Sovereign Sea Access Inevitable for Ethiopia, Says Birhanu Lenjiso

Addis ababa: Ethiopia's quest for reliable access to the Red Sea is an unavoidable national imperative, a co-founder and former Deputy Director of the East African Policy Research Institute (EAPRI), Birhanu Lenjiso said. Birhanu, author of Water: 'Ethiopia's Gateway to Prosperity,' emphasizes Ethiopia's growing population, expanding economy, and strategic position in the Horn of Africa as factors making sea access an inevitable national objective.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access should be viewed in the broader context of Abay/Nile, as the political and strategic dynamics surrounding these issues are closely interconnected. Birhanu highlighted Ethiopia's historical relationship with the sea, particularly during the Aksumite civilization, which was closely linked with maritime trade across the Red Sea.For Birhanu, Ethiopia's interest in maritime access extends beyond economic and logistical needs. He argued that historical experiences and longstanding maritime commerce li nks should be part of the narrative when engaging with the international community on sea access. Ethiopia's historical and cultural ties with maritime access are described as integral to the nation's identity.Birhanu, who is also a former State Minister for Irrigation Development, believes Ethiopia should strengthen this narrative by combining historical evidence with contemporary economic and strategic considerations. He emphasized the importance of viewing maritime access as part of Ethiopia's identity and urged for diversified sea access to ensure greater reliability.Ethiopia's large and growing market adds a broader economic dimension to the maritime access issue, while regional developments in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa underscore its significance. Birhanu noted that Ethiopia's access to the sea could generate regional benefits by connecting its economy with maritime trade, stimulating economic activity across the Horn of Africa.He suggested that Ethiopia does not need to pursue a single m odel for maritime access and pointed to various possible arrangements with coastal states. Examples include long-term lease agreements, infrastructure corridors, and jointly developed transport projects. The longstanding Djibouti corridor exemplifies how cross-border infrastructure can create mutually beneficial arrangements.Birhanu emphasized the vulnerabilities of relying on a single major maritime route, advocating for diversification to protect Ethiopia's long-term economic interests. He linked Ethiopia's maritime aspirations to the broader security and economic dynamics of the Horn of Africa, highlighting the region's strategic position along international maritime routes and its security challenges.Greater economic integration between Ethiopia and coastal states could promote trade, infrastructure development, and regional stability. Ethiopia's large consumer market and economic potential could become assets for coastal countries if appropriate access and infrastructure arrangements are developed.Birhanu argued that Ethiopia's maritime access and its position on the Nile share a common principle: equitable use of regional resources. He believes Ethiopia's discussions over Abay/Nile and its pursuit of Red Sea access should not be treated as separate strategic questions, as their politics are interconnected.Ethiopia's approach is centered on development and equitable access rather than resource control. Birhanu emphasized that Ethiopia seeks equity and development, not domination. He maintained that Ethiopia's maritime aspirations should be viewed within the broader objective of regional economic integration and participation in maritime trade.Birhanu concluded that cooperation, not confrontation, is key for Ethiopia on both the Nile and the Red Sea. Such an approach could advance Ethiopia's economic interests, create opportunities for coastal countries, and contribute to regional development and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.