Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Ethiopian Defence Forces have unequivocally reiterated their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation's strategic interests concerning access to maritime routes. This reaffirmation comes amidst heightened regional political and security discussions surrounding the critical issue of sea access, which Ethiopia views as vital for its future.

Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Major General Getnet Adane, spokesperson for the Defence Forces, emphasized that the military is maintaining a high state of vigilance regarding all developments related to the sea. He characterized this matter as a "non-negotiable national interest," underscoring its paramount importance to the country. Major General Getnet stated, "The right to access and utilise sea waters is fundamental to our nation's sovereignty and survival," clearly indicating the army's readiness to respond robustly to any perceived threats or provocations linked to this agenda.

Further reinforcing this stance, Lieutenant General Achalu Shallamee, who heads the military's personnel department, highlighted that recent promotions within the armed forces are strategically aligned with broader initiatives to bolster leadership capabilities. These enhanced capabilities are specifically aimed at effectively addressing the evolving regional security landscape, with a particular focus on issues pertaining to maritime access.

These strong declarations from Ethiopia's top military officials emerge against a backdrop of the nation's consistent advocacy for securing official and sovereign sea access. This aspiration, however, has predictably generated significant concern and opposition from several neighbouring countries, most notably Somalia. While the Ethiopian government has yet to make any formal announcements regarding a definitive, binding maritime agreement, the recent pronouncements from its military leadership distinctly signal that the pursuit of sea access remains a top priority on both the national defence and political agendas.