K. Mathews (PhD )is a Professor of International Relations at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, since 2000. Before that he was Professor of African studies and Chair of Department at the University of Delhi (1991-2003). The Ethiopian Herald had approached him for his take on the horn.
Herald; Could you expound the geo-politics of the Horn?
Professor K. Mathews :The Horn of Africa has traditionally been a hotbed of intriguing politics and foreign interventions. It first attracted colonial powers –Britain, France and Italy- to the region and since the early 1960’s it has tempted the Super Powers to enter it. The super powers saw in their intervention not only commercial advantages, as the colonial rulers did, but also the strategic and military importance of the area at the mouth of the Red Sea. Their interests were fuelled not only by the advantages that they could accrue within Africa, but also by the more important leverage they could gain in vital Middle Eastern affairs.
It is a region historically characterized by a very high level of conflict, wars, and famines.Throughout history, the Horn of Africa, has been a battle ground for foreign powers. From a century long Ottoman domination to colonial occupation and influence (except in Ethiopia) and Soviet Vs. Western confrontation, the region has long been witnessing competition for influence. After the end of Cold War the Horn of Africa still faces numerous security issues that continue to challenge its political viability, stability, prosperity and sustainable peace.
It is also one of the most unstable regions in the world which has long been known for, economic, political and humanitarian crises. However, these challenges have not repelled global and regional powers, chiefly because of the region’s strategic geo-political importance for global security and international trade. This makes the region a battleground among global actors whose economic and security interests exceed their national boundaries. The United States, France, China, the UAE, Turkey and Iran have already set up military bases in the region. Germany, Japan and India are also focusing on the area.
Most recently, with the new security bloc formation, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and Iran respectively, the region has further become a battleground of religious, economic and security influences. In fact, the Horn countries are highly influenced to side with either of the security influences. However,despite these influences, Ethiopia has remained neutral for many years.
Thus today, the Horn of Africa is again becoming one of the most militarized regions of the world as a host of global, regional and national powers vie for dominance. However,the recent (July 2018) rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea promises a new era of peace and progress, provided this trend can be nurtured and expanded.
It may be noted that Ethiopia, the region’s economic and diplomatic powerhouse holds the cards in the Horn’s complex and yet unfolding network of alliances and rivalries that go well beyond the continent’s geographical boundaries. The old bastions of power in the region, the US, UK, and France, are being increasingly displaced by new players like Russia, China and a new generation of Middle East powers, (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and even Iran ) with everyone racing to gain a foothold in what is becoming one of the world’s most dangerously militarized regions. However, the Ethio-Eritrean rapprochement, combined with ongoing reforms in Ethiopia can potentially have a multiplier effect across the region.
Herald: How Long Have you been in Ethiopia? Could you tell us about your Teaching Experience?
Professor K. Mathews: I have been in Ethiopia for a rather long time. Among the fifty odd countries I have travelled, lived, done study and worked, Ethiopia happens to be the longest! After retiring from the University of Delhi, where I have been a Professor of African Studies for over a decade, I came to Ethiopia, on a UNDP sponsored teaching assignment in October 2003. I hold a PhD in International Relations from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. I was appointed by the Department of Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) at the Addis Ababa University as Professor. In 2004, the Department started M.A. Program and later PhD Programs. As I enjoyed my work in the Department and as theDepartment was also in need of senior teachers particularly for running the Graduate programs, my contract was renewed and I continued teaching and researching in the Department. As one specializing on African Politics and International Relations, I also have a special interest to learn more about Ethiopia, which remains unique in many respects.
In earlier years I had also taught at the University of Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania and at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, for over a decade. Subsequently I was a Foreign Visiting Research Fellow atthe University of Oxford, England. I have also held Visiting Positions at Carlton University, Ottawa, Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria, the United Nations Institute of Training and Research, (UNITARR), New York. Over the years, I have also authored over 100 publications including two edited books, over 25 Book Chapters and articles in internationally recognized journals, all focusing on African Affairs.
Herald :How do you see the ongoing Reforms in Ethiopia?
Professor K. Mathews :Despite the many problems and challenges the country is currently confronting, the new Government under Dr. Abiy Ahmed (PhD) which assumed power in Early April 2018, is likely to mark a new promising era in the contemporary history of Ethiopia. After a turbulent three years for Ethiopia, 2014-2017, that witnessed large scale human rights violations, mass arrests, and widespread anti-government protests in many parts of the country, most analysts feel that the new Government can bring stability, unity and much -needed reform to the country. Dr. Aby Ahmed, in his early 40s, with a mixed ethnic and religious background, is the best suited person to lead the country, despite many obstacles on the way.
Since April 2018, Dr. Aby’s Government has presided over the release of thousands of political prisoners from Ethiopian jails and the rapid opening of the country’s political landscape. According to reports, in May 2018 alone the Oromia region pardoned over 7,600 prisoners including Ginbot 7 leader Andargachew Tsege, and other dissident leaders like Berhanu Nega. On 30th May 2018, it was announced that the ruling party would amend the country’s “draconian” anti-terrorism law, widely perceived as a tool for political repression. Soon the existing State of Emergency in the country was ended. Significantly, in his briefing to the parliament on June 18, 2018, Abiy Ahmed announced that he would set up a Commission aimed at reviewing the divisive system of ethnic federalism.
In the area of economy, in June 2018, the ruling coalition rightly announced its intension to pursue the large scale privatization of state owned enterprises and the liberalization of key economic sectors, long considered off limits, marking a landmark shift in the country’s state-led development model. Also in June 2018, Abiy Ahmed announced the government’s intension to establish an Ethiopian Stock Exchange in tandem with the privatization of state-owned enterprises.
In the area of foreign Policy also the new Government pursued a number of reforms , such as a policy of expanding landlocked Ethiopia’s access to ports in the Horn of Africa region. Most importantly, the new government negotiated an end to the 20 year no-war-no peace situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The July 8, 2018 Eritrea-Ethiopia summit, led to the rapprochement between the two countries. The very next day, 9 July 2018, a “Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship”, declaring an end to tensions, and agreeing to re-establish diplomatic relations, re-open telecommunication, road and aviation links; and facilitate Ethiopian use of the ports of Massawa and Assab. There are other important reforms also that are in the pipeline.
In my opinion the on-going reforms in Ethiopia, is a very significant, historic development with far reaching consequences. If guided and nurtured properly, it can usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for the country. The reformist agenda being pursued by the new Abiy Ahmed Government, if successful can enable Ethiopia not only to re-invent itself but also to bring a wave of reforms and perhaps new democratization and peace to the whole Horn of Africa region.
The Ethiopian Herald July 14, 2019
BY NAOL GIRMA
