The Ethiopia-Eritrea Peace Talk and Normalization of Relations: Implication for Sub-Regional Security

Kidanu Atinafu Temesgen

doi:10.7176/iags/79-01

Abstract

This study attempts at shedding light on the security implication of the current Ethio-Eritrea new peace prospect and normalization of relations in the Horn of Africa. The study employed qualitative research approach. To realize the stated objective, the study largely focused at using secondary data sources, from which published and unpublished materials like books articles, reports, commentaries and agreements were reviewed and well consulted. To substantiate documented sources, the study used the analysis of experts and researchers presented on different media in the form of interview or focused discussion on the issue under investigation. The researcher herein argues that the ongoing diplomatic efforts to mend the decades of political impasse and hostility between Ethiopia and Eritrea can bring massive ramification in the process of ensuring peace in the Horn of Africa. In the first place, the recurring diplomatic rapprochement between the two foes can bring to an end the protracted acts of mutