Ethiopian Airlines’ Success and the Marginalization of the Somali Region

Editor’s note : The writer is making allegations against Ethiopian Airlines that Somali ethnicity representation  is less than 1 percent. Borkena attempted to reach out to Ethiopian Airlines via phone for a fact check – including in the Toronto office. They were not immediately available for comment. The views in the article represents the views of the writer, not borkena’s view. 

By Mohamud A. Ahmed – Cagaweyne 

Ethiopian Airlines stands as a symbol of national pride and economic triumph, a rare story of success among state-owned enterprises in Africa. With its ambitious expansion, unmatched connectivity, and impressive financial performance, the airline has become a flagship of Ethiopia’s modern aspirations. Yet, beneath the soaring heights of its achievements lies a stark contrast: the Somali Region, Ethiopia’s second-largest territory, remains grounded in economic marginalization and underrepresentation.

This article explores the glaring disparity between the soaring success of Ethiopian Airlines and the persistent economic exclusion of the Somali Region. It examines how this imbalance reflects a deeper issue of federal neglect and questions whether the region’s political leadership has the influence – or the willingness – to advocate for meaningful change. In doing so, it calls for a more equitable distribution of opportunities and a reimagining of federalism that uplifts all regions, especially those that have long been left behind.

Ethiopian Airlines: A National Champion Soaring High

Founded in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has grown into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, outpacing its continental peers in growth, innovation, and revenue. In the 2022/23 fiscal year alone, the airline generated an impressive $6.1 billion in revenue and carried 13.9 million passengers. Its fleet of 146 modern aircraft serves 155 passenger destinations and 68 cargo destinations, making it the backbone of Ethiopia’s global connectivity.

The airline’s strategic expansion is underpinned by a commitment to modernization and efficiency. Ethiopian was the first African carrier to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, setting new standards in passenger comfort and operational efficiency. As a member of the Star Alliance, it connects Addis Ababa to five continents, positioning itself as a vital link between Africa and the world.

Its accolades are numerous: “Best Airline in Africa” for six consecutive years, Skytrax 4-star rating, and multiple awards for service excellence. The airline’s success is not just a corporate achievement but a linchpin of Ethiopia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, tourism, and foreign currency reserves. As one of the largest employers in the country, Ethiopian Airlines has trained thousands of professionals, embodying a vision of state-owned enterprise efficiency and autonomy.

The Somali Region: A Land of Potential Grounded in Marginalization

Despite its vast size and abundant resources, the Somali Region of Ethiopia remains one of the most underdeveloped territories in the country. Covering over 350,000 square kilometers, it boasts immense livestock assets and significant untapped natural gas reserves. Yet, paradoxically, the region grapples with some of the highest poverty rates nationwide. Basic infrastructure is woefully inadequate, access to education and healthcare is limited, and unemployment – especially among the youth – continues to surge at an alarming rate.

The glaring lack of employment opportunities in federal institutions such as Ethiopian Airlines serves as a stark indicator of this persistent marginalization. Despite being Ethiopia’s second-largest region, the Somali Region’s representation in the airline’s workforce is less than 1%. This underrepresentation is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a broader pattern of federal neglect that has spanned over eight decades, leaving the region with minimal infrastructure, investment, and political leverage.

Admittedly, the past six and a half years have seen signs of progress. For the first time, figures from the Somali Region have ascended to high-ranking federal positions, such as Adem Farah, who serves as the second-in-command in the Prosperity Party and holds an executive role akin to a deputy premiership. However, this increased visibility has yet to translate into tangible political influence or executive power capable of effecting meaningful change at the federal level. The Somali Region’s leaders may have a seat at the table, but their voices remain faint amid the central government’s entrenched decision-making structures, leaving the region’s economic and infrastructural needs largely unaddressed.

Beyond the Skies: Unveiling Systemic Marginalization of the Somali Region

While Ethiopian Airlines serves as a powerful illustration of the disparities facing the Somali Region, the issue extends far beyond the aviation sector. The same pattern of exclusion is evident across other major state-owned enterprises, including Ethiopian Telecom, Ethiopian Electric Utility, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the Development Bank of Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Post. Despite being the pillars of Ethiopia’s economic infrastructure, these institutions have minimal representation from the Somali Region, both in terms of employment and regional investment. This exclusion extends even further to the National Bank of Ethiopia and Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad, where the absence of Somali representation is both glaring and symptomatic of a deeper, systemic marginalization.

