Ethiopia’s Hegemonic Ambitions: A Closer Look at the Red Sea Dispute

It has been more than two years since Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed claimed Ethiopia’s ‘natural rights’ to the Red Sea. Has Ethiopia abandoned what Tafi Mhaka referred to as Ethiopian imperial ambitions? The ruling Prosperity Party denies such aspirations, pointing fingers at Egypt. Ethiopia’s ambassador to Somalia accused Egypt of masking its ‘malicious hegemonic ambitions.’ Egypt’s Foreign Minister mentioned challenges in the region due to ‘hegemonic tendencies,’ which observers suggest point towards Ethiopia.

Ethiopian officials have openly spoken of their ‘hegemonic ambitions’ in various settings, while similar statements from Egyptian officials are yet to be found. Ethiopia’s demand for ‘sovereign sea access’ raises concerns, especially after rejecting Djibouti’s offer to jointly manage the port of Tadjourah. Prime Minister Abiy’s desire to regain Red Sea access emphasizes Ethiopia’s expansionist goals, even though they lack a legitimate claim to Eritrean coastline.