During his visit to Ethiopia this Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the landlocked country’s request for access to the sea was a « legitimate request. » This statement comes amid regional tensions surrounding this strategic issue, which is crucial for the Horn of Africa nations.
Ethiopia: A Landlocked Giant in Search of Maritime Access
With a population of nearly 120 million people, Ethiopia is the second-most populous country in Africa. However, it has been entirely landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, which deprived Ethiopia of its 1,000 km of coastline along the Red Sea. Since then, access to the sea has become a vital issue for Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy, aiming to develop exports and secure supplies.
Tensions with Somalia over a Controversial Agreement
In January, Ethiopia signed an agreement with the separatist region of Somaliland, leasing a 20 km stretch of coastline for 30 years. In exchange, according to local sources, Addis Ababa allegedly promised to be the first country to recognize Somaliland’s self-proclaimed independence from 1991. This agreement angered the Somali government, which views Somaliland as an autonomous region under its sovereignty.
Dialogue Restored Through Turkish Mediation
The situation was very tense until Turkish mediation helped resume dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia on December 11. An agreement was reached to ensure Ethiopia’s access to the sea in a way that respects Somalia’s sovereignty. The precise details are still unknown and need to be negotiated, but it represents a major step forward, hailed by Emmanuel Macron.
« Ethiopia’s request to control its destiny in such a challenging regional environment is legitimate, » said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
France Aims to Launch a « New Partnership » with Ethiopia
Alongside the maritime access issue, the French President expressed his desire to give new momentum to Franco-Ethiopian relations, beyond the colonial legacy that has shaped its relations with French-speaking countries. France will support Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reform program through:
- €100 million in aid from the French Development Agency (AFD)
- A €80 million loan, also from AFD, for the modernization of the electricity grid with French companies
- Support for the renovation of the National Palace in Addis Ababa, amounting to €25 million
Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to Ethiopia by visiting the monument of the Battle of Adwa, a symbol of resistance to colonization, as the country was never colonized. This visit marks a turning point in Franco-African relations, with the French President seeking to build new foundations, far from the resentments of « Françafrique. »
The Challenge of Maritime Access for Ethiopia
The issue of access to the sea for Ethiopia remains a major challenge for the stability and prosperity of the entire Horn of Africa. France’s support for a negotiated solution that respects the sovereignty of all parties involved is a strong message. Likewise, the desire to build an equal partnership based on mutual interests between the two countries is evident. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these promises lead to concrete actions
