Ethiopia’s Red Sea Dreams Stir Fears of New Conflict in the Horn of Africa

ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has hinted at the possible grabbing of the Red Sea from the neighbouring countries after the deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland failed to materialise.

A few months ago, Ethiopia entered into a secret deal with Somaliland over the Red Sea, but the agreement was aborted after Somalia raised various concerns regarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty, leading to arbitration by Turkey.

“How can the interests of 200 million be blocked for two million people?” – Army Chief questioned the fairness of Ethiopia’s landlocked status, further indicating the renewed energy by Ethiopia to push for access to the sea for the construction of a port and military base.

Speaking at the 118th Ethiopian Defense Force Day at the Ethiopian Naval Force Training School, Field Marshal Birhanu said, “Our population is now 130 million. In the next 25 years, it will reach 200 million.

"How can the interests of 200 million people be blocked for the benefit of a community of two million? It is not fair. It is not in line with international law, and it is not logical.”

He accused historical adversaries of depriving Ethiopia of maritime access while acknowledging past internal mistakes. The army chief pledged to strengthen the defense forces, accelerate development, and secure sea access for the country.

But critics argue that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed – the man once celebrated as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate – is now preparing the Horn of Africa for yet another devastating war. Alongside his generals, he speaks of peace while building armies and stoking conflict, analysts claimed.

"This isn’t just an Ethiopian crisis. The consequences of a war over the Red Sea and regional borders would threaten millions of lives, destabilize North and East Africa, and risk another humanitarian disaster," said Abdel Khaliq.

The world must not remain silent. Awarding peace to a man who wages war is a betrayal of every family that longs for safety, bread, and dignity. Instead of lighting the path of peace, Abiy’s leadership is dragging Ethiopia – and the wider region – into darkness, he added.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has remained consistent about Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea but maintains it must be through peaceful means. Somalia had agreed to dialogue with Ethiopia, but the technical committee formed in the Turkish-led mediation has yet to issue any work plan.

On Tuesday, Ahmed maintained that Ethiopia was not fully involved in access to the Red Sea, referring to when Eritrea gained independence after years of conflict.

"We believe that the Red Sea issue is a legal, historical, geographical, and economic matter that must be approached calmly and thoughtfully. When we ask who decided to deprive Ethiopia of access to the Red Sea, it is clear that institutions were not involved," he said.

"It is therefore appropriate to question who made such a vital decision. Ethiopia cannot exist in isolation. Our message to our neighbours is that as Ethiopia grows, it will serve as a source of development and prosperity for the entire region. What we seek is shared growth and mutual progress."

GAROWE ONLINE