The Ethiopian Youth Federation has called on young people to actively engage in advancing Ethiopia's national agenda for sea access as the government intensifies diplomatic efforts to secure reliable sea outlet access.
The Federation emphasized that securing access to a sea outlet remains essential for sustaining Ethiopia's economic growth and meeting rising development demands. Ambassador Alexander Nigusse, Head of International Public Relations at the Ethiopian Youth Federation, said the organization is working to support national diplomatic efforts through youth mobilization and awareness campaigns.
"The existence of a sea outlet is crucial for Ethiopia's economic and social development," Nigusse told ENA.
The Federation stressed that young people carry significant responsibility in safeguarding national interests. Nigusse emphasized the need for informed participation in the sea access agenda.
"Youth should participate with knowledge and actively to protect Ethiopia's national interest and realize the sea access goal," he said.
According to the Federation, ongoing initiatives focus on enhancing awareness among the younger generation and encouraging informed participation in national issues. The organization is mobilizing youth engagement to support the government's diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving the strategic objective of sea access.
Young citizens who shared their views echoed the Federation's call for active participation. Abenezer Ermias, a young citizen, highlighted the need to amplify youth voices on the international stage.
"Our sea access issue is gaining international recognition, but we still need to use influential youth voices to make the agenda more visible globally," Ermias said.
Ermias emphasized the importance of using social media tools, including short videos and historical narratives, to communicate the legal and historical basis of Ethiopia's claim. He noted that digital platforms offer opportunities for young people to contribute to national diplomatic efforts.
Other young citizens, including Ruth Shewankta and Feven Fikadu, emphasized that the sea access matter extends beyond government responsibility. They noted that all citizens, particularly youth, must play an active role in supporting the national agenda.
According to them, the sea access issue represents not only the government's agenda but that of the entire generation. They emphasized that young people should take the lead in expressing their views and supporting national efforts to secure sea outlet access.
The Federation's call comes as Ethiopia continues to face challenges related to its landlocked status. The organization is positioning youth as key stakeholders in diplomatic efforts, emphasizing their role in shaping the country's future through informed engagement with national issues.
Ethiopia became landlocked following Eritrea's independence in 1993, making it one of the world's most populous countries without direct sea access. The country currently relies heavily on Djibouti's port for approximately 95 percent of its international trade. The government has identified securing reliable sea access as a strategic priority for economic development, with diplomatic efforts focusing on establishing sustainable arrangements that would reduce dependence on a single trade route and enhance the country's economic sovereignty.
