BRICS Summit in Russia: A Critical Perspective on Ethiopia’s Controversial Inclusion
Published Oct. 23, 2024, 1:17 a.m. by FNN
The 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, has drawn global attention for expanding its membership to include new nations, sparking debates on the merits of these inclusions. Among the newest members—Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE—Ethiopia’s membership has been particularly contentious. Given Ethiopia's recent political and economic challenges, the decision to welcome it into BRICS alongside long-standing members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa warrants scrutiny from both geopolitical and human rights perspectives.
Ethiopia and Egypt: The African Dilemma
Ethiopia and Egypt's inclusion, alongside South Africa, as BRICS members has raised eyebrows, particularly when one considers the complex realities of both countries. While Egypt’s strategic control over the Suez Canal is critical for global trade routes, Ethiopia’s relevance lies in its geographic positioning in the Horn of Africa and its historical significance as the seat of the African Union. However, this move seems to be politically motivated, raising questions about Ethiopia's readiness, given its internal turmoil and strained relations with Western nations.
1. Geopolitical Calculations: Egypt’s importance to global trade through the Suez Canal is undeniable, while Ethiopia’s membership appears to be driven by its strategic location and an attempt to forge alternative alliances outside Western spheres. As Ethiopia faces growing scrutiny over its human rights record and a series of unresolved conflicts, including the devastating wars in Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara regions, BRICS seems to offer Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed an opportunity to realign Ethiopia’s global standing. However, this geopolitical shift could alienate Western powers, exacerbating Ethiopia's isolation.
2. Economic Instability: Ethiopia's economy, previously hailed for rapid growth, is now grappling with severe inflation (estimated at 36%) and an unsustainable reliance on loans from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Such economic instability raises concerns about the country's readiness to engage in the type of economic cooperation envisioned by BRICS, which focuses on promoting emerging economies and reducing reliance on Western financial systems. Can a country heavily reliant on external aid and struggling to stabilize its economy be a constructive player within BRICS?
3. Political Recalibration: Ethiopia’s pivot toward BRICS may be seen as an effort by Abiy Ahmed to secure alternative political and economic support as relations with Western nations fray. However, this move is fraught with contradictions. While seeking closer ties with BRICS nations might provide some economic relief, it will not address Ethiopia's core issues: rampant inflation, conflict, and widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s authoritarian approach. Moreover, Abiy's critics argue that this realignment is less about national interests and more about regime survival amid mounting domestic and international pressure.
Human Rights Crisis: Ignored or Overlooked?
Ethiopia’s BRICS inclusion, given its abysmal human rights record, raises critical questions about the bloc’s ethical standards. Under Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia has faced accusations of war crimes, especially in the Tigray conflict, where atrocities committed by all parties have led to international condemnation. Equally concerning is the ongoing conflict in Oromia, where the government’s war againt the Oromo Liberation Front-Oromo Liberation Army have resulted in widespread civilian casualties. Reports of the Koree Nageenyaa killing squad operating with impunity highlight the scale of human rights violations. Despite these dire realities, the global community’s response has been muted, with BRICS now extending its hand in apparent disregard for these ongoing abuses.
The conflict in Amhara, which erupted last year, further complicates the narrative. Abiy’s administration continues to project an image of national unity and progress while systematically suppressing dissent and escalating violence in multiple regions. The question arises: Does BRICS, by welcoming Ethiopia, implicitly condone these actions, or is it more concerned with the geopolitical chessboard and strategic partnerships?
Ethiopia's Economic Challenges and BRICS
BRICS was initially conceived as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies. However, Ethiopia’s economic challenges cast doubt on its ability to contribute meaningfully to the bloc. With inflation spiraling and dependency on foreign aid growing, Ethiopia’s participation in BRICS appears more symbolic than substantive. The country’s economic woes also reflect poorly on BRICS’ ability to address the diverse needs of its member nations, especially those teetering on the edge of financial collapse.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopia’s inclusion may have been driven by its prior economic growth, before conflict and instability unraveled much of its progress. Some proponents argue that BRICS membership could offer Ethiopia new economic opportunities, opening doors to alternative funding mechanisms and trade partnerships, particularly with China and Russia, two key players in Ethiopia's infrastructure and defense sectors. However, critics point out that BRICS lacks the coordinated economic framework needed to lift struggling economies like Ethiopia out of crisis.
A Double-Edged Sword
The 2024 BRICS Summit and Ethiopia’s inclusion underscore the bloc’s growing influence, but also expose inherent contradictions. Ethiopia’s strategic geopolitical position may make it an appealing ally for BRICS, yet its deepening internal strife, economic instability, and severe human rights violations cast a long shadow over its participation. For Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, BRICS represents a potential lifeline amidst Western disengagement, but the price of membership may be high, with little immediate benefit to Ethiopia’s long-suffering population.
As BRICS expands its influence, the bloc must reckon with the question of ethical governance. Should countries marred by internal repression and economic fragility be granted membership without addressing their core issues? BRICS’ credibility as an alternative to Western-dominated global institutions depends on its ability to foster genuine cooperation and development while promoting principles of justice and human rights.
Ultimately, Ethiopia’s inclusion in BRICS may prove to be a double-edged sword: it offers potential economic and political alliances, but at the risk of further alienating Ethiopia’s Western partners and deepening the country’s internal divisions. Whether BRICS will provide the support Ethiopia needs or simply serve as another platform for political maneuvering remains to be seen.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think of Ethiopia’s inclusion in BRICS? Can the economic and political realignment bring about meaningful progress, or will it exacerbate the country’s current challenges?
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