Ethiopia is the most populous land locked country located in East Africa. On 23 October 2023 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced officially to Ethiopians and the international community that Ethiopia has a legitimate right to access the Red Sea. The Prime Minister underscored that Ethiopia has legal, historical and geographical right to access the Red Sea. Further he argued that the population of over 120 million cannot be confined in a geographic prison. Ethiopia perceived its quest as existential necessity for its economic development and military security in the horn of Africa. Owing to this, Ethiopia is on an ongoing effort to realize its quest for access to the sea by crafting multi-faceted approaches. This article will examine the legality of Ethiopia’s ambition to access the sea by scrutinizing relevant international laws and principles focusing on the maritime accord signed with Somaliland, Ethiopia’s claims of ownership over Assab and international law of sea. Ultimately, the article recommends the ways in which Ethiopia’s ongoing quest for access the sea can be realized.
Abebew Sisay Alemnow (Sun,) studied this question.
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