Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized on Monday that gaining access to the sea is both a matter of sovereignty and historical justice. Speaking in Addis Ababa during the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa — when Ethiopian forces defeated Italian colonial troops — he called maritime access a “sovereign trust inherited from those who died in the battle.”
Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993 and relies heavily on Djibouti for most of its trade. President Taye stressed that Ethiopia’s pursuit of port access would follow peaceful means and focus on mutual benefit, noting the country’s 130 million citizens stand to gain from direct sea access.
Eritrea has rejected any negotiations over its Red Sea coastline, calling Ethiopia’s statements provocative and emphasizing its territorial sovereignty. Analysts note that despite the 2018 peace agreement, relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara remain sensitive.
The Battle of Adwa is remembered as a defining moment of African resistance to colonial expansion and a symbol of Ethiopia’s enduring sovereignty.
Source: TRT Africa
