Ethiopia’s Contributions for Peace, Stability in Somalia

                                                          By A Staff Writer

Ethiopia has long understood that peace and stability in the Horn of Africa are essential for the prosperity and security of the entire region. As a country with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties to its neighbors, Ethiopia recognizes that regional peace is a shared responsibility that transcends borders.

Nowhere is this more evident than in its enduring commitment to Somalia's fragile peace process. For nearly two decades, Ethiopia has made significant sacrifices, deploying troops, providing military and intelligence support, and offering capacity-building assistance to help Somalia combat terrorism and rebuild its governance structures.

Ethiopia’s involvement, rooted in a vision of mutual security and regional cooperation, has been instrumental in liberating Somali towns from the grip of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, ensuring that both nations—and the wider region—can move towards lasting peace and development.

Despite Ethiopia’s undeniable contributions, recent rhetoric has attempted to diminish its role in Somalia’s progress. Yet, Somali officials have consistently recognized Ethiopia's sacrifices during their official visits to Ethiopia, acknowledging the deep cooperation that exists between the two countries. 

Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie, recently refuted attempts to belittle Ethiopia’s role, emphasizing that the thousands of lives Ethiopia has sacrificed for Somalia’s stability cannot be undermined.

For nearly two decades, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of combating terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Ethiopian forces have played a pivotal role in restoring peace and liberating cities in Somalia ravaged by decades of instability.

On October 20, 2023, Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfa, lauded Ethiopia's commitment to eliminating the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which has wreaked havoc across the Horn of Africa. He told ENA Arabic that  

that Ethiopia has mobilized its forces and made huge sacrifices to combat terrorism and stand alongside Somalia.

Ethiopia’s sacrifices on the battlefield are not the only contributions to Somalia. Over the years, Ethiopia has played a critical role in Somalia’s reconstruction by providing military training, intelligence support, and capacity building in government structure.

On March 25/2023, Somalia’s Deputy Finance Minister, Abdi Kafan, also recognized Ethiopia’s role in stabilizing Somalia, stating, "Ethiopia has been supporting us in liberating our country from terrorists and building a path to peace. The partnership has been crucial for Somalia’s current trajectory." During the time, Kafan further emphasized that Ethiopia’s military contributions are not only beneficial to Somalia but to the security of the entire region.

In addition to its military involvement, Ethiopia has been a close partner in fostering regional economic integration. The two countries share strong economic ties, with Ethiopia providing educational, technical, and economic assistance.

As Somalia’s Transport and Civil Aviation Minister, Fardowsa Osman Egal, acknowledged during his visit to Ethiopia on February 19/2023, the cooperation between the two countries is essential for boosting economic integration and strengthening people-to-people ties. Ethiopia's expertise in aviation and infrastructure has enabled Somali businesses to thrive and facilitated trade across the region.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie recently reminded the international community of Ethiopia’s significant sacrifices. He noted, “The people of the Horn of Africa are bound by deep historical ties. Ethiopia has paid in blood for Somalia’s peace. To undermine our contribution is not only disrespectful, but it also threatens the fragile stability we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

Foreign Minister Taye further warned that some forces are attempting to destabilize the region by downplaying Ethiopia’s role and bringing in external actors driven by narrow geopolitical interests. Such moves, he argued, are short-sighted and risk undoing the hard-won gains in Somalia. 

"Collusion with forces hostile to peace is counterproductive. The well-being and prosperity of Ethiopia, and the entire region, are closely tied to the stability of Somalia," the foreign minister emphasized.

Even Somalia’s own Foreign Minister, Abshir Omar, once affirmed that fighting terrorism is a shared goal between Ethiopia and Somalia, praising the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

"Ethiopia and Somalia are on the same front when it comes to combating terrorism. The partnership we share in security, politics, and the economy has never been stronger," Omar stated during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa earlier this year.

Ethiopia’s peacekeeping missions and its role in building Somalia’s self-sustaining security apparatus have been indispensable. The sacrifices made by Ethiopian troops have allowed Somali forces to take on greater responsibility for their country’s security, enabling Somalia to stand on its own feet.

The Ethiopian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remains committed to this partnership for the sake of both nations and the broader region. The international community must recognize that Ethiopia’s contributions have been integral to Somalia’s progress and stability, and attempts to undermine this collaboration are both unjust and dangerous.

In conclusion, as Somalia continues its journey toward peace, it is crucial that the voices of Somali officials who have recognized and praised Ethiopia’s contributions be amplified. Ethiopia’s sacrifice and commitment to Somalia’s stability are undeniable, and any attempt to downplay this truth not only disrespects the sacrifices made but also jeopardizes the peace and security of the Horn of Africa.