As someone who frequently travels between Europe and the Horn of Africa, I often find myself making observations that might raise eyebrows at diplomatic cocktail parties. Here’s the thing – we still make jokes about Nazis in Europe, yet Germany and France have built one of the most substantial economic partnerships in history. This isn’t about forgetting; it’s about choosing a different future.

The European Parallel

The Horn of Africa today reminds me of post-WWII Europe. And before you roll your eyes at another Europe-Africa comparison, hear me out. When the Netherlands and Germany started trading and cooperating after the war, they didn’t do it because they suddenly loved each other. They did it because it made economic sense. It’s as simple as that.

The pathway for the Horn is similar – prioritize economic cooperation, strengthen regional bodies like IGAD, and invest in shared infrastructure. It’s not rocket science but requires setting aside the comfortable habit of nursing historical grievances.

The Gender Question

Here’s where I might ruffle some feathers. I’m far from being a feminist – ask anyone who knows me. But I’ve spent enough time in conflict zones to notice something obvious: while men in suits argue about borders and power-sharing in five-star hotels, women are often already building peace at the grassroots level.

Here’s a radical thought: what if we ran parallel peace processes? One traditional track would involve the usual suspects—men in expensive suits making elaborate speeches—and another track would be led by women, focusing on practical issues like trade routes, water sharing, and education.

I can already hear the sceptics: “Another gender equality initiative?” No. This is about effectiveness. From Liberia to Burundi, women-led peace initiatives have shown remarkable results. Not because women are inherently more peaceful (they’re not) but because they often bring different priorities to the table.

The Way Forward

The solutions for the Horn of Africa aren’t in Washington, Brussels, or Beijing. They’re in the markets of Addis Ababa, the ports of Djibouti, and the trading networks that have existed for centuries. They’re in the hands of entrepreneurs who don’t care about clan rivalries when there’s money to be made and in the voices of women who understand that peace isn’t just about signing agreements – it’s about building economies that make conflict too expensive to consider.

Is this oversimplified? Perhaps. But sometimes, we must strip away the diplomatic jargon and academic theories to see the obvious: peace through prosperity isn’t just a slogan – it’s a proven strategy. And including women isn’t about political correctness – it’s about using all available resources to solve a problem.

The Horn of Africa doesn’t need more conferences or research papers. It needs practical steps toward economic integration and the courage to let new voices—including women’s voices—shape the future. Right now, the old approaches aren’t working, and we can’t afford to wait another generation for peace.

Your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.

May harmony find you,

Irena Phaedra