Ethiopia has accused Egypt of attempting to obstruct its efforts to secure access to the Red Sea, deepening tensions between the two African powers amid longstanding disputes over the Nile River, regional influence and growing energy security concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
In a statement issued last Thursday, Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew Assegid said Addis Ababa would continue pursuing maritime access through “peaceful and sustainable means” despite what he described as Egyptian efforts to isolate Ethiopia regionally.
“Egyptian actions in the region are attempts to encircle and obstruct our efforts to gain maritime access to the Red Sea and create tensions in the region,” Assegid said.
“We have become accustomed to Egypt’s aggressive approach over many years. Despite these attempts, we will continue seeking maritime access through peaceful and sustainable means. We have international and regional support to achieve that,” he added.
Egypt had not publicly responded to the remarks at the time of reporting.
