Ethiopia remains determined to restore its access to the Red Sea through diplomatic engagement, legal avenues or what its navy commander described as “other alternatives,” signalling that the country’s maritime ambitions remain firmly on the national agenda.
Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu made the remarks during a symposium attended by former military and police personnel, describing Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the sea as a major historical setback.
According to Sputnik Africa, Gezu argued that Ethiopia’s historical connection to the Red Sea stretches back thousands of years and should not be viewed as a development that began only after the Second World War.
He maintained that the Ethiopian government and its people would continue pursuing the recovery of the country’s lost maritime access, which he described as having been taken away through unlawful means.
The commander’s reference to pursuing the objective through “other alternatives,” alongside diplomacy and legal mechanisms, was particularly notable. He did not elaborate on what those alternatives might entail or identify any specific measures under consideration.
Gezu also called on former members of the armed forces and police to play a role in shaping the views of younger generations, urging them to support Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to a seaport.
Ethiopia lost its direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, leaving the country dependent on neighbouring states for access to international maritime trade. The issue has since become increasingly prominent in Addis Ababa’s strategic and economic calculations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described access to the sea as a fundamental national interest, arguing that Ethiopia’s growing population and economic ambitions require reliable maritime access. His government has maintained that the issue should be addressed through peaceful negotiations and cooperation with neighbouring countries.
However, Ethiopia’s renewed focus on maritime access has generated significant regional concern, particularly in Eritrea and Somalia, where officials and political actors have raised questions about sovereignty, territorial integrity and the potential security consequences of Addis Ababa’s ambitions.
The issue gained further regional prominence following Ethiopia’s January 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which included provisions related to maritime access. Somalia rejected the agreement, describing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Gezu’s latest comments reinforce the strategic importance Ethiopia attaches to regaining access to the Red Sea. His reference to alternatives beyond diplomatic and legal channels, however, adds another dimension to an already sensitive regional debate over maritime access and sovereignty in the Horn of Africa.
