Why we need greater understanding in the horn of Africa?

Tensions in Africa which often lead to full scale conflict often occur due to the lack of understanding between groups. Historical mistrust coupled with growing tensions among religious and political stands seem to have been brought about by lack of understanding as well as perceived fears of one another. It is with this message that outgoing Un Secretary General, Kofi Annan this week warned the general assembly that the current atmosphere of rising tensions among societies required greater understanding of cultures and religions.

Most have perceived the war on terrorism as a clash of civilizations in most cases between Islam and the west. All these stem from the fact that we, as people of the world, do very little in regards to learning from one another. We fail to look beyond our set stereotypes and give shortsighted explanations in regards to ensuing debacles.

Even in regards to regional initiatives, member nations often rely on historical rivalries to make measured steps towards collaboration or even collective security. In this regard we have to change our mentality and our approach to issues of the region we live in if we want to remain united. That means we have to learn to be pragmatic.

statements in the Horn of Africa these days have been full of rhetoric in regards to the crisis of Somalia where sides continue to blame one another for the chaos that has occurred in Somalia. Ironically the countries in the region are alike in many ways where cross border relation between the people have existed for centuries even though at times these people have been the center of conflicts themselves. Somalia is probably a litmus test in regards to relations in the Horn. the Ethio-Eritrea feud continues to loom not only among the two nations but now has involved Somalia as well. Both sides need to be aware that it is impossible to agree on all things – there will always be cause for disagreement. Where we cannot come to an agreement, it is at least necessary to understand the position of the other side and try to reduce the disagreement and settle problems in all fields where there is disagreement as quickly as possible. One wonders how these two nations which had had relatively amicable relations since 1993 could suddenly end up as bitter foes.
Somalia for the past 16 years has languished in civil wars leading to the disintegration of a nation. It is today popularly referred to as ‘a failed state’ or ‘Africa’s dismembered nation’. Can we let our brothers in Somalia suffer any humiliation? Should we lose sight of the efforts we have made to reconcile the various groups in Somalia over the years over issues that the Somali people have no control over? The International community has long abandoned the plight of Somalia; nations in the region have been, in fact, accommodating thousands of refugees as a kith would do to kin members that have had troubles. We should know that the conflict in Somalia will affect us all and it will affect us negatively. The Horn of Africa needs to understand that conflict cannot be the only solution. In fact, dialogue should be the only option.
Ironically, we all have common history stretching centuries. Why do we need to tarnish this shared heritage over unnecessary maneuvering? we should resolve our differences and tackle our primary foes poverty, hunger, diseases and unemployment. We cannot fight these foes with guns and bombs but with concerted efforts. In regards to averting conflicts, there should be a simple rule here: preliminary consultations should be held, attempts should be made to understand each other, cooperation should be continued on positions that are agreed on, and no steps should be taken that would be negatively perceived by the other side without a real need.

We have all suffered under dictatorship - just last week we put a closure to an ugly milestone in Ethiopia’s history with a court finding Mengistu guilty of crimes. Should we not mark this moment by putting an end to blood letting among brothers? Have we not had enough of it•

December 23, 2006