Addis Ababa University (AAU) facilitated geopolitical, economic and diplomatic observation special seminar entitled “Fair and Equitable Port Use for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa”  at its historic Ras Mekonnen Hall on November 17, 2023.

Belete Belachew (PhD) and Mathewos Ensermu (PhD) from the University, as well as Ambassador Ibrahim Idris from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the FDRE, presented their research analyses and ideas on the port matter in the presence of AAU’s Interim President Samuel Kifle (PhD) and other scholars from the University and elsewhere.

Dr. Samuel Kifle in his welcoming speech addressed that it is on the progress that Addis Ababa University is being focused on becoming a higher education institution where fruitful discussions can be held on economic, social and political agendas that have various national, continental and global implications.

Samuel stated that several African scholars should present research solutions for the countries of the Horn of Africa to reach a better level of development through the fair use of ports and the coordinated use of their human and material resources.

Belete Belachew (PhD) said that reliable internal peace, citizens’ unity as well as strong economic and military capabilities are very pressing issues among many others needed to answer the question of getting access to a sea.

Belete explained that a sovereign country should not build its military and economic capabilities to threaten other countries, but for good neighbourliness and sustainable cooperation, as well as for harmonious mutual survival with them.

Mathewos Ensermu (PhD), Head at AAU’s Interim President Office, said that if Ethiopia owns access to a sea, its economy will have the opportunity to grow together with the economies of other neighbouring countries, and it will help the connectivity of the African continental trade zone and especially the development of the East African economic zone in a positive way.

Reporter: Theodros Shewangizaw

Photographer: Fikremariam Beyene

Editor: Abraham Girmay