The Red Sea serves as a vital waterway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, with approximately 10% of global trade passing through this region. It is far more than just a body of water, it’s a key international trade corridor and a geopolitical stronghold. Its strategic importance goes beyond natural resources, as it plays a critical role in military dominance, economic development, and regional influence.
The countries bordering the Red Sea, 20 in total are increasingly using it for military purposes, establishing naval bases and ports to enhance their strategic positions. For example, the United States, despite being over 13,000 kilometers away, has built a significant military base in Djibouti. Similarly, many countries, including Ethiopia, are keen to establish a strategic foothold by setting up naval bases and ports in the region.
Over the years, there has been growing recognition of Ethiopia’s potential to contribute to regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa, particularly in relation to the Red Sea. For Ethiopia, gaining access to the sea is not only about territorial integrity, it is a key factor in achieving broader peace and stability in the region.
For over three decades, Ethiopia has been denied its natural and legal rights to access the Red Sea, a situation that has now become a central aspect of the country’s national agenda. Experts have highlighted the timeliness and urgency of addressing this issue, as Ethiopia’s future economic growth, security, and political influence are closely tied to its involvement in the Red Sea.
Ethiopia’s role in ensuring peace and security in the Red Sea is now seen as indispensable. The country’s expertise in peacekeeping, coupled with its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, provides Ethiopia with a unique opportunity to contribute to regional stability. By participating in regional discussions and security efforts, Ethiopia can play a pivotal role in fostering cooperation and reducing tensions in the Red Sea.
The quest for sea access is not merely a territorial dispute; it is deeply tied to Ethiopia’s historical and legal rights. With these rights now being fiercely reclaimed, the issue has become an urgent diplomatic priority.
Feyera Dinsa(PhD), President of the University of Salale and a prominent social scientist, emphasized in an interview with Addis Media Network that Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea peace process is crucial for maintaining stability in the region. The president pointed out that Ethiopia’s strategic position makes it an essential player in ensuring lasting peace and fostering cooperation among neighboring countries.
Mulugeta Ayele(PhD), a peace and security researcher at Addis Ababa University, also stressed that Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea conflict is necessary to stabilize the Horn of Africa.
For Ethiopia, the pursuit of access to the Red Sea is increasingly viewed as a diplomatic priority with profound economic and strategic consequences. Experts agree that Ethiopia’s active involvement in regional matters could help break the deadlock of conflict and bring lasting peace.
By Birhanu Workneh
