The Horn of Africa hosts one of the world’s largest displacement crises. Displacement is traumatic and life changing. Latest estimates show that the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes regions are expected to host 23.6 million forcibly displaced people by the end of this year, largely due to conflict and climate crises.
The Sudan crisis accounts for a third of this number with Ethiopia already hosting nearly a million refugees and asylum seekers: the third largest refugee caseload in Africa. Displacement has uprooted people from their homes, separated families, and disrupted communities’ living conditions, health, security, livelihoods, and education leading to further repercussions on their ability to contribute to their local economies, earn an income, sustain livelihoods, and invest in their socioeconomic development. If drivers of displacement remain unabated, the entire region tips into a humanitarian catastrophe, the report adds.
Climate shocks (drought and flooding) have driven millions of people into destitution. Millions of people in the Horn of Africa are still struggling with the lingering effects of the severe and prolonged 2021-2023 drought (the worst in 40 years) as well as the impact of floods in the second half of 2023. Flooding caused additional livelihood loss in the drought-affected areas, including the death of some of the remaining emaciated livestock that survived the drought, and erosion of fertile lands, impacting agriculture. Recovery is expected to take between half to nearly a decade for those who lost between 80 to 100 percent of their livelihood.
When it comes to the Horn of Africa and the plight of its peoples, there is no better explanation than the above report.
The major part of the above mentioned needs still remain unaddressed but we have enough countries near and afar who can add more fire to the already burning prairie fire.
The situation on the ground both in the entire Horn of Africa and in Somalia is being manipulated by conspiracy theory at remote control politicking that will bear no result for any political grouping or country. As the world has enough of crisis and war there is no need to disrupt the ordinary and poor livelihood of the peoples of the Horn Africa. Poking into the internal affairs of African countries by some irredentist forces has never paid off and benefited no country.
The entry of foreign powers in Somalia is only creating a breeding ground for global terrorism which would backfire on those who brew conspiracy.
By reacting to the current situation on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is introducing a new diplomatic culture that is based on collective development, mutual understanding and sharing resources. The GERD-which is nearing completion, sharing potable water with Somalia and providing training for the youth in the Horn countries is a direct manifestation of the diplomacy of peace.
No country in the Horn of Africa can develop on its own. Every socio-economic and political problem the region faces can only be resolved through collective thinking and dialogue in good faith. All the conspiracy that is going on in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa is reminiscent of the legacy of colonialism in the Horn of Africa. How should the countries in the region pull their forces together to resolve the multiple crises in the region? The author suggests the following. Countries in the Horn of Africa can ensure peace and development through cooperation in several key areas. These include:
First, establishing regional security mechanisms to combat common threats like terrorism, piracy, and arms trafficking is critical. For example, AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) has seen countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda cooperates in stabilizing Somalia.
Increased intelligence sharing can prevent terrorist activities and insurgencies across borders, fostering a stable environment for development.
Second, regional cooperation in building transport corridors, roads, railways, and ports (e.g., LAPSSET project) can boost inter-country trade and investments.
Third, countries can collaborate in managing shared resources like water, as with the Nile Basin Initiative. Cooperation over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), for instance, could transform shared water resources into mutual benefit.
Fourth, establishing platforms for dialogue, such as through IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), helps mediate conflicts (e.g., South Sudan peace talks) and resolve border disputes, such as those between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Fifth, encouraging cultural and educational exchanges to promote understanding between different communities can reduce tensions, particularly in ethnically diverse regions.
Six, many countries in the Horn face issues related to displaced populations. Joint responses to refugees, drought, and famine can help alleviate humanitarian crises.
Seventh, shared initiatives to address the effects of climate change, such as tree planting, water resource management, and desertification prevention, could improve food security and livelihoods, reducing competition over scarce resources
Eighth, by supporting transparent institutions and governance practices, countries can reduce internal tensions and improve development outcomes.
Ninth, aligning policies on taxation, investment, and economic planning can promote regional growth.
Tenth, cooperation on science, technology, cyber security, AI and meteorology can empower the countries of the region preempting possible crisis whether economic or security wise.
These strategies require commitment from the governments of the Horn of Africa to promote regional integration, security, and prosperity.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2024
