Ethiopia’s Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Eritrea-Djibouti Tensions

Ethiopia is actively working to mediate relations between Djibouti and Eritrea, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation following recent peace agreements. Djibouti has requested UN assistance to resolve a border dispute with Eritrea. Recent political changes in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea, provide a hopeful context for these reconciliatory efforts.

Ethiopia is taking significant diplomatic steps to facilitate improved relations between Djibouti and Eritrea, as stated by its United Nations envoy, Ambassador Takeda Alemu. During a recent address to the Security Council, he emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and development amidst the evolving political dynamics in the Horn of Africa. In light of the recent peace accord between Ethiopia and Eritrea, along with the normalizing of relations between Eritrea and Somalia, Ethiopia seeks to ensure that the benefits of these developments extend to Djibouti as well. Ambassador Alemu expressed that, “the prevailing spirit is one of embracing and not excluding anyone.” His remarks underscored the necessity of reconciliation efforts to bolster peace and security throughout the region. He highlighted a recent visit from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, who engaged in fruitful discussions with both Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, indicating a positive trajectory in diplomatic interactions. Furthermore, Djibouti has sought United Nations assistance to resolve a longstanding border issue with Eritrea, particularly concerning the disputed Dumeira mountain and island. Djibouti’s representative, Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh, articulated the need for international mediation in a letter to the Security Council, advocating for a legally binding resolution to the dispute. This call for intervention aligns with Djibouti’s intensified efforts to normalize ties with Eritrea following the Ethiopia-Eritrea peace agreement, which concluded two decades of conflict between the neighboring countries. The context also reveals that Eritrea has been under UN sanctions since 2009 due to allegations of supporting insurgents in Somalia and its confrontational stance toward Djibouti. Recent developments, including the withdrawal of Qatari peacekeeping troops during the Gulf Crisis in 2017, have exacerbated tensions. However, the recently improved relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia, catalyzed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s acceptance of a 2002 border ruling with Eritrea, raise hopes for a similar constructive engagement with Djibouti. The peace agreement reached by Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders paves the way for potential stabilization and collaboration in the region.

Ethiopia’s diplomatic initiative to mediate between Djibouti and Eritrea emerges from a larger framework of regional revitalization and cooperation in the Horn of Africa following decades of conflict. After the historic peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018, which ended a long-standing conflict rooted in territorial disputes, there has been a noticeable shift towards engagement and dialogue among neighboring states. Djibouti has expressed its desire for international support to address its border tensions with Eritrea, particularly regarding disputed territories that have created friction between the two countries. Additionally, the geopolitical dynamics and the involvement of international actors, including the United Nations, play a crucial role in the efforts to stabilize the region and foster peaceful relations.

Ethiopia’s assertive role as a mediator underscores its dedication to promoting regional unity and peace in the Horn of Africa. By facilitating talks between Djibouti and Eritrea, Ethiopia not only aims to resolve historical grievances but also to lay the groundwork for broader stability and development. The evolving political landscape, marked by diplomatic breakthroughs following years of conflict, accentuates the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting peace and cooperation in Southern Africa as a whole.

Original Source: www.africanews.com