Ethiopia revives port access ambitions, citing historical legacy and international law, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasizes the nation’s right to sea access under UNCLOS.
Ethiopia revives port access ambitions, citing historical legacy and international law, as the government reasserts its right to maritime access, a topic previously considered taboo.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has created new international interest in the landlocked situation of Ethiopia through his advocacy for maritime tradition and legal rights under international regulations.
During the Axumite civilization Ethiopia held impressive maritime leadership which enabled the Adulis port to function as a major trading center connecting Egypt to the Mediterranean and Asia.
The maritime achievements of the Axumite civilization demonstrate how long Ethiopia has remained linked to the ocean.
Through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea landlocked Ethiopia possesses rights to trade between its territory and the sea.
Neighboring coastal states must enable landlocked nations to pass through their territories for global trade purposes because such access prevents commercial disadvantages.
Prime Minister Abiy recently announced a new foreign policy direction that seeks coast access through Red Sea port negotiations.
The acquisition of port access would enable Ethiopia to enhance its trade operations and its overall economic expansion.
Other landlocked countries closely observe Ethiopia because its current actions might establish guidelines for obtaining maritime access through international law..