Ethiopia is tied by language, culture, ethnicity, and natural resources with all its neighboring countries. This reality has made Ethiopia adopt a foreign policy that prioritizes safeguarding peace and security in the region. Its efforts over the years in maintaining stability in the region have yielded positive outcomes.
One good example is its support to the brotherly people of Somalia in their struggle for Somalia’s sustainable peace and security. Assisting the establishment of a stable government was the priority, and this was successfully achieved with the involvement of other neighboring countries and the regional organization, IGAD. Yet, the challenge has persisted and required not only diplomatically but also militarily, which Ethiopia successfully delivered.
In 2006, based on the invitation from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, Ethiopia was able to get in Somalia and succeed in ousting the radical Islamist movement, the Union of Islamic Courts, helping Somalia to restore relative peace and security. Again in 2012, when Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group Al-Shabab was reinforced, Ethiopian forces, together with allies, have expelled Al-Shabab from South and Central Somalia. Its coordination and effort with other troop-contributing countries have helped the government of Somalia to enhance its capacity and weaken Al-Shabab.
For three decades, Ethiopia has always been a troop-contributing country bilaterally and within AMISOM and ATMIS, managing and responding to counterterrorism efforts. Similarly, Ethiopia advocated for Somalia at regional, continental, and international levels diplomatically in supporting predictable and sustainable financing for AMISOM and later for ATMIS operations, along with mobilizing assistance in the state-building process of the country.
Since 1991, Ethiopia has unequivocally operated a principled policy towards Somalia, which is creating a peaceful Somalia for the benefit of its own people, Ethiopia, and the region. This was also reflected recently when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the 36th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives last month.
The Prime Minister recalled the brotherly relations and cooperation with Somalia, indicating the sacrifices paid by Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia to ensure the peace and stability of the country, adding Ethiopia not only respects Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also strongly desires its peace. The Prime Minister concluded his remark by stressing that Ethiopia’s policy towards neighboring countries is based on collaboration and mutual development.
Ethiopia was shocked by the disturbing news of the heinous terrorist attack by al-Shabab on Lido Beach in Mogadishu on Friday (August 2). Prime Minister Abiy immediately expressed his solidarity with the people of Somalia, conveying deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives and the injuries sustained in the horrific attack. He extended thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the people of Somalia during this difficult time.
The recent attack by the terrorist group Al-Shabab once again highlights how deadly and dangerous the group is. The threat posed by Al-Shabab extends beyond Somalia’s borders, making it crucial for regional actors and international partners to coordinate efforts in countering their terrorist acts. Ethiopia remains committed to standing with the people of Somalia in their fight against terrorism, recognizing that the peace of Somalia is directly tied to the peace of Ethiopia.