The Horn of Africa (HoA) region has witnessed significant socio-economic integration in recent years, driven largely by the efforts of Ethiopia, a key player in promoting regional cooperation. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been a crucial step in fostering economic integration across the continent, and Ethiopia has played a pivotal role in supporting this initiative. By supporting efforts to reduce trade barriers and promote economic cooperation among African countries, Ethiopia is helping to create a more integrated and prosperous region.
According to the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), the 2018 normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea opened up new opportunities for the HoA. Subsequently, the region witnessed the restoration of the Eritrea-Somalia relation, the Djibouti willingness to improve ties with Eritrea, and the formation of the Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea tripartite alliance. These diplomatic breakthroughs have been instrumental in enhancing regional stability and security.
The country has also taken steps to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region through various bilateral agreements and partnerships. For example, Ethiopia has signed cooperation agreements with neighbouring countries such as Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia to enhance trade, security, and infrastructure development.
On the security front, countries in the region collaborated through initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the Regional Maritime Security Programme (RMSP) to address security challenges such as terrorism, conflict, and piracy. Regarding terrorism, the countries in the region give their unwavering support to the Somali government in the fight against al- Shabaab. The role of Ethiopia as an anchored state in the region in fighting the terrorist group Al-Shabaab shows the country’s commitment to stand for regional peace.
Ethiopia’s commitment to regional integration is further demonstrated through its active involvement in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional organization that promotes peace, security, and development in the HoA. As a founding member, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of mediation efforts and facilitating dialogue among member states.
Beyond its diplomatic efforts, the country has also played a significant role in addressing regional challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and refugee crises. The country’s willingness to host around 1 million refugees from neighbouring countries and beyond underscores its dedication to regional solidarity and humanitarian assistance.
However, the HoA region still faces several unresolved problems that hinder its prosperity, including terrorism, political instability, and the spill-over effects of tensions in the Middle East.
To address challenges in the HoA, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) organized the second series of the Horn Dialogue on April 19, 2024 in Addis Ababa, where regional stakeholders and experts discussed potential solutions.
During the dialogue, State Minister Ambassador Misganu Arega emphasized Ethiopia’s role in uniting the region to fight terrorism, piracy, and political crises in the Horn of Africa.
“Today, as we assemble here, the Horn of Africa is at a turning point. This area serves as a vital entry point to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. But we also can’t deny the harsh reality of the entire region, which is beset by complex security issues, unstable political environments, and on-going drought brought on by climate change,” he said.
Ethnic conflicts, governance problems, and historical grievances are all entwined with these difficulties. He emphasized that the current political and security environment is frequently complicated by external actors with both overt and hidden goals.
Amb. Misganu stated, “This crisis has a tremendous human cost that impedes progress and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.”
He proposed that there is an urgent need for collective action to get together and debate a solution because the existence of terrorism and armed conflict not only causes pain but also intensifies piracy and illicit trade over the crucial route.
Ethiopia is fighting against illegal trade and terrorism, which worsen political unrest and insecurity. He continued, saying that all states in the region must be involved in battling terrorism and ensuring maritime security.
Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Jafar Badru, stated that the region is going through complex security dynamics that have a significant impact on both its citizens and the international community as a whole.
These problems go beyond national borders and require all-encompassing, long-term solutions that deal with the underlying causes and promote stability in the region. According to Jafar, the situation necessitates quick action and cooperation from all parties involved.
He pointed out that, a wide range of specialists from many institutions, nations, and academic fields have gathered to talk and come up with answers since they understand how urgent the problem is.
Despite the challenges, the Horn region holds immense potential for regional integrity and prosperity, he said, adding that the region can achieve security, economic prosperity, and social development by leveraging the collective strengths, resources, and aspirations of these member countries.
On the occasion, Senior Regional Security Analyst Semir Yesuf (PhD) said that, the regional issues happening at this time in the region require fostering relationships, collaboration, and dialogue based on mutual interests.
He said that, since military action and unilateral policy changes are insufficient to end the situation, win-win solutions must be reached.
He reiterated worries about the competitive dynamics in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the tensions stoked by participation from Western, Eastern, and Middle Eastern forces. He claims that, the region’s propensity for internal conflict gives outside actors a chance to wage proxy war, making efforts to establish peace and security even more difficult.
Semir stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation among Horn of Africa countries.
The on-going tensions within countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia need urgent internal resolution on governance crises, demilitarization of civil issues, and mitigation of power struggles.
As the HoA region stands at a critical juncture, regional integration and collaborative efforts emerge as the keys to unlocking the region’s potential for stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. Ethiopia’s pivotal role in this endeavour underscores the importance of fostering diplomatic relations, economic partnerships, and shared solutions to the region’s pressing challenges.
Also, regional integration is of paramount importance, not only for economic development within the group but also for peace and stability. It must recognize that without peace, there can be sustainable economic growth, successful integration, or a thriving country.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2024
