ADDIS ABABA — Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam has called for renewed commitment to peaAmbassador Tesfamariam Calls for Peace, Sovereignty and Stability in the Horn of Africa
ADDIS ABABA — Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam has called for renewed commitment to peace, respect for sovereignty and regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa, warning that policies that fuel confrontation and instability are placing a heavy burden on the people of the region.
In a statement, Tesfamariam said escalating tensions, inflammatory rhetoric and disregard for the territorial integrity of states are diverting attention and resources away from development while weakening trust among neighboring countries.
She said continued political brinkmanship and confrontational approaches risk discouraging investment, deepening uncertainty and undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for millions across the Horn of Africa.
Tesfamariam also criticized the use of violence and repression against civilian populations, arguing that governments that fail to protect their own people struggle to build confidence and peaceful relations beyond their borders.
“Leadership that normalizes coercion, repression and confrontation at home inevitably erodes trust abroad and fuels regional instability,” she said.
The ambassador further raised concerns over what she described as inconsistent international responses to actions that threaten regional stability. She argued that diplomatic support and external assistance should be accompanied by expectations of accountability, restraint and respect for international norms.
“Silence and selective engagement are not neutral; they carry consequences for the entire region,” she said.
Tesfamariam urged countries in the Horn of Africa to pursue a future based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, good-neighborly relations and adherence to international law. She said sustainable peace cannot be achieved through threats, territorial ambitions or confrontation, but through dialogue, cooperation and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Her remarks come amid continued regional debates over security, sovereignty and political stability, as countries across the Horn face complex challenges requiring stronger cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
In a statement, Tesfamariam said escalating tensions, inflammatory rhetoric and disregard for the territorial integrity of states are diverting attention and resources away from development while weakening trust among neighboring countries.
She said continued political brinkmanship and confrontational approaches risk discouraging investment, deepening uncertainty and undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for millions across the Horn of Africa.
Tesfamariam also criticized the use of violence and repression against civilian populations, arguing that governments that fail to protect their own people struggle to build confidence and peaceful relations beyond their borders.
“Leadership that normalizes coercion, repression and confrontation at home inevitably erodes trust abroad and fuels regional instability,” she said.
The ambassador further raised concerns over what she described as inconsistent international responses to actions that threaten regional stability. She argued that diplomatic support and external assistance should be accompanied by expectations of accountability, restraint and respect for international norms.
“Silence and selective engagement are not neutral; they carry consequences for the entire region,” she said.
Tesfamariam urged countries in the Horn of Africa to pursue a future based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, good-neighborly relations and adherence to international law. She said sustainable peace cannot be achieved through threats, territorial ambitions or confrontation, but through dialogue, cooperation and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Her remarks come amid continued regional debates over security, sovereignty and political stability, as countries across the Horn face complex challenges requiring stronger cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
