Foreign Military Bases in the Horn of Africa and their Implications to Ethiopia’s National Security (2002-2019)
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Date
2021-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Through this study, an effort is made to analyze the security implications of foreign military
bases in the Horn region to Ethiopia’s national security. The Horn of African region is among
the very strategic areas in the world. The region became a playfield of rival foreign powers and
one of the conflict prone areas of the world. Once again, the region is being contested by foreign
powers. About 10 foreign military bases in Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Somaliland are
established. This paper contends that the foreign military bases in the Horn region provide both
opportunities and challenges to Ethiopia’s national security. As a result, a responsive foreign
policy is required to utilize the security opportunities and minimizing the costs.
Methodologically, qualitative research methodology is used. Accordingly, both primary and
secondary sources of data are employed. Secondary data is derived from books, journals, media
reports, various research works, and policy documents. Primary source of data collection is also
employed through in-depth interviews with key informants from various institutions. The finding
of the study shows both security challenges and opportunities. In terms of security opportunities,
maintenance of regional stability, keeping of the safety of trade routes, possibility of regional
economic boost potential of regional integration, militarily cooperation and protection of the
region from terrorism are scrutinized. On the other hand, the potential of destabilization,
undermining of sovereignty, the potential of blockade of global trade corridor and challenge of
access to sea port, the possibility of military confrontation, the potential of expansion of
fundamentalism and the siege of mentality are among the security risks. Thus, to minimize the
security risks and maximize opportunities first, Ethiopia should stabilize the domestic problems
to fully focus on the external issues. Second, Ethiopia must strengthen its relationship with all of
its neighbors and should think critically about its interactions with all the foreign forces that
have military bases in the Horn region with good diplomatic efforts. Third, Ethiopia should
develop new strategies to cope up with the increasing geopolitical significance of the Red Sea
and the challenges that it is facing with respect to using its natural resources (e.g. GERD). In
this case Ethiopia should pursue proactive policy is needed.
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Foreign Military Bases In The Horn Of Africa And Their Implications To Ethiopia’s National Security