Political Narcissism in the Horn of Africa: A Call for Regional Unity and Transformation!

by Nathan Abtew
(Toronto, Canada January 2025)

The Horn of Africa, a region historically marked by conflict, instability, and political turmoil, stands as a stark example of how a combination of colonial legacies, authoritarian governance, and foreign interventions have stymied its potential.

Despite its vast natural resources, strategic location along the Red Sea, and the potential to be an economic hub for both regional and global interests, the countries of the Horn have suffered from prolonged political instability.

The region’s failure to harness its resources, maintain peace, or establish cooperative relations with its neighbours is largely a result of poor governance, internal strife, and the greed of political leaders. These challenges are compounded by external influences that have further exacerbated the region's political dynamics.

It is time for the people of the Horn of Africa to reclaim their destiny and strive for regional unity, peace, and stability.

The Historical Context:

Colonial Manipulation and its Lingering Effects The Horn of Africa’s political history has been shaped by colonial powers, primarily Great Britain and France, which divided the region into fragmented territories to serve their geopolitical and economic interests.

The colonial borders created artificial divisions among ethnic and cultural groups, which later became a source of internal conflict in many African nations. These arbitrary borders did not take into account the social and historical ties between communities, resulting in divisions that continue to fuel ethnic, regional, and political tensions to this day.

The exploitation of the Horn's natural resources by colonial powers further entrenched a pattern of extractive economies. The region became a centre for the inhuman slave trade, with human trafficking acting as a source of revenue for the colonial masters, and later, for many post-independence dictators.

This legacy of exploitation, coupled with the divisive effects of colonialism, left a deep imprint on the political landscape of the Horn of Africa, making it prone to corruption, authoritarianism, and civil conflict long after colonial rule ended.

The Failure of the State:

Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa, has had a tumultuous recent history, marked by civil conflict and authoritarianism. The country’s federal system, designed to manage its diverse ethnic and regional groups, has instead exacerbated tensions between the central government and regional forces.

The brutal civil war that erupted in 2020 between the Ethiopian Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was a catastrophic event that left more than a million dead, millions more displaced, and a shattered infrastructure.

Despite a peace agreement in late 2022, the scars of the conflict remain, and Ethiopia continues to struggle with ethnic violence, economic decline, and a government that increasingly relies on authoritarian methods to maintain control. The ongoing civil wars in regions such as Amhara and Oromia, where more than 200 civilians die daily, further illustrate the breakdown of state authority in large parts of the country. With the government unable to control vast swathes of the country, Ethiopia is increasingly at risk of becoming a failed state.

The political repression faced by opposition groups and intellectuals has only deepened the crisis. Many political thinkers and activists are imprisoned, tortured, or killed, while the government persists in its efforts to stifle dissent and maintain a grip on power. The Ethiopian people, once hopeful for democratic reform and political stability, now face a future marred by conflict, authoritarianism, and economic decline.

The Lack of Regional Cooperation and the Threat of Proxy Wars:

One of the most alarming aspects of the political landscape in the Horn of Africa is the failure of the countries in the region to collaborate or address common challenges. Instead of seeking solutions to their internal conflicts or fostering regional cooperation, the countries of the Horn are often at odds with one another, and tensions frequently escalate into proxy wars.

Ethiopia’s demand for access to the Red Sea is a case in point. Since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, Ethiopia has been denied direct access to the sea, a situation that has maximized tensions between the two countries. The absence of a cooperative agreement on the use of the Red Sea for the benefit of both nations has perpetuated a cycle of hostility, despite the potential for mutually beneficial trade agreements and shared access to maritime resources.

Both Ethiopia and Eritrea’s leaders have, instead of working together, stoked nationalism and rhetoric to keep their populations focused on the perceived threats from each other. This political narcissism, driven by self-interest and a desire to retain power, has undermined efforts at peaceful resolution and regional cooperation. Rather than addressing their nations’ critical issues, the leadership in both countries prioritizes their grip on power, often at the expense of their citizens’ well-being.

Similarly, Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia have often engaged in rivalries and conflicts, each country focused on its own internal struggles and external pressures. The lack of diplomatic engagement or a regional framework for peace and development has created a situation in which each country is essentially isolated, exacerbating tensions and impeding any progress toward stability.

The Path to Regional Unity and Peace:

The challenges faced by the Horn of Africa are not insurmountable. If the people of the region can mobilize and demand an end to authoritarianism and political corruption, there is hope for a brighter future. The path to peace and prosperity will require significant efforts on the part of the citizens of these countries to rise above the divisions created by colonialism, authoritarianism, and internal strife.

The first step toward regional unity must be the removal of dictators and corrupt leaders who have exploited their nations for personal gain. The leadership in these countries must be held accountable for the suffering they have caused, and political reforms must be introduced to ensure that the interests of the people are placed above the whims of political elites.

It is essential for the Horn of Africa to move towards regional cooperation rather than continued conflicts. Leaders in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and other nations must engage in dialogue to resolve their differences and build a framework for cooperation. The region must learn from the failures of the past and strive for a future of peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

Grassroots movements, which have already proven successful in some parts of the Horn, must play a central role in this transformation. Ordinary people must demand their rights and refuse to be passive victims of political narcissism. By organizing for change, supporting peaceful resistance, and advocating for the restoration of democratic processes, the citizens of the Horn can push back against their authoritarian leaders and force them to serve the interests of the people.

International actors, including the United Nations, the African Union, and neighbouring countries, must also play a role in facilitating peace and supporting regional integration. The international community has a responsibility to provide diplomatic and economic support to help bring about positive change in the region. Sanctions against oppressive regimes, along with targeted development aid and investment, can help incentivize reform.

The Horn of Africa possesses immense potential. If the region can overcome its political narcissism and unite for peace and development, it could become a thriving economic hub, benefiting not only its citizens but also the broader international community. The time for change is now. The people of the Horn must stand up and demand the future they deserve—a future free from dictatorship, war, and poverty.

Conclusion

The Horn of Africa is at a crossroads. It can continue down the path of division, conflict, and stagnation, or it can embrace the possibility of unity, peace, and prosperity. The key to unlocking the region's potential lies in the hands of its people.

Through collective action, regional cooperation, and the removal of authoritarian leaders, the Horn of Africa can chart a new course - one of stability, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

It is time for the citizens of the Horn of Africa to rise up and demand their rights, to say no to dictatorships, and to work toward a future where peace and regional unity prevail. Only then will the region truly realize its potential as a vibrant and prosperous part of the global community.

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