Ethiopia never tries to attack or invade another state because it values peace. Additionally, the country contributes significantly to global peace in several ways, such as its diplomatic endeavors, involvement in peacekeeping operations, and function as a center for international organizations.
Ethiopia is working to promote world peace and stability through diplomacy. In the past, it has mediated disputes both inside and outside of the Horn of Africa. Its administration frequently takes a neutral stance in talks, using its connections with nearby nations to promote communication and peacemaking.
In terms of peacekeeping, Ethiopia contributes significantly to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Ethiopian forces have served in many missions throughout Africa, assisting in the stabilization of a violent and conflict-affected continent. Ethiopia has established itself as one of the top countries contributing troops to UN peacekeeping operations, making major contributions to regional and global peacekeeping efforts. Moreover, the country is one of the world’s top five contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Its soldiers have served in South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other locations in Africa. Ethiopia has been taking part in the UN peacekeeping effort in Korea on a global scale.
In addition to UN operations, Ethiopia is a key player in regional peacekeeping efforts, particularly through the African Union. The AU has deployed missions to war zones such as Somalia and South Sudan, with strong Ethiopian involvement. Ethiopian forces have been heavily deployed to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where they have played an important role in battling terrorism and restoring regional stability.
The country also engages in mediation and conflict resolution efforts. Ethiopia has been engaged in mediating disputes in the Horn of Africa, using its military presence and diplomatic channels to encourage peace talks between warring groups. In addition, Ethiopia has trained peacekeepers from other African countries, helping to improve regional capabilities for peacekeeping missions. This involves instruction in military tactics, logistics, and peacekeeping strategies.
Given these facts, the most crucial question in this situation is whether Ethiopia is still committed to maintaining peace and stability in Africa and whether it is fulfilling its historical role in doing so. The answer is that Ethiopia is dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in Africa regardless of its political and ideological inclinations and regime.
African Union Political, Peace, and Security Commission Commissioner Ambassador Bankole Adoye also added that in order for Africa to accomplish sustainable development goals, the continent must first secure long-term peace and security. In this regard, he emphasized that Ethiopia makes major contributions to ensuring regional and continental peace.
In addition to the Ethiopian government’s commitment to peacefully resolving the war in northern Ethiopia, it is working tirelessly to secure long-term justice and peace through transitional justice. He also applauded the Ethiopian government for disarming ex-militants and investing billions of dollars to assist them reintegrate into society and live normal lives, he explained.
It is true that Ethiopia is devoted to resolving not just the country’s internal peace concerns, but also the continent’s conflict. The Addis Ababa peace conference could serve as a practical example. The conference was conducted under the topic “Continental Conference on Peace, Prosperity, and Development,” with a focus on “Building Peaceful and Prosperous Africa.”
The conference is critical for Africa because it demonstrates how and by what procedures Africa can maintain peace and security on the continent. Additionally, Africa and its people must prepare for and deal with geopolitical forces. Because Africa must embrace its leaders’ potential while remaining cautious to properly manage the ever-changing geopolitical landscape. Global rivalry is rising, and geopolitical competition has reached a high degree. As a result, Africa must be adequately prepared and equipped to promote peace and prosperity.
There have been attempts to resolve conflict and instability in Africa, but failure to manage the situation correctly and quickly could result in irreversible disasters, particularly for Africa. To face the evolving geopolitical problems, and the peace problems, the continent must seek to utilize its leaders’ ability and vision. This is why the conference is so crucial.
In general, Ethiopia’s dedication to peace, as well as the contributions made to the peace conference, are critical not only for maintaining stability inside its boundaries but also for fostering peace across Africa and beyond. Hence, the conference is imperative to signify and show Ethiopia’s role and commitment to resolving conflicts and maintaining security.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2024
