It is our view that Ethiopia’s quest for sea access might not be guaranteed solely through the recently signed deal with Somaliland. Legal RightsInternational maritime law grants landlocked states certain rights to access the ocean through bilateral agreements with coastal states. It also appears to be Ethiopia’s main concern in looking for direct sea access. Exploring alternative legal options is crucial for landlocked countries like Ethiopia to ensure diverse and reliable access to the sea. This may involve considering what benefits and guarantees Somalia can secure from Ethiopia and Somaliland in exchange for cooperation on sea access.

Source: Ethiopian News January 11, 2024 20:29 UTC