PM Abiy Ahmed frames maritime access as an existential national priority

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Bahir Dar on October 24, 2026, that securing maritime access is essential for Ethiopia’s long-term security, economic sovereignty, and trade competitiveness. Representing a nation of over 130 million, the Prime Minister noted that relying solely on neighboring transit corridors poses strategic constraints. He affirmed that Ethiopia will pursue access through dialogue and arrangements based on mutual benefit rather than conflict.

Since 1993, Ethiopia has relied heavily on the Djibouti corridor for over 90 percent of its international trade, which the government cites as a bottleneck due to high logistics costs and operational risks. Efforts to diversify these routes, such as the 2024 MOU with Somaliland, led to diplomatic friction with Somalia. Following mediation by Türkiye, the subsequent Ankara Declaration reaffirmed respect for territorial integrity while outlining a diplomatic framework for Ethiopia to seek sustainable maritime access through commercial agreements with Somalia.