A Survey of Historical Evidence to Ethiopia’s Re-claims over Sea Trade Outlets

Abstract

The paper explores the historical evidence concerning Ethiopia with the aim of reclaiming its trade outlets. It employs a qualitative writing approach, drawing on substantial sources and engaging in critical evaluation. The paper argues that Ethiopia, as the successor to the Aksumite Empire, flourished along the Red Sea from the second to the sixth century. Furthermore, it asserts that from the seventh century until the nineteenth century, Ethiopia retained control over its coastal territories bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Despite Ottoman Turkey's attempts to exert influence starting in 1557 by establishing loosely controlled satellite states, Ethiopia managed to preserve its dominance over trade routes. In the nineteenth century, European powers such as Britain, Italy, and France undermined Ethiopian sovereignty through fraudulent treaties, invasions, and the promotion of ethno-national ideologies. As a result, Ethiopia's maritime claims were significantly affected. Nevertheless, this paper asserts that Ethiopia has the historical foundations necessary to reclaim access to these vital maritime trade routes.