Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Sea Access ‘Inevitable Strategic Choice,’ Says MP Mohammed Al-Arousi

Addis ababa: Ethiopian Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Arousi has stated that Ethiopia's pursuit of a seaport is a peaceful strategic priority driven by economic necessity, regional integration, and long-term national security concerns. He emphasized that this approach has become a necessity amid ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Al-Arousi highlighted Ethiopia's vulnerability due to its reliance on neighboring countries' ports, affecting more than 130 million citizens. He described Ethiopia's lack of direct maritime access as a significant strategic challenge that demands solutions based on dialogue and mutual understanding. Al-Arousi noted that any solution should foster shared interests and reinforce regional stability.Ethiopia lost direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea's independence in 1993, which led to a reliance on the Port of Djibouti for over 90 percent of its international trade. This dependency on a single trade corridor has become a conc ern for Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa and one of its fastest-growing economies. The reliance increases transportation costs, limits trade flexibility, and poses national security risks.Al-Arousi also pointed out the growing instability in global maritime corridors, such as the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the need for diversified trade and energy routes. He reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation, clarifying that the country does not intend to use military means to gain sea access.According to Al-Arousi, Ethiopia's strategy emphasizes regional integration and mutual benefit, including innovative partnerships with neighboring countries for economic cooperation and shared development initiatives. He argued that improved maritime access could lower costs, diversify logistics routes, and bolster key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.However, he acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue in the Horn of Africa, where competing interests involve countries such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, alongside global powers with strategic interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Mischaracterizing Ethiopia's intentions could inflame tensions and harm regional relationships.Al-Arousi reiterated that Ethiopia's security and prosperity are linked to the stability of neighboring countries and stressed the importance of stronger cooperation with Djibouti and Somalia. He called for constructive dialogue on Ethiopia's maritime ambitions, urging regional stakeholders to focus on peace, economic cooperation, and stability across the Horn of Africa.