'Two Million Community Can’t Override Interests of 200 Million Population:' Ethiopia Reasserts Its Push for Seaport Access
'Two Million Community Can’t Override Interests of 200 Million Population:' Ethiopia Reasserts Its Push for Seaport Access
Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force Birhanu Jula has recently highlighted Ethiopia’s urgent maritime ambitions, stressing that the country needs peace, development, and access to a seaport.
Ethiopia’s population, he noted, has reached 130 million and is rapidly growing.
“In the next 25 years, [the population] will reach 200 million,” he stated, questioning the fairness of continued landlocked status:
“How can the interests of a two million-strong community override the interests of a 200 million-strong population? It is not just, it is not in line with international law, nor is it reasonable.”
He vowed that Ethiopia will strengthen its defense forces and secure a seaport despite “historical enemies” obstructing its access.
ℹ PM Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly stressed that staying a “geographical prisoner” is no longer acceptable, highlighting Ethiopia’s patience over the past five years to resolve the issue peacefully.
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