Ethiopia and Eritrea have a turbulent historical relationship characterized by short-lived alliances and prolonged hostilities, culminating in a border war in 1998. The 2018 peace agreement briefly improved relations but ultimately proved fragile. The recent tensions, driven by regional geopolitical dynamics and military maneuvers, indicate a potential escalation towards another conflict. International diplomatic intervention is essential to prevent further escalation and promote stability.
Ethiopia and Eritrea have a complex historical relationship that has oscillated from brief alliances to protracted hostilities. Following Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, relations initially seemed promising, yet deteriorated rapidly, leading to a devastating border war in 1998 following the failure to resolve essential issues. The subsequent Algiers Peace Agreement in 2000 did not stabilize relations, as mutual hostility continued, particularly due to Ethiopia’s non-compliance with border rulings.
The thawing of relations in July 2018 marked a significant diplomatic shift, praised internationally and credited with earning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize. However, the peace agreement was criticized for its lack of inclusivity and transparency, ultimately leading to tensions with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The ensuing Tigray War from 2020 to 2022 resulted in immense suffering and strained resources.
In November 2022, a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was signed between Ethiopia and TPLF under the African Union’s auspices. However, the treaty was criticized for excluding key military actors, such as Eritrean forces, thereby complicating relationships further and causing Eritrea to see the agreement as a threat to its interests.
Eritrea has voiced concerns over Ethiopia’s increasing access to the Red Sea, leading to allegations of a possible new cycle of conflict. Recent military movements and alliances involving Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt mark a troubling shift that threatens stability in the region. Additionally, actions such as banning Ethiopian Airlines and hostile statements signify declining relations.
As the Horn of Africa remains fraught with insecurity and underlying tensions, proactive diplomatic engagement from the international community is needed to avert potential escalation into armed conflict. Initiating renewed dialogue between Ethiopia and Eritrea is crucial for de-escalating the situation and fostering long-term peace in the region.
The deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea highlight the fragility of peace in the Horn of Africa. Despite a brief period of thawing relations in 2018, unresolved historical grievances and political tensions have resurfaced, exacerbated by the recent TPLF conflict and actions by external actors. The risk of renewed hostilities is significant, necessitating urgent international diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and prevent further regional instability.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
