Ethiopia sea access Archives - Kaab TV

Egypt Signals Readiness to Support Ethiopia in Securing Access to the Red Sea

Staff Reporter — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:22:23 +0000

Egypt (Kaab TV) – Egypt is prepared to work with its African allies to help Ethiopia secure access to the Red Sea, provided that Addis Ababa shows flexibility in the ongoing water dispute, sources in Cairo familiar with the private consultations told The National newspaper.

According to the sources, the proposal was presented last week to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It was also conveyed to Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to mediate the decade-long dispute over the sharing of the Nile waters between Egypt and Ethiopia, following Ethiopia’s construction of a massive dam on the river’s main tributary, the Blue Nile.

Egypt’s proposal reportedly includes an implicit warning that Cairo could use its political and military influence in Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti—as well as its significant naval presence in the southern Red Sea—to prevent Addis Ababa from gaining access to ports in those countries if it rejects the offer.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed Trump’s mediation initiative regarding the water dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia.

Neither Addis Ababa nor Cairo has officially commented on the matter. However, during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized his country’s urgent need for access to the Red Sea.

“Our continued growth cannot be guaranteed if a nation of more than 130 million people is denied maritime access and remains geographically landlocked,” he said.

Egypt’s proposal comes at a time when Turkey and Egypt are rapidly strengthening their ties, a cooperation that has influenced developments in Sudan, where both countries support the Sudanese Armed Forces in their conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both nations also maintain close relations with Somalia, which has an ongoing dispute with Ethiopia.

Egypt, with a population of more than 108 million and one of the driest climates in the world, views the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as an existential threat to its future. For years, Cairo has sought to persuade Ethiopia to sign a legally binding agreement on the dam’s operation to ensure fair water sharing, particularly during prolonged droughts.

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Abiy Frames Ethiopia–Red Sea Link as Natural Right in Parliament Speech

Kaab TV News Editor — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:44:54 +0000

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Kaab TV) — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday presented the federal government’s six-month performance report for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year during the 10th Regular Session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, outlining progress, challenges, and key national priorities.

Addressing lawmakers, Abiy said Ethiopia’s ongoing peace challenges stem from a continued reliance on force, political betrayal, and fears surrounding the country’s economic and social transformation.

He stressed that the people of Tigray seek peace and development and must become full participants in Ethiopia’s political process.

On the disputed Wolkait area, the prime minister said no further displacement should occur, displaced residents must be allowed to return to their homes, and local communities should be given the right to determine their own future.

Democracy, Dialogue, and Regional Affairs

Abiy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding peaceful, fair, and inclusive elections, stating that the next parliament is expected to reflect Ethiopia’s diversity.

He said the National Dialogue process remains the preferred approach for resolving long-standing political disputes.

Turning to foreign affairs, Abiy described the Horn of Africa as deeply interconnected but fragile, citing regional rivalries, external interference, and shared water resources as key challenges.

He said Ethiopia continues to pursue regional diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting stability and cooperation.

Sea Access Remarks

Speaking on Ethiopia’s long-standing ambition to access the sea, Abiy said regional challenges should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation. He argued that Ethiopia’s need for sea access is a matter of natural justice.

“Regarding the Red Sea, my position is very clear,” Abiy told parliament. “Ethiopia needs access to the sea. Those who argue that Ethiopia does not need or does not deserve sea access are violating a natural law.”

He compared Ethiopia’s relationship with the Red Sea to a natural and enduring bond, drawing loud applause from lawmakers.

Abiy noted that the distance from Mogadishu in Somalia to Massawa in Eritrea spans about 5,000 kilometers of coastline, which he said is sufficient for the populations living along it.

He added that Somalia, with a population of about 20 million, and Djibouti, with fewer than one million people, both have extensive coastlines, while Ethiopia, with more than 120 million people, remains landlocked and seeks a modest stretch of coastline.

“If this is not justice, then there is no justice in the world,” he said.

Economic Performance and Digital Expansion

Abiy reported that Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform agenda remains focused on stabilization, diversified growth, and debt reduction.

Abiy said economic growth is projected at 10.2 percent, in line with International Monetary Fund estimates, noting that Ethiopia continues to grow without oil resources.

Highlighting progress in connectivity and digital services, Abiy said Ethiopian Airlines transported 10.7 million passengers in six months.

Mobile subscriptions reached more than 97 million, while mobile money users rose to 58 million.

He added that 5G internet services are expected to launch in 30 cities and that Ethiopia is establishing what he described as the world’s second artificial intelligence university.

The Prime Minister said the expansion of mobile connectivity has contributed to economic empowerment across the country.

Production, Revenue, and Investment

In the production and trade sectors, the government recorded the harvest of 999 million quintals of crops over six months.

Manufacturing capacity utilization reached 66.3 percent, while import substitution saved USD 3.4 billion. Merchandise exports generated USD 5.1 billion during the same period.

