The Horn of Africa remains one of the most conflict-prone regions on the continent, with a myriad of security issues that are often interlinked. Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group based in Somalia, continues to pose a significant threat not only to Somalia but to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. The group’s attacks destabilize local governments, disrupt economic activity, and increase the need for coordinated regional counterterrorism efforts.
The region is a geopolitically strategic region due to its proximity to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, key global shipping routes. This has attracted interest from global powers leading to competition over influence in the region. The presence of foreign military bases and the growing involvement of actors like China, the United States, and the Gulf states add complexity to the region’s security dynamics.
This strategic location is also home to numerous ethnic groups with historic grievances, often exacerbated by political and economic marginalization. The conflicts in the region have resulted in large flows of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), which strain resources and create security vulnerabilities. Countries like Chad and Ethiopia host millions of refugees, many of whom flee violence and persecution.
In a significant step toward strengthening regional security and diplomatic relations, African defense ministers convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a high-level meeting aimed at addressing the pressing security challenges facing Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa. The meeting reflects the importance of regional cooperation in addressing threats such as terrorism, armed insurgencies, cross-border conflicts, and the increasing impact of climate change on security dynamics in the region.
Ethiopia, the second-most populous nation in Africa and a key regional power, has long played a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The country has been a major contributor to peacekeeping missions across the continent, particularly in conflict zones like Somalia and South Sudan. Its diplomatic influence, military strength, and strategic position make it a central player in regional security.
The recent meeting of African defense ministers in Ethiopia was organized by the African Union (AU) and aimed at fostering collaboration on the continent’s security issues. Key items on the agenda included: The defense ministers discussed ways to improve the coordination and effectiveness of these missions, including resource allocation and training.
The ministers emphasized the need for more robust intelligence-sharing, joint military operations, and capacity-building to combat the threat of terrorism, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab. Enhancing cooperation with international partners was also highlighted as a priority.
The meeting called for increased diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution initiatives to address ongoing internal conflicts in countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. Support for peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction was seen as vital to ensuring long-term stability.
Ensuring the security of borders, which are often porous and exploited by insurgent groups, was identified as crucial. The ministers discussed the need for joint patrols and better surveillance technologies to monitor and secure borders effectively.
The meeting acknowledged the growing link between climate change and security, with droughts, desertification, and resource scarcity increasingly driving conflict in the Horn of Africa. The ministers recognized the importance of addressing environmental challenges as part of broader security strategies.
Ethiopia has played an active diplomatic role in mediating peace talks and fostering cooperation among its neighbors. In 2018, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) was instrumental in brokering peace with Eritrea, ending decades of hostility. Abiy’s administration has also been involved in mediating conflicts in South Sudan and attempting to stabilize the situation in Somalia.
Ethiopia’s peace diplomacy extends beyond traditional conflict resolution. The country has worked to enhance economic integration and infrastructure development with neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Djibouti, through projects like the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, which aims to improve regional trade and connectivity.
The African defense ministers’ meeting in Ethiopia underscored the need for greater cooperation to tackle the complex and multifaceted security challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
High ranking military officials, who attended the First African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa hailed Ethiopia for its commitment to support Africa, tackle its challenges by fostering peace and stability of the continent, ENA reported.
Ethiopia hosted the Firsts African Defense Ministers Conference that attracted Defense Ministers; high ranking military officials are researchers from across the continent.
The participants of the conference visited the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), the Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, and the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
Major General Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar, at Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces stated that Ethiopia is a country of which Africa is proud. Not only is it the seat of the African Union, but it is also one of the few countries that resisted colonialism.
We are delighted by the initiatives aimed at uniting Africa to tackle its challenges, especially in protecting the continent’s sovereignty and fostering peace and stability.
He also impressed by Ethiopia’s open-door policy during this event, which facilitated the exchange of experiences in technology and defense capabilities.
Ethiopia is open to cooperation, he said, adding that Uganda already has very strategic linkages with Ethiopia.
“My impression of these security institutions is really very motivating. We were very impressed first with the cyber technology. We’ve seen with the capabilities of the Ethiopian Federal Police. Now here we are also sharing the growth of the national intelligence and security system. We are impressed with the open sharing of the growth and the reforms which are occurring, quite impressed and shows brotherly African relationship.”
Major General Ndegeya Diomede, Senior Advisor of the Burundian Ministry of Defense for his part, emphasized that Ethiopia’s role in fostering strength and peace in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa is crucial.
Ndegeya, who is also former AMISOM and ATMIS Force Commander, said Ethiopia is more developed than other forces and must take the lead, noting that it is essential for Ethiopia to continue assisting countries in East Africa such as Sudan and Somalia, in their pursuit of peace.
“First of all may I congratulate Ethiopia for what they are doing.They are now very much advanced in the artificial intelligence which certainly may benefit other African nations. We as African, within African solidarity we are ready to get to you and ask you to help us, to go forward in advancing artificial intelligence. I was very impressed by what you are doing in medicine, in agriculture and in other domains.”
Brigadier Paul Njema, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), stated that Ethiopia has been playing a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the East Africa region, including Somalia.
He emphasized that Ethiopia continues to play a significant role, undertaking a mission that has involved substantial sacrifices to maintain peace and security in the region.
“Today understanding one of our member states has really advanced in the area of artificial intelligence, this is very important; we have noted some areas that can be shared, especially in telemedicine and agriculture, because we are agricultural region. This will allow a way to improving food security in the region.”
Ethiopia’s pivotal role in regional security, its ongoing diplomatic efforts, and its own internal challenges make it a central actor in shaping the future stability of the region. The meeting not only provided a platform for dialogue but also a critical step toward more coordinated and effective security policies across the continent. The outcomes of these discussions will likely play a significant role in the future of peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2024
