Ethiopia represents a cornerstone of stability in East Africa, despite the challenges of extremism and fundamentalism, a senior Ethiopian diplomat told ENA today.
African Affairs Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fesseha Shawel noted that Ethiopia has been playing a crucial role in combating fundamentalism and extremism in East Africa.
As the most populous country in East Africa with a long history of religious diversity, the country is a major player in regional efforts against extremism, he stated.
The director-general, who highlighted Ethiopia's cooperation with neighboring countries through organizations like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), pointed out that the nation also promotes interfaith dialogue and initiatives for social cohesion nationally.
The fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia is another good example of Ethiopia's contributions.
According to Fesseha, the nation, beyond security efforts, aims to address root causes by promoting economic development, education, poverty reduction, and religious tolerance.
Extremism in the region stems from diverse factors, he noted, adding that fundamentalism poses serious threats to human rights, development, and stability in East Africa.
Due to its strategic location, growing economy and dynamic population, Ethiopia is crucial for maintaining peace and advancing prosperity, the director-general explained.
Situated along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes, Ethiopia has embraced its responsibility to fight fundamentalism and extremism in East Africa.
Accordingly, one of Ethiopia's overriding priorities is to counter rising fundamentalism and extremism that threaten lasting peace.
Exploits by radical groups to politicize religion have fueled fundamentalism in recent decades, he pointed out, adding that with moderate religious traditions dating back thousands of years the region never faced such tensions until outside provocateurs interfered.
Therefore, Ethiopia sees itself on the front lines of the battle against violent extremism.
The director-general warned that the aim of the militants who aspire to control the wider region and continent by first destabilizing Ethiopia should be nipped in the bud.
But Ethiopia is working diligently with neighbors to address root causes and close space for extremists, he said.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency