Ethiopia’s Land lockedness in the Post-1991 Period and Implications for Its Relations with Neighboring Countries
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Date
2019-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study deals with landlockedness of Ethiopia in the post-1991 period and its economic, security, and political implications for the relations of the country with its neighbors. In addition, it deals with the potential threats resulting from the implications and the possible solutions thereof.
Most of the global trade is undertaken through the sea since sea transportation is the cheapest means to export and import goods. Ethiopia is a landlocked country that uses ports of the neighboring coastal states to get access to the sea and undertake its import and export trade. The country lost its sea outlet in the post-1991 years. As a result, it is incurring significant costs for covering port fees and other related costs. Since the cost is not easily affordable, it is negatively impacting Ethiopia‟s economy. As there are developed countries that are landlocked, Ethiopia should learn their experiences and overcome the negative impacts of landlockedness. Moreover, Ethiopia‟s landlockedness has implications on its security and political affairs. The security and political aspects are discussed in view of security of East Africa, the interest of neighboring countries, and the presence of foreign powers in East Africa.
With a view to explore the economic, security, and political implications of Ethiopia‟s landlockedness vis-à-vis its relations with neighboring countries, this study employed qualitative method of research. Besides, case study is used as a research design to be employed in the process of the study. In this regard, books, journals, internet materials, and media outlets are used to review the economic, security, and political implications of Ethiopia‟s landlockedness in view of its relations with neighboring countries.
Moreover, in order to obtain first hand, detailed and updated data as to the three implications of Ethiopia‟s landlockedness, key informant interview with selected individuals, experts, and officials is employed in this study.
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Ethiopia’s Land lockedness in the Post-1991 Period and Implications for Its Relations with Neighboring Countries