ADDIS ABABA – As Ethiopia continues to face threats from anti-peace elements, a political science scholar suggested the need to involve in counter-diplomacy to defend both national security and regional peace across the Horn of Africa (HoA).
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), and Interaction for Change in Africa Director General and political scientist Worku Yacob (PhD)emphasized that Ethiopia is right now facing potential threats of national security and regional stability to some extent.
He highlighted the importance of the government responding actively to threats posed by anti-peace forces, particularly those originating from countries outside the HoA.
“Counter-diplomatic measures are more critical now than ever. Without them, these growing threats cannot be managed through diplomatic dialogue alone,” Worku stressed.
He pointed out that Egypt has been attempting to destabilize Ethiopia and is now collaborating with its allies, who share similar agendas. This involvement is causing fractures in regional integration, with Egypt’s active interference in the Horn of Africa, he added.
According to Worku, all countries in the HoA are unlikely to benefit from this growing trend of foreign interference.
He stressed that Ethiopia, situated at the heart of the region, must protect its interests through diplomatic channels, particularly by informing the international community about the realities on the ground.
He also noted that some governments in the region are aligning with external powers to foster conflict, often without the consent of their own citizens. To counter this, Worku called for strengthened people-to-people relations to help neutralize potential threats.
While he does not foresee a direct military confrontation between Ethiopia and Egypt, Worku underscored the need for diplomatic efforts to address existing tensions and avert possible threats. “The government should continue informing the international community about Ethiopia’s peace-loving stance and its desire to avoid such conflicts,” he suggested.
He further stated that Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations with neighboring countries must be carefully preserved.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER 2024
