Amanze Chinonye
Ethiopia on Monday reaffirmed its interests in the Nile and Red Sea, saying its geographic and historical ties to the two waterways could not be altered by political pressure, coercion or destabilisation.
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The statement by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs came amid heightened tensions with neighbouring countries, renewed fighting in the Tigray region and a deepening dispute with Egypt over the Nile and Red Sea access.
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Ethiopia said the Abay River, known internationally as the Blue Nile, originates in its highlands and contributes about 85% of the Nile’s total flow. Any discussion on the river’s use and management, it said, should take those geographic realities into account.
The ministry also said Ethiopia remained geographically and historically connected to the Red Sea, despite changes in political boundaries. It said the country’s nearest border was about 30 miles from the coast and argued that regional discussions on maritime affairs and security should recognise Ethiopia’s interests.
The statement came a day after the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan met in Egypt and agreed to strengthen regional coordination. The four countries said Red Sea governance was the responsibility of littoral states and reaffirmed principles governing the use of transboundary rivers, including the need to avoid actions that could harm downstream countries.
Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea became independent in 1993, has increasingly sought reliable access to the Red Sea, describing maritime access as important to its economic and strategic interests. The issue has contributed to tensions with Eritrea and Somalia and added another point of friction with Egypt.
The dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of worsening security tensions in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopian government forces recently retook Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, after renewed fighting with an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
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Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting the alliance, allegations the three countries have denied. Ethiopia’s relations with Eritrea have deteriorated sharply, with Addis Ababa last week closing its embassy in Asmara and expelling 10 Eritrean diplomats. Eritrea subsequently announced that it was severing diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.
The African Union has urged the parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue as the conflict and diplomatic tensions fuel concerns about a wider regional confrontation.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said Addis Ababa remained committed to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and regional cooperation, while stressing that it was prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests.
It urged regional countries to address shared challenges through dialogue and good-neighbourliness rather than confrontation and zero-sum approaches.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
