Beyond the Nation-State: Ethiopia Ushers in the Possibility of Pragmatic Cooperation

 

By Bereket Sisay

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (ENA) -- The political portrayal of the Horn of Africa, seemingly shaped by an Orientalist perspective, is overwhelmingly negative. The region has always been portrayed as a hotbed of instability, a place where political tensions and risks are rampant. In fact, the region's reality does not differ much from this portrayal, as it has experienced political turmoil for many years. Communal conflicts, terrorism, political chaos, piracy, and interstate wars have plagued the region for a long time.

Furthermore, external intervention by outside actors exacerbates these political crises and puts the region in disarray. The region also has a history of being used as a chessboard, emerging as a center of gravity for diverse actors from near and far due to its geopolitical position. Consequently, the region is characterized as a symmetric multipolar region, exhibiting a convergence and divergence of interests that negatively impact its well-being. These crises and their impacts have rendered the region as it is today. This characterization has damaged the image of the region and each country within it and calls for each country's efforts to change the narrative for the better, once and for all. However, undertaking mutually beneficial political and economic projects that can defy the region's previous presentation requires courage and solid political will.

In light of this geopolitical reality, Ethiopia has made every effort to transform the situation and contribute to the region by taking responsibility. The nation redefined its approach long ago, embracing a collective strategy to address significant regional challenges and work toward a better future. Ethiopia has been working tirelessly for the region's common good, determined to overcome its grim past and propel the region toward sustainable development and peace. As stated in its foreign policy document, Ethiopia prioritizes its neighboring countries because their destinies are closely linked. Ethiopia seems to embody the sentiment, "Either we swim together or we sink together," which aptly captures the region's interdependent nature. Ethiopia's dedication to the region is not just theoretical. The country has demonstrated this commitment through collaborative efforts and mutually beneficial strategies over an extended period, as evidenced by its recent tangible actions. These initiatives are grounded in the principle of mutual advantage for the region and the broader continent, thus promoting stability and development.

Consider Ethiopia's contributions to regional peace, for example. Its role as a peacekeeper in Somalia exemplifies its dedication to tackling regional issues collaboratively. Since 2006, Ethiopia has demonstrated its commitment to the principle of "non-indifference" toward its neighbors' struggles by actively working to foster peace and security in Somalia. This has significantly benefited the region and its people. While the terrorist group al-Shabaab has not been completely eradicated, its threat has significantly decreased, leading a robust stability in the region. Furthermore, Somalia’s relatively stable federal government today is largely due to Ethiopia's contributions, as well as those of other nations. Ethiopia has consistently demonstrated its willingness to collaborate with Somalia as partners in maintaining peace and security, viewing it as a shared responsibility. Ethiopia’s stability is intertwined with Somalia’s security, and Somalia’s security and long-term progress depend on Ethiopia’s growth and development. At Somalia’s 2022 presidential inauguration in Mogadishu, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized this point, stating: “We don’t view our progress as a nation separate from that of our neighbors for we truly understand that a neighbor at peace with itself is an ally for our paths to prosperity.”

Similarly, Ethiopia has played a critical role in fostering peace and stability in South Sudan, which has faced civil conflict since its independence. Through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ethiopia has successfully led negotiations between conflicting parties, resulting in a peace agreement that many considered unachievable. Despite the challenges of implementing the revitalized peace deal, South Sudan is progressing toward greater stability. Ethiopia is widely recognized as a key contributor to this process due to its significant efforts in fulfilling its regional responsibilities.

In sharing the burden of the region's social crisis, Ethiopia has proven itself to be an important ally. Despite its economic challenges and large population, Ethiopia plays a significant role in addressing the regional refugee crisis. The country hosts over one million refugees from neighboring countries, including Sudan and South Sudan.  This generous act reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to a collaborative approach to regional issues and shared development. It has earned international praise by countering the restrictive immigration policies of many developed nations, which have become the new normal. Similarly, as climate change poses a major threat, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where adaptive capacity is limited, Ethiopia has not sat idly by; rather, it has carved out its own solutions. To combat climate change, Ethiopia launched the Green Legacy Initiative, planting billions of trees with widespread citizen participation. Additionally, Ethiopia is expanding this initiative throughout the region by providing neighboring countries, such as Djibouti and South Sudan, with seedlings and sharing its expertise. This contributes to collective regional efforts against climate change and fosters a resilient green economy.

Ethiopia’s cross-border development initiatives vividly demonstrate its commitment to fostering shared prosperity in the region. A prime example is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s vision for cooperative growth. Beyond providing electrification and other indirect benefits to Ethiopia, the GERD is a transformative project designed to benefit neighboring countries, particularly Sudan and Egypt, by regulating floods, managing water flow, and serving as a vital energy source for a region long plagued by energy shortages. The dam’s energy output will drive industrial and manufacturing growth, advancing both national and regional development in alignment with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for continental integration. As the manufacturing sector expands, it will create jobs across various value chains, boosting livelihoods and raising per capita income. This will surely contribute to sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Likewise, Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access reflects its dedication to mutual prosperity and regional collaboration. Far from a self-serving ambition, this endeavor aligns with the principles of shared growth, as access to the sea would unlock multi sectoral opportunities for neighboring countries. Ethiopia’s landlocked status has long constrained its economy and geopolitical standing, while also depriving the region of the broader benefits that sea access could enable. By securing maritime access, Ethiopia could catalyze regional advantages akin to those of the GERD, reinforcing its commitment to development projects that prioritize collective progress and mutual benefit. Additionally, Ethiopia has played a key role in strengthening IGAD, transforming it into a robust multilateral institution that unites member states around shared goals. This is another milestone in the nation's efforts to promote regional cooperation.

Therefore, all these stories convey one major truth: Ethiopia aspires to grow and prosper through shared contributions. To that end, Ethiopia has adopted a collaborative approach to solving inherited problems and establishing effective strategies for achieving sustainable peace and development.

A collective response is a new possibility, and every country in the region must exhibit the political will to make this pragmatic geopolitical vision a reality. If they cooperate, these countries have the capacity to alter the region's political and economic direction. Moreover, moving forward is not an option in this chaotic global scenario.  Today, the world's geopolitical landscape is tense. The war between Ukraine and Russia continues, the crisis in the Middle East grinds on, and the rivalry between China and the U.S. intensifies. Additionally, many concerning negative trends have emerged in Africa and the region at large. Thus, it is crucial to navigate this volatile global political and economic landscape and carve out possible solutions for Eastern Africa, particularly the Horn of Africa, at least for the time being. For the Horn of Africa to achieve peace and prosperity, collaboration must move beyond rhetoric. Ethiopia has taken bold steps now the question is whether others will follow.