FORCED ACCESS TO RED SEA PORT BY ETHIOPIA IS A THREAT TO SOMALIA SOVEREIGNTY

 

FORCED ACCESS TO RED SEA PORT BY ETHIOPIA IS A THREAT TO SOMALIA SOVEREIGNTY

 

The recent statement made by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, in which he argued that Ethiopia, being a landlocked country, the authority to use force to attain access to the sea, is a troubling departure from the principles of global cooperation and harmonious coexistence. This assertion clearly goes against the United Nations Charter, international law, and the fundamental values that support our interconnected global community. The assertion of the right to access the sea and the disputes surrounding it have been a notable source of conflict. Nevertheless, it is crucial to differentiate between a nation's legitimate entitlement to peaceful sea access, as safeguarded by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and acts of outright territorial aggression.

Ethiopia's historical interactions with its neighboring nations have experienced both positive and negative moments. Nonetheless, asserting the use of military force to secure maritime access not only endangers these diplomatic connections but also conveys a concerning message to the global community. Establishing a precedent where territorial ambitions are justified based on perceived disadvantages could set a dangerous precedent, potentially endangering both regional and global stability. If Ethiopia were to act on its assertion, it could establish a perilous precedent that undermines the painstakingly established principles of peaceful coexistence among states. This article highlights the reasons why Ethiopia should not forcibly access red seaports, what Ethiopia should do to peacefully access red seaport and what Somalia should do now and, in the future, to avoid such infringement of its sovereignty by neighboring countries.

WHY ETHIOPIA SHOULD NOT FORCE ITS WAY INTO ACCESSING AND CONTROLLING RED SEA PORT OF SOMALIA

The issue of Ethiopia potentially seeking to forcefully access and control a port in Somalia is a complex and sensitive matter. It is important to note that Ethiopia has landlocked status and relies on neighboring countries for access to the sea. Each nation encounters distinctive difficulties, and although being without access to the sea may present specific economic and logistical limitations, it should not provide a free pass for a country to violate the sovereignty of its neighboring nations. The following are the reasons why Ethiopia should consider relinquish their quest for forceful access to red seaport:

Respect for Sovereignty and International Law: Somalia is a sovereign nation, and its territorial integrity and control over its ports are protected by international law. Forcibly taking control of Red Sea Port would violate Somalia's sovereignty and international norms.

Regional Stability: The Horn of Africa has a history of conflict and instability. Forcing control of a Somali’s Red Sea Port could escalate tensions in the region, potentially leading to further instability and conflict. It is in the best interest of regional stability for nations to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Forceful access and control of the Red Sea Port may lead to an escalation of hostilities, which can be costly in terms of both lives and resources. This could be threat to regional stability that is already unstable.

Negative International Perception and Economic Sanctions: Forcibly taking control of Red Sea Port in Somalia would likely lead to strong international condemnation. This could have negative consequences for Ethiopia's international standing and relationships with other countries. In addition, forcibly accessing red seaport by Ethiopia could expose them to economic sanctions imposed by international community. A good example is the current situation between Russia and Ukraine where EU imposed a number of import and export restrictions on Russia for invading Ukraine.

Maintaining long-term Relations: Good relations between neighboring countries are crucial for long-term stability and cooperation. It is in Ethiopia's interest to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with Somalia for various economic, security, and political reasons. Attempting to forcibly control a port in Somalia may lead to resistance from Somali authorities, local communities, and regional actors. This could result in protracted conflict, economic losses, and instability.

 

 

WHAT ETHIOPIA NEEDS TO ACCESS RED SEA PORT IN SOMALIA

Historically, Ethiopia has been landlocked and relies on ports in neighboring countries, primarily Djibouti, to access the sea. Hence, to access Red Sea Port, Ethiopia could consider the following:

Diplomacy and Bilateral Agreements: Ethiopia should engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Somali government to reach a bilateral agreement. This agreement would outline the terms and conditions for Ethiopian access to a Somali port, ensuring both countries benefit from the arrangement.

Regional Cooperation: Ethiopia could work with regional organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to mediate negotiations and facilitate agreements with Somalia. Regional support can help build trust and promote cooperation.

Infrastructure Development: Ethiopia may need to invest in infrastructure, including roads and railways, to ensure efficient transportation of goods between its landlocked territory and the Somali port. This could involve joint infrastructure development projects with Somalia.

Economic Partnerships: Ethiopia and Somalia could explore economic partnerships, such as joint ventures, trade agreements, or shared industrial zones, to foster economic cooperation and make the arrangement mutually beneficial.

INTERVENTIONS SOMALIA SHOULD TAKE TO ENSURE ETHIOPIA DOESN’T FORCIBLY ACCESS ITS PORTS

Expedite its Efforts of Joining EAC: EAC membership would give Somalia a platform for diplomatic engagement and dispute resolution mechanisms that can help address any concerns related to external interference. It provides a forum for member states to discuss and negotiate differences peacefully.

Engage in Diplomacy: Diplomatic negotiations are crucial in resolving disputes and preventing potential conflicts. Somalia should engage in open and constructive diplomatic discussions with Ethiopia to address the issue and find mutually acceptable solutions. International mediators or organizations like the United Nations or the African Union can help facilitate these talks.

Regional Cooperation: Somalia should explore opportunities to engage in regional forums, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to foster cooperation with Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. Collaborative efforts on security, trade, and development can help create a more stable environment.

International Partnerships: Somalia can leverage its relationships with international partners and allies to help mediate and support peaceful resolutions. Engaging the United Nations, the African Union, and influential countries can provide additional resources and diplomatic pressure to encourage peaceful negotiations.

 

Conclusion

The forced access to the Red Sea port by Ethiopia would pose a significant threat to the sovereignty of Somalia, bringing to light complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The strategic importance of ports along the Red Sea cannot be overstated, as they serve as crucial gateways for trade and maritime activities. Ethiopia's attempts in forcefully accessing a Red Sea port could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of power in the region and have far-reaching consequences for the sovereignty of Somalia. The sovereignty of a nation is a foundational principle in international relations, and any attempts by one country to infringe upon the territorial integrity and autonomy of another are bound to raise concerns and tensions. The case of Somalia, a nation that has already faced numerous challenges, including political instability, security issues, and economic struggles, the forced access to a Red Sea port would further exacerbates these vulnerabilities.

In addition, the situation underscores the importance of regional stability and cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical issues. The international community must closely monitor the developments in the Horn of Africa and engage in diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia. A peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty of all nations involved is essential for fostering stability in the region. Furthermore, the incident highlights the need for a robust framework of international laws and norms to govern such disputes. Clear guidelines and mechanisms for conflict resolution can help prevent escalations and promote peaceful coexistence among nations. The involvement of regional organizations and international bodies in mediating and facilitating dialogue becomes crucial in such scenarios.

 

The forced access to the Red Sea port by Ethiopia would pose not only a direct threat to Somalia's sovereignty but also serves as a wake-up call for the international community to address the broader issues at play in the Horn of Africa. A concerted effort towards diplomatic solutions, adherence to international laws, and regional cooperation is essential to mitigate tensions and ensure the stability and sovereignty of nations in the region. The repercussions of these events extend beyond the immediate actors involved, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global geopolitics and the imperative for collaborative approaches to conflict resolution. Ethiopia needs to find alternative ways of accessing ports in neighboring countries without threatening to wage war against them. They need to give a chance to diplomacy and bilateral agreements and economic partnerships as well as investing in infrastructure in unstable countries like Somalia instead of threatening to infringe their sovereignties.

 

By

Abdullahi Mohodin Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)

LLM

 

@siigaale1