It is well known that Ethiopia has made itself clear throughout its long history in relation to diplomatic arena and preserving its national interest no matter what the issue could be.
The country has also been operating as the major player in the regional and continental issues. During the country’s various leaderships, Ethiopia has remained loyal and committed to maintain its diplomatic partnership coupled with exceling its efforts in internal activities in order to achieve its desire to be prominent.
The country has been tested a lot by internal and external turmoil in the past many years. The nation has always been eager to do things peacefully with its counterparts and solve its internal flaws by its own mechanism without any external meddling. When the reformist administration took power in 2018, for instance, those problems had not given any chance for the new government to take a breath; rather, the administration was forced to face them.
Though, the challenges were big and had different actors who took their part and interest, the reformist government did everything it could to overcome those problems and paid its maximum efforts to continue as a nation. With all the challenges facing right in front of the reformist, the leadership has not resisted to find a solution and change the challenges into opportunities.
In the last six years, the reformist leadership has taken bold steps to resolve deep rooted internal and external problems. The government has been sharp in looking for ways to narrow the gaps seen in the nation’s political environment. It has also promoted inclusive and all rounded programs for all political players to take part in the nation’s course towards transitional justice. In addition, the government has been appreciated for its commitment to initiate the forthcoming national dialogue. It has also established Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) to realize the dream of national reconciliation and common narratives.
Speaking of achievements, the reformist administration has also done marvelous and concrete deeds in its summer wheat production to meet nation’s food self-sufficient plan. The country has now started to produce its wheat in order to reduce the imported product.
On top of that, Ethiopia has been in its zenith regarding its accomplishments in diplomatic scenario. During the last six years, Ethiopia has established new partnerships with many countries; besides joining new global blocs, it has strengthened relations with the existing ones. Country’s steps towards establishing new partnerships can be seen in its effort and acceptance to join BRICS+ and forging a new diplomatic paradigm with the United Arab Emirates.
Again, Ethiopia has continued to be open in working with neighboring nation still by defending its national interest. Such efforts were seen again in the Abbay Dam negotiations when Ethiopia cleared itself to verify its objectives of developing its natural resources without harming any other nation in the process. The country has proven itself in its diplomatic agenda and achieved its goals.
Amplifying the achievements in the past six years of the reformist government, according to reports, Government Communication Service previously stated that the Ethiopia’s current leadership has carried out concrete works that ensure the country’s prosperity and protect its national interests. Government Communication Service Minister Legesse Tulu, while briefing the media, said the success registered by the reformist leadership in various spheres during the stated period is vivid.
According to him, the government has been exerting efforts to resolve Ethiopia’s deep-rooted problems and nurture lasting peace. In this respect, it clarified that nation-state building activities have been underway based on a shared narrative by involving all parties to ensure unity and promote solidarity in the spirit of cooperation.
He added that, the government has embarked on implementing a transitional justice policy that helps to end resentment and repair fractures of the past. The government is also working hard to resolve differences and disagreements through dialogue and consultations by establishing the National Dialogue Commission. Moreover, the government has been taking many steps to enhance political participation and inclusiveness, Legesse stated.
The government has also laid foundation for independent institutions such as the National Election Board of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to flourish. The minister further stressed that, Ethiopia has the capacity to realize its own development and raise its continental and international reputation by protecting its national interests.
Moreover, the government has created environment for those who have resorted to violence to come forward with their demands peacefully as it is committed to resolving differences without the use of force. Highlighting the economic reform activities, Legesse underscored the remarkable achievements attained, adding that the country’s wealth has doubled, the performance of mega projects has improved, and multi-sector economic growth is yielding results. The achievements of summer irrigated wheat and Green Legacy Initiative have positively changed the image of the country, he noted.
The minister also mentioned the foiled domestic and foreign conspiracies contrived to destroy the nation with the mature leadership. In the sphere of diplomacy, the leadership of the reforming government has carried out regional and international foreign relations activities that have increased Ethiopia’s visibility and safeguarded its national interests.
In a similar vein, Ministry of Foreign Affairs also disclosed nation’s diplomatic achievements in the respected years. According to Taye Atskeselassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia has registered grand diplomatic achievements over the last 6 years.
In his opening remark to a panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the accomplishments gained during the reform years, FM Taye said Ethiopia has prevailed despite challenges. According to him, Ethiopia still remains the regional power pool. Through its efforts to ensure peace and security in neighboring countries, Ethiopia has played unparalleled role in maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa region, the minister noted.
Joining BRICS was a remarkable achievement that will have paramount effect in uplifting the country’s diplomatic gains, the minister stated. Furthermore, FM Taye pointed out that, the Green Legacy Initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the very commendable achievements in terms of climate change mitigation.
Had the over 32 billion trees planted through the initiative been monetized, it would have been billions of USD worth investment on environmental protection, he emphasized.
The minister pointed out that political sovereignty is often eroded due to poverty, adding that Ethiopia has in this regard accelerated its journey to ensure food security through boosting production and productivity of dry season wheat. Ethiopia is currently cultivating dry season wheat on 3 million hectares of land, and is expecting to harvest 120 million quintals.
FM Taye noted that, this will eventually increase and break the chain of poverty and ensure food self-sufficiency. Moreover, he stressed that, the reform has enabled Ethiopia to ensure its development right with regard to the Abbay Dam (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD) through diplomacy.
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2024
