Authored By: Mussie Baye Dagnew
Addis Ababa City Justice Bureau
Introduction
After Eritrea was granted its independence, Ethiopia lost something of enormous importance to its well-being: access to the sea. As a result, it finds itself in a unique geopolitical position as a landlocked nation in the Horn of Africa.
The relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia has historically been adversarial. Since Eritrea’s independence, this relationship has been primarily political. However, the 1998 Eritrean– Ethiopian War marked a significant turning point, leading to an increasingly hostile dynamic between the two nations.
From 2000 to 2018, both countries remained in a state of hostility without a formal peace agreement. Diplomatic ties were severed, border crossings were closed, and telephone and postal connections were interrupted. Disagreements following the war resulted in a stalemate punctuated by periods of heightened tension and renewed threats of war.
In 2018, following the selection of Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister of Ethiopia, he addressed the issue of access to the Red Sea on October 23, 2023, during a meeting of the House of Peoples’ Representatives. He stated that access to the port is an existential matter for Ethiopia and emphasized that Ethiopians should begin discussing the Red Sea
In response to this speech, the Eritrean government and elite expressed their concerns, arguing that his comments are against international law and constitute an affront to Eritrea’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as that of other littoral countries in the region.
This article aims to address the political tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea regarding Red Sea access and to clearly articulate the legitimate reasons behind Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea, starting with an analysis of the legality of the Prime Minister’s speech and raising strong legal and other arguments that support Ethiopia’s claim for access to the Red Sea.
Legality of the prime minister speech
It is essential to highlight Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s assertion that Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea is an “inalienable right,” rooted in the historical, geographic, human, and economic interconnectedness of the entire region.1
What stands out in the Prime Minister’s statement is his emphasis on the importance of seeking peaceful means of resolving disputes before they arise. This approach aligns with the principles enshrined in both the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),2 which advocate for negotiation and dialogue as primary methods for conflict resolution.
According to the UN Charter, parties to any dispute that may jeopardize international peace and security must first pursue solutions through negotiation, inquiry, mediation, or other peaceful means of their choosing. The charter highlights the obligation of states to settle disputes regarding the interpretation or application of international conventions peacefully3. Similarly, it reinforces the need for states to explore various peaceful methods for dispute resolution.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed demonstrates a commitment to these principles, signaling Ethiopia’s intention to address its maritime aspirations without resorting to conflict. This proactive stance not only reflects Ethiopia’s diplomatic intentions but also aims to alleviate potential tensions with Eritrea and other neighboring countries. The Prime Minister’s call for constructive engagement suggests a desire to foster regional stability and cooperation—crucial elements given the historical complexities in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Abiy Ahmed’s statement can be interpreted as a strategic initiative aimed at establishing a framework for dialogue concerning Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea. By invoking international legal principles and emphasizing peaceful means of dispute resolution, he positions Ethiopia as a nation eager to engage constructively with its neighbors while advocating for its legitimate rights. This diplomatic approach is vital for navigating the intricate relationships within the region and promoting lasting peace and stability.
Rationales of Ethiopia Quest for Red Sea Access
Legal ground
Ethiopia is a landlocked country, meaning it has no coastline and lacks direct access to the sea.4. Due to this, there are so many grounds that make Ethiopia rights to direct access to the sea legitimate. These legal grounds are ;
Land locked country’s right to access to the sea is well proclaimed under the well-known international convention on the law of the sea that is united nation convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS), since Ethiopia is a land locked country on the basis of this convention it has the rights to direct access to the sea is legitimate.5It is clear that getting direct access to the sea helps to solve various socio-economic, cultural as well as any other problems and to accelerate the political socio economic integration in the world. Or in other words it helps to realize in achieving socio-economic, cultural as well as some many valuable things which are necessary for the country and nationals of Ethiopian since they are stipulated under the UN charter6and the constitutive acts of Au7and UNCLOS8. Therefore, Ethiopia has legitimate right to direct access to red sea based on above conventions.
Comprehensive peace agreement
Ethiopia and Eritrea agrees at Jeddah on Peace, Friendship and Comprehensive Cooperation, in this agreement both country agrees to promote comprehensive cooperation in the political, security, defense, economic, trade, investment, cultural and social fields on the basis of complementarity and synergy.9 based on this agreement Eritrea has obliged to cooperate with Ethiopia to promote its trade and economy, one of the main mechanism to cooperate with Ethiopia is by answering the quest of red sea access, in addition the two country’s leaders signed a joint declaration to formally ending the border conflict 10, to restore diplomatic relation and to open their borders to each other for persons , good and services.11
Customary international law
An important principle of Customary international law12 and the principle of pacta sunt servanda which mandated that state parties to a treaty should obey the treaty what they have agreed and signed. Pursuant to this principle Ethiopia has legitimate right to get direct access to the red sea because both countries are parties to the UNCLOS which consists Land-locked states have right to access to and from the sea and thus every coastal state has the duty to respect what they had agreed in the convention,13.
