Ethiopias foreign policy on Somaliland and Somalia

[OdaySomali]

^^ http://www.somalitalk.com/2006/un/itoobiya.html

[Wiil Cusub]

Source ?? Somali version is nonsense

[oba hiloowlow]

This is actually the truth, what would the Ethiopian government gain from a strong Somali nation? They know the risk of a strong somali nation and therefore they will do everything in their power to prevent the somali nation to become what it once was.

[Abdul]

It will be a very long ,long time before Somalia becomes a strong nation again.The ethiopians are more concerned about Alsahbab gaining ground in Somalia and are doing everything they can to prevent that.

[oba hiloowlow]

abdul war waxaa waa sheeko Melez iyo afawerkis hal villa oo towfiiq ku yaal ayeey wada deganaayeen in the 80s maantana labada dhinac is heysto bey taageerayaan labadoodaba soomalia oo cagaha ku istaagto ay diidanyihiin laakinse yaa fahmaayo?

[Jacaylbaro]

Xaaji Xunjuf;828382 wrote:

Its not crap its on their website lol they don't even make it a secret.

Where in their website ?? ..... bal show me

[OdaySomali]

Jacaylbaro;828651 wrote:

Where in their website ?? ..... bal show me

In Amharic:

 

http://www.mfa.gov.et/policies/foreign_and_security_policy_and_strategy_amharic.pdf

 

In English:

 

http://www.mfa.gov.et/Foreign_Policy_And_Relation/Relations_With_Horn_Africa_Somalia.php

[A_Khadar]

Nothing new about Ethio's foriegn policy to wards somalia.. Qofkii caqli lehna waa ogyahay, doqona loo sheegi maayo..

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

oba hiloowlow;828628 wrote:

abdul war waxaa waa sheeko Melez iyo afawerkis hal villa oo towfiiq ku yaal ayeey wada deganaayeen in the 80s maantana labada dhinac is heysto bey taageerayaan labadoodaba soomalia oo cagaha ku istaagto ay diidanyihiin laakinse yaa fahmaayo?

Xiliga cadaw kaliya bey lahayeen Mengistu haile maryam hada laakin iyagi ba isku cadaw ah Eritreanka iyo tigrayga wana run dee siyasadooda bay kugu fulinayaan hadu Melez tageero TFG ,, Eritrea waxay tageereysa shabaab Proxy war ba la yidha.

[OdaySomali]

LlllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooolllllL

 

I just read various somali online news websites' interpertations of the report, Its very telling I must say. Its like GaroweOnline has read a completely different document and it gives an almost positive spin to the actions and policy of Ethiopia. Most Somali websites have reported it in a negative light though.

[OdaySomali]

Ethiopia's damage limitation policy for Somalia - GaroweOnline

 

Ethiopia pushes for stronger relations with Somalia after peace and democracy are established, Radio Garowe reports.

 

Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report titled Ethiopia's policy towards Somalia, in the report the government says that stability in the Horn of Africa could only be achieved if there is peace in Somalia.

 

 

The current situation in Somalia has pushed Ethiopia into the direction of a damage-limitation policy. Which according to the report limiting the damage that may be caused by taking pre-emptive measures ensures that instability in Somalia does not further harm Ethiopia and the people of Somalia.

 

Peace and stability in Somalia is attainable through a Somali government "committed to fighting, disorder, terrorism and extremism in cooperation

with its neighbors," read the report.

 

Stability in Somalia allows Ethiopia, a land locked country, much more access to Somalia's vast coastline. The Ministry Foreign Affairs said that if peace and democracy is achieved in Somalia then Ethiopia will have the oppurtunity to use Somali ports extensively. Adding together Ethiopia and a newly elected Somali Government would stamp out anti peace activies orginating in

Somalia.

 

The report indicates that democracy and peace in Somalia will take some time. Puntland and Somaliland were noted for there relative stability and development since the collapse of the government. More support to both autonomous regions to help eradicate threats, maintain and stregthen peace. An increase in trade, transport and hospitilaty to both regions was proposed in the report.

 

However Ethiopia refused to recognize the north western breakaway region of Somaliland beacause it could cause a negative perception that Ethiopia is trying to break up Somalia, amongst Somalis. The Ethiopian government is worried that the negative suspicions could spark anger amongst a large number of Somalis living in Ethiopia.

 

Support to stable regions in Somalia and closer cooperation with the Somali people in the region, in order to help counter or neutralize threats stemming from Somalia is the overall policy for Ethiopia towards Somalia. According to the report only the prevalence of democracy which Ethiopia is willing to provide full assistance to help reach a solution to Somalia and stability in the Horn of Africa.

 

GAROWE ONLINE

[OdaySomali]

Ethiopian policy reveals new signs of animosity towards Somalia - SomalilandPress

 

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia recently announced its national security policy and strategy for Somalia with a principal focus on relations, extremist groups, trade and stability. In its presentation, Addis Ababa for the first time revealed its role in the collapse of Somalia by stating its efforts on disrupting, dismantling and defeating Somalia by “taking the war to Somalia and, along the way, aggravating the contradiction between the Somali clans.”

