Winds of Change Across the Horn of Africa

Politics Divide, Goodwill Unites

On July 9th, 2018, following a historic two-day summit in Asmara, Eritrean and Ethiopian leaders signed what could arguably be considered the most significant document of the last several decades. The “Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship” effectively marked the end of a very troubled era between the two nations.

Since 2000, the two countries had been operating in what was commonly known as a state of “No War No Peace,” causing the freezing of all diplomatic relations, telecommunications, travel, and trade. The signing of this declaration was a necessary first step in the process of renewing diplomatic relations, paving the way for a new era of peace, security and cooperation between the former enemies.

2018 will surely be remembered as a pivotal year in the history of Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa region, and beyond. On April 2nd, 2018,  Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali became the 15th Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and true to his pre-election promises, his first 100 days in office saw a broad range of changes and reforms beginning to take shape, from domestic issues to foreign policy. Major changes are coming to Ethiopia, and likely of unprecedented magnitude. The new government’s publicly-expressed concerns regarding the ineffectiveness of the ethnic federalism system is just one of many indicators that Ethiopia is about to embark on a never-before-seen journey.

In spite of what many might consider “slow progress”, Ethiopia’s influence has continued to grow steadily over the years. Ethiopian Airlines is a prime example of the direction the country has been heading.  From humble beginnings, Ethiopian Airlines has gained international recognition and is now stretching its wings far beyond the African continent. An increasing number of international investors also recognize Ethiopia’s growth potential, which often translates into much needed employment opportunities. The Western world’s perspective on growth and change, however, has often been quite different, as Ethiopia has often been accused of having a “too little, too late” approach, or of a lack of proactive economic development policies. There is real danger in attempting to compare two worlds while omitting the importance and significance of each other’s heritage. Much of the world might not understand or grasp the “whys” or “hows” of what is taking place within the region; however, one might do well to remember that, as is often the case, local issues usually demand local solutions.  

Recently, a rather humorous yet pointed comment was heard (by yours truly) echoing against the walls of a large shop in Addis Ababa, where the owner, shaking his finger at an unsuspecting faranji (aka “white person”) jokingly exclaimed, “Did you know that when you people were still trying to figure out how to make fire, we already had an alphabet?”. While the subject of that animated conversation was unknown, the shop owner’s point was well understood: we are from two different worlds, operate from different perspectives and timelines, and neither can claim superiority over the other.

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion - Ethiopian proverb.

While Abiy Ahmed’s new government is facing tremendous challenges ahead, one cannot help but feel a gentle wind of pragmatism and hope in the air, which will certainly contribute to bringing positive, progressive and lasting change to the entire region. The Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia is a beautiful reminder that “greater good” and “goodwill” are not mere cliché ideals, but tangible notions with transformational power. Though perfect or flawless government will always remain within the realm of utopia, Ethiopia is teaching the world a lesson in humility and humanity, that setting differences aside is a prerequisite to forging a stronger tomorrow, no matter the cost.