A Critique of the National Security Policy: Towards 'Human Security' in Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper critiques the Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy and Strategy (FANSPS) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). The thrust of its argument is that the central purpose of Ethiopia's foreign and security policy has remained the same, in spite of the shift in orientation. A change in discourse has not brought about a change in essence. Building Ethiopia’s defense capability takes precedence over ensuring human security in Ethiopia today. Non-military aspects of security have been relegated to a secondary place whilst human security should have been made to constitute the basis of the FANSPS. Besides, the Government must recognize the critical role of women in peace-making, peace-building, and security. To that end, it should come up with a workable national action plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and work aggressively to get a critical mass of women into leadership positions in the foreign affairs and security sector.

Keywords: Ethiopia, Foreign Policy, International Relations, National Securirty, Human Security

JEL Classification: N4, N47