Landlockedness as an Impediment to Economic Development in Ethiopia: A Framework for a Durable Solution

Abstract

We consider the adverse impacts of landlockedness on the flow of trade and economic growth potential of a developing country, with particular reference to the case of Ethiopia in relation to the port of Assab. It is argued that the current arrangement, through which Ethiopia is deprived of its rightful access to the sea, has no legal, historical or socioeconomic justification, and that the status quo is destined to lead to regional instability and to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and human suffering in the affected countries. It is proposed that a viable solution to the looming catastrophe is one that recognizes the historical and legitimate claim of Ethiopia to access to the sea, and redresses past injudicious policies and international resolutions that have been implemented without due consideration of historical facts and economic realities