The future of Somalia’s security is at a crossroads. How will regional rivalries and shifting troop dynamics impact the fight against Al-Shabaab? In my latest piece, I explore the stakes for AUSSOM and the Horn of Africa.

ጦርነት እጅግ በጣም ኣውዳሚ ና ክብደት የተሳተፈበት ብቻ ሳይሆነ ማንኛዉም ሰብኣዊ ፍጡር ይረዳል:: ይሁን እንጂ እጅግ ከባድ የሚሆነዉ ከጦርነት በሃላ የተገኘ ሰላምን ማቀብ ነዉ::

'ገበታ ለትውልድ' በጅግጅጋ

Arba Minch

Ibrahim Malkaa akka feedhi isaati Nama jiraate, nama jireenya isa keesati saba isaatif male ofif yaade hin beekne, jireenya’sa keesati Rabbi tokkicha male nama sodaate hin beekine, maalan nyaadhee bula maal an uffadha oso hin jedhin umrri isa guutu Uumata isaatif kan qabsaayedha. Ibro heddu si jaalana, heddu si kabajina! Hardhaan tana Rabbi Guddaatu si waame Janata siif haa kenu! Maayin cufa Keenya garasuma Nagayan boqdhu !!!!!!🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 sii Jaalana!!!!

“I had the Privilege to attend the opening of the 2nd session of the UN-Habitat Executive Board (Dec 4-6, 2024) in Nairobi along with H. E Fenta Dejen Wudu, State Minister for Urban and Infrastructure of Ethiopia, where we commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PHD) visionary leadership in driving sustainable urban development in Ethiopia, including urban green corridors that integrate pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, tree canopies, and modern roads. Highlighted also Ethiopia’s progress in people-centered smart cities, showcasing our commitment to resilient and inclusive urban growth.

Strengthening Ties, Nurturing Nature! It was an honor to participate in the tree-planting ceremony at the Ngong Road Forest Station, marking the 60th Anniversary of Kenya’s Diplomatic Journey Celebrations. Accompanying H.E. Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, underscored the importance of environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility for current and future generations. This event not only symbolized Kenya’s rich diplomatic legacy but also highlighted the shared commitment of Ethiopia and Kenya to fostering sustainable development and environmental preservation as well as prevailing peace and security by fighting against terrorism in our region.

It was a profound privilege to welcome the esteemed elders of the Borana to my residence today. These revered leaders, who graced the vibrant Borana Cultural Night on November 24, 2024, at the Bomas of Kenya, embody the very essence of unity, heritage, people-to people ties and peace. Their presence at this significant cultural celebration highlighted the vital role they play in preserving traditions, promoting peace, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and Kenya. Their wisdom and leadership are cornerstones of our shared efforts to foster harmony and collaboration across our region. Our dialogue today reinforced the importance of culture, peace, and regional cooperation in building a stronger and more united Horn of Africa. Together, we continue to build bridges of friendship and solidarity, honoring our shared heritage and inspiring a future of mutual respect and understanding. Let us continue to celebrate and protect the rich cultural tapestry that binds our nations together.

I was honored to participate in the 3rd Horn Dialogue held in Nairobi on November 27-28, 2024, under the theme “Road-mapping the Future Security Cooperation in the Horn of Africa.” The dialogue provided a crucial platform to discuss pressing security issues facing our region, including the current security landscape, the effectiveness of regional cooperation frameworks, and the balance between national interests and collective regional stability. Through collaborative discussions with esteemed colleagues and stakeholders, we explored innovative approaches to addressing shared challenges and shaping a secure and prosperous future for the Horn of Africa. As we undertake this significant forum, I remain optimistic that the ideas and commitments shared will translate into tangible actions that strengthen our collective resilience and foster lasting peace in our region. With our collective efforts, we can transform the Horn of Africa into a region defined by stability, cooperation, and progress.

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Ethiopia was honored to welcome His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, to Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Dr. @AbiyAhmedAli warmly received President Ruto at Bole International Airport, marking a significant moment in our enduring partnership. This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted friendship and strategic cooperation between Ethiopia and Kenya, two nations united by shared aspirations for regional peace, stability, and economic growth. As neighbors and allies, we remain committed to strengthening our bilateral ties and addressing common challenges to build a brighter, more prosperous future for our people.

Honored to Attend the Swearing-In Ceremony of Kenya’s New Deputy President Today, I had the honor of attending the swearing-in ceremony of Professor Kithure Kindiki EGH as the new Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. This momentous occasion was graced by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, the First Lady, distinguished Ambassadors, and high-ranking government officials. As Ethiopia’s representative, I am proud to witness this display of democratic resilience and look forward to deepening our strong bonds with the people and government of the Republic of Kenya.

I had a privilege to meet Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala, E.G.H. Cabinet Secretary of Trade, Investment, and Industry of the Republic of Kenya. We engaged in fruitful discussions on enhancing bilateral trade relations between our two countries. We also exchanged view on ways of deepening economic and commercial ties including settling trade disputes among the business communities amicably.

On behalf of the people and government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the government and people of the Republic of Kenya on the celebration of Mashujaa Day. This day of remembrance and honor reflects the profound sacrifices made by Kenya's heroes in the struggle for freedom and the ongoing commitment to building a prosperous and united nation. As neighbors and close friends, Ethiopia and Kenya share not only a border but a deep bond rooted in mutual respect, regional cooperation, and the pursuit of peace and development. May this Mashujaa Day serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and unity of the Kenyan people, and may the enduring friendship between our two nations continue to thrive for the benefit of our region and our continent. Happy Mashujaa Day!

🇪🇹 Honoring the Ethiopian Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Pride 🇪🇹 Today, we successfully celebrated the Ethiopian Flag Day, joined by leaders of the Ethiopian Diaspora and esteemed fellow diplomats. This flag, with its green, yellow, and red colors, proudly displays a national emblem at the center-symbolizing the shared hope of the Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples of Ethiopia, as well as our religious communities, to live together in peace, equality, and unity. The Ethiopian Flag is not just a symbol for our nation but also a beacon of pride for all Africans and Black people across the globe. It represents the spirit of resilience, solidarity, and strength that unites us all. As we continue to build a future rooted in unity and mutual respect, let our flag remind us of the values that make Ethiopia a source of inspiration for Africa and the world. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this powerful symbol of our identity and hope.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Beyene Petros, a renowned scholar and a dedicated advocate for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. His contributions to his country will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his work. May he rest in peace. በዕውቁ ምሁር ፕሮፌሰር በየነ ጴጥሮስ ህልፈት የተሰማኝን ጥልቅ ሀዘን እየገለጽኩ ለቤተሰቦቻቸው እና ለጓደኞቹ መፅናናትን እመኛለው። ለሀገራቸው ያበረከቱት አስተዋፅኦ ለትውልድ ሲዘከር ይኖራል!

Last night, we celebrated the Eve of Ethiopian New Year 2017 and Reform Day at our Embassy in Nairobi! It was humbling to host over 2,000 guests, including esteemed members of the diplomatic community, friends of Ethiopia, and the vibrant Ethiopian diaspora. This wonderful gathering has showcased the lively spirit of the Ethiopian community here. Reform Day symbolises our commitment to transformation and progress in Ethiopia. It commemorates the essential reforms initiated by the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli to promote prosperity and development. It reflects our dedication to addressing the aspirations of all Ethiopians and creating a brighter future together. Furthermore, our Reform Day marked our aspiration of transition to a vibrant political economy and social landscape. It holds profound significance for our nation. It embodies the essence of our journey towards democracy, peace, and inclusivity, reflecting our commitment to transformative changes that uplift every Ethiopian. This day reminds us of the importance of listening to the voices of our people, fostering dialogue, and implementing ideas that resonate with the aspirations of our diverse society. As we enter the New Year, let us reaffirm our dedication to these reforms, recognizing that true progress comes from unity, respect, and understanding. The vibrant gatherings we share, like last night’s celebration, underscore our collective strength and the potential for a brighter future.

When the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia was formed in Nairobi, with Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf elected as President, significant challenges prevented it from entering Somalia. The threat posed by the Islamic Courts Union, which eventually became Al-Shabaab, made it impossible for the government to return to Mogadishu. If it were not for Ethiopia's intervention, Somalia might have remained without a functional government, as the Somali leadership was effectively in exile in Kenya. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) played a crucial role in enabling the Somali government to regain a foothold in its own country, providing security and training to the Somali army, which was composed of troops from the Darod, Hawiye, Digil, and Mirifle (Rahwen) clans. Ethiopian forces have paid a high price, both in terms of lives lost and financial resources, to help stabilize Somalia. From Galcayo to Kismayo, Ethiopian soldiers sacrificed their lives to protect the Somali government and ensure the country did not fall back into the hands of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab. Despite these sacrifices, the current Somali administration appears to be overlooking the critical support Ethiopia has provided. Instead, they are lobbying for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces and aligning with external powers that have historically been at odds with Ethiopia’s interests. If Ethiopian forces were to withdraw from Somalia today, the consequences could be dire. Without the continued support of the ENDF and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the fragile stability in Mogadishu and other regions could rapidly deteriorate, potentially allowing Al-Shabaab and other militant groups to regain control. The Somali government's alignment with external forces, coupled with calls for Ethiopian withdrawal, risks undoing the progress made in recent years and plunging the country back into chaos and insecurity. One should ask What will happen if the Ethiopian Defense Forces leave Somalia?