Ethiopia and Eritrea have a historically complex relationship marked by conflict and efforts at cooperation. The peace agreement in 2018 marked a significant turning point, fostering improved relations. Several factors, including colonial legacies and political narratives, influence current relations. Key issues include Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and the importance of inclusive dialogue to ensure lasting peace. The international community and scholarly insights are crucial for promoting stability.
Ethiopia and Eritrea share a complicated historical relationship, having experienced both severe conflict and emerging cooperation. Notably, their relationship was marked by the Eritrean War of Independence and the Eritrean-Ethiopian War until the turning point in 2018 when a peace agreement finally ended the prolonged standoff stemming from a two-decade-long “no peace, no war” scenario. Following this agreement, bilateral relations improved significantly, fostering various cooperative measures including border reopens, resumed flights, and reconnection of telecommunication services.
The current state of Ethiopia-Eritrea relations is influenced by numerous factors, both historical and political. The enduring legacy of colonialism has resulted in territorial and social divisions that hinder cooperation. Furthermore, narratives surrounding national identity have perpetuated tensions, with deep-seated conflicting perspectives complicating mutual understanding. The historical political struggle, characterized by the annexation of Eritrea under Emperor Haile Selassie I, had sparked enduring animosity that persists in multifaceted forms.
Post-independence relations did not stabilize, as ideological divides emerged, particularly between the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, leading to conflicts that culminated in the border war of 1998–2000. This period underscored the necessity for more inclusive negotiations to address unresolved issues such as economic conditions and border disputes, which if handled differently, may have prevented future conflicts. The subsequent peace achieved in 2018 is pivotal, marking the end of a frustrating cycle of hostility.
The signing of the Pretoria Accord in 2022 reinforced a new path towards stability in Ethiopia, despite President Isaias of Eritrea’s apprehension towards its implications. Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea remains a crucial issue, as the country has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence. Efforts to resolve this concern through negotiations with Somaliland and Somalia instead of Eritrea have raised the stakes in regional dynamics, suggesting the necessity for clearer bilateral dialogue and cooperation moving forward.
In forging a peaceful future, both nations must confront the historical legacies of conflict and power struggles, recognizing the shared cost of war on their peoples. A concerted effort towards reconciliation must involve not only political leaders but also the wider populace of both nations, as enduring peace is dependent on collaboration across all levels of society. The international community’s role is significant; unbiased intervention can guide the healing process, fostering mutual understanding and economic cooperation.
The scholarly contributions to this dialogue are equally vital, as comprehensive research can offer insightful recommendations towards sustainable peace. If both governments commit to constructive dialogue, as evidenced in their collaboration since 2018, they can dismantle isolationist tendencies and build a cooperative environment conducive to long-term stability.
Ethiopia and Eritrea’s historical complexities demand a re-evaluation of their relations grounded in mutual understanding and cooperation. The profound impacts of colonial legacies and ideological conflicts must be addressed to foster lasting peace. Inclusive dialogue, alongside participation from the international community, is essential for overcoming shared grievances. Only by acknowledging the past and committing to collaboration can both nations secure a stable and prosperous future for their peoples.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
