Ethiopia has long been and continues to be a key player in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.
Through its active engagement in initiatives aimed at fostering peace and stability, Ethiopia has consistently worked to promote peace and security within the Horn of Africa and the broader region. The nation has served as a mediator, peacekeeper, and facilitator of peace talks among warring parties, playing a crucial role in commissioning peace efforts.
Ethiopia has been a vital peace agent in the Horn of Africa and even in the region. This is particularly evident in South Sudan, where it played a key role in facilitating and reinforcing peace talks by bringing armed groups to the table for peaceful dialogue.
In 2014, Ethiopia facilitated peace talks that brought together warring parties involved in the civil war, offering a platform for negotiation. These talks ultimately laid the groundwork for a peace agreement, which was signed in 2018, marking a crucial step toward stability in South Sudan.
Not only that; but Ethiopia’s commitment to peace-building goes beyond mere diplomacy. Rather, it has also been noticeably demonstrated by troop deployments. In various initiatives carried out at different times and under different situations, Ethiopian forces have played an indispensable role in maintaining stability, protecting civilians, and creating a secure environment where communities affected by the conflict can restore their lives and live in peace.
Mainly, as part of regional and international peace initiatives under the frameworks of organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations peace missions, Ethiopia has testified its unwavering stand to regional and international peace efforts.
Notably, its role in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) highlights this dedication. The Ethiopian peacekeepers have been instrumental in protecting thousands of vulnerable South Sudanese living in the UNMISS protection of civilians site in Juba, preventing further violence and helping build confidence amongst the local population and in the rebuilding of communities affected by the conflict. Both the mediation process and the recruitment of troops in South Sudan played key roles in shaping a peaceful future for the country.
The remarkable dedication of Ethiopian troops in protecting civilians and sustaining peace and security in South Sudan has garnered widespread recognition leading hundreds of Ethiopian peacekeepers to be awarded the UN medal in honor of their exceptional service in promoting peace in the country.
As reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan at the time, more than 600 peacekeepers were recognized for their contributions to fulfilling the mission’s mandate, particularly protecting civilians.
Ethiopia believes that maintaining peace and offering mutual support yields positive outcome, fostering peace, stability and development, throughout the entire region. Thus, Ethiopia strives committedly to sustain peace, security and collective progress, both within its borders and across the broader region, to ensure lasting peace and development.
This was also reflected by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in response to a recent message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan. Prime Minister Abiy affirmed on his social media that Ethiopia remains dedicated to and will continue to extend its steadfast support to the brotherly people of South Sudan.
Thus, Ethiopia, by increasing its engagement in regional peace, security, and development issues, plays a more constructive role in promoting sustainable peace, security, and development within the Horn of Africa and beyond, solidifying its position as a key player in advancing lasting stability and prosperity in the Horn and beyond.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025
