News Outgoing EU ambassador urges Ethiopia to step up in ensuring regional stability
By Sisay Sahlu
September 14, 2024
Roland Kobia, head of the European Union delegation to Ethiopia, called for the country to balance the pursuit of its geopolitical interests with ensuring the security and stability of the Horn as he wraps up a three-year term in Addis Ababa.
“I have sensed an Ethiopia seeking to be more assertive and taking the lead. This is a good thing if placed within the frameworks and clear principles enshrined in the UN and AU charters, which Ethiopia has signed up to, and honor the good practice of outreach and dialogue with sisters and brothers in neighboring countries,” said Kobia, who has been service as EU ambassador since September 2021.
He called for the Ethiopian government to export security to the region.
“To be accepted as a leader, a country needs to build good and tension-free relations with its neighbors and with the wider international community,” said Kobia.
He referred to the new partnerships, such as the BRICS alliance, being forged by Ethiopia as part of global shifts and its efforts to be more assertive, but said old friends like the EU remain “the most reliable and generous partner for the country.”
“Ethiopia could not find meaningful financial assistance matching its needs outside these classic channels,” said Kobia.
The outgoing ambassador praised the federal government for committing to an IMF program and moving towards a market-oriented economy.
However, he also criticized the government for not reciprocating EU efforts to normalize ties following a fallout during the northern Ethiopia conflict.
“The legacy of the conflict, and the strain that the principled and vocal stance of the EU had on our relations, did certainly influence my time here. I can’t say it was a smooth posting,” said Kobia.
He indicated that an EU political roadmap for Ethiopia unanimously approved by EU member states in April 2023 and seeking the normalization of bilateral relations was not as well received by Ethiopia as he would have liked to see.
“[The roadmap] sent a clear signal to Addis that the EU was open to gradually work on the normalization of bilateral relations, within the context of progress on justice, peace and humanitarian access. Unfortunately, not everyone in Addis has understood that proposal, and the seriousness thereof, and has measured the importance of the hand we were lending. We could have done much more together if the willingness to re-engage had been reciprocated,” said Kobia during an interview session with the EU Chamber, a representative of over 180 Ethiopian companies.
The outgoing ambassador also referred to the growing politicization of trade with the EU, which sees more than 7,000 commodities imported from Africa duty-free and without quantitative restrictions under the ‘Everything But Arms’ trade program.
“That system helps to generate growth and create jobs in Africa. We unfortunately witness a “geo-politicization of trade”. Figures show that some countries trade less with those that are more geopolitically distant, even if it is not in their long-term interest. We need political maturity to differentiate trade and politics, and to continue partnering on A even if we have a disagreement on B,” said Kobia.
The outgoing ambassador said he hopes Ethiopia’s tradition of “doing things their way” will take a back seat the more Ethiopia opens up for globalization and liberalizations.
“Everyone who visits this country notices an ability to work hard, and unparalleled resilience. Yes, Ethiopians want to do things “their own way” and this can be a bit challenging when it goes against normal practices found elsewhere, when international conventions that have been ratified are interpreted and implemented in a very flexible way,” said Kobia.