Addis Ababa Conference Highlights Path to Peace in the Horn of Africa

ADDIS ABABA — The Horn of Africa has the potential to achieve sustainable peace, prosperity, and security, asserted Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the opening of the Second Horn Dialogue Series on Thursday. Arga emphasized the dialogue’s role as a vital tool for enhancing cooperation and addressing the region’s security challenges.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the series serves as a platform for intellectual discussion and strategy formulation among diverse stakeholders. “Here we have the opportunity to engage in open and intellectual discussions, dissect the regional security landscape and propose concrete strategies for collaboration,” he stated during his keynote address.

The state minister reiterated the necessity of collaboration to overcome various threats including terrorism, piracy, and the illegal arms trade. Effective border management and maritime security protocols were highlighted as measures to bolster regional stability.

The Horn of Africa, a pivotal area linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, faces significant challenges including political instability, armed conflict, and climate-induced droughts. These issues, Arga noted, complicate efforts towards peace and stability but underscored the imperative for collective action.

Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, also spoke at the event, describing the Horn as a region of growing importance due to recent geopolitical developments. He advocated for enhanced regional dialogue to better navigate these complexities and advance a shared vision for the future.

“By leveraging the collective strengths, resources and aspirations of its member countries, the region can achieve security, economic prosperity and social development,” Bedru explained, calling for increased cooperation and dialogue.

The conference discussed various themes, including the continuity and change in regional security dynamics, the influence of external actors, and strategies for building a more integrated and resilient region.

The Second Horn Dialogue Series aims to promote knowledge exchange and develop innovative solutions to the pressing security and political challenges facing the Horn of Africa, contributing to a brighter and more stable future for the region.