The most important general principle, underpinning many international legal rules, is that of good faith. This principle is also enshrined in the United Nations Charters.14 Since Eritrea is a coastal country it has to respect the provision of the convention.
Historical Roots
Pre-colonial Era Ethiopia’s historical links to the Red Sea date back to ancient times. The Aksumite Kingdom, which thrived in the region around the 1st century CE, had a bustling maritime trade centered on the ports of Adulis and Massawa. These ancient trading routes connected Ethiopia to the Red Sea and beyond, underlining the historical importance of the region to Ethiopian civilization.15
However ,the situation changed dramatically in 1993 when Eritrea became independent. Although Ethiopia temporarily maintained access to Eritrean ports through transitional arrangements,16the 1998–2000 border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea severed these ties completely. Eritrea’s secession meant that Ethiopia lost access to the Red Sea ports of Massawa and Assab, which had been crucial for its import and export activities. This event marked a turning point in Ethiopia’s geopolitical landscape and prompted renewed efforts to secure Red Sea access Since then, Ethiopia has depended almost entirely on the Port of Djibouti, which now handles over 90% of its maritime trade .17
Historically Ethiopia had been used the red sea for a long period of time providing uninterrupted sea outlet and access for countless generations until the disruption occurred this shows us access to red sea was yesterday’s history for Ethiopia so due to this historical context access to red sea is deserved for Ethiopia.
Cultural tie
Despite political tensions, Ethiopia and Eritrea have close cultural and historical ties. Both nations share the heritage of the ancient Aksum Empire, which introduced Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century. The Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo churches trace their roots back to this common heritage. There are also close linguistic and ethnic ties: the Tigrinya ethnic group, which dominates Eritrea, is closely related to the Tigray in Ethiopia, and the Tigrinya language is spoken on both sides of the border.
Overall, the social structures of both countries show many similarities (for example in music, dance, and cuisine). 18
Geographical position
Geographical position of Ethiopia is found in short distance or in proximity to the southern part of the red sea that is around 75 kilometers far only 19but at this time Ethiopian’s have no control over the availability, suitability, or operating efficiency of the transportation system and port facilities outside their boarders upon which they depend for their foreign trade. Thus, to leave out from this situation their right to access to the sea is legitimate and significant for Ethiopia.
Economic necessity
According to economic necessity theory20, it would be no exaggeration to say that the survival and prosperity of land-locked states rely on their freedom to communicate and to trade.21 Oceans and seas have always provided the most economical means of transporting goods among word market and as economic wellbeing of states become increasingly dependent on international trade and commerce.22So, the safeguarding of the interests of land-locked states becomes a significant and legitimate in the law of the sea23. Even if Ethiopia is using the ports of Djibouti ,24 for the import and exportation of goods however Ethiopia obliged to pay billions of dollar for port fee in a year25 that is very expensive and poor in terms of maritime facilities due to lack of direct access to the sea and in addition Ethiopia has not ability to pay this amount of money because Ethiopia incurs substantial economic loss totaling billion of dollar26by the conflict in northern Ethiopia and also losses the labor27 force during a war, the northern conflict is not the one that leads economical losses but also Ethiopia has been suffering the damage of conflict on the other side of northern Ethiopia in Amhara region even if it is not official proclaimed like tigray war it leads to substantial economical loss and Ethiopians have been losing labour forces in this area at the same time there are also conflicts on central part of Ethiopia. In such a case ethiopia continues to grapple with the significant economic burden resulting from its lack of direct access to the sea. Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign maritime access is neither transient nor negotiable—it is rooted in the demands of national security, economic viability, and regional stability28 In addition Ethiopia had been used and wants to use ports solely for economic purpose so this doesn’t threat or harm Eritrean sovereignty.
GDP Growth and Development Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access is intricately linked to its economic growth and development ambitions. With a rapidly growing population, projected to reach 136,494,406 29, Ethiopia faces the challenge of sustaining economic progress and providing for its citizens. Access to the Red Sea would open up significant trade opportunities, reduce the costs associated with landlocked trade routes, 30and it is the issue of existence and also we don’t have to forget that red sea is the common heritage of man kind 31
Beyond to maximize the economic development joint utilization of the Red sea could promote peace, unity, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. This regional stability is crucial, given the historical conflicts and tensions in the region32.
The right to development
The last but not the least ground is with regard to human right perspectives as enshrined in the charter of united nation one of the purposes of united nation is to promote and encouraging respect for human right for fundamental freedom for all without distinction33.