This economic exclusion is not merely a question of employment figures but also about access to essential services and decision-making power. The limited presence of Ethiopian Electric Utility in the Somali Region means that electricity access remains below 20%, one of the lowest rates in the country. Likewise, Ethiopian Telecom’s infrastructure expansion has bypassed many rural areas, leaving large stretches of the region disconnected and economically isolated. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s limited branch network and its stringent lending policies have further stifled local entrepreneurship, making it nearly impossible for Somali businesses to secure the financing needed for growth. These challenges collectively paint a portrait of a region left to fend for itself, with few tools to harness its natural resources and transform them into development.

Ethiopia’s constitution already envisions a federation of equal regions – now the economic reality must align with that promise. Inclusive governance and economic planning are not just moral imperatives but pragmatic necessities for national unity. As one observer aptly noted, Ethiopia’s future “hinges on the ability of its leaders to bridge divides and harness the [Somali] region’s potential.” (Bridging Divides: Dual reality of progress, setback in Ethiopia’s Somali region – Addis Standard). If Somali Ethiopians can witness tangible benefits from the country’s growth – through new businesses, substantial employment in federal enterprises, and improved living standards – it will solidify their stake in the federation’s success and quell the frustrations bred by decades of neglect.

There is an ongoing debate about the underlying reasons for the Somali Region’s exclusion from Ethiopia’s economic growth. Some argue that this marginalization is part of a deliberate strategy to keep the region economically dependent and politically subdued, driven by a fear that economic empowerment could ignite secessionist ambitions. However, others, myself included, believe that the issue is less about intent and more about incompetence and inertia – that federal policymakers simply lack both the vision and the political will to address the region’s challenges in a comprehensive manner. Regardless of the motive, the outcome remains unchanged: a region abundant in resources but starved of federal support and investment, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and discontent.

Equally troubling is the apparent lack of effective advocacy from Somali Region politicians within the federal system. While it is true that ethnic Somalis have achieved higher representation in recent years – with key figures holding senior posts, including the Ministry of Finance – this visibility has yet to translate into meaningful investments or employment opportunities for the region’s youth. This has led to calls for a change in leadership, arguing that current politicians either lack the influence or the resolve to confront the entrenched power dynamics in Addis Ababa effectively. The current leadership’s inability to leverage these positions into substantial economic gains for the Somali Region raises difficult questions about whether new leadership with a more assertive agenda is needed.

After years of exclusion, the Somali Region deserves a seat not only at the political table but in the economic engine of the nation. Ethiopia’s leaders, both old and new, must seize this moment to turn the rhetoric of unity into reality by ensuring that a rising tide truly lifts all boats. By integrating the Somali Region into its national development roadmap, Ethiopia can move towards a more balanced and just prosperity – one where the pride of Ethiopian Airlines is shared by all Ethiopians, Somali Region included.

Progress on Paper: The Reality of Recent Reforms

Since 2018, the federal government has made some efforts to address the Somali Region’s marginalization. The peace deal with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and the ousting of former regional president Abdi Iley were seen as turning points. Infrastructure projects such as new roads connecting Jijiga to other regional centers and expanded health services have been launched.

Yet, these initiatives, while welcome, fall far short of transforming the region’s economic landscape. Despite improved security and a more open political climate, the economic marginalization remains largely intact. Federal budget allocations to the Somali Region remain among the lowest per capita, and major state-owned enterprises – beyond Ethiopian Airlines – have limited or no presence in the region.

Conclusion: A Call for Inclusive Growth

Ethiopian Airlines’ success demonstrates what is possible when a state-owned enterprise is empowered to operate with autonomy and ambition. It shows that Ethiopia is capable of competing on the global stage when all parts of the nation are allowed to thrive. However, the exclusion of the Somali Region from this success story is a tragic reminder that national pride is hollow when it is not shared.

Ensuring that the Somali Region receives its fair share of opportunities – whether in employment, infrastructure, or federal investments – Is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity. Ethiopia’s leaders must extend the wings of progress to all regions, ensuring that the Somali Region is not left watching from the ground.

In the words of an old Somali proverb: “If people come together, they can even mend a crack in the sky.” Ethiopia’s leaders must take this to heart if they are to mend the cracks in their own federation.

By integrating the Somali Region into the national development roadmap, Ethiopia can move toward a more balanced and just prosperity – one where all Ethiopians truly share the pride of Ethiopian Airlines, Somali Region included.

The writer can be reached at : +251900644648

Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
__
Subscribe: https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/

Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena

Like borkena on Facebook

Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory  

Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter)  @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly.  Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com 

__

Subscribe  : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/ 

Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena

Like borkena on Facebook

Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory  Business Listing Toronto 

Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter)  @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly.  Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com