Ethiopia and Eritrea’s relationship has oscillated between cooperation and conflict. Following Eritrea’s independence, initial peace deteriorated into war. A 2018 peace accord sparked hope but was undermined by exclusionary practices and the Tigray conflict. Recent geopolitical dynamics threaten stability, necessitating renewed diplomatic efforts to avert further hostilities in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have a complicated history characterized by both brief cooperation and persistent tension. Following Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, their initial alliance deteriorated into conflict, culminating in the devastating Ethio-Eritrean border war of 1998. The ensuing Algiers Peace Agreement, although significant, failed to establish lasting peace due to Ethiopia’s noncompliance with border rulings, leading to continued hostility.
A notable thaw in relations occurred in July 2018 when Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders renewed diplomatic ties, leading to regional acclaim and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Despite these efforts, the peace accord was criticized for its lack of inclusivity among stakeholders and unresolved fundamental issues. The TPLF’s indifference and the subsequent Tigray war strained this relationship, exacerbating Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and humanitarian crises.
In November 2022, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was established between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF, marking potential progress within Ethiopia, yet excluding key participants like Eritrean forces, which led to tensions resurfacing. Many observers note that the renewed engagement between Ethiopia and Eritrea has reverted to stalemate, especially following accusations from Eritrea regarding the peace agreement’s implications for its strategic goals against the TPLF.
Recent developments indicate rising tensions, including Eritrea’s active regional positioning against Ethiopia following a maritime agreement Ethiopia made with Somaliland. Additionally, the collaboration between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia signals a potential realignment against Ethiopia. Political maneuvering by external entities, such as Egypt and the UAE, also poses risks by escalating local tensions and complicating peace efforts in the region.
The ongoing volatility in the Horn of Africa, marked by unresolved conflicts and humanitarian implications, demands international attention. The need for rehabilitating diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Eritrea cannot be overstated to mitigate risks of renewed armed conflict and to stabilize the region effectively.
In summary, the historical and evolving relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains fraught with challenges. While previous diplomatic efforts have seen moments of optimism, underlying grievances, and external influences threaten stability. The international community’s proactive involvement is crucial in fostering dialogue and rebuilding trust between the nations, as the potential for renewed conflict looms amidst current tensions.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
