Ethiopia Seeks Mediation From Russia and Other Powers on Sea Access Issue, Media Reports
Ethiopia Seeks Mediation From Russia and Other Powers on Sea Access Issue, Media Reports
Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali has requested mediation from Russia and other major powers in resolving the issue of access to the Red Sea between Ethiopia and Eritrea, according to the newspaper Addis Standard, citing the prime minister’s speech in the Ethiopian parliament.
“Abiy also reiterated that Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea ‘will not fade away’ and said he called on international partners, including the US, China, Russia, Europe, and Africa, to support peaceful mediation efforts, [adding that] ‘this is not an issue that can be delayed or dismissed,’” the newspaper reported.
ℹ Following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Ethiopia became Africa’s largest landlocked country. After losing access to the Eritrean port of Assab, Ethiopia has conducted most of its maritime trade through Djibouti. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government is exploring various options for accessing Somali ports.
On January 1, 2024, Ethiopia and representatives of Somaliland, an unrecognized state within Somalia, signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Ethiopia to use the Somali port of Berbera in exchange for potential official recognition.
This led to a crisis in relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, which was resolved on January 11 with the restoration of diplomatic ties.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
