Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday emphasized the importance of securing access to the Red Sea for his landlocked country, despite objections from neighboring nations that maintain control over the maritime corridor. The remarks came in the wake of a regional summit held Sunday, where participating states reiterated that responsibility for the Red Sea lies solely with those countries that border it, cautioning against actions that could escalate tensions in the area.

Ethiopia lost its direct outlet to the Red Sea in 1993 when Eritrea gained independence and became a sovereign state, separating from Ethiopia. Since then, Addis Ababa has relied on ports in neighboring countries for much of its international trade. Prime Minister Abiy described access to the Red Sea as essential to Ethiopia’s historical identity and economic development, pledging to pursue avenues that would secure a port for the country.

Relations between Ethiopia and the surrounding states have worsened in recent months amid a complex web of regional conflicts and alliances. Ethiopia is currently grappling with renewed conflict in its northern Tigray region, where separatist factions have intensified their insurgency. Eritrean forces, who previously fought alongside Ethiopian troops during earlier phases of the Tigray conflict, have recently been accused by Ethiopia of backing the rebels. Additionally, Ethiopia has alleged that Eritrea has sought to draw support from Egypt and Sudan in this volatile situation.

The summit participants, primarily countries with coastlines on the Red Sea, stressed the need to maintain stability along this critical maritime corridor and warned against any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. Their stance reflects concerns that competing claims and increased militarization could undermine regional security.

Abiy’s appeal underscores Ethiopia’s enduring strategic ambition to reclaim maritime access, a goal complicated by shifting alliances and longstanding territorial issues in the Horn of Africa. The outcome of these diplomatic and security challenges will significantly influence the regional balance and economic integration efforts in the coming years.