Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said Ethiopia cannot remain landlocked indefinitely and called for peaceful resolution of seaport access through diplomatic dialogue.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during the second part of his interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation on April 17 under the theme "The Heart of Sovereignty."
"Ethiopia cannot remain landlocked indefinitely, and the issue of seaport access must be resolved through peaceful negotiation and structured dialogue based on mutual understanding," Abiy Ahmed told EBC.
The Prime Minister described Ethiopia's seaport issue as both a short-term and long-term strategic concern requiring sustained engagement through diplomatic channels. He said the matter should be addressed through give-and-take and fair negotiation, emphasizing that refusal to engage in dialogue is not sustainable given the region's economic and geopolitical realities.
Abiy Ahmed noted that Ethiopia's geographical position presents structural constraints for trade and economic development, particularly regarding regional and global shipping routes. He warned that failure to resolve the issue through peaceful consultation could have wider implications for Ethiopia's development and regional stability.
The Prime Minister said discussions on global trade and strategic maritime corridors, including the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demonstrate the importance of secure maritime access in international relations. He pointed out that the region's maritime environment faces increasing security risks, underscoring the need for stronger cooperation among countries sharing these strategic waters.
Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia is addressing immediate logistical needs through expansion of dry ports and trade corridors, including facilities linked to Djibouti and hubs in Mojo and Dire Dawa. However, he stressed that long-term lack of direct sea access would continue to constrain Ethiopia's economic transformation and development ambitions.
The Prime Minister concluded that Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access must be handled through peaceful, negotiated, and mutually beneficial arrangements rather than prolonged avoidance of dialogue.
Ethiopia relies heavily on Djibouti's ports for approximately 95 percent of its international trade, making it one of the world's most trade-dependent landlocked countries. The Horn of Africa nation has historically sought to diversify its port access through agreements with neighboring coastal states, viewing maritime access as critical to its economic growth ambitions as Africa's second-most populous country. Previous Ethiopian administrations have pursued similar diplomatic initiatives regarding sea access, with the issue remaining a consistent element of the country's foreign policy strategy.
