Could Ethiopia's BRICS membership be the key to unlocking stronger ties with the Middle East and North Africa? This seemingly small step could have HUGE implications for Ethiopia's future. Let's dive into how this partnership could reshape its geopolitical landscape.
BRICS, a group of nations initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, positions itself as a champion for the interests of what they call “the global majority.” For Ethiopia, joining this powerful bloc is more than just a symbolic victory; it's a strategic move to elevate its standing on the world stage. Membership provides a crucial platform to voice critical concerns in a multilateral setting, advocate for the interests of the African continent, and accelerate progress towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals. Think of it as Ethiopia getting a seat at a very important table where global decisions are made. Before the Johannesburg Summit, over 40 countries, Ethiopia included, formally expressed their desire to become part of BRICS, according to Reuters in 2023. But only six were chosen, making Ethiopia's acceptance a significant achievement, particularly after the internal conflict, which negatively impacted the country's international reputation.
Historically, Ethiopia has always been a strong proponent of the non-aligned movement, a staunch supporter of independence movements across Africa, and a champion of Pan-Africanism. The country has consistently advocated for “African Solutions for African Problems” and has been a pioneer in fostering Afrabia frameworks, aiming to bridge the gap between Africa and the Arab world. Now, Ethiopia's accession to the BRICS bloc offers a unique opportunity to showcase its potential and engage with major global superpowers, including China and Russia. But here's where it gets controversial... this membership also opens a new and potentially lucrative avenue for Ethiopia to strengthen its relationships with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through the BRICS framework.
Interestingly, the Johannesburg summit saw the inclusion of several MENA countries into the BRICS fold, creating a more homogenous group from a geo-economic standpoint. With the exception of Ethiopia, the newly admitted BRICS members are predominantly oil-producing nations. Statistically speaking, the representation of the MENA region within the BRICS bloc jumped from zero to almost one-third after the summit. Some analysts have even gone so far as to criticize this expansion as being "very Middle East Centric" or "OPEC dominated,” with some jokingly calling it “BRICS plus OPEC,” according to Ismael, 2023. What do you think? Is this a fair assessment, or is there more to the story?
Regardless of the criticisms, Ethiopia's entry into BRICS, alongside several MENA countries, presents a strategic opportunity to forge closer ties with the region, potentially strengthening its diplomatic relationships with member states. Think of it as a chance to build bridges and foster collaboration.
Ethiopia's strategic geopolitical location in the Horn of Africa, near the Red Sea, is a significant asset. According to Professor Brook Hailu, this geographical position provides BRICS with a gateway to project influence in both Africa and the Middle East, as reported by the Ethiopian News Agency in 2024. Ethiopia's inclusion in BRICS creates avenues for cooperation with MENA countries on crucial issues. And this is the part most people miss... Unfortunately, institutional-based cooperation between Ethiopia and the MENA region has been less than ideal, preventing the country from fully leveraging its geopolitical and geostrategic advantages. Sadly, Ethiopia's regional rival, Egypt, has often used MENA-related organizations to undermine Ethiopia's national interests.
A prime example of this is Ethiopia's exclusion from MENA regional platforms, which has limited its ability to share its perspective on crucial issues. This marginalization was evident during the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute when the Arab League expressed concerns about Egypt's water security and even passed resolutions against Ethiopia, urging the UN Security Council to take “necessary measures,” claiming “a United Arab Position,” according to Aljazeera, 2021. Ethiopia vehemently rejected these resolutions, accusing downstream countries of politicizing the GERD negotiations. Similarly, many MENA regional organizations expressed partisan concerns. For instance, following Somalia's call, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejected the Memorandum of Understanding, arguing that it violated Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite Ethiopia's intentions being entirely different. Importantly, if Ethiopia had been a member of MENA-based regional organizations, these accusations might not have been leveled against it, or at least not with the same intensity. Therefore, Ethiopia's presence in BRICS, which includes several MENA countries, offers a valuable platform to articulate its interests and engage in strategic dialogue.
In conclusion, Ethiopia's accession to BRICS alongside MENA countries has the potential to enhance its connectivity with the MENA region, positioning it as a bridge between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world. Its BRICS membership can create a new diplomatic space, allowing Ethiopia's voice to be heard on par with others, including Egypt. It's crucial to recognize that Ethiopia's exclusion from MENA-dominated regional organizations could hinder potential cooperation, affecting all parties involved. As the only non-MENA country to join BRICS at the Johannesburg Summit, Ethiopia needs to take strategic action:
- Navigate the Golden Mean: When engaging with potentially rival new BRICS members, Ethiopia must remain mindful of the relative homogeneity among MENA countries, seeking a balanced approach.
- Proactively Engage Existing Organizations: Ethiopia should actively engage with existing MENA-affiliated regional organizations, seeking their neutrality or potential mediation role whenever appropriate.
What are your thoughts on Ethiopia's BRICS membership and its potential impact on the MENA region? Do you agree with the recommendations for Ethiopia's strategic actions? Share your opinions in the comments below!
