The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea Region have a number of players who extend their influence globally to secure their national interests and leverage the advantages the region offers. Conversely, countries in the region have encountered numerous challenges due to its volatile and unpredictable nature.
Countries in the Horn of Africa have been facing a host of problems due to various reasons. These nations have been collaborating to address these challenges and enhancing the region’s significance for their own benefit. Ethiopia has emerged as a key player in addressing major issues in the region, playing the role of a protagonist. The nation has also achieved significant milestones in this regard.
The Government of Ethiopia, in the past many years, has been involved in activities that require bold moves, sometimes even making dear sacrifices. It has been participating in peace and security efforts, integrating the region, and also addressing regional challenges such as migrations and refugee crises. In relation to the aforementioned issues, the Government of Ethiopia has been taking responsibility to be part of the solution.
Speaking of peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has not hesitated to demonstrate its commitment to addressing such significant challenges. Ethiopia has made defining achievements in peacekeeping missions from Korea to Somalia. Ethiopian soldiers, for instance, have bravely shed their blood in the lands of neighboring nations like Somalia.
However, the country has never sought any favors in return from its neighbors. It continues to show unwavering commitment to taking the lead on this matter. Ethiopia understands the importance of coexistence and the spillover effect of any situation unfolded in any part of the region. Therefore, Ethiopia, as it has always been doing, leads the way in ensuring the peace and security of the region.
By the same token, Ethiopia is also working on strengthening regional economic, political, and social integrations by ensuring mutual partnerships. The nation has been working tirelessly to make the region more advantageous in terms of socio-economic rewards. A prime example of this effort is Ethiopia’s initiative to connect the region through electricity. As the country develops its rivers and lakes into hydroelectric powerhouses, Ethiopia has begun sharing its electric power at lower prices.
Besides, the country has entered into agreements with its neighboring nations, including in the restive Sudan. However, the agreement has not been stalled even though Sudan could not find a way to pay its electric bills. In this case, Ethiopia has not disconnected the power supply; instead, it continues to provide the service. This act of solidarity and integrity demonstrates Ethiopia’s firm commitment to following through on its promises.
To establish integrity at a more foundational level, countries in the Horn of Africa must be well-connected through road, air, and rail. Cities in the region should be linked, and transportation services could be the most effective way to achieve this goal. Currently, Ethiopia and its neighboring countries are collaborating to enhance connectivity through various transportation modes. Recent literature extensively discusses this approach to develop a holistic perspective on inter-city connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines is a major air transport provider in Africa and is considered one of the best in the world. The airline offers a wide range of services to neighboring countries, promoting regional coexistence. It serves as a flag carrier not only for Ethiopia but also for the Horn of Africa and the entire continent.
In addition, the refugee crisis is one of the pressing issues worldwide. The unrest in Sudan, in particular, has caused various challenges for the Horn of Africa nations, as they are experiencing an influx of refugees. This unexpected and unresolved challenge has the potential to create difficulties for the host country. The impact of the refugee exodus is felt in countries like Ethiopia. Ethiopia has always welcomed refugees and asylum seekers in need of shelter from danger. This hospitable gesture has made Ethiopia a key refugee destination in Africa, especially as many developed countries have adopted closed-door policies towards refugees.
At this moment, Ethiopia has received around one million refugees from different countries. Despite its unresolved internal issues, the nation is striving to create a more welcoming environment for these refugees by offering a range of national services to help them feel at home.
Similarly, Ethiopia is also a founding member and active participant in continental and regional organizations, including the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD). It is widely recognized that Ethiopia has made significant contributions to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity decades ago. Furthermore, the country is a founding member of the regional bloc IGAD and has played pivotal roles within the organization.
Contributing to the achievement of regional goals, blocs like IGAD must exist to connect the nations of the region and work towards a unified objective. The bloc has also achieved tangible successes in terms of ensuring peace and security, among other things, and Ethiopia’s role is significant. It has played a crucial role in turning the bloc’s dreams into reality.
According to documents, IGAD has become best known for its peace and security-related activities. It is also one of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) recognized by the African Union (AU) and a building block of the African Economic Community (AEC) under the AEC Treaty. These commitments drive the bloc to focus on establishing a free trade area (FTA), macroeconomic convergence, industrial development, investment promotion, infrastructure and transport development, information technology, tourism development, as well as the development of energy, agriculture, environment, and natural resources in the region.
In pursuit of regional objectives, Ethiopia, as usual, endeavors to leave its mark on every endeavor. This steadfast commitment is articulated by its officials. Most recently, Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions with Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), at the IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti.
Foreign Minister Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in fulfilling its mission for the region. Additionally, Workneh stated, “Together, we strive to enhance peace and stability in our region.”
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 27 JUNE 2024