According to the report, the government collected 709 billion birr in revenue and attracted USD 2.3 billion in foreign direct investment over six months.

Abiy said no new commercial dollar-denominated loans have been taken since the reform program began.

Mining, Housing, and GERD

Mining revenue increased by 30 percent, with iron production rising by 36 percent and cement production by 28 percent, reflecting continued housing development and urban expansion.

On the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Abiy reiterated that the project was completed without foreign aid or loans, saying it was fully financed by Ethiopians as a national endeavor.

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Ethiopia Publishes Map Claiming Parts of Somali Territory

Staff Reporter — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:47:49 +0000

Addis Ababa (Kaab TV) – The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has released a controversial video showing a map of the Horn of Africa that includes Ethiopian territory.

The video was presented during a welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, who visited Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

The map depicts Ethiopia as extending over areas internationally recognized as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, while completely omitting the countries of Eritrea and Djibouti.

This has sparked condemnation and criticism from communities in Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, with many describing it as misleading.

Furthermore, it is seen as undermining the sovereignty of neighboring countries and internationally recognized borders.

The controversial video is still available on the official platforms of the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and no official response has yet been given regarding the public outrage.

The map controversy comes at a time when Ethiopia has repeatedly expressed its desire to access the sea and transport goods via regional ports.

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Ethiopia Reasserts: Access to the Sea Is an Essential National Need

Staff Reporter — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:19:10 +0000

Addis Ababa (Kaab TV) – The government of Ethiopia has once again emphasized that gaining access to the sea is a national necessity, essential for strengthening regional cooperation, supporting economic growth, and maintaining stability and security in the Horn of Africa.

According to a report presented by the government and supporting experts, Ethiopia’s need for sea access is grounded in international law, historical justice, and principles of cooperative partnership.

The government argues that Ethiopia—now home to more than 120 million people—requires access to the sea to safeguard its national interests, accelerate economic development, and contribute meaningfully to regional stability.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, featured in the report, stated that Ethiopia’s request for sea access is supported by legal, historical, geographical, and economic foundations. He emphasized that diplomatic efforts to achieve this goal will continue.

Officials and experts working with the government, including Tilahun Tefera from the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute (PSI), described the loss of Ethiopia’s coastline as a historical injustice that must be corrected.

Tilahun urged scholars, the media, diplomats, and the Ethiopian diaspora to fully support the country’s pursuit of sea access.

Similarly, Gashaw Ayferam from the Institute of Foreign Affairs said the loss of sea access resulted from external pressure and internal weakness. He stressed that reclaiming sea access is viewed by Ethiopia as an essential national priority.

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Somaliland President to Discuss Red Sea MoU During Upcoming Ethiopia Visit

Mohamed Jamal — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 08:53:49 +0000

HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro is set to travel to Addis Ababa in the coming days for high-level talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with the controversial Red Sea Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) topping the agenda.

According to sources within the Somaliland presidency, President Irro is seeking a “first-hand discussion” with PM Abiy on the MoU signed on 1 January 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The agreement, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease on a stretch of Somaliland’s coastline on the Gulf of Aden in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence — a move that triggered strong opposition from Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.

“President Irro is committed to securing Somaliland’s full international recognition — nothing less than that,” an aide to the president, who requested anonymity, told our reporter. “He wants clarity and direct engagement with the Ethiopian leadership before moving forward.”

The MoU, which remains pending implementation, has been a central focus of Irro’s early diplomatic efforts since taking office.

Last month, during a visit to neighbouring Djibouti, Irro held discussions with Ethiopian diplomats led by Kebede Abera Ido, Ethiopia’s Deputy Ambassador to Djibouti.

Their talks covered regional security, Red Sea maritime access, trade corridors, and investment opportunities.

“The President discussed with the Ambassadors the development of the region’s economy, investment opportunities, trade facilitation, infrastructure, and increased humanitarian aid,” said Hussein Aden Ige, spokesperson for the Somaliland presidency, in a May statement.

Deputy Ambassador Kebede confirmed Ethiopia’s interest in deepening cooperation with Somaliland, particularly in areas of trade and security.

Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought alternative routes for sea access to enhance its import and export capabilities.

In a sign of intensifying international outreach, President Irro also met with foreign diplomats in Nairobi last week, where he reiterated Somaliland’s longstanding call for international recognition.

“We have not come to Nairobi today with a begging bowl,” Irro told the gathering. “We are not looking for handouts. We are here to build genuine partnerships with governments, investors, and institutions that understand the value of mutual benefit.”

Among many Somalilanders, hopes remain high that Ethiopia’s engagement could be a breakthrough toward international recognition, a goal that has eluded the self-declared republic since its separation from Somalia in 1991.

Irro’s administration appears determined to capitalise on this momentum, even amid diplomatic tensions with Mogadishu.

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