accounts suggest that Egyptian politician Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served as acting Foreign Minister before becoming UN Secretary-General, was instrumental in promoting the Eritrean secession to weaken Ethiopia permanently.Ambassador Shiferaw highlighted the substantial economic and strategic impact of losing access to the Red Sea ports of Massawa and Assab on Ethiopia, describing it as a historical injustice with enduring consequences. He argued that a government lacking a strong popular mandate should not make decisions that permanently alter Ethiopia's maritime position.Efforts to restrict Ethiopia's regional influence continue, despite its status as the source of the N ile, with maritime isolation exacerbating existing geopolitical and economic challenges. Ambassador Shiferaw emphasized the critical nature of reliable sea access for Ethiopia, linking it to national security, economic development, sovereignty, and long-term regional stability.Historically, Ethiopia managed Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea's separation. Ambassador Shiferaw asserted that these historical connections, along with Ethiopia's current economic significance and geographic situation, strengthen the country's case for sustainable maritime access.He praised the Ethiopian government's diplomatic initiatives to highlight the sea access issue on the international stage, advocating for peaceful and legally grounded resolutions. The ambassador stressed that Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access should be achieved through dialogue, international law, and mutually beneficial agreements, avoiding confrontation.Ambassador Shiferaw also highlighted the importance of Ethiopia's transboundary rivers to downstream nations, suggesting that the same principle of shared benefit should guide discussions on maritime access. A peaceful, balanced, and legally grounded resolution, he argued, could address Ethiopia's strategic interests while promoting stability and economic cooperation in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026