HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University
HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University
HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University
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1.1 Background of the Study<br />
CHAPTER ONE<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
There are various themes on which states establish bilateral and multilateral relations.<br />
Ensuring common security is among these themes. This is particularly true when states are<br />
neighbors and share common borders. In achieving such goals states use both bilateral and<br />
multilateral forums. States involve in these forums to address their security concerns. African<br />
states since the time of decolonization have been working to mitigate the impact of colonial<br />
legacies on their security relations.<br />
Up on its establishment, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) has emphasized on<br />
decolonization and territorial integrity of African states. It was also asserted that the inherited<br />
boundaries would remain intact. This is mainly because of the fact that African boundaries<br />
are artificial colonial formations. If an attempt is made to revise one country’s boundary, it<br />
will be difficult to address the claims of other African states. Even though most African<br />
states accept the intactness of the colonial boundaries, there are some that attempted to alter<br />
the nature of the boundaries. Ethiopia and Kenya are both supporters of the statues-quo.<br />
These states, however, have a common neighbor i.e. Somalia that demands the rearrangement<br />
of the boundaries. Somalia is a state born with the agenda of ‘Greater Somalia’ which aimed<br />
at uniting all Somali speakers in the Horn of Africa. This became a security concern for<br />
Ethiopia and Kenya and brought the two states more close to each other.<br />
Following the independence of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya were exposed to irredentist<br />
movements in Ogaden Region and Northern Frontier District, respectively. Subsequently,<br />
they have established a Military Pact in 1964 that focused against the then Somalian<br />
government. Even though the main cooperation of the two countries has been over security<br />
matters, there are also agreements on other aspects.<br />
Ethio-Kenyan relations can be traced back to decades. The formal relations of the two<br />
countries commenced after Ethiopia opened its consulate office in Kenya in 1945. Even<br />
though Ethiopia enjoyed good relations with the colonial British administration, it supported<br />
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