Ethiopia's Quest for Sea Access Sparks Concerns of Regional Conflict

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Proposals for Port Access Met with Resistance from Neighbors

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has signaled his country's preparedness to regain access to the Assab port in Eritrea, sparking concerns of potential conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Abiy Ahmed has suggested that Ethiopia's neighbors could give it permanent, low-cost access to their ports in return for shares in lucrative public companies and projects.
Abiy Ahmed has also proposed the idea of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia merging to form a large country with ample access to the sea.
Ethiopia's neighbors have quickly denounced Abiy's suggestions, asserting their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysts suggest that Abiy's recent pronouncements may be a diversionary tactic to shift focus from internal economic and military crises in Ethiopia.