By HAN News Desk
Ethiopia and the United States Discuss Access to the Red Sea and Stability in the Horn of Africa
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior military officials held talks on Tuesday in Addis Ababa with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) representative General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, focusing on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access and broader regional security cooperation.
In a brief statement shared on social media, Prime Minister Abiy said he had “welcomed General Anderson” and that the two sides held “fruitful discussions on regional security and future cooperation opportunities.” He added that more details would be released at a later time.
A separate statement from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that General Anderson also met with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces. The ministry said their discussions centred on stability in the Horn of Africa and the future of U.S.–Ethiopia military relations.
Field Marshal Birhanu told the U.S. delegation that Ethiopia’s long-standing desire for sea access is “peaceful and aimed at economic development.” He stressed that Addis Ababa prefers dialogue and collaboration in pursuing maritime interests, rather than triggering tensions or instability in the region.
According to the ministry, General Anderson expressed support for Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access “through peaceful means” and noted that a direct Ethiopian outlet to the Red Sea could “enhance regional stability.” He reportedly pledged to raise the matter with U.S. officials in Washington, including Ethiopia’s plans to strengthen peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The meeting also underscored the importance of joint efforts against extremist groups operating in the region. Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation on counter-terrorism and security coordination.
The talks come at a time when Ethiopia has renewed its campaign to secure access to the Red Sea, a politically sensitive issue in the Horn of Africa. Neighbouring states, including Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti, have repeatedly cautioned that maritime access must be negotiated through peaceful and lawful means.
The United States, meanwhile, continues to emphasise stability, diplomatic engagement, and counter-terrorism partnerships across the Horn of Africa, one of the world’s most geopolitically volatile regions.
