Ethiopia is not only seen as a good neighbour but it is also considered by many as the great stabilizer and pacifier of the Horn. In many ways, the country continues to be a vanguard state in the region. From mediating to peacekeeping, the country has been the linchpin in the peace and security of the precarious region.
The volatile Horn region faces myriads of security menaces with countries caught in internal fighting and interstate border conflicts. The crisis in the region is further exacerbated by external entities being a battlefield of proxy wars.
But amidst old and new emerging threats, Ethiopia even at a time of internal mayhem has been a reliable partner to its neighbours through the thin and thick. Under any regime and any circumstances, Ethiopia has been a credible and loyal comrade in need. From sending troops to brokering peace deals between warring parties, Ethiopia has been a guardian of regional peace and a great stabilizer.
Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace is also driven by practical instances. This week only, the country began border demarcation with South Sudan and Premier Abiy travelled to Sudan as per of helping resolve Sudan’s crisis.
The brave Ethiopian soldiers even paid the ultimate price to maintain the nation’s security and tranquillity. Since the Korean War, Ethiopia has played a critical role in maintaining international peace. Its favourable diplomatic stance toward allies, including fierce adversaries, has endured and grown stronger over time. And this odd quality has persisted during the present administration. Since assuming office, the President has worked to stabilize Somalia and Sudan in addition to attempting to patch up relations with Eritrea.
Even when it was aggressed, the government exercised restraint to resolve issues with other states in a peaceful and coolheaded manner. To bolster its ties, the country also came up with a project that has a far-reaching impact on the region. With the support of its relationships with neighbouring countries and abroad, peaceful coexistence and amicability also continue to be at the helm of the country’s foreign policy.
In his last address to lawmakers, Abiy accentuated his commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts while indicating it is doing its level best to sustain the implementation of the Pretoria peace deal.
“Our diplomacy is based on mutual growth and cooperation. We never exploited Sudan’s situation to our advantage. Sudan has been in turmoil and the government has been unable to pay the bills of Ethiopia’s power supply we have never cut the electricity supply since we believe in the brotherhood. We just cannot abandon our brothers during this difficult time. We could have taken back the land invaded by Sudan had we wanted to take the situation in Sudan,” Abiy added.
He also told the parliament that Ethiopia’s genuine reaction to Somalia’s integrity and sovereignty has never faltered. The government in Somalia should not waste its money shuttling across the world. It only takes an hour’s flight to discuss with Ethiopia and settle the matter. We made our intention clear and asked our coastal neighbours to give us access and it was Somaliland that agreed to our terms, this does not mean Ethiopia is trying to harm the interests of Somalia. We could not have sent our troops to pacify Somalia had we been looking to destabilize Somalia.
Abiy also sent messages to all friendly neighbouring countries on the quest to access sea outlets. “We are a great country and good partners. We always aspire to keep our relations on a win-win base.”
The Ethiopian government has demonstrated a willingness to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue with neighbouring states to resolve border issues. The incumbent’s openness to discussion and negotiation has never been closely examined.
This week, Prime Minister Abiy arrived in Port Sudan as per of his country’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for Sudan’s stability.
“Since the challenges faced by the people of Sudan are also our challenges, and their peace is our peace, we are committed to working towards the relief and prosperity of the Sudanese people,” the premier said on a social media post.
According to Government Communication Affairs Service Minister Legesse Tulu, the premier held a fruitful discussion with the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
Legesse said in a statement that the objective of the visit is to discuss ways to end the conflict in Sudan in a peaceful mechanism, ENA reported. In this regard, the two leaders have held a fruitful discussion about the current situation in Sudan, the minister stated.
Indicating that Ethiopia and Sudan share 744 kilometres of common border, Legesse highlighted the long-standing relations between the two nations in terms of people-to-people, cultural and economic ties.
He further underlined the need for the two nations to work together more closely as problems in one nation also impact the other.
The Minister also highlighted the various efforts being carried out by Ethiopia to encourage the Sudanese forces to resolve their differences peacefully and work in collaboration to bring peace to their country. He expressed Ethiopia’s continued commitment to bring peace to Sudan.
During his discussion with General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister Abiy expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to provide the necessary support to peacefully resolve the problem in Sudan.
The Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan for his part said the Premier’s visit demonstrates his regard for the people of Sudan.
He also extended gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy for his efforts to ensure sustainable peace and stability in Sudan.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to working towards the relief and prosperity of the Sudanese people.
The nation will remain a major powerhouse due to its enormous landmass and expanding population. Additionally, to fulfill its national goals and promote economic progress, it requires internal harmony. Furthermore, the country is still committed to strengthening its diplomatic ties and promoting goodwill with both nearby and distant countries.
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024
