A New Approach to Government in the Horn

Abstract

While, as I argue in the conclusion of the Chapter 7, there is a case to be made for a genuine federation of the entire Horn area, pursuit of federation as an early goal would be unrealistic. The immediate task for the peoples and leaders of these countries, and one for which they need the support of the international community, is to keep their countries united within their present boundaries and to establish political systems within which sustained economic development and modernization can take place, cultural values can be protected, and human rights can be defended and extended. Considering the political, economic and social deterioration which has afflicted much of this region for more than two decades, these tasks alone are a formidable challenge requiring patience, perseverance and open-minded, steady and realistic new leaders who recognize the mistakes of their predecessors and are determined to avoid repeating them.