Article Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-rights-forum-hold-session-ethiopia-eu-request-2021-12-13/
As Ethiopia continues to struggle, the EU holds talks to bring back a failing country. Ethiopia has been in an ongoing civil war in the Tigray region. As other countries look in, the European Union is looking to help. There have been numerous talks by the EU on how to handle the civil war and the latest bit of news stating EU human rights experts would try to help save Ethiopia. Members of the EU council believe that there is no choice but to help salvage their country. The EU wants to make sure civilians are also safe because of the war.
Ethiopia is in a time where they could use help from the African Union. However, now the African Union is not up to par with its power and its management of situations like the current war in Ethiopia. I believe that the African Union is trying to help, however, they don’t come close in regards to power to the European Union. As China and Russia are looming of other African countries, it would not be ideal for them to intervene in the situation as well. It should be handled by either the UN or EU for the best results.
Ethiopia’s location is interesting because they are close to the Red Sea, but not directly on it, which leads out to the Indian Ocean. They are one of the countries in that area that has a say in trade that goes into the Red Sea and out. Egypt and Sudan most likely struggle to get trade done with Somalia, Yemen, and Ethiopia in the way. Even the country of Oman which sits on the other side of the Red Sea and theoretically has a say in trade. I am surprised bigger countries are more urgent to help the crisis, however, Ethiopia possesses a weak government, with little to be desired resources.