BY FITSUM GETACHEW
Ethiopia over the past two years passed very difficult days in its relations with the international community particularly, with the traditional allies on which it would have counted with certainty. The conflict in the north changed that situation and there were no more things to be taken for granted. As the conflict got even more bitter and passed through nasty exchanges of hostilities it was inevitable that tremendous losses would be recorded. Lives were lost on the battleground and infrastructure was destroyed or damaged. Indeed, many say the country may have made a huge jump into the past given the amount of time and resources it might now need to rebuild.
In the meantime there were lots of unfair and biased judgments against the Ethiopian government and people in general and the consequences were in many ways as devastating as the conflict itself was to result. Economically, the country was severely challenged even by the resources it had to commit to facing the conflict while thousands of people were literally engaged on the war front. For Ethiopia, it was a matter of sovereignty and integrity and that was what most of the international community disregarded or failed to acknowledge and may offer some understanding and sympathy. Instead, pressure was made to mount against the country and its international image was made to be tarnished by some international media outlets.
What is more, the campaign that the country had to face in the social media seemed staggering and Ethiopians from all over the world had to make their voices heard by trying to counter that destructive campaign. It was clear that most of the international media had made their choice in the equation of the conflict in the north and Ethiopia felt unfairly treated. A lot of efforts had to be exerted to make certain points clearer than what these media were nourished from one side only and preferred to echo them continuously making a huge impact even in the relations the Ethiopian government had with the political circles of the major western countries. Sanctions were the next move that affected deeply
Ethiopians and because of that the economic situation in Ethiopia got from bad to worse and deeply affected the lives of ordinary citizens. Indeed, Ethiopia was tested by these developments in the past two years. But at the same time, Ethiopia also had the opportunity to distinguish between those who cared little about it and those who actually went all the way with it in order to save it from drowning. Some countries were really always behind Ethiopia’s predicament and strongly supported it not only in the international sphere where diplomatic battles were the order of the day but also in economic terms by showing their solidarity. In this sense, Ethiopia has strengthened its relations even more with these countries.
The premier was heard thanking these countries for supporting it in the darkest moments of the country. However, in the end, as the saying goes every war has to end or ends with a peace negotiation and agreement because wars cannot continue indefinitely as they erode the economy of those involved and the costs become unsustainable even in human terms. After a series of uninterrupted attempts, the Pretoria Peace Deal has been reached between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF leadership. The African Union, IGAD and many other international bodies and influential statesmen contributed to the success of the protracted negotiations and in the end all the indications are that the talks have been successful. Thanks to the contribution of all those bodies mentioned above including the EU and UN etc.
the peace deal was signed and the terms of the deal are being implemented even if some pessimist people say that it is easier said than actually executed. This time around a lot of efforts are being exerted to keep the momentum of the peace deal and focus more on what it is achieving in terms of returning the lives of millions to normal, rehabilitating them and restoring certain services that were not available for two years. Both the Ethiopian government, and TPLF seem very anxious and committed to realize the terms of the peace deal with a brotherly spirit and that is what actually matters and counts because without the goodwill of the parties, the deal becomes empty paper. Lots of recommendations have been pouring from in all corners of the world so that the efforts of the deal do not fade away easily.
In this particular situation presenting an obstacle to the current trend of building up to the actual peace process would be condemned. We have seen that there are some forces which do not want the peace process to succeed but both the Ethiopian government and the TPLF leadership seem to disregard these extremist forces and rather cater for the needs of their people. In the meantime, we have seen concrete steps being taken by both parties of the deal.
The federal forces have been taking their positions in the regional capital Mekelle and normal relations are being restored with communications getting smoother and smoother. Families have been allowed to meet from both sides benefiting from Ethiopian Airlines flights and formal Ethiopian government delegations have been to Mekelle to meet the regional authorities and discuss some issues of interest and concern. The issue of rehabilitation and reconstruction is of course presumably at the heart of the discussions, many assume.
Now that the guns have been silenced people can travel to and from Tigray and services such as banks and internet or telephone links are being restored as are electric and water services. Things seem to be moving fast so that the people get some real and tangible result from the peace deal sealed in Pretoria. What is equally important for Ethiopia is that its sovereignty and territorial integrity has been preserved unlike the hopes and expectations of some of its enemies who certainly are disappointed by this deal. At the same time, some of the countries that had a totally negative attitude towards Ethiopia seem to have now changed their position. Diplomatic activities are resuming intensely and recent communications with these countries show a change in attitude towards Ethiopia.
There must have been the recognition that Ethiopia’s peace and stability are critical to the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa and Africa in general given the importance Ethiopia enjoys in the continent and given its history of the past. No one can deny that, Ethiopia has always been an inspiration to the freedom movements of African nations who were under colonial dominion while Ethiopia was a free and independent country. It is not pure coincidence that Ethiopia is the seat of the AU and Addis Ababa is considered as the capital of Africa.
These days, there are flurries of diplomatic activities in Ethiopia with relations with major European countries being renewed with visits of their high officials and there have been visits of the UN SecretaryGeneral and other top diplomats to talk to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. And with the upcoming summit of African leaders here, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s image will be completely restored as it was in the preconflict days. Efforts are now being exerted so that foreign direct investment will be reignited to previous levels and all those who put a halt to their moves to come to Ethiopia and invest will be encouraged to do so thanks to the peace deal being implemented. Tourists as well are beginning to flock again and what has been noted at the Christmas celebrations in Lalibella is a result of the peace restored. Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Lalibela to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas including tourists and Ethiopian diaspora. More is expected in the upcoming Epiphany or Timket celebrations particularly carried out very colorfully in Gondar.
This will be another occasion for the tourist industry to re-flourish. For the past two years, all these celebrations were carried out halfheartedly because people were rather more engaged in praying for peace rather than enjoying wholeheartedly the festivities. This year this will not happen. Tour operators and hotel owners have been smiling at the prospect of having lots of clients in the coming days and weeks as the peace efforts go even deeper and deeper creating a spirit of stability and hope.
Ethiopian diplomats and mission heads have been asked to engage with the governments and peoples of the countries with whom they work so that Ethiopia is now a peaceful country and they can not only come there for tourism but also for investments. We have noted in the past few months how the Pretoria peace deal changed lots of things in Ethiopia and more will be achieved if we continue to work hard in implementing it totally and embark on the huge efforts of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Ethiopian Herald January 12/2023
