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First there is Ethiopia. This nation, which is second only to Nigeria in African population, is landlocked. This frustrates its economic growth as its exports leave the nation mostly via air, which is extremely expensive, or via road which is very dangerous and unreliable. Ethiopia wants a seaport and has fought its neighbor Eritrea throughout the decades trying to seize the beautiful seaport capital of Asmara. The Eritreans have proven themselves to be fierce fighters and have resisted every attempt, with the last conflict ending in 2000. Lately, Ethiopia has turned its attention to war-torn Somalia which has a very attractive and extensive coastline on the Horn of Africa, viewing sea lanes to and from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

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