Ethiopia's Diplomacy: Challenges and Progress Analyzed by Experts

Political analysts Dr. Buzuna Yimenu and Dr. Nagara Guddataa argue that Ethiopia's diplomacy has historically been overly centered on individual leaders rather than institutionalized foundations. While challenges persist, experts note that the country has shown marked improvement in its diplomatic approach since the 2020-2022 conflict in Northern Ethiopia. Ethiopia has begun employing 'strategic patience' and proactively communicating its concerns to bodies like the UN and the EU. This shift is credited to lessons learned from past conflicts, allowing the country to navigate regional tensions more effectively. Analysts emphasize that while there is still work to be done to fully institutionalize these practices, the current efforts represent a significant departure from past patterns.