Ethiopia’s Quest for Maritime Access: A Critical National Interest Ethiopia’s aspiration for access to the sea is not just a matter of geographic necessity; it is a pivotal component of both national interest and regional security, as stated by Kejela Merdasa, a senior figure within the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). In a recent discussion, he characterized Ethiopia’s loss of seacoast access as a profound “legal injustice” and an “unjust act that lacked any legitimate foundation.” Historical Context of Maritime Access Historically, the Red Sea has been a vital artery for Ethiopian commerce and civilization, serving as the country’s maritime hub…
Author: Abren
Navigating Tensions in the Red Sea: Egypt’s Strategic Gamble Egypt’s assertive stance on the Red Sea, as articulated by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, presents a complex landscape of geopolitical tensions. By declaring the Red Sea as the exclusive domain of coastal states and excluding Ethiopia from participating in discussions, Egypt leverages geography as a tool of dominance. However, this approach may ultimately backfire, undermining Cairo’s credibility in its long-standing disputes over the Nile River. The Claim of Exclusivity In a recent interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya, Egypt’s Foreign Minister firmly positioned Egypt and Saudi Arabia as the rightful protectors…
Tarco Aviation Expands Flight Routes to Ethiopia: New Schedule for Winter 2025/26 Overview of Tarco Aviation’s New Route In a significant move for the aviation market, Tarco Aviation has announced the launch of its new route connecting Port Sudan to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This new service started on October 20, 2025, and is set to enhance connectivity between the two countries, marking an essential step in the airline’s growth strategy. Flight Schedule Details Starting in the Northern winter 2025/26 season, Tarco Aviation will operate this route three times weekly using modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Here’s a detailed look at the…
Ethiopia’s Information Network and Security Agency (INSA) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are collaborating to curb illicit financial flows between the two countries — a growing concern that has undermined Ethiopia’s economic stability, foreign currency reserves, and national security. According to sources familiar with the matter, investigations are underway targeting several unlicensed money transfer operations used by members of the Ethiopian diaspora to send funds back home through informal black-market networks. In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, two agents are under FBI investigation, while three others are reportedly being scrutinized in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota — home to some of the largest…
Celebrating Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage and Development: Insights from Young Voices Addis Ababa, November 12, 2025 – The vibrant tapestry of Ethiopian culture and its ongoing national development were highlighted by students during the recent 80th anniversary celebration of the United Nations at the UNECA premises. Grade 10 students from Andinet International School took center stage with their choir performance, offering heartfelt insights into their nation’s progress and future. The Beauty of Diversity Among the students, Nathnael Yohanes expressed profound appreciation for Ethiopia’s beautiful heritage and modernization efforts. He emphasized, “Our country is incredibly beautiful,” showcasing the diverse environments and cultures…
The Evolving Iran-Eritrea Alliance: Implications for Regional Security Recent satellite imagery has revealed the arrival of a Belarusian Ilyushin-62 freighter in Massawa, Eritrea, following a route previously taken by a sanctioned Iranian Fars Air Qeshm 747 only weeks earlier. This development has reignited concerns regarding the strengthening ties between Iran and Eritrea, with potential military implications that could destabilize the Red Sea region and affect Ethiopia’s security interests. Iran’s Regional Reach Iran has long sought to extend its influence across borders, utilizing networks to support various groups such as the Houthis in Yemen and cultivating relationships in Sudan. The Red…
Large-Scale Forest Restoration in Addis Ababa: A Step Towards Global Standards Introduction to Forest Restoration Efforts The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Subregional Coordinator for East Africa, Farayi Zimudzi, has highlighted significant progress in large-scale forest restoration initiatives in Addis Ababa. These programs are now aligning with global monitoring and verification standards, marking an important milestone in environmental conservation efforts. Strengthening Monitoring and Verification Systems Zimudzi emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Forestry Development in Ethiopia aimed at bolstering monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. These systems are critical for countries seeking to monetize their investments in forest conservation…
Ethiopia Takes the Lead in Regional Agricultural Transformation Addis Ababa, November 10, 2025 — Ethiopia has emerged as a key player in advancing agricultural transformation in East Africa, paving the way for food security and climate resilience across the region. This initiative is particularly prominent at the ongoing 19th Multidisciplinary Team Meeting, being held from November 10 to 13, 2025, themed “Strengthening Partnership and Investment for Accelerated Agrifood System Transformation and Climate Resilience in the Eastern Africa Sub-region.” Regional Focus on Agrifood Systems Organized by the FAO’s Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa, the meeting highlights critical issues regarding agrifood systems…
Before the intrusion of European colonialism, Ethiopia exercised free and unimpeded access to the Red Sea through a network of historical ports—Adulis, Tio, Massawa, and Assab—which anchored its role as a seafaring civilization and regional power. From antiquity through the Aksumite era, these ports served as vital conduits of trade, diplomacy, and culture linking the Horn of Africa with the Arabian and Indian worlds. Yet over time, this sustained maritime access was gradually eroded through foreign invasion, partition, and external interference. The 1993 secession of Eritrea ultimately left more than 120 million Ethiopians landlocked. This encapsulation is not only strategically untenable—it…
Strengthening Leadership for National Prosperity: Insights from PM Abiy Ahmed Addis Ababa, November 9, 2025 – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently emphasized the vital role of committed leadership, innovation, speed, and quality in driving the nation’s prosperity. This message was delivered during the closing of an intensive 11-day training program designed for high-level officials from various government sectors, which focused on “Sectoral Advancement in the View of the Medemer Government.” The Medemer Government Framework During the training, Prime Minister Abiy underscored the significance of the Medemer concept, which champions synergy and shared goals in governance. He reiterated that the principles…