BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) --The Horn of Africa now is seen by many observers as one of "the most volatile regions in the world."
From the armed conflict that tipped Ethiopia into crisis and the growing political tensions in Somalia all the way to the looming uncertainties elsewhere, the region is facing a number of challenges.
Security threats such as terrorism are evolving, exacerbated by natural disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Thus, to find fresh approaches to conflict resolution has become a matter of urgency to ensure the region's stability and peaceful development.
In a bid to help the region deal with these tough challenges, China stands ready to propose the "Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa."
The core of the initiative is to support countries in the region to stay out of any geopolitical competition between major countries while keeping their fate in their own hands.
China has put forward three proposals. First, the Horn of Africa should strengthen intra-regional dialogue to overcome security challenges; secondly, the region should accelerate regional revitalization to overcome development challenges; third, the region should explore effective ways to overcome governance challenges.
The "Initiative," upon being put forward, has received positive responses from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and other countries in the region, which believe that it meets the urgent needs of countries in the region, and China's appointment of a special envoy for the Horn of Africa indicates that the Chinese side will play a more active and constructive role there.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
