At the start of the 21st century, Africa was doing well in the governance index as a new breed of transformational leaders took charge of providing thought leadership that for decades eluded the continent.
The governance challenges that seem to have befallen the majority of countries in Africa were now clearly and strategically addressed with homegrown solutions.
Unfortunately with the conflicts unfolding in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan, we must ask ourselves if truly we addressed these challenges with the clear goal to rebuild the continent.
Ethiopia was a key player in the liberation of many African countries at independence and it's now Africa’s turn to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopia and its people in bringing peace and stability in midst of escalating Tigray conflicts.
With the ascending of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2013 to the leadership, Ethiopia was believed to be opening new chapters in governance matters and he was famously perceived as the messiah.
With its growing population, Ethiopia is strategically positioned in the region and its crumbling would have regional significance.
The Tigray conflict that seems to tear the nation apart has ramifications for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
As an ally of western nations, Ethiopia is a key strategic partner in the region and has contributed toward dismantling terrorist organisations.
While this is commendable, the continuous instability would help terrorism once again regroup and hence put neighbouring countries such as Kenya at high risk.
The Tigray conflict caused by the shared border between Eritrea and Ethiopia must be contained even as many observers see the outside influence and support of the rebels.
With a single vision of an entrenching sense of nationalism, uniting his people against the ethnic divisions that have always been the catalyst of conflicts in the continent, Abiy now faces the growing opposition from the rebels.
But the prime minister must not lose the vision of peaceful Ethiopia which its neighbours look up to for inspiration and the possibility of transformation.
To regain its reputation as the first rising country in the continent, Ethiopia must focus on its ambitious vision of being holistically transformed and helping its youthful growing population.
During these conflicts, to help Ethiopia, Africa Union with its headquarters in Addis Ababa must condemn the Tigray conflicts without bias.
If the conflict is not addressed at onset, unfortunately, it will reduce Ethiopia into a field for war and suffering, something that would cause economic and have adverse effects geopolitically.
Fortunately, none of Ethiopia’s problems is beyond the means and resources within its leadership under the governance of Abiy Ahmed.
Regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Development Authority, of which Ethiopia is a member, need to consider sanctions as a way to deter the conflict from growing beyond the current state.
No development can take place during conflicts and instability and for countries such as Ethiopia to redeem themselves, regional organisations must stamp their authority to end unhealthy conflicts for development vision.
Ethiopia plays a key role not just in security in the horn of Africa, but for long has been a tower for democracy and inspiring example of Africa rising.
We must not lose this vision. Its neighbours such as Kenya and others must not keep quiet as the nation is tearing apart.
Fewer conflicts increase trade and relations in the region and can lead to an increase in mobility of goods and services and stability is key for nationalism to deepen its roots.
The writer is a governance and political analyst- Mandela fellow
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
