Senior Ethiopian Adviser Reaffirms Sea Access as Strategic National Priority

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: A senior adviser to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated that securing access to the sea remains a fundamental national objective for Ethiopia, signaling that Addis Ababa has not abandoned a policy that previously triggered a major diplomatic crisis with Somalia.

Speaking to Ethiopian state media, Security Adviser Kenea Yadeta described sea access as an issue of “sovereignty” and argued that Ethiopia possesses “historical and legal justification” to pursue access to a maritime outlet.

“The issue of access to sea has unified all Ethiopians regardless of political or religious differences,” Yadeta said, adding that the matter carries political, economic and security implications for both Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.

The remarks are among the clearest indications yet that Ethiopia continues to view sea access as a strategic priority despite a recent thaw in relations with Somalia following months of tensions over a controversial agreement with Somaliland.

Controversial MoU

The dispute erupted in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland granting Addis Ababa potential access to a stretch of coastline in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland.

The agreement sparked a diplomatic crisis with Somalia, which denounced the MoU as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa and launched an intensive diplomatic campaign to rally international opposition to the deal.

Relations later improved following mediation by Türkiye, culminating in the Ankara Declaration signed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in December 2024. The agreement restored diplomatic ties and committed both countries to dialogue on future economic cooperation.

However, analysts note that while the Ankara process eased tensions, it did not eliminate Ethiopia’s long-standing ambition to secure direct and reliable maritime access.

In his latest remarks, Yadeta framed the issue as one extending beyond Ethiopia’s domestic interests, arguing that the country’s access to the sea would contribute to regional integration, economic development and security cooperation.

“Ethiopia is an anchoring state,” he said, referring to the country’s population of more than 130 million people and its role in regional affairs.

Israel’s Forays

The comments come at a sensitive time following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a move that has reshaped regional calculations surrounding the territory’s quest for international recognition.

Israel maintains close strategic relations with Ethiopia, and some regional observers believe the recognition could embolden renewed efforts to advance aspects of the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU, although neither Addis Ababa nor Hargeisa has announced any formal revival of the agreement.

Somalia has consistently maintained that any arrangements involving Somaliland’s coastline must be negotiated through the Federal Government in Mogadishu and has rejected any attempt by foreign states to conclude bilateral agreements with the breakaway region.

For many Somali officials, Ethiopia’s public insistence on securing sea access suggests that the core issue underlying the 2024 dispute remains unresolved despite the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.