PM ABIYE AHMED IN SEARCH OF SCAPEGOAT FOR HIS ECONOMIC FAILURES AND AN ALABI FOR INVADING NEIGHBOURS.
Djibouti, a small nation in the Horn of Africa, has found itself in the spotlight recently due to accusations made by neighboring Ethiopia. Ethiopia, facing economic disaster as a result of its own policies, has attempted to deflect blame onto Djibouti. However, Djibouti refuses to be the scapegoat for Ethiopia’s failures.
Despite being a smaller nation, Djibouti has been a key player in regional trade and transportation. The Djiboutian business community does not enjoy the same preferential measures and tariffs that Ethiopia does in own country. In fact, Djibouti has gone above and beyond to accommodate Ethiopian imports and exports, with Ethiopian containers and trucks filling Djibouti’s port and hired private spaces as a result of its failure to convey.
Ethiopia, in an attempt to shift the blame for its economic woes, has accused Djibouti of being a passage point for Ethiopia’s alleged attempts to invade neighboring countries. However, Djibouti stands firm in upholding international law and the values enshrined in charters of world and regional organizations. Djibouti will not allow itself to be used as an alibi for Ethiopia’s aggressive actions against its neighbours.
It is clear that Ethiopia benefits from preferential treatment in Djibouti, with Ethiopian transit & transport agencies and shipping lines owning a significant portion of the lifting and forwarding operations (80℅ minimum}. Despite this, Ethiopian authorities continue to falsely claim that Djibouti is charging excessive fees for its services. In reality, Djibouti’s service charges are in line with international standards and are fair for the services provided.
Ethiopia may seek to diversify its import and export ports, utilizing ports in Sudan, Asab, Berbera, and Lamu among others. However, Djibouti’s strategic position, advanced equipment, and superior standards make it the top choice for many countries, including Ethiopia. It is clear that Ethiopia’s cries of unfair treatment by Djibouti are unfounded and exaggerated.
In conclusion, Djibouti will not accept being labeled as a scapegoat for Ethiopia’s economic disasters or as a cause and an accomplice in Ethiopia’s aggressive actions. Djibouti remains committed to upholding international law and providing fair and transparent services to all nations, including Ethiopia. It is time for Ethiopia to take responsibility for its own failures and to stop using Djibouti as a convenient excuse.
