BAHIR DAR, Ethiopia (HornPost) African leaders, diplomats and security experts have gathered in Ethiopia for the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, focusing on peacebuilding, economic sovereignty and the continent’s role in a changing global order.
The forum runs from Oct. 23 to 25 in Bahir Dar under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.” It brings together policymakers and representatives of regional and international organizations to discuss African-led responses to security challenges.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries to strengthen economic independence, deepen regional cooperation and develop solutions suited to the continent’s needs.
Speaking at the forum, Abiy said decisions made outside Africa could directly affect its security and economic prospects. He urged African countries to play a greater role in shaping the international order rather than simply responding to changes driven by other powers.
Red Sea Security Draws Regional Attention
Security challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are also part of the discussions, amid concerns about maritime militarization, competition among foreign powers and attacks on commercial shipping.
At a special envoys’ dialogue on Oct. 23, Redwan Huseen, director general of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, warned that these threats could undermine regional stability and disrupt vital trade routes.
He called for greater cooperation among countries in the region and international partners to protect maritime security, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The waterway is important for international shipping and trade between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Disruptions in the area can affect shipping schedules, transport costs and regional economies.
The discussions reflect the links between maritime security, geopolitical competition and the economic interests of countries across the Horn of Africa.
Economic Sovereignty and Regional Cooperation
The forum’s agenda also covers resource management, monetary sovereignty, industrial development, regional integration and economic governance.
Organizers say the discussions aim to strengthen African ownership of peace and security initiatives while encouraging cooperation among governments, civil society, researchers and private-sector representatives.
The meeting is organized by the Tana Forum Secretariat and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies at Addis Ababa University. Established in 2012, the forum provides a platform for African leaders and experts to discuss security challenges and explore policy responses.
Leaders Highlight Regional Engagement
The gathering has brought together senior officials from several African countries. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who chairs the Tana Forum Board, and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union’s current chairperson, were among the leaders attending the opening, according to Ethiopian media reports.
Alongside the formal sessions, participants are engaging in discussions on regional cooperation and peacebuilding. The forum’s program also includes activities highlighting local culture, tourism and community engagement in Bahir Dar.
The meeting concludes on Oct. 25. Its broader objective is to identify approaches that connect sustainable peace with economic resilience, stronger regional institutions and a greater role for African countries in international decision-making.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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Website: www.hornpost.com
