Ethiopia’s president has invoked the spirit of a legendary African victory to make a modern case: landlocked Ethiopia deserves sea access. Speaking at celebrations marking the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa—where Ethiopian forces repelled Italian colonial invaders—President Taye Atske Selassie framed the quest for a maritime outlet as a sovereign trust inherited from those who fought and died that day. Historical records show securing a port was a diplomatic priority even then, he noted. Landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Ethiopia now depends heavily on Djibouti for trade—a reliance officials say is unsustainable for a nation of 130 million people. While Addis Ababa insists its ambitions are peaceful and mutually beneficial, Eritrea has pushed back, underscoring how sensitive the issue remains in the Horn of Africa.
Anadolu Ajansi
