East Africa

Until there is greater clarity on how the Sovereign Council will function, how it will relate to the prime minister and his Council of Ministers, and what the duties, responsibilities, and authorities of the Legislative Council will be, the agreement will remain little more than words on a page.

Dr. Berhanu claimed many Ethiopians remain optimistic that a real transition to democracy is possible, but also cautioned against the impatience of the youth population for sweeping immediate change, characterizing the popular intent as “revolution” rather than “reform.”

Faratoon discussed Somaliland’s efforts to integrate into the regional economy, touting its partnership with the United Arab Emirates to substantially upgrade the Port of Berbera and develop a free economic zone to attract manufacturing firms and create much-needed jobs.