Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (FMC) — United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong has priased Ethiopia’s contributions to regional peace and security, citing its peacekeeping engagements, diplomatic initiatives and efforts to promote dialogue among countries in the region.
The UN envoy highlighted Ethiopia’s role in providing platforms for national, regional and international stakeholders to deliberate on shared peace and security challenges, particularly through the Tana Forum, an annual high-level gathering held in Bahir Dar.
He described the forum as an important platform for exchanging perspectives on regional challenges, exploring opportunities and identifying areas where international partners can work with regional and continental institutions to address common concerns.
Guang emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual respect among countries, particularly adherence to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
He also called for greater attention to regional geopolitical dynamics and stronger regional and continental institutions capable of taking the lead in addressing security challenges, with support from the United Nations and the wider international community.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic significance, the envoy noted that its population of more than 130 million and growing economy make it an important actor in regional peace and security.
He further pointed to Addis Ababa’s position as a major diplomatic hub and Ethiopia’s contributions to peace initiatives across the Horn of Africa.
Drawing on his previous experience working in South Sudan, Guang recalled Ethiopia’s role, alongside other neighboring countries, in bringing conflicting parties together ahead of the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.
Addressing Ethiopia’s pursuit of access to the sea, the UN envoy stressed that the matter should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations with the countries concerned, local news agency ENA reported.
He reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support initiatives aimed at easing regional tensions, including efforts to facilitate structured dialogue on access to the sea.