Egypt has issued a firm rejection of any external attempts to enforce control over the Red Sea, asserting that only the coastal nations should govern this crucial maritime area. This stance was articulated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting with AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa, where he emphasized the need for governance in the Red Sea to be restricted to the nations bordering it. Abdelatty stated that Egypt firmly opposes external parties attempting to position themselves as partners in the governance of the Red Sea, although no specific countries were named.

Additionally, the Egyptian foreign minister highlighted ongoing efforts to activate the Council of Arab and African States bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among these nations, promote sustainable development, and ensure security and stability in the region. These developments come amidst heightened tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, particularly surrounding issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has been a contentious point in bilateral relations.

The timing of Abdelatty's remarks coincides with statements from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the recent African Union Summit, where he reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to accessing a maritime outlet. This assertion has been met with criticism in Egyptian media, underlining the sensitive nature of the discussions regarding the Red Sea and the ongoing geopolitical complexities involving both nations. Ultimately, Egypt's firm stance on the governance of the Red Sea is positioned as a protective measure for its national interests against perceived external encroachment, particularly as regional dynamics shift and new alliances form.