HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University

1.1 Background of the Study
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
There are various themes on which states establish bilateral and multilateral relations.
Ensuring common security is among these themes. This is particularly true when states are
neighbors and share common borders. In achieving such goals states use both bilateral and
multilateral forums. States involve in these forums to address their security concerns. African
states since the time of decolonization have been working to mitigate the impact of colonial
legacies on their security relations.
Up on its establishment, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) has emphasized on
decolonization and territorial integrity of African states. It was also asserted that the inherited
boundaries would remain intact. This is mainly because of the fact that African boundaries
are artificial colonial formations. If an attempt is made to revise one country’s boundary, it
will be difficult to address the claims of other African states. Even though most African
states accept the intactness of the colonial boundaries, there are some that attempted to alter
the nature of the boundaries. Ethiopia and Kenya are both supporters of the statues-quo.
These states, however, have a common neighbor i.e. Somalia that demands the rearrangement
of the boundaries. Somalia is a state born with the agenda of ‘Greater Somalia’ which aimed
at uniting all Somali speakers in the Horn of Africa. This became a security concern for
Ethiopia and Kenya and brought the two states more close to each other.
Following the independence of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya were exposed to irredentist
movements in Ogaden Region and Northern Frontier District, respectively. Subsequently,
they have established a Military Pact in 1964 that focused against the then Somalian
government. Even though the main cooperation of the two countries has been over security
matters, there are also agreements on other aspects.
Ethio-Kenyan relations can be traced back to decades. The formal relations of the two
countries commenced after Ethiopia opened its consulate office in Kenya in 1945. Even
though Ethiopia enjoyed good relations with the colonial British administration, it supported
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