"The Ethiopian empire was built in the second half of the 19th century. Its homeland was the northern highlands, its ‘colonies’ all around. Problems arising from this legacy have never been completely resolved, and it is still unclear what kind of state should be constructed on the remains of this empire that can achieve legitimacy among its citizens." (Rene Lefort- “Mind over matter: Abiy Ahmed’s aim to “Pentecostalize Ethiopian politics,” Insight magazine, December, 24, 2020)
By Asgede Hagos* Abstract
The article looks at the roots of the Ethiopian state’s aggressive impulse against its neighbors. Ethiopia’s current regional tensions stem, at least in part, from a historical legacy of imperial ambitions. The Ethiopian empire, though officially dismantled 50 years ago, still lingers in the collective consciousness of the Ethiopian state and the elites that sustain it. The current prime minister's declaration and campaign to secure maritime access "through negotiations or by force” has reignited fears among neighboring coastal nations, echoing past Ethiopian leaders’ expansionist aims.
Ethiopia's historical disregard for neighboring states’ sovereignty, driven by a quest for regional dominance, established a complex legacy that still shapes relations within the Horn of Africa. To foster lasting peace, Ethiopia must confront its imperialist legacy, adopting a cooperative foreign policy that respects the sovereignty of its neighbors to ease the current tension and move towards lasting peace.
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http://dehai.org/dehai/dehai-news/518362