Window of Hope for the Horn

By Desta Kahsay (ENA) Since the inception of the Berlin Conference in 1815 and the resultant era of the Scramble for Africa and as the result of its geographical proximity connecting Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa has remained a bone of contention between rival colonial powers and the stakeholders of the European commercial revolution. Over the last century, the Horn of Africa suffered from sporadic wars and natural and man-made calamities, which devastated the socio-economic and political fabric of the countries in the sub-continent. Despite the global quest for decolonization and the call for of Pan-Africanism the African failed to enjoy their post colonial independence due to mistrust and animosity which prevented them from using their resources for the benefit of the peoples and to express their deep seated concerns on mutual development in one voice. As one of the founders of the former Organization of African Union, Ethiopia has always cherished the spirit of unity and stability among African states by exerting ultimate efforts not only in restoring peace and tranquility but also in fostering bilateral relationships and cooperation that could eventually lead to African economic integration. The road transport with Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia, a railway network connecting Ethiopia to Djibouti, exporting hydropower to the Republic of Sudan with possibilities of more power exports to Kenya and Tanzania, Ethiopia is already pioneering in the fulfillment of Agenda 2063 by the African Union. Ethiopia and Eritrea had entered into border standoff seven years after the later gained its independence through referendum. The 1998-2000 border war between the two countries has taken the lives of tens of thousands of Ethiopians and Eritreans. Besides, both countries have expended a huge amount of their meager financial resources towards the war efforts, which also curtailed the age old relations between the peoples of the two countries. The Algiers agreement, a peace accord signed on December 12, 2000 in the Algerian capital for the formal end of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea stipulated that the two states, fresh out of a two year costly war, would accept a decision by the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) as “final and binding.” However, when the EEBC delivered its decision awarding the town of Badme, the epicenter of the war to Eritrea, Ethiopia back off with the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi eventually declaring Ethiopia will only accept the EEBC decision “in principle,” leading to sixteen years state of "no war no peace" between the two countries. The recent peace initiative taken by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in swiftly and unconditionally accepting the Algiers Agreement based on the resolution passed by the EPRDF Executive Committee and his official visit to Eretria to re-establish the formal diplomatic and the reciprocal visit paid to Ethiopia by President Isaias Afewerki ushered a new era in the relations between the two countries claiming regional and global acclamation for both countries. In his inaugural speech at the House of Peoples’ Representative with regard to the objective of foreign relations and diplomacy of the country, Premier Abiy said “our country as the co-founder, the Organization of African Union and many other international organizations with a notable role in regional, continental and global matters will continue to strengthen the policy built on common interest and benefit.” Emphasizing on fostering the existing bilateral relationship with neighboring countries and maintaining efforts towards regional peace and security, which is prerequisite for economic development and integration, right after his appointment the Premier traveled to Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Somalia to strengthen bilateral relations between these countries and to work towards mutually befitting bilateral economic relations. His official visit and the talks he held with leaders of the neighboring countries has brought numerous significant diplomatic achievements including the signing of new agreements related to port services with Sudan and Djibouti and further strengthening the implementation of already signed agreements. The Premier’s bold moves in reigniting efforts towards regional economic integration has been well demonstrated in various ways including his quest for economic integration in his talks with the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. IGAD’s Director of Peace & Security Division, Ambassador Tewolde Gebremeskel noted “…… Ethiopia for the last 20 years has been playing prominent role in trying to bring the region into close economic integration through infrastructural developments like the exemplary relationship between Djibouti and Ethiopia the railway, energy and even water services.” Likewise, Conflict Resolution and National Security expert at IGAD, Dr. Mustafa Ali said “the Premier's move in normalizing the two decades old ‘no war no peace’ situation as “a breakthrough not just for Ethiopia and Eritrea but for the entire region.” Recalling that the world has always been receiving and seeing a bleak situation in South Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia tittering back and forth Dr. Ali said “now when you see such step taken between Eritrea and Ethiopia after two decades of antagonistic relationship it is something good.” In the meantime, Dr. Ali critically stressed that “he (Abiy) is not actually taking leadership just in Ethiopia but in the region, the kind of what he has done in trying to engage President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. His character and demeanor is that of one young man who can bring peace not just in Ethiopia and between Ethiopians and Eritreans but in the entire region.” Speaking of Abiy’s leadership and the signed peace accord's impact on the entire region, Ambassador Tewolde elaborated that “it is so extraordinary and unprecedented because in the first day of the meeting that these countries had to sign so many different agreements before even talking about the demarcation of borders. It shows that there was a real need and interest from both sides that peace is vital to both countries and to the region.” Commending the strong will and commitment of people like Prime Minister Abiy who are going to help the region, Dr. Ali expressed his hope that other leaders of the region to have their hands full and emulate what Abiy Ahmed is doing in Ethiopia and between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Horn sub- region has no clear border demarcations which at times has led countries to conflict. The former IGAD Peace and Security Director points out that contraband across the sub- region is high and affect the economies of countries in the area and can potentially paused threats to peaceful efforts in the sub-region. “But at the same time the existence of  porous borders  between neighboring countries has to be supported with secured border governance among countries of the region,” Tewolde added. Professor of History at Addis Ababa University, Tesema Ta’a asserted that the newly flourishing peace prospects, in the region especially with Ethiopia and Eritrea will open up the opportunities of economic integration in energy, trade, infrastructure, trade and tourism. Countries of the Horn Africa, according to the young fervent leader, Abiy, has to come out of the years confinement within their nations and think of the bigger integration that will have significant role in development, growth and changing the livelihoods of their citizens.