As times beyond number exemplified in historic documents, come rain or shine, peaceful and considerate Ethiopia that respects the sovereignty of other nations never budges from ascertaining its sovereignty in the face of overt or covert challenges besetting it.
Those who raised a sword against Ethiopia pervaded by the spirit of vanity and gluttony were made to perish by the sword signaling to others with a similar intent sovereignty is worth its weight in gold when it comes to Ethiopia. That is why its citizens noted for astounding chemistry tooth and nail fight to the finish when their sovereignty is under threat. Here it suffices to allude to Karamara and Adwa, the lion-like mountain, which showcases the lion heart and pride Ethiopians possess.
Though for various reasons bountiful resources-endowed Ethiopia is still dragging its last leg out from economic morass harnessing its potentials, its self-esteem and pride are intact and it needs the recognition of these virtues by development partners that approach it motivated by different motives, genuine, gray or otherwise.
Nor do allurements or pointing-finger brandishing twist Ethiopia’s arms.
In its diplomatic clicking and utilization of its common resources, Ethiopia always aims at striking a win-win deal. Take for instance the GERD. As such ‘A developing nation entertaining a pride is not doable for you. Carry out our diktat to the letter! A development partner, patron of questionable democracy or dubious human right issues permeated by partiality we shall poke our noses in your domestic affairs as per our whims and caprices, ’does not work for Ethiopia. The country does not succumb to the interest of those that try to make it a push over for geopolitical interest or to mollify the discomfort of their pets by way of preferential treatment.
Ethiopia is of the opinion that loan and aid must be free from self-seeking political ligatures that tightens the noose around the neck of countries struggling to shake off poverty chalking out own roadmaps of growth in line with regional and continental growth. Nor does the country greet warm partners in the name of democracy that try to divide it along ethnic and religious lines to make it a weakling to stoop to arm twisting.
As part of the climate change effect, at some corners, Ethiopia is currently facing drought that claimed the lives of its livestock. No doubt, it has to fight out such challenges by preemptive actions as it managed to ward off humanitarian loss to drought. This should not be its Achilles heel. That is why it welcomes the magnanimity of benefactors and friendly nations enthused by compassion. Coupling this, it is closed in by insufficient reasons in outreaching internally displaced people.
If we look at global tendencies in the diplomatic spheres we sense diametrically opposite approaches observing decorum to strike a genuine deal and imposing self-interest barefacedly to fish in troubled waters.
On the flipside, there are countries that double check the interest, and mentality of their partners in forging an enduring relation of mutual benefits, a trend Africans today clamor for. Observably, there are partners that want to do business and extend loan and support not interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
In light of the aforementioned facts, it is not hard to surmise the situation Ethiopia is in today. It has to make strides weighing things in their proper balance provided the influx of development partners knocking at it gates coming from extreme corners of the globe and notably entertaining divergent views.
In so far as Ethiopia makes sure its sovereignty is accorded due respect and it is in a fair dealing, it could keep clicking with nations round the globe to extend development loan and humanitarian support.
The 331 million USD new humanitarian assistance Ethiopia got this week from US talks loud Ethiopia’s prudent move in carrying out its diplomatic mission in correspondence with its objectives. Peaceful and resilient Ethiopia too is expected to redouble its efforts of outreaching strife-torn areas with humanitarian assistance.
The Ethiopian Herald 19 March 2023
