Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea gained its independence in 1993.
For 30 years it’s been dependent on its neighbours – especially Djibouti – for access to ports and international shipping routes.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says the high costs are unsustainable.
He’s reportedly said that Ethiopia will secure direct access to a port – peacefully or, if necessary, by force.
What does he mean? And what are the implications for neighbouring nations?
Presenter: Adrian Finighan
Guests:
Kemal Hashi Mohamoud – Member of the Ethiopian Parliament
Martin Plaut – Journalist specialising in the Horn of Africa and a fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London
Kwaku Nuamah – Senior lecturer and chairman of the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program at American University