Addis Ababa (Horn Post) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated Ethiopia’s long-standing aspiration for access to the Red Sea, describing it as a strategic and existential necessity for countries with large populations, during his address to the 39th Ordinary Summit of the African Union held on Saturday.
Speaking before African heads of state and government, Prime Minister Abiy argued that nations with populations exceeding 130 million people, such as Ethiopia, require diversified and secure port access to ensure sustainable economic development and long-term stability.
“Countries with large populations cannot remain constrained by geography,” Abiy told the summit, emphasizing that reliable maritime access is essential for trade, industrial growth, food security, and economic resilience.
In his message to the continental gathering, the prime minister stressed that securing safe and peaceful access to the sea should be pursued through cooperation, dialogue, and mutually beneficial arrangements, rather than confrontation.
“It is fundamental to guarantee secure access to the sea through peaceful cooperation,” Abiy said, adding that ports are not only commercial gateways but also pillars of regional integration and shared prosperity.
Abiy further highlighted the broader regional context, stating that the Horn of Africa requires stable and secure maritime infrastructure to support future economic growth and lasting peace. He noted that access to ports would contribute to reducing poverty, strengthening regional trade, and enhancing overall stability across the region.
The Ethiopian leader also framed his remarks within the context of global uncertainty, telling African leaders that the world is currently undergoing a major transitional phase marked by instability and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
“We are living in a time of global transition and uncertainty,” Abiy said. “Africa’s strength in this period depends on unity, trust, and collective action.”
Ethiopia, which lost direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has repeatedly expressed interest in securing sea access. Prime Minister Abiy has previously stated that it is untenable for a nation of more than 130 million people to remain what he described as “prisoners of geography.”
He once again characterized access to a seaport as an “existential issue” for Ethiopia, underscoring its central role in the country’s long-term development strategy.
While Abiy did not specify particular ports or countries in his address, his remarks come amid heightened regional debate over maritime access, sovereignty, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
