Over the past few years, Ethiopia has diligently been working to enhance its diplomatic relations and reinforce regional peace and security, not only with its neighboring countries but also across the broader African region and beyond.
Despite being constrained by some internal matters, Ethiopia has still positioned itself as a beacon for fostering lasting peace and stability in a continent, burdened by recurrent challenges ranging from political instability and violent conflicts to climate-related crises among others.
Ethiopia’s commitment and effort to regional peace and development has been evident through its diplomatic and military engagements, demonstrating a clear commitment to both cooperation and conflict resolution.
The country has recognized the importance of regional collaboration in tackling peace and security challenges; and it has been proactive in establishing partnerships with countries across Africa. These partnerships, in turn, have played a pivotal role in countering threats that transcend national borders and require a collective response.
In recent developments, Ethiopia has entered agreements with numerous African nations; focusing on promoting peace, security, stability and development across the continent.
From Nigeria to Uganda, Ethiopia has already established strategic military accords with both neighboring and distant allies, rallying nations together in support of continental security and stability. These efforts include intelligence-sharing initiatives, coordinated military drills, and the formation of strategic defense alliances that collectively contribute to regional security.
The collaborations have also extended to key African players such as Kenya, Algeria, and other nations aiming to strengthen regional security frameworks, improving counterterrorism efforts, and addressing issues like transnational crime, border disputes, and the movement of militant groups. By sharing intelligence and resources, these countries work together to confront challenges those require collective solutions, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a leader in fostering African peace and stability.
Recently, Ethiopia took another significant step by signing a military accord with Djibouti to elevate cooperation in security, intelligence and related fields. Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and Djibouti’s Security Documentation Service agreed to establish a joint task force, enhance security cooperation and address concerns, along their shared border, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability.
This agreement underscores the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and addressing security concerns in a region that has often faced instability due to conflicts and the presence of extremist groups.
Another key milestone in Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts is the official visit of a Somali delegation to Addis Ababa. This visit, the first engagement since the signing of the Ankara Agreement marks a significant step in resolving previous inconveniences, is deepening mutual trust, and fostering regional cooperation and peace within the Horn of Africa and the region.
As Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service Ambassador Redwan Hussein stated on his social media page, he held productive discussions with the Head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali on issues of mutual challenges, opportunities and the way forward.
As a follow-up to the Ankara Declaration, both parties vowed to move forward and thwart any attempts from near and afar to derail their progress, Amb. Redwan added.
Ethiopia’s surge in cooperation and collaboration signals the country’s growing influence—not only through its military might but also in its expanding diplomatic clout. The country is increasingly recognized as a central player in the evolving landscape of African security. By cultivating strong alliances with both regional neighbors and distant partners, Ethiopia is reinforcing its role as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa and across the continent.
Thus, Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and beyond is evident through its strategic diplomatic initiatives and military collaborations. By engaging with neighboring countries and establishing partnerships across the continent, Ethiopia is not only addressing immediate security concerns but also laying the groundwork for long-term regional cooperation. The recent military accord with Djibouti and the productive discussions with Somalia exemplify Ethiopia’s proactive approach to tackling shared challenges and reinforcing mutual trust among nations.
The Ethiopian Herald December 25/2024
