What Lies Ahead for Ethiopia-Eritrea Relations: Advancing Cooperation or Returning to Deadlock?

Ethiopia and Eritrea have a tumultuous history characterized by conflict and recent efforts at cooperation, highlighted by the 2018 peace agreement. Key factors shaping relations include colonial legacies, power struggles, and unresolved historical issues. The need for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding is emphasized to prevent future conflicts and promote stability in the region.

Ethiopia and Eritrea share a multifaceted history characterized by cycles of conflict and moments of potential cooperation. Their historical ties have been significantly influenced by major conflicts, including the Eritrean War of Independence and the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. A notable shift occurred in 2018 with the signing of a peace agreement that officially ended decades of hostility and marked a new phase of bilateral relations under the leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The initial cooperation between the two nations facilitated significant progress, such as reopening borders, restoring flight connections, restoring telecommunications services, and resuming diplomatic exchanges. Furthermore, personal connections were rekindled as families separated by the border reunited, fostering a spirit of reconciliation amongst the populations.

Dr. Miessa Elema Robe, a recognized researcher in this domain, provides insights into the factors that influence Ethiopia-Eritrea relations today. Central to this discourse is the understanding of colonial legacies, societal narratives, and political competition that continue to shape perceptions and interactions.

Factors surrounding these relations are diverse. Historical colonial influences resulted in geographic and political divisions that have hindered cooperation. Negative narratives persist, shaping public memory and complicating present-day interactions. Colonial-era territorial disputes have influenced post-independence turbulence not just in Ethiopia and Eritrea, but throughout post-colonial Africa.

The narrative of Ethiopian and Eritrean identity, compounded with the historical backdrop of the forced annexation of Eritrea, sowed the seeds of conflict that resonated through political dynamics. Had prior regimes chosen avenues of democratic dialogue or referendums over authoritarian annexation methods, contemporary animosities may have been ameliorated.

Despite the backdrop of ongoing strife, post-independence relations pivoted away from strategic cooperation toward power struggles. Although Eritrea and Ethiopia’s liberation movements once fought together, differing ideologies impeded the establishment of lasting agreements necessary for stable relations.

The ties between the two nations have also been compounded by unresolved issues stemming from Eritrea’s hasty independence, which left crucial economic, border-related, and citizenship matters unresolved. Identifying and addressing these challenges prior to independence could have laid the groundwork for a more peaceful coexistence.

In 2018, the peace agreement with Eritrea facilitated a newfound trajectory, concluding a prolonged stalemate in the region. This agreement not only ended hostilities but also paved the way for increased regional collaboration and diplomacy under Prime Minister Abiy’s administration, marking a significant turning point.

The peace deal allowed Eritrea to emerge from isolation while providing Ethiopia with strategic benefits in terms of border security. Such outcomes serve as evidence of the effectiveness of direct bilateral relations in overcoming historical tensions and fostering collaborative community relationships.

The Pretoria Peace Agreement of November 3, 2022, is another landmark development, aimed at resolving ongoing internal conflict in Ethiopia. Although it generated significant attention, Eritrean leadership demonstrated discomfort due to its focus on Ethiopia’s internal affairs rather than fostering bilateral cooperation.

Ethiopia’s longstanding ambition to secure access to the Red Sea presents a continuing challenge. This landlocked nation, with ambitions for economic and geopolitical integration, underscores the historical significance of its claim to maritime access. The aspiration for Red Sea access transcends any single regime and ties into the collective historical narrative of the Ethiopian populace.

Negotiations for maritime access have presently targeted Somaliland and Somalia, sidelining Eritrea’s involvement. Thus, Eritrea’s objections appear unfounded. Constructive dialogue could alleviate tensions, suggesting that mutual dialogue is a preferable approach.

The path to lasting peace requires acknowledging the deep-seated historical issues underpinning the complex dynamics between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Both nations bear responsibility for their tumultuous past, and the people must move beyond cycles of violence to forge a sustainable future.

Collective responsibility extends to the international community which should adopt an impartial stance to assist in healing historical rifts. Furthermore, ongoing academic research can provide insights that promote long-term stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of addressing historical grievances while promoting dialogue and cooperation to avert future conflicts. Individuals from both Ethiopia and Eritrea must advocate for peaceful resolutions and shared understanding to foster a future of stability and collaborative growth.

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s relationship has been shaped by historical legacies of conflict and competition, yet recent developments offer a potential pathway towards cooperation. The 2018 peace agreement marked a significant turning point by promoting reconciliation and facilitating diplomatic ties. However, persistent challenges, such as Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and differing national narratives, remain pertinent. Stakeholders, including the international community and scholars, must prioritize constructive dialogue to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: addisstandard.com