Landlocked Ethiopia’s efforts to gain sea access and project power in the Red Sea were rebuffed by its neighbours and set back Ethiopia’s attempts at rebuilding strained diplomatic relationships. Addis Ababa has also lost patience with the LAPSSET corridor project, despite being afforded a central role in the project. Previous governments in Addis Ababa have stated that Ethiopia would be the “second country” to officially recognise Somaliland. Addis Ababa would ostracise fellow members of the AU, as well as Western donors. China is also Ethiopia’s largest bilateral investor, creating another potential avenue for pressure on Addis Ababa.

Source: Ethiopian News January 18, 2024 09:01 UTC