When the colonial powers invaded Ethiopia during the 19th century Scramble for Africa when the European powers left only few countries not included in their colonial ambitions, the survival of Ethiopia’s independence largely depended upon the unity and patriotic readiness of the people of Ethiopia to defend their territory and insure the statehood of the country. In those days, all the countries of the Horn were under colonial bondage.
Under the current situation in which the myth and phantasy of containing and destroying Ethiopia is being fanned by a triple alliance of neighboring countries, Ethiopia has told the world that the whole situation is in favor of terrorist organizations that are trying to destroy the very survival of the states from which they are operating. These countries are busy covering up their internal challenges by transposing their own problems on other countries as a political and propaganda tactics.
On the other hand, Ethiopia is legitimately and peacefully working towards securing ports that are of critical importance for the economic development of the country. African economic integration and sustainable security for peaceful economic transaction on the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean is the most urgent task to be accomplished by countries in the region.
The above mentioned triangulated countries seem to neglect the dire economic situations in which their citizens are engulfed but are busy with weaving a conspiracy the result of which they cannot predict. They try to deny Ethiopia of her right to use her own water and other natural resources and put the nation into a political imbroglio by fermenting and supporting local ethnic based conflicts.
Ethiopia’s sovereignty was usurped and denied by political machinations that seriously affected the economy of the country but also the security of the waterways on the Red Sea. For more than 30 decades Ethiopia was forced to pay close to 2 billion USD for using the Port of Djibouti, the amount of money that the country cannot afford. Although Ethiopia was politically sovereign, the nation was prevented to exercise her economic sovereignty as the nation was robbed of her ports that she was using for thousands of years. Her territorial sovereignty which should have included her ports was shamelessly tampered with.
The raison deter which is currently fanned by those who wish to see weak and feeble Ethiopia is based on their deep seated historical enmity for the country and envy on the economic and infrastructural development of the country.
As the author has indicated in his previous contributions, no country in the world can claim to develop on its own unless it maintains economic linkage and trade with countries near and afar. Access to [port is therefore a major prerequisite for such global economic relations. Ethiopia is no exception.
Ports play a crucial role in the economic integration of countries in the Horn of Africa. The region’s coastal countries, such as Djibouti, Somalia, and Eritrea, along with landlocked nations like Ethiopia, depend on port infrastructure to facilitate trade, enhance economic cooperation, and promote regional stability. Key factors that underline the importance of ports in fostering economic integration include:
In poverty ridden and debt burdened HoA, Ports act as critical gateways for the import and export of goods, reducing transportation costs and promoting the movement of commodities. In particular, Djibouti’s ports serve as a lifeline for Ethiopia, which relies heavily on them for its international trade. Efficient port operations increase trade efficiency, making the region more attractive for investments, improving the ease of doing business, and boosting GDP growth.
The development of port infrastructure by Ethiopia on Berbera Port contributes to regional integration by improving connectivity between countries. Major projects such as the Berbera Port in Somaliland, supported by foreign investments, aim to provide alternatives to Djibouti and promote competition, which benefits landlocked countries like Ethiopia. The modernization of ports and associated transport corridors encourages infrastructure development across borders, facilitating easier access to international markets.
Ports on the Horn of Africa are instrumental in implementing regional trade agreements. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which many Horn of Africa countries are part of, aims to reduce tariffs and barriers, with ports acting as the nodes for enabling the flow of goods across borders. Trade integration and port connectivity help reduce the cost of goods, promote industrialization, and enhance economic collaboration in the region.
Access to ports allows countries like Ethiopia to develop industrial zones and export processing zones (EPZs). For instance, Djibouti and Somaliland are establishing free trade zones to attract foreign direct investment, leading to job creation and the development of industries. Ethiopia’s reliance on Djibouti’s port for its industrial exports further highlights the integration between port accessibility and industrialization.
Ports also contribute to geopolitical stability, which is essential for economic integration. Secure ports can reduce piracy and illegal trade in the Horn, contributing to the overall stability of the region. Economic integration through shared port infrastructure can also lessen tensions between countries, fostering cooperation and reducing conflict over resources.
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 WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2024
