Abiy links Horn of Africa stability to Ethiopia’s maritime access, cites global trade disruptions and fuel shortages.
ADDIS ABABA (Horn Post) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has warned that lasting peace and economic stability in the Horn of Africa will remain elusive unless Ethiopia secures reliable access to the sea.
In an interview with state broadcaster Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, aired in two parts, Abiy said Ethiopia’s landlocked status continues to hinder its economic potential and global competitiveness.
“One of the biggest factors preventing Ethiopia from becoming self-sufficient and globally competitive is the lack of port access,” he said, emphasizing that maritime access is critical for industrial growth and national development.
Abiy called on regional stakeholders and the international community to take Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions seriously, framing the issue as central not only to Ethiopia’s future but also to broader regional peace and security.
The prime minister also pointed to the global impact of disruptions in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, warning that recent tensions — including reported restrictions linked to Iran — have exacerbated fuel shortages and economic strain in countries such as Ethiopia.
He urged citizens to conserve fuel amid supply challenges, while noting that escalating conflict in the Middle East is having “significant negative effects” on African economies.
Abiy stressed that Ethiopia, one of the world’s most populous countries, historically accessed ports through trade agreements and negotiations, arguing it is “not acceptable” for the country to remain without reliable maritime access.
He outlined short-term measures to mitigate the impact of port dependency, including investments in railways, dry ports, and road infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, particularly those linked to reliance on Djibouti.
Looking ahead, Abiy warned that failure to resolve Ethiopia’s maritime access issue could have far-reaching consequences beyond its borders. “If Ethiopia does not gain sea access, it will not only face stagnation, but the region will also struggle to achieve transformation and stability,” he said.
He called for peaceful dialogue and negotiations to address the issue, describing maritime access as a “life-or-death matter” for Ethiopia’s future.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
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