Like any other world the people of Ethiopian have the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including but not limited to food, clothing, housing and medical care,34 for the realization of this right it requires accessibility of goods and services in due time and with an appropriate price so the way forward this is getting Ethiopia the right to direct access to the sea.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, geographical, economic, and legal foundations. Historically, Ethiopia has maintained strong connections to the Red Sea through ancient civilizations such as the Aksumite Kingdom, which relied heavily on maritime trade. Culturally, the shared heritage, language, and religion between Ethiopia and Eritrea further reinforce the natural bonds between the two nations.
From a legal perspective, Ethiopia’s position aligns with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognizes the rights of landlocked countries to access and utilize the sea for trade and development. Ethiopia’s approach—emphasizing dialogue and negotiation—demonstrates its commitment to resolving this issue through peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the African Union Constitutive Act.
Economically, direct access to the sea is not merely a strategic advantage but an existential necessity for Ethiopia. Dependence on foreign ports, such as Djibouti, imposes a substantial financial burden and limits Ethiopia’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth. Therefore, Ethiopia’s pursuit of Red Sea access is driven by the imperatives of national security, economic viability, and regional stability—not by expansionist motives.
In summary, Ethiopia’s demand for maritime access is legitimate, lawful, and essential for ensuring its right to development, fostering regional peace, and promoting mutual prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
Recommendations
⮚ since the prime minister of Ethiopia stated that Ethiopia is ready for open discussion Eritrea should also follow this approach and engage in open, constructive, and sustained dialogue under the framework of international law, prioritizing diplomatic solutions over confrontation.
⮚ Due to the political tension between the two country’s government the relation of the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea had been not smooth in order to restore its relation both country should Promote cultural exchange, people-to-people diplomacy, and academic cooperation to rebuild trust and reinforce historical ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
⮚ Finally, if the discussion does not resolve the issue of the Red Sea, Ethiopia should continue to assert its rights under UNCLOS and other relevant international instruments through diplomatic channels, regional organizations, and international forums.
Reference(S):
Laws
∙ Charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945.
∙ Universal declaration of human right, Dec 10, 1945
∙ United nation convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS), Nov,14,1994. ∙ Constitutive act of the African union, Jul, 11, 2000.
∙ The Jeddah Peace Agreement Between Eritrea And Ethiopia, Sep,16, 2018. ∙ Convention on transit trade of landlocked state Jul 8 1965.
∙ United nations conference on trade and development (UNCTAD) Dec 21, 1967
Books
∙ Kishor Uprety, Landlocked States and Access to the Sea: An Evolutionary Study of a Contested Right, 12 PENN ST. INT‘L L. REV. 401 (1994).
∙ L.Caflisch, Land-locked States and their access to and from the Sea, 74, (49 British Year Book of International Law, 1978).
∙ Yoshifumi Tanaka, The International Law of the Sea, 404 (Cambridge University Press, 2015).
Journals and article
∙ Adedeji,an appraisal of the right to access to the sea accorded to landlocked states under the 1982 third united nations convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS II), Jimma University Journal of Law, 1(1), pg.no. 136 (2007.
∙ Seble Getachew (ms), Ethiopia’s Sea Access Strategy: From Geopolitical Challenge to Economic Necessity, Oct ,2 2025 , pg.no.2 .
Case
∙ Right of access of land locked states to and from the sea, 2017, page 23, (per Gobinda Khanal) , (2017) ,(Nepal).
Official website
∙ wikipedia, the relation of Ethiopia and Eritrea, (Sep 4, 2025, at 03:02 UTC), Eritrea– Ethiopia relations – Wikipedia
∙ Wikipedia, 2018 eritrea ethiopia summit(Jul 9,208 ), 2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia summit – Wikipedia.
∙ Google map,distance from Bure to Assab, Oct 24,2025, https://maps.app.goo.gl/URzRfBQ38EwB925RA.
∙ Wikipedia, casualties of the Tigray war, (Jun 11, 2025,at 02:35 UTC), Casualties of the Tigray war – Wikipedia.
∙ Nations geo, Ethiopia population,( Oct 23, 2025, at 08:27 UTC), Ethiopia population, October 2025
News report
∙ Abdi Qani Badar, How Abiy’s Red Sea speech aims to reshape the Horn of Africa, K ormeeraha magazine, Nov 3, 2023 .
∙ Paulos santos , Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Complex Geopolitical Challenge
∙ Staff writer, Ethiopia excessive port fees reach 1.6 billion annually, promting calls for sea access, Oct 2, 2023.at pg.no.1.
∙ Ethio negari, Ethiopia lost 28 billion due to war in the north, May 21, 2023, at pg.no.1. ∙ Nolawi M.Engdayehu,reshaping the red sea : centering Ethiopia in regional security, horn review, May 26, 2025, pg.no. 1.
∙ Deutsche welle , ethiopia, Eritrea officially end war,Jul 9 2018.
1 Abdi Qani Badar, How Abiy’s Red Sea speech aims to reshape the Horn of Africa, K ormeeraha magazine, Nov 3, 2023 .
2charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945, chapter VI, pacific settlement of dispute Article 33 (1). United nation convention on the law of the sea, Nov,14,1994, part XV, settlements of dispute, Article 279.
3charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945, chapter I ,article 2, paragraph 3.
4 United nation convention on the law of the sea, Nov,14,1994, part X, right of land locked states to and from the sea and freedom of transit, article 124(1)(a).
5Ibid, Art 125.
6 charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945, chapter I, purpose and principles, Article 1.
7 Constitutive act of the African union, Jul, 11, 2000,objectives, Article 3.
8 United nation convention on the law of the sea, Nov,14,1994, preamble, explicitly refers to ‘the interests and needs of mankind as a whole and, in particular, the special interests and needs of developing countries, where coastal or land-locked.
9The Jeddah Peace Agreement Between Eritrea And Ethiopia, Sep,16, 2018, article 2.
10Deutsche welle , ethiopia, Eritrea officially end war,Jul 9 2018.
11 Wikipedia, 2018 eritrea ethiopia summit(Jul 9,208 ), 2018 Eritrea–Ethiopia summit – Wikipedia.
12 Kishor Uprety, Landlocked States and Access to the Sea: An Evolutionary Study of a Contested Right, 12 PENN ST. INT‘L L. REV. 401 (1994).
13 Right of access of land locked states to and from the sea, 2017, page 23, (per Gobinda Khanal) , (2017) ,(Nepal).
14 charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945, chapter I, purpose and principles Articles 2(2) of UN charter ‘all Members, in order to ensure to all of them the rights and benefits resulting from membership, shall fulfill good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the present Charter’. nation convention on the law of the sea, Nov,14,1994, part VXI , general provision , Article 300. and general Assembly resolution 2625 (XXV), 1970.
15 Paulos santos , Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Complex Geopolitical Challenge , Horn daily east African news Oct 14, 2023.
16 Agreement of friendship and co operation between the transitional government of Ethiopia and the government of the state of Eritrea, article 4,( the two parties agrees to cooperate in the field of trade and commerce that shall gradually eliminate all trade barriers between them and will work to harmonize their customs policies. The two parties further agree that the port of Assab and Massawa are free ports for ethiopi, Jul 30, 1993 .
17 Seble Getachew (ms), Ethiopia’s Sea Access Strategy: From Geopolitical Challenge to Economic Necessity, Oct,2 2025 , pg.no.2
18 Wikipedia, the relation of Ethiopia and Eritrea, (Sep 4, 2025, at 03:02 UTC), Eritrea–Ethiopia relations – Wikipedia
19 Google map,distance from Bure to Assab, Oct 24,2025, https://maps.app.goo.gl/URzRfBQ38EwB925RA.
20Adedeji,an appraisal of the right to access to the sea accorded to landlocked states under the 1982 third united nations convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS II), Jimma University Journal of Law, 1(1), pg.no. 136 (2007.
21 L.Caflisch, Land-locked States and their access to and from the Sea, 74, (49 British Year Book of International Law, 1978).
22 1965 convention on transit trade of landlocked state,Jul 8,1965, principle I to VII, Note that this was succinctly expressed in the in this convention and also incorporated in the principle of united nations conference on trade and development (UNCTAD) Dec 21, 1967.
23 Yoshifumi Tanaka, The International Law of the Sea, 404 (Cambridge University Press, 2015).
24 Staff writer, Ethiopia excessive port fees reach 1.6 billion annually, promting calls for sea access,Oct 2, 2023. At pg.no.1.
25 Staff writer, Ethiopia excessive port fees reach 1.6 billion annually, promting calls for sea access, Oct 2, 2023.at pg.no.1.
26 Ethio negari, Ethiopia lost 28 billion due to war in the north, May 21, 2023, at pg.no.1.
27 Wikipedia, casualties of the Tigray war, (Jun 11, 2025,at 02:35 UTC), Casualties of the Tigray war – Wikipedia.
28 Nolawi M.Engdayehu,reshaping the red sea : centering Ethiopia in regional security, horn review, May 26, 2025, pg.no. 1.
29 Nations geo, Ethiopia population,( Oct 23, 2025, at 08:27 UTC), Ethiopia population, October 2025.
30 Paulos santos , Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Complex Geopolitical Challenge , Horn daily east African news Oct 14, 2023.
31 United nation convention on the law of the sea, Nov,14,1994, part XI,section 2, principles governing the area article 136.
32Paulos santos , Ethiopia’s Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Complex Geopolitical Challenge , Horn daily east African news Oct 14, 2023.
33charter of the united nation, Jun, 26, 1945, chapter I, purpose and principles, Article (1).
34 Universal declaration of human right, Dec 10, 1945, article 25.
