Abiy Ahmed Demands Red Sea Access Amid Tigray Conflict

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia must secure access to the Red Sea, describing the outlet as critical to the country's civilization. The demand followed his swearing-in for another five-year term on Monday. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry added that any discussions regarding the water must account for the country's legitimate interests and enduring connection to the sea.

In response, Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia met in New Alamein, Egypt, to assert that coastline oversight is reserved for bordering states. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that Somalia does not object to Ethiopia gaining access through its territory, provided the two nations officially negotiate.

These diplomatic tensions coincide with escalating conflict in the northern Tigray region. Ethiopian government forces are currently fighting the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, a coalition that includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan of supporting these opposition forces.