Ethiopia Strengthens Red Sea Security Role

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has spread to the Red Sea, increasing instability in international logistics networks.

This situation mirrors past crises in the Strait of Hormuz expanding to the Red Sea, amplifying calls for securing major trade routes due to geopolitical risks.

Non-state actors such as Yemen's Houthi rebels, Al-Qaeda, and Somalia's Al-Shabaab have emerged as new variables in international security.

With evidence of these non-state actors using advanced weapons like ballistic missiles against government forces, the concept of 'democratization of war' is emerging, shaping a new security landscape that challenges Max Weber's theory of the monopoly of violence.

The Red Sea is a critical logistics corridor that handles energy and vast trade volumes from the Persian Gulf and Asia to Europe, with one-third of global container ships passing through this route.

Ethiopia's regional role in protecting and controlling this vital route from armed group threats is internationally highlighted as crucial.

Compared to neighboring Kenya, Ethiopia's import costs for fertilizer and fuel are significantly higher, underscoring the urgent need to secure sea routes.

The difference in import costs compared to neighboring countries like Kenya demonstrates the necessity for Ethiopia to achieve national consensus on securing stable sea routes for its national economy.

It is training specialized personnel through its National Defense University, War College, and Engineering College, and integrating knowledge and technology into defense by building cyber security, aviation technology, and AI-based modern warfare response systems.

It strives to uphold the historical victory of the Battle of Adwa and continue national security traditions, redefining its role as a protector of the nation and its people, not a partisan army.

Concurrently, the Ethiopian economy is achieving productivity-driven diversification, expanding its influence as a balancer of power in the region.

Based on peaceful coexistence and gradual improvement of relations, commercial ties within the Red Sea region are being strengthened. This approach involves nurturing relationships with patience, without rushing diplomatic efforts.

This stems from a long-term diplomatic perspective, like the process of planting a sapling and growing it into a tree. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed mentioned that their belief is like planting saplings, similar to the 'Green Legacy'.

For East Africa and Red Sea regional security, a structure for information sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation should be designed with key partners such as Saudi Arabia and Israel. This includes information sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation with key partners like Saudi Arabia and Israel.

A strategy to block support channels for armed groups by tracking cross-border armed networks and establishing a maritime security system is also being pursued.

From a political perspective, monitoring cross-border armed groups and anti-terrorism cooperation are essential, beyond mere political discussion.

The Institute of Foreign Affairs proposed establishing a system for joint response to armed groups by strengthening relations with Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

To prevent the proliferation of armed groups, early warning and information sharing systems must be strengthened, and a responsible structure must be established to block state-level support for armed groups.

Ethiopia plans to urge the establishment of an enhanced Red Sea security structure that understands the security connectivity between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. While armed groups undermine national maritime trade and regional stability, Ethiopia aims for a security system centered on national sovereignty. These armed groups pose a serious threat to national maritime trade and regional stability.

Ethiopia's goal is to ensure that sovereign states, not armed groups, are the subjects of regional security, thereby aiming for a stable security system.

Ethiopia possesses immense national capabilities, comparable to the difference between a lake and an ocean, and is not easily swayed by minor external stimuli.

This serves as a strong warning to forces threatening national stability and an expression of its determination not to be shaken by conflict.