Ethiopia in IOMed, It's More than Just A Symbol

At this stage of human development, it is disheartening to see the world mired in uncertainty and disputes once again. Disagreements inevitably arise from different ideas and thoughts. However, violent clashes resulting from these differences are something we should avoid at all costs. Through institutional intervention, we should transcend the violent experiences in different parts of the world. This phenomenon is gaining traction and disrupting the lives of millions of people worldwide. Additionally, international commercial disputes related to tariffs and foreign investors threaten human advancement because they stifle collaboration. These events call on the international community to proactively address the root causes of conflicts before they spiral out of control.

In response to this urgent need, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was established in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025. The organization aims to solve state-to-state, investor-state, and international commercial disputes based on mutual consent. Ethiopia is one of the founding members of this large international organization, which aims to complement existing international dispute settlement mechanisms. This aligns with the nation’s history of significant contributions to international collaboration and multilateralism. Ethiopia ardently supports international peace and security, as evidenced by its contributions to global peace initiatives.

Therefore, Ethiopia's decision to join the International Organization for Mediation is an extension of its commitment to peace. Sharing this sentiment, Gedion Timothewos, the Ethiopian foreign minister, wrote the following on social media: "“Committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes & cognizant of the need for a fair & efficient public & investment dispute resolution mechanism attuned to the needs of developing countries, Ethiopia welcomes the establishment of the International Mediation Organization”

As the foreign minister indicated, this move underscores Ethiopia’s dedication to fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperative solutions to international disputes. This approach aligns with Ethiopia’s broader foreign policy of promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Ethiopia's commitment to resolving conflicts through mediation reflects its adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 33, which emphasizes mediation as a primary means of peacefully resolving international disputes. Ethiopia has consistently advocated for the peaceful resolution of major conflicts worldwide through internationally recognized dispute resolution mechanisms.

Ethiopia has a longstanding history of successfully mediating conflicts in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Ethiopia’s commitment to peace is evident in its pragmatic actions to prevent conflict and war, rather than mere rhetoric. Ethiopia is well known for being a peaceful country that chooses to live in peace with all its neighbors, even when provoked. Ethiopia has consistently chosen mediation and peaceful means over confrontation to resolve disagreements with neighboring nations of any kind. This has been especially evident in recent years despite major provocations; Ethiopia has remained committed to its principled stance on peace. In sum, Ethiopia’s commitment to peace is a building block for social and economic development.

Conversely, Ethiopia’s participation in the IOMed demonstrates its acknowledgment of the necessity of a fair and effective dispute resolution system designed for developing countries. Like many other developing nations, Ethiopia is skeptical of some international institutions' ability to address the needs of these countries. Consequently, Ethiopia has advocated for reforms that would align these institutions more closely with the needs of countries in the Global South. However, these challenges remain unresolved. Therefore, institutions like the IOMed, which will fill these gaps and complement existing institutions, align with Ethiopia's strategy of creating better international institutions through a different approach. Beyond the immediate impact of further solidifying the nation’s significant contributions, Ethiopia’s incorporation into these global institutions is a bold diplomatic gesture. This move will undoubtedly put Ethiopia in the global spotlight once again, showcasing its positive contributions to mediation efforts and thereby helping to maintain peace.

Additionally, as the host of the African Union and a key player in regional organizations such as IGAD, Ethiopia’s participation in the IOMed will further solidify its status as a diplomatic hub. Furthermore, Ethiopia's engagement with the IOMed will strengthen Africa's role in global diplomacy.

As a staunch supporter of African causes and Pan-Africanism, Ethiopia's involvement in the IOMed will enhance Africa’s capacity to influence global mediation norms and promote a more harmonious international order.  On the other hand, by promoting peaceful and efficient ways to resolve business disputes among different stakeholders, these organizations will strengthen the flow of investments between countries. As Ethiopia is part of the international value chain, a conducive business environment for stakeholders will benefit the nation. The same is true for other forms of disputes. Approaching and solving outstanding issues will benefit Ethiopia in various ways. Overall, Ethiopia’s decision to join other nations in establishing the International Organization for Mediation is not merely symbolic; it has many benefits for Ethiopia, Africa, and the world.