French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Ethiopia this December marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit comes on the heels of Macron’s traditional Christmas tour of French military personnel stationed across Africa. France, which has maintained a military presence in Djibouti with 1,500 troops, is now shifting its focus toward fostering deeper cooperation with Ethiopia, a country of strategic importance in the Horn of Africa.
Macron’s arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on Saturday was met with a warm reception from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and several key ministers. The welcome highlighted the cordial nature of the two countries’ relationship, with both leaders eager to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties.
The Shift in French Military Strategy
This year, however, Macron did not visit Mali, Burkina Faso, or Niger—countries where France has previously had significant military involvement. The decision to forgo these stops is tied to the recent withdrawal of French troops from these nations, following political changes and deteriorating relations with local governments. Le Monde, a leading French news outlet, reported that these governments had requested the departure of French forces, which had been stationed in the region as part of France’s broader counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.
Instead, Macron’s focus has shifted to strengthening ties with Ethiopia, a country that has seen growing political and economic importance on the African continent. This strategic pivot signals France’s interest in fostering new partnerships in East Africa, where Ethiopia plays a central role in regional stability, security, and economic development.
Key Bilateral Discussions: Culture, Investment, and Education
During his time in Addis Ababa, Macron met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a series of talks that covered a broad range of issues, both bilateral and multilateral. The two leaders convened at the Jubilee Palace, also known as the National Palace, a symbol of Ethiopia’s rich history. The palace has recently undergone extensive renovations, with France playing a key role in funding its restoration. This project is part of a broader effort by the French government to support Ethiopia’s cultural heritage preservation initiatives, including the ongoing work to safeguard the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The restoration of the National Palace is an important gesture of goodwill from France, reflecting the strengthening of cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed publicly expressed his appreciation for France’s support, emphasizing the importance of preserving Ethiopia’s cultural heritage for future generations. The ongoing restoration work in Lalibela, which is funded by France, also underscores the growing cultural cooperation between the two nations, as both Ethiopia and France seek to protect and promote Africa’s unique cultural assets.
The discussions between the two leaders also delved into broader issues such as investment, education, and cultural exchange. Although specifics were not disclosed, these conversations signal the potential for deeper collaboration in areas that are critical to Ethiopia’s development. As Ethiopia seeks to modernize its economy and improve the living standards of its citizens, it looks to international partners like France for support in various sectors, from education to infrastructure development.
Addressing Ethiopia’s Access to the Sea: A Long-Standing Challenge
One of the most pressing issues discussed during Macron’s visit was Ethiopia’s long-standing challenge of access to the sea. As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has faced significant logistical and economic hurdles when it comes to international trade. Since the loss of its Red Sea coastline in 1993 with the independence of Eritrea, Ethiopia has relied heavily on neighboring countries such as Djibouti for access to ports and shipping routes.
In their talks, both Macron and Abiy reaffirmed their commitment to working together to find sustainable solutions to this challenge. While the specifics of these solutions were not revealed, the French government’s willingness to engage with Ethiopia on this issue is seen as an important step toward addressing one of the key obstacles to Ethiopia’s continued growth and integration into the global economy.
For Ethiopia, gaining reliable access to international trade routes is crucial for its economic development. The country’s economic growth in recent years has been impressive, but without access to the sea, it faces limitations in terms of exporting goods and attracting foreign investment. France’s involvement in discussions on this issue could signal a potential partnership in infrastructure development or trade facilitation, which would benefit both nations in the long term.
Macron’s Previous Visit to Ethiopia: A Continued Commitment
This is not Macron’s first visit to Ethiopia. The French president first visited the country in 2019, when he met with Prime Minister Abiy and other Ethiopian leaders to discuss shared interests, particularly in the fields of security, investment, and development. During that visit, Macron also expressed support for Ethiopia’s ongoing peace efforts in the Horn of Africa and highlighted France’s commitment to working with Ethiopia on issues of regional stability.
Since 2019, the political landscape in Ethiopia has evolved, with significant developments such as the signing of a peace agreement with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in late 2022. However, it is also important to address the ongoing human rights violations that have plagued Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous reports of systemic discrimination and violent actions against the Amhara people by the government. Human rights organizations and various international observers have highlighted atrocities committed by Ethiopian security forces, including forced displacement, ethnic violence, and violations of civil rights. These actions have sparked international concern, yet have largely been overlooked in the international discourse surrounding Ethiopia’s political and economic reforms. While Macron’s visit focuses on strategic discussions and cultural collaboration, it is critical to address the humanitarian situation in the Amhara region as part of any future bilateral engagements.
France’s role in fostering peace and stability in the Horn of Africa must extend to a balanced approach that addresses these violations, alongside efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the Ethiopian government. For long-term regional stability, it is essential that the Amhara people are afforded their basic human rights and that any government actions that violate these rights be condemned. Macron’s continued engagement with Ethiopia should include a clear call for accountability, justice, and the protection of all ethnic groups in the country.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening France-Ethiopia Relations
Macron’s visit to Ethiopia marks an important step in the deepening of bilateral relations between France and Ethiopia. Both countries stand to benefit from closer ties, with France offering expertise in areas such as infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and education, while Ethiopia provides a valuable strategic partnership in the Horn of Africa.
As the visit concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, with plans to continue collaborating on various issues, ranging from cultural exchange to economic development. However, to truly solidify a lasting partnership, France must ensure that its diplomatic engagement includes advocacy for the rights of marginalized groups, including the Amhara, and takes into account the ongoing violations of their rights.
With Macron’s visit, France has reaffirmed its commitment to being a strong partner for Ethiopia as the country continues its journey of economic transformation and regional leadership. But for this partnership to be genuinely fruitful and sustainable, it must also include a dedication to addressing the humanitarian concerns that continue to affect Ethiopia’s diverse communities.
