South Sudan, the newest country in the world, is located in East Africa and is endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly petroleum. The path to South Sudan’s independence was paved by the unwavering support and sacrifices of its neighbor, Ethiopia. The relationship between the two countries extends far beyond diplomatic ties, as their people-to-people connections are truly remarkable.
In recent years, Ethiopia and South Sudan have taken significant strides to deepen their economic and security cooperation, signaling an increasingly close partnership between the two neighboring countries. The two governments have signed a series of new agreements covering areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and security collaboration.
A key focus of this deepening cooperation has been on improving cross-border transport links, with the aim of facilitating the flow of goods and people between the two countries. This includes initiatives to construct new road networks and border crossing points, which will enhance commerce and people-to-people exchanges.
Security cooperation has also emerged as a priority, with the two countries pledging to coordinate efforts to address common threats such as ethnic conflicts, cattle raids, and the activities of armed rebel groups operating across the shared border region. This collaborative approach is crucial for ensuring peace and stability in the region.
In April 2023, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an official state visit to Juba. During this visit, Abiy and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir signed several new bilateral agreements covering areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cross-border security.
One of the key outcomes of this visit was the establishment of a joint high-level committee to coordinate economic and security initiatives between the two countries. This committee will oversee projects like the construction of new road networks and border crossing points, further strengthening the ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The people-to-people connection between the two countries is deeply rooted in their shared history and sacrifices. Ethiopia’s support for South Sudan’s independence is etched in the hearts of both nations and is a bond that is unbreakable.
In a recent interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, the Director for Neighboring Countries Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), highlighted the significance of Ethiopia’s contribution to South Sudan’s independence and development. He emphasized the historic ties between the two nations, stating that they are “cemented by blood” due to their joint sacrifices during South Sudan’s fight for self-determination.
The people-to-people connection between Ethiopia and South Sudan is described as “amazing,” with a shared destiny of mutual prosperity and regional stability. This deep-rooted relationship is manifested in various areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, and security.
The Ambassador also discussed the Ethiopia-South Sudan business and investment forum, as well as upcoming political consultations between the two countries. Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, he noted that South Sudan, as a Nile Basin country, welcomes Ethiopia’s efforts to utilize the Nile waters.
While South Sudan is not directly linked to the Blue Nile, the country recognizes the importance of the equitable and reasonable management of the Nile’s resources. He emphasized that the energy generated by the GERD will also benefit South Sudan, and the two countries are working to connect their power grids.
Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted the scholarships provided by Ethiopia, which sponsor hundreds of South Sudanese students annually across various fields. Security cooperation between the two nations, particularly along their shared borders, is also a priority, as they work together to address common challenges.
Infrastructure development is another area of focus, with the two countries finalizing an agreement to construct a road connecting their territories. He expressed optimism that this project, once completed, will further strengthen the bonds between Ethiopia and South Sudan.
As the region continues to grapple with conflicts and instability, the deepening cooperation between Addis Ababa and Juba is seen as a crucial factor in promoting regional peace and prosperity. He underscored the shared commitment of the two nations to enhancing their diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
In a recent move to foster regional cooperation and stability, Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), conducted a three-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats. This training aimed to enhance the skills of South Sudanese diplomats in areas such as negotiation, conflict resolution, peace and security management, and the effective management of trans-boundary resources.
The training program was attended by twenty diplomats from Juba, and it was initiated to strengthen the long-standing ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan. In his welcoming remarks, Jafar Bedru, the Executive Director of the IFA, emphasized the volatile nature of the Horn of Africa region and the importance of collaborative efforts and regional partnerships in addressing common challenges such as peace and security, environmental degradation, piracy, and irregular migration.
Recognizing Ethiopia’s crucial role, Jafar praised the country’s support for the people of South Sudan, dating back to their struggle for self-determination and the establishment of the Republic of South Sudan. “Ethiopia has always stood by the people of South Sudan since their independence, and the two nations share a common destiny of prosperity and stability,” he stated.
Ambassador Fisseha Shawel, Director General of African affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), acknowledged the importance of the Ethiopia-South Sudan partnership in the region and emphasized that the training was designed to equip diplomats with essential tools for navigating complex challenges.
Upon completion of the training, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, extended his congratulations and stated that the training was tailored to equip the diplomats with valuable skills to navigate complex challenges in their future diplomatic engagements. He emphasized that such platforms will play a role in strengthening the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan.
During the closing ceremony of the training, Natalina Edward Mou, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan, expressed gratitude to the IFA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing the program. The participants were awarded certificates of completion, acknowledging their successful participation and attainment of the training objectives.
The strengthening of the Ethiopia-South Sudan partnership is a testament to the two countries’ shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. As they continue to deepen their diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation, the bonds between these neighboring nations are expected to grow stronger, benefiting the people of both countries and the wider region.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024
