Ethiopia’s government has reiterated its strong commitment to securing access to the sea, emphasizing that it will pursue this goal through diplomatic and legal efforts rather than conflict. This position was confirmed following a National Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The meeting, attended by key military and government officials, underscored the country’s desire to restore its historic maritime access through peaceful negotiations and international law. The government believes that every large nation should be entitled to access maritime routes, and Ethiopia’s campaign is framed as a rightful pursuit of dignity and global norms.
“The pursuit of sea access through peaceful and lawful means will continue with greater clarity and determination,” the National Security Council declared in a statement after the session. It also stressed Ethiopia’s stance on maintaining an independent foreign policy and contributing constructively to global peace.
However, Ethiopia has also issued a warning against any external or internal forces attempting to disrupt its pursuit of sea access. The government accused certain international and domestic elements of attempting to destabilize the nation through misinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and illegal operations.
While the Council acknowledged progress in internal peace efforts and national dialogue, it also made it clear that it would take strong measures against any violent factions opposing the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
This new development follows the 2024 Ankara Declaration, in which Ethiopia, Somalia, and Turkey reaffirmed mutual respect for sovereignty. This agreement set the stage for future talks on Ethiopia’s access to the sea, a topic that gained traction after a controversial deal with Somaliland. The diplomatic tensions over that deal have since subsided with a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia, leading to the restoration of ties.