 

Ethiopia also blamed the lack of foreign investment coming into the country on its Somali neighbor by claiming “our chances to attract investment have been reduced and the “Somalia effect” has contributed to the uncertainty about regional peace and the lack of economic linkages between the two countries.”

 

Below is the full document which further reveals Ethiopia’s visible signs of its animosity towards Somalia:

 

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy and Strategy

 

Ethiopia’s policy towards Somalia

 

a) Historical background of relations

 

The relation between Ethiopia and Somalia has not been a healthy one. In the recent historical period, one major and one lesser war were fought between the two countries. The empty dream of the so-called “Greater Somalia”, an expansionist policy, had brought to Somalia nothing but hostility and conflicts with all its neighbors, especially Ethiopia. Moreover, Somalia had always allied with all groups and countries it believed were anti-Ethiopian and had disturbed Ethiopia’s peace. On the other hand, Ethiopian Somalis had resisted the oppressive system in Ethiopia. Related to this, Somalia had succeeded in mobilizing a large number of Ethiopian Somalis as allays in its attempt to execute its expansionist policy. In this regard Ethiopia has been exposed to threats emanating from Somalia and other quarters.

 

Ethiopia, for its part, rather than responding to the threat by respecting the right of Ethiopian Somalis and by fostering brotherhood between the peoples of Ethiopia, so Ethiopian Somalis could live in voluntary unity with their other fellow Ethiopians, resorted to dismantling Somalia to the extent possible. The policy was to respond to Somali aggression by taking the war to Somalia and, along the way, aggravating the contradiction between the Somali clans.

 

The situation has now fundamentally changed. The “Greater Somalia” ideology has been discredited. It is now over ten years since Somalia has become stateless. On the other hand, in Ethiopia, a constitution in which peoples’ rights are guaranteed is being implemented. Ethiopian Somalis are living in brotherhood and voluntary unity with other Ethiopians in a newly defined, inclusive Ethiopian identity. Together with other Ethiopians, Ethio-Somalis are, in the spirit of equality, democracy, development and an Ethiopian identity, resting on strong foundations and contributing to the building of the country. Ethiopia’s vulnerability to the “Greater Somalia” ideology has been greatly diminished.

 

On the other hand, the disintegration of Somalia has in itself brought ever-growing danger. The crisis in Somalia has allowed religious extremism to take hold. Somalia has become a haven and conduit for terrorists and extremists. Anti-peace elements are using the country as a base and place of transit in order to threaten Ethiopia’s peace. Somalia’s disintegration has brought danger to the peace in our country.

 

b) Significance of the relations

 

There is no condition whereby Somalia could contribute as a source of investment and financial development or as a significant market for Ethiopia. After a process of some length, followed by peace and stability in Somalia, there is the chance that it could become a significant market, but this is difficult to imagine in the short and medium term. Regarding natural resources, all the big rivers in Somalia flow from Ethiopia. The irrigation schemes in Somalia which effectively served the people are in a poor state. On the other hand, as our country steps up its development, we will have to dam the rivers for irrigation purposes. The harnessing of rivers in Ethiopia can help Somalia resist floods, and so the benefit would be mutual. But on the other hand, these rivers could be used in Ethiopia – mainly in the Somali region – for development purposes. This could create a minor conflict but the problem can be tackled by the principle of give and take in a way that takes into account the national interests of the two countries.

 

As can be understood from the above, in the short and medium terms, Somalia does not have a positive or negative influence of note in the development of our country. And yet, in Somalia there are numerous ports that can provide services to Ethiopia. Starting from the port of Zeila which gave services to Ethiopia during its long history, all the way to Kismayo, there are no less than seven ports in Somalia that can be used by different parts of our country. These possibilities could significantly contribute to our development, but due to the “Greater Somalia”-driven conflict and national oppression in Ethiopia, they were never seriously considered (not to forget that Ethiopia had ports of its own). The current collapse of the state in Somalia makes it unrealistic to think of using the ports at the present time.

 

Even if the chances to use the ports were to arise, and though that would increase Somalia’s relevance to our development, one cannot see a positive role that Somalia can play at this time. On the negative side, it is worth noting that the disintegration of Somalia has posed dangers for peace and stability in Ethiopia. This situation has spoilt the image of our sub-region, and the Horn is now perceived as an area of conflict. Our chances to attract investment have been reduced and the “Somalia effect” has contributed to the uncertainty about regional peace and the lack of economic linkages between the two countries.

 

SomalilandPress

[OdaySomali]

LasAnod Online gives the most accurate and valid reflection methinks

 

Siyaasada Itoobiya Ee Ku Wajahan Somalia

[Che -Guevara]

Amazing and here you have maryooley deluding themselves into believing Ethiopia is interested in peace and is helping Somalia or recognizing Somaliland.

[rudy-Diiriye]

ethiopia..ethiopia....how come dib u socod folks always sing the same sing!! Guess they cowards and just wanna kiss their new xabashi boss's azz! waryaa what happen to your manhoods!

 

common now...its time to quit to bending over to a raw meat lover!!