The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in New York from September 10 to 28, 2024, provided a platform for leaders and high-ranking officials from around the world to articulate their countries’ interests and positions on pressing global issues. Among the various representatives, those from the Horn of Africa took the stage to address significant national concerns, reflecting the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
One of the most striking speeches came from Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre. In his address to the assembly, he accused Ethiopia of neglecting Somalia’s needs, despite the historical support Ethiopia has provided to the Somali people. This accusation raised eyebrows, as it seemed to suggest that Somalia was “biting the hand that feeds it,” undermining the collective efforts of countries that have sacrificed for Somalia’s peace and security.
Moreover, Somalia’s emerging alliance with Egypt, a relationship that has sparked fears of potential destabilization in the region. Observers suggest that Cairo is attempting to use Mogadishu as a pawn in its ongoing efforts to exert influence over Ethiopia, particularly regarding the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This strategic partnership raises concerns that it could exacerbate existing tensions and lead to further discord in the fragile Horn of Africa.
The Ethiopian government has voiced its worries multiple times regarding Somalia’s collaboration with Egypt. Ethiopian officials argue that such alliances threaten the delicate stability of Somalia and the broader region. Compounding these worries are reports suggesting that military supplies from Egypt intended for Somali forces could fall into the hands of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a significant threat to security in Somalia and its neighbors. The potential for arms to inadvertently empower terrorists has raised alarm bells among those invested in the region’s stability.
Moreover, there is significant opposition within Somalia to the government’s growing ties with Egypt. Many Somalis believe that this relationship undermines the contributions made by Ethiopia and other neighboring countries that have played a vital role in Somalia’s recovery and stabilization. This internal dissent reflects a broader debate within Somalia about the future direction of its foreign policy and the implications of aligning with Egypt, a nation often viewed as a rival to Ethiopia.
During the General Assembly, Ethiopia reiterated its concerns over these developments, calling for collaborative regional strategies to address shared challenges, including terrorism, the urgency of UN reform, humanitarian crises, and others. Ethiopian representatives urged for dialogue and mutual understanding rather than divisive alliances that could lead to further conflicts.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, on the 79th session of UNGA called upon the actors to immediately stop their reckless actions in the Horn of Africa and urged the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from this irresponsible act.
He stated that the recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region would undermine the hard-won war against terrorism. “We therefore call upon these actors to immediately stop their reckless actions. We also call on the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from this irresponsible act and to take concrete measures to prevent the loss of hard-won gains in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.”
Explaining the recent security situation across the Red Sea region and Indian Ocean, FM Taye said we see a great need to chart a new path for inclusive maritime security engagement with equal participation of countries.
Furthermore, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa, he pointed out. The Foreign Minister elaborated that the growing rise of violent extremism like Al Shabaab and its international and internal affiliates have continued their vicious attack against civilians and security of the region.
He recalled that the East African region has reached a milestone in degrading terrorism through the resilience of the people of Somalia and the sacrifice of the sons and daughters of Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and his country, Ethiopia.
The authorization of the Security Council and the International Finance for the African Union peace Support operation has indeed played an instrumental role, he pointed out. In this regard, the Minister urges Somalia’s offices to recognize the tremendous sacrifices that have been made.
“I’m confident the government of Somalia will soon reckon with and recognize the sacrifice we made to Somalis liberation from the grip of terrorist groups.” Mentioning Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, Taye revealed that it is based on existing political dispensation in Somalia.
“Our objective is shared growth and prosperity in the region. Similar agreements have been concluded by other states, and there is no reason for the government of Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions.”
The Foreign Minister also rejected the unfounded allegation levied against his country. “Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any one of the allegations. I rather call on the federal government of Somalia to join hands to eliminate terrorist groups that are causing chaos and mayhem on the people of the region.”
The recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region undermine these efforts, according to him. Nevertheless, Taye underscored that Ethiopia will not be deterred from its resolute commitment to combating terrorism. And finally, the Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment for the maintenance of global peace and security, and upholding multilateralism.
Also, the minister met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and discussed the current situation in the Horn of Africa (HoA), according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.
In their discussion, the two sides underlined the need for de-escalating tension in the region to ensure peace and security.
During the assembly, Ethiopia reiterated its position on the Nile River, utilizing its First Right of Reply to respond to Egypt’s statement. The Ethiopian representative asserted that Egypt’s stance contradicts the universally accepted principle of permanent sovereignty of states over their natural resources and their right to use them for the benefit of their people.
The representative emphasized that the dam is providing electricity to millions of Ethiopians who have been deprived of this basic necessity and is fostering regional integration through energy trade and connectivity. He highlighted the dam’s importance for millions of Ethiopians and acknowledged that the Nile River is a transboundary water resource that should be used by all riparian countries based on equitable and reasonable utilization.
However, he criticized Egypt for not contributing to the Nile’s flow while relentlessly opposing international principles, advocating for a monopoly based on colonial-era agreements, and seeking a veto over water development efforts by upstream countries. He expressed hope that Egypt would eventually reorient its colonial-based policy on the Nile and work towards integrated development based on equity.
The representative called on Egypt to cease its destabilization efforts in the Horn of Africa and urged Cairo to choose negotiation and international law as paths to a win-win solution. He noted that the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) on the Nile River will enter into force on October 13, 2024, presenting Egypt with a golden opportunity to return to peaceful relations with Nile riparian states. Ethiopia encouraged Egypt to ratify the CFA and play a constructive role in regional development.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2024
