Egyptian General Khaled Okasha, director-general of the Nucleus for Consultancy and Support and Peacebuilding, has exposed Ethiopia's plan to seize a military port on the Red Sea. According to Okasha, Ethiopia aims to convert the port into a military base that serves its interests and provides a foothold in the region. This move would enable Ethiopia to control the Red Sea, a vital waterway for international trade and navigation.
Ethiopia, a landlocked country, has been making efforts to gain access to the Red Sea. Okasha stated that the Ethiopian Navy recently concluded a regional maritime security forum, despite not having a coastline. The forum discussed enhancing maritime security and safety in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Ethiopia's interest in the Red Sea is driven by its desire to secure a port and protect its economic interests.
Okasha emphasized that Ethiopia's actions are a cause for concern, as the country is trying to gain a military foothold in the region. He noted that Ethiopia has been engaging with countries in the Horn of Africa, including Yemen, Oman, Djibouti, Somaliland, and Puntland, to garner support for its maritime ambitions. The Ethiopian Navy's forum was attended by leaders and representatives from these countries.
The regional maritime security forum was the third of its kind, and Okasha believes that Ethiopia is trying to create a sense of legitimacy for its claims to a Red Sea port. By engaging with coastal states and other regional actors, Ethiopia aims to build a coalition that will support its interests. Okasha warned that Ethiopia's actions could destabilize the region and undermine the security of the Red Sea.
Okasha highlighted that Ethiopia's plan to seize a Red Sea port is part of a larger strategy to expand its military presence in the region. He noted that the country has been taking gradual steps to achieve its goal, including hosting the maritime security forum. Okasha expressed concerns that Ethiopia's actions could lead to a confrontation with other regional powers, including Egypt.
The Egyptian General also pointed out that Ethiopia's actions have been met with skepticism by some regional actors. He noted that Somalia, which has been a target of Ethiopian aggression in the past, remains a key player in the region. Okasha warned that Ethiopia's actions could exacerbate existing tensions and create new conflicts in the region.
Okasha's revelations have sparked concerns over regional security and stability. The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international trade and navigation, and any disruption to its security could have far-reaching consequences. Egypt, as a key player in the region, will likely continue to monitor Ethiopia's actions closely and take steps to protect its interests.
Key points
- Ethiopia's plan to seize a Red Sea port could destabilize the region and undermine the security of the waterway.
- Egypt has expressed concerns over Ethiopia's actions, warning that they could lead to a confrontation with other regional powers.
- The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international trade and navigation, and any disruption to its security could have far-reaching consequences.
