It will not be a hyperbole to claim that in the diplomatic avenue, Ethiopia has been a trendsetter not only for Africa but also the rest of the world. It therefore goes without saying it has played quite a role in lubricating the global interaction machinery of mediation.
In a show of catalytic vibe, ancient Ethiopia has been adding bricks to modern diplomatic relations since 1963.
The agreement reached in Wechale during the reign of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu is one that shows sagacity on the part of Ethiopia in the sphere of diplomacy. The fact that Ethiopia emerged successful at the end of the day stands testimony to this fact.
During the era of Emperor Haile Selassie when no African Nation was a member of the League of Nation, Ethiopia had the ticket to sit beside presiding nations to decide on international affairs. It as well had played a paramount midwifery role in bringing the United Nations (UN) into life. As such, a founding member, it had partaken in the establishment of law (act) of the gigantic organization.
In the establishment of the Organization of African Unity ( OAU), Ethiopia had been the frontrunner. Later on, it has played an immense role in actualizing the African Union (AU).Ethiopia’s role from the birth of OAU and its metamorphosis into AU is huge. This is registered as a diplomatic triumph. Currently, in the continent especially in east Africa it is playing a multipronged role to ensure peace and security. It has played no lessrole in the materialization of NEPAD.
Owing to the aforementioned virtuous deeds, the place Ethiopia cuts in the global arena is a special one.
With the instrumentality of IGAD, it has enabled countries in East Africa to cooperate and work not only in the political but also in the economic and social sectors.
But, during the Derg regime the diplomatic policy of the country was based on a preferential treatment that precludes some and embraces others. The closed-door policy ousted the west solely focusing on the east bloc.
However, the policy which Ethiopia pursues now is based on common benefits. It doesn’t show a coldshoulder treatment to any quarter. As such, many countries are forging ties with Ethiopia to strike a deal with it and the rest of Africa. Consequent to this or as a living billboard to this fact, presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers from where the sun goes around are gushing to Ethiopia in droves to consolidate their clicking with this nation that has set precedence in many aspects.
There is a call for thoroughly understanding the longstanding diplomatic footprint and history of the country in a bid to crystalize an all-round diplomatic feat. It is a timely agenda to mend mistakes and step-up winning formulas so as to ensure Ethiopia’s sovereignty and supremacy.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic role in helping the stateless Somalia state to get back in shape and have one was a glaring one. Ethiopia has played a noteworthy role in emasculating Al-Shebab and annihilating ISIS. It showed its conviction dispatching peace keeping force that flogs the terrorists to the domain of discipline.
Ethiopia had also played a noteworthy role in letting South Sudan be self-reliant. It assisted the furtherance of the nation as a sovereign nation helping quaff internal conflicts. PM Abiy had done well in brokering peace between the warring factions of Sudan. Still today, Ethiopia desires the two groups to come to round tables to resolve their cases by themselves calm, cool and collected.
Ethiopia deserves a credit not only for the role it played in ensuring regional peace and security but also for the continental peace.
Last but not least, its task in thawing the ice of no-war-no-peace situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea is entailed in its lion’s share role in the diplomatic sphere.
The Ethiopian Herald September 24/2023
