•Coastal Nations Assert Exclusive Control Over Strategic Waterway
Eritrea and Egypt have reiterated their firm opposition to the involvement of non-coastal states in the security and governance of the Red Sea, emphasizing that the strategic waterway should be managed exclusively by the nations bordering it.
The stance was reinforced during Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh’s visit to Cairo, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and delivered a message from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
The meeting between Egyptian and Eritrean officials highlights a growing regional debate over access to and control of the Red Sea, a crucial maritime route linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Both nations have long viewed external interference in Red Sea affairs as a potential threat to regional stability and their own national interests.
Ethiopia’s Maritime Ambitions Stir Controversy
The diplomatic discussions in Cairo come amid renewed assertions from Ethiopia regarding its aspiration for Red Sea access.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently told parliament that securing access to the Red Sea is an “existential” issue for his landlocked nation.
However, he clarified that Ethiopia has no intention of using force against Eritrea to achieve this goal.
Instead, Abiy called for negotiations based on “give and take” principles and economic cooperation, warning that failing to address Ethiopia’s lack of direct maritime access could create long-term regional tensions.
Eritrea has repeatedly dismissed Ethiopia’s aspirations for a Red Sea outlet, with Foreign Minister Osman Saleh previously describing Addis Ababa’s ambitions as “misguided and outdated.”
Asmara maintains that its sovereignty over its coastline is non-negotiable, viewing any attempt by Ethiopia to secure territorial access as a potential challenge to Eritrea’s hard-won independence.
Strategic Implications of the Red Sea Dispute
The Red Sea is a vital global trade corridor, with major international shipping routes passing through the Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.
Given its strategic importance, the region has attracted interest from global and regional powers alike.
Several countries, including Gulf nations and Western allies, have sought a role in ensuring maritime security, often through military bases or partnerships with Red Sea littoral states.
Egypt has consistently advocated for an exclusive role for coastal nations in managing Red Sea security, fearing that foreign interference could undermine regional autonomy.
Cairo’s alignment with Eritrea on this matter further consolidates its influence in the region, particularly as it navigates broader geopolitical tensions, including its complex relationship with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ethiopia’s push for Red Sea access is part of a broader geopolitical and economic strategy aimed at reducing its dependence on neighboring Djibouti for maritime trade.
However, Eritrea’s firm rejection of any territorial concessions suggests that the issue will remain a major point of contention in the Horn of Africa.
Looking Ahead: Possible Diplomatic and Economic Approaches
As tensions simmer, diplomatic efforts may focus on economic solutions, such as leasing port access rather than pursuing territorial claims.
Ethiopia has explored agreements with Djibouti, Somaliland, and Sudan to facilitate trade, but a permanent and direct access route to the sea remains a pressing national objective.
For Egypt and Eritrea, the primary concern is maintaining regional security and sovereignty without external interference.
Whether a compromise can be reached that addresses Ethiopia’s concerns while preserving the authority of Red Sea coastal nations remains uncertain.
However, with geopolitical stakes high and economic interests at play, the Red Sea security debate is likely to shape regional diplomacy for years to come.
Share This Post