Tánaiste: Peace and security are pre-requisites for African states’ development

A recent visit to Kenya and Ethiopia brought home the enormous challenges facing the Horn of Africa, and it is something that the international community needs to engage with, writes Tánaiste Micheál Martin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited the Irish-designed biogas facility, Designer Group, in Kenya as part of his trip’s itinerary. Picture: Phil Behan/Department of Foreign Affairs

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Kenya and Ethiopia, two countries with a critical role to play in the future of Africa. My visit allowed me to reinforce the strong relations Ireland has with both countries, going back decades.

Kenya and Ethiopia have young, dynamic populations. They are both enjoying strong economic growth of over 5% per year. Kenya is already a middle-income country, and Ethiopia hopes to be one by 2030. 

We are growing our trade with both countries, as part of the near €8bn worth of trade annually between Ireland and Africa. I visited businesses and spoke with Irish entrepreneurs who are engaged with African partners in everything from energy production using biomass to electric tractors.

Of course, that’s not the whole story. Both Kenya and Ethiopia suffer from very uneven development, and humanitarian need remains acute in many regions including, tragically, child malnutrition. 

That, of course, is why Ireland has an extensive humanitarian and development programme across the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia the single biggest recipient of bilateral assistance from Ireland. I was particularly proud to launch Ireland’s three-year initiative to combat child wasting in the Horn of Africa during my visit to Kenya.

Working out ways to promote economic and social development was one of the key themes I discussed with President Ruto in Kenya, Prime Minister Abiy in Ethiopia, and others during my visit. I made clear throughout my engagements that peace and security are pre-requisites for development.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia has unfortunately been severely affected by conflict in recent years. Indeed, ending the appalling conflict in Tigray — which resulted in deaths estimated at up to half a million people — was a principal focus of our recent term on the UN Security Council. 

Thankfully that conflict has been ended with a peace agreement, and a ceasefire that is holding. 

I was pleased to be able to discuss with the President of Tigray, Getachew Reda, some of the lessons of peacebuilding and reconciliation from Ireland’s experience.

Unfortunately, conflict elsewhere in Ethiopia is continuing to exact a terrible toll, often felt most acutely by women and girls. 

In this context, I visited a safe house in Addis Ababa for victims of sexual violence, and pledged to increase Irish support for its essential work.

Kenya

Kenya in recent weeks has been roiled by large protests at increases in the cost of living and new taxes. 

I discussed the situation with President Ruto and stressed the importance of dialogue with civil society in addressing these issues and concerns. He outlined to me the consultative process that he has embarked on in that respect.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin meets with Kenya’s president, William Ruto, where they discussed the importance of dialogue in civil society. Picture: Phil Behan/Department of Foreign Affairs

Of course, good governance is central to unlocking the great potential of a youthful population. 

I certainly saw many grounds for optimism about Kenya’s future, in particular among the students I met who are participating in Young Scientist Kenya — supported by our Embassy in Nairobi — and their incredibly innovative projects and ideas.

Sudan

The challenges in the Horn of Africa region are perhaps most evident in Sudan. I discussed the situation there with a range of experts, including Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of the key regional body, IGAD. 

The international community has been clear on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to bring an end to this catastrophe which has already displaced 12 million people, seen famine emerge, and witnessed large-scale attacks on civilians. 

I hope the recent peace talks in Switzerland will mark a decisive step towards peace.

Somalia

I also discussed the situation in Somalia, where, despite progress, the security situation remains precarious. 

The European Union is closely engaged in supporting Somalia economically and politically.

The Horn of Africa

Overall, my visit brought home to me the enormous challenges facing the Horn of Africa and the need for the international community to engage on this. 

The region faces severe threats, including the impact of climate change, the ongoing effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food prices and food security, and a persistent threat of terrorism. 

However, I also witnessed opportunity, the ambition of youth and a commitment to deepen relationships with Ireland. 

I am convinced that we can leverage these opportunities to also address profound challenges in a lasting spirit of partnership.

• Micheál Martin is Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence.