Ethiopia's foreign policy during Emperor Haile Selassie l successes
1. African Unity: Emperor Haile Selassie was one of the key figures behind the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. Ethiopia advocated for African unity and worked to strengthen the OAU; the organization played a significant role in decolonization and promoting regional peace and security.
2. Non-Alignment: Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie pursued a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, maintaining friendly relations with both Western and Eastern Bloc countries. This helped Ethiopia avoid being caught in the middle of the superpower rivalry.
3. Supporting Anti-Colonial Movements: Ethiopia lent its support to a number of anti-colonial movements in Africa, including the African National Congress in South Africa and the Eritrean Liberation Front. Ethiopia provided training and other forms of assistance to these movements, which helped them gain independence.
4. Promoting Peace: Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie played a key role in promoting peace and security in the region. The emperor helped mediate conflicts between neighboring countries, such as Sudan and Somalia, and played a key role in resolving conflicts in Congo and Uganda.
5. Humanitarian Aid: Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie also provided humanitarian aid to other African countries in times of crisis. After the earthquake in Agadir, Morocco, in 1960, Ethiopia sent medical teams and relief supplies to the affected areas. Similarly, when a hurricane hit Madagascar in 1970, Ethiopia sent aid to the country.
6. Global Advocacy: Emperor Haile Selassie was an active advocate for Ethiopia and Africa on the global stage. He spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and advocated for African representation in the UN Security Council. His advocacy helped raise awareness of African issues and influenced global policy towards Africa.
Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia had a complex and dynamic foreign policy during his reign, which spanned from 1930 to 1974. While there were certainly challenges and setbacks, there were also notable successes in Ethiopia's foreign relations during this period. Here are some of the achievements of Ethiopia's foreign policy under Emperor Haile Selassie:
1. Preservation of Ethiopian sovereignty: Emperor Haile Selassie successfully preserved Ethiopia's independence and sovereignty during a time when many African countries were being colonized by European powers. Despite several invasion attempts, Ethiopia remained the only nation in Africa never to have been fully colonized.
2. League of Nations membership: Ethiopia is known for its historic defense against Italian aggression during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936). Although Ethiopia was eventually occupied by Italy, Emperor Haile Selassie's passionate appeal for justice and recognition of Ethiopia's independence at the League of Nations in 1936 gained widespread international sympathy and support for the Ethiopian cause.
3. Return of Emperor Haile Selassie to power: Following the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation in 1941, Emperor Haile Selassie regained power and restored stability to the country. This event was seen as a successful outcome of Ethiopia's foreign relations efforts, as it was achieved with the support of Allied forces.
4. Membership in the United Nations: Ethiopia played an influential role in the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. Emperor Haile Selassie actively engaged in discussions and negotiations, advocating for the inclusion of African states in the UN and championing the principles of peace, equality, and justice.
5. Promoting African unity: Emperor Haile Selassie was a strong proponent of Pan-Africanism and worked towards the unity and solidarity of African nations. He played a leading role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU), with the aim of fostering political and economic cooperation among African countries.
6. Anti-colonial activism: Emperor Haile Selassie actively supported and provided assistance to other African nations in their struggles for independence from colonial rule. Ethiopia's foreign policy under his leadership supported liberation movements and provided political and logistical support to freedom fighters in various African countries, such as Kenya, Sudan, and South Africa.
7. Mediation in international conflicts: Emperor Haile Selassie earned a reputation as a skilled diplomat and mediator in international conflicts. He played a significant role in mediating disputes in various African countries, including Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Nigeria, and Somalia, aiming to maintain peace and stability in the region.
These successes highlight Emperor Haile Selassie's commitment to preserving Ethiopia's sovereignty, promoting African unity, and championing the principles of peace, justice, and liberation.