ADDIS ABABA (SD) The Ethiopian government has declared that any opposition to its desire for access to the Red Sea will be considered a threat to its national security.

Jaffar Bedru, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ethiopia views any entity opposing their access to a maritime route as a national security risk.

He emphasized that Ethiopia’s economy and development are entirely dependent on the Red Sea, describing it as a crucial strategic trade route for the country.

Ethiopia aims to secure a maritime route and establish a military base along the Red Sea, following an agreement with Somaliland earlier this year. However, this agreement has not yet been implemented. The Somali government strongly opposed the deal, labeling it an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and integrity.

Turkey has initiated mediation efforts between Somalia and Ethiopia, hosting talks in Ankara. Although the initial meeting concluded without a resolution, both parties have agreed to meet again in September of this year.