Ethiopia's Foreign Policy Paradox

Jan 27 , 2024
By Hintsa Andebrhan

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Ethiopia recently reaffirmed its commitment to the "One-China" policy through its Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Meles Alem (PhD). Ironically, it coincided with China's assertion of Somaliland as part of Somalia, a position echoed by Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These statements underline a shared emphasis on states' sovereignty and territorial integrity while also emphasising the intricate regional diplomacy in which Ethiopia is entangled.

Historically centred on strong relations with neighbouring countries, Ethiopia's foreign policy has been a foundation in the fight against terrorism, particularly in collaboration with Somalia. Various foreign ministers have endorsed this policy, and it was recently reasserted by President Sahlewerk Zewde, who stressed Africa as the focal point of Ethiopia's diplomatic endeavours. This orientation was evident during the Ethiopian Diplomacy Exhibition held last week.

Notable successes mark Ethiopia's diplomatic history in Africa.

A key example is the June 2004 decision to keep the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Abeba. Despite Libya's push and its leader's lobby for relocation, most African leaders sided with Ethiopia, proof of its diplomatic clout on the continent. Another significant diplomatic achievement has been garnering support from Nile Basin countries for constructing the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project of economic and geopolitical significance.

However, recent developments suggest a shift in Ethiopia's traditional diplomatic approach. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's (PhD) Administration appears to explore new political and diplomatic avenues. The change in direction is evident in Ethiopia's engagement with Somaliland, a move that has raised eyebrows domestically and internationally. Critics from various political spectrums have voiced concerns over this engagement, viewing it as a departure from Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to regional unity and stability.

Even the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key ally of the Abiy administration, has expressed reservations about this approach.

The core of the controversy lies in the perceived contradiction between Ethiopia's support for the "One-China" policy and its dealings with Somaliland. While the former shows respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, the latter undermines these very principles in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's arrangement with Somaliland, a region seeking independence from Somalia, is viewed as a potential breach of its commitment to the territorial integrity of Somalia. It has led to controversies about its foreign policy's consistency and principled position.

Ethiopia's need for port access, crucial for its economic and geopolitical interests, is often cited as a driving force behind its Somaliland engagement. Taye Atske Selassie, the foreign policy advisor to the Prime Minister, has advocated for peaceful means to secure sea access, a view conveyed to the diplomatic community. However, scepticism abounds among diplomats about the sincerity of this approach.

The scepticism was echoed in recent regional forums, including an emergency meeting of IGAD held in Kampala and the African Union's Peace & Security Council meeting, both of which addressed the growing tension between leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia. These meetings brought to focus the regional concern over Ethiopia's foreign policy direction and its implications for stability in the Horn of Africa.

The central issue, therefore, is the apparent disconnect between Ethiopia's traditional diplomatic principles and its current foreign policy manoeuvres. While it has historically been a champion of African unity and stability, its recent actions have raised questions about its commitment to these ideals. The engagement with Somaliland, in particular, has been criticised as deviating from a principled foreign policy, possibly motivated by short-term geopolitical gains rather than long-term regional stability.

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PUBLISHED ON Jan 27,2024 [ VOL 24 , NO 1239]

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