Ethiopia’s Immense Contributions to Regional Aspirations

By A Staff Writer

For many years, the Horn of Africa has been derailed from peace and prosperity, resulting in protracted political turmoil and attendant socio-economic anomalies. Many states in the region have suffered from vicious cycle of political turmoil. In addition, the region is vulnerable to harsh climatic conditions due to the degradation of its natural resources. Such challenges have taken a heavy toll on people.

As such challenges call for collective efforts and collaboration, neighboring countries need to advance shared interest and mutual respect. Needless to mention, peace and development are the aspiration of the people in the region. 

In this regard, both allies and enemies of Ethiopia are aware of its role in the region. Ethiopia has remained firm in seeking peace and economic integration in the region based on a win-win approach and the principle of give and take. Of course, these are the underlying principles that any country pursues for its foreign relations and diplomatic engagement. Ethiopia cannot be exception!

Hence, Ethiopia has given prime attention to its relations with its neighbors and the region where it is located. Accordingly, Ethiopia has always been at the forefront of advancing regional agenda of economic integration and stability.

Ethiopia’s contributions to regional integration are outstanding and visible. For instance, the country has been exporting power to its neighbors, mainly to Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya, to forge interconnectivity and help address critical development challenges. It will soon begin exporting power to Tanzania, as the GERD will almost be done by December 2024.

 Ethiopia is desirous to export electricity to neighboring countries for mutual growth. The country has also constructed railways linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti to facilitate trade and people-to-people contacts. A road linking Ethiopia and Kenya; and the recent agreement between Ethiopia and South Sudan to build a highway are also steps taken to forge regional integration. The LAPSSET (Lamu Port South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport) corridor highway is another project that will enable the movement of people and goods and boost regional trade and economic development. 

In addition, Ethiopia was among the first countries to sign and ratify the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and has since worked tirelessly for its full implementation.

Moreover, Ethiopia has been an ardent supporter of the African cause and champion of Pan-Africanism starting from colonial times. Ethiopia has also been known for contributing for the global peacekeeping missions. Ethiopia's participation in the UN authorized peace mission could also be counted as part of its unwavering stance on global common affairs and its conviction to the principle of promoting peace to all people regardless of borders. 

  Somalia’s Dangerous Move 

Against this backdrop, the government of Somalia has been aligned with violent forces bent on destabilizing not only Ethiopia but also the entire region. Ethiopia has made clear that any difference with Somalia should be resolved through peaceful means ; for other wise, aligning with violent forces will be counterproductive. 

Sadly, the Somalia government blatantly denies the sacrifice Ethiopians have paid for the peace of the Somalia people and country’s statehood. To the point of blatantly denying Ethiopia's sacrifices to Somalia, some leaders of the government of Somalia are lining with destructive forces. How shortsighted they are in downplaying the strong people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Somalia that go beyond geographical proximity and Ethiopia's commitment to the peace and stability of Somalia. 

This writer raises question: would Somalia have enjoyed peace and stability for a long time if Ethiopia had not paid dearly to the people of Somalia? The government of Somalia has made strategic mistakes, triggering regional tension and instability.  

Against such backdrops, member states of the region should demonstrate collective effort for regional peace and development. 

Moreover, for the Horn of Africa, unity may be the only option left in the pursuit of common progress. In the age of interdependence, a unilateral approach is a more futile path and will only lead to dead end.