Ethiopia has called for countries across the region and global powers to work together on Red Sea security, warning against leaving responsibility for the strategic waterway in the hands of a limited number of coastal countries.
The call was made by Redwan Hussein, Director-General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, during the Tana Forum on African Security in Bahir Dar. His remarks came amid growing competition among regional powers, increased military activity and attacks on commercial vessels travelling through the Red Sea.
Redwan said the Horn of Africa’s strategic location, natural resources and trade routes had made the region an area of competition between regional and global powers. He also identified historical disputes, resource conflicts, internal conflicts and threats posed by extremist groups as major security challenges.
Ethiopia’s position comes amid its longstanding efforts to secure direct access to the sea. The country became landlocked when Eritrea gained independence in 1993 and relies heavily on Djibouti’s ports for international trade.
Addis Ababa argues that its dependence on maritime trade routes gives it direct economic and security interests in protecting the Red Sea. However, its efforts to secure access to the sea have contributed to tensions with neighbouring countries, including Somalia and Eritrea.
The Red Sea is an important route for international trade, particularly through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The passage facilitates the movement of goods between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Attacks on commercial vessels near Yemen’s coast have disrupted maritime traffic, prompting some shipping companies to divert vessels around southern Africa, a longer alternative route.
Ethiopia’s remarks have renewed questions about how Red Sea security should be managed and what role landlocked countries should play in regional maritime security arrangements.
The Tana Forum, held in Bahir Dar from 23 to 25 October, focused on peace in Africa, economic sovereignty and geopolitical developments in the region.
