We
got preoccupied with what Human Rights Watch and US State Department elites
have said about Ethiopia or with that useless Diaspora group called “Ginbot 7”
allegedly plotting to assassinate high-ranking Ethiopian government
officials. The current crisis in Somalia, already resulting in heavy civilian
causalities and the possible collapse of a weak government, has received little
attention. This issue has more to do with the plight of Somali women, children
and men, less so with Ethiopia’s geopolitical and security interests. Any one including Ethiopians have a
responsibility to extend help.
Ethiopia withdrew its soldiers from Somalia
arguing that the international community had little interest in supporting
efforts to restore public security and also because Somali political groups
made the withdrawal of Ethiopian soldiers a condition to participate in any
peaceful political settlement. Things actually got better after the withdrawal
of soldiers and then came backsliding to anarchy. The fighting has intensified
in the past few days and people are dying. The balance of power appears to have
shifted in favour of the radical Al-Shabab youth militia which is vying to take
power and impose a Taliban-style rule.
It is
therefore important that Ethiopia sends the soldiers back to protect the newly
elected President Sheikh Sherif
Amhed. The international community does
not want to see the fall of what is considered (by choice or necessity) being
the only legitimate national entity in Somali society today. The Ethiopian
government must exercise responsibility as a member of the international
community, and more importantly, because the Somalis are our sisters and
brothers. Why would others from remote places like America or Canada care about
Somalia if Ethiopians don’t?
Perhaps government decision-making is guided by normative reasons rather than practical issues, as we would like to think. For example, these days in America there are people who lost their homes? Should Americans reallocate the foreign aid budget to other programs that help their own destitute citizens? They would not do this, since they are morally obliged to help poor countries. Nations take their moral responsibilities seriously. Ethiopia is a proud ancient nation. The current leaders must build her reputation. With an achievement of regional power status comes also a responsibility to promote peace and security in the region. Sudan is already a failed state. Eritrea without Issayas Afewerki could possibly be a failed state too. Kenya (a country of rich politicians) had a challenge last year. The stability of Djibouti is critical to the economy of Ethiopia. It will be a mistake for Ethiopians to think that they would live peacefully while neighbouring countries are in crises. Sacrifices should be anticipated.
Getachew Mequanent
Ottawa, Canada
May 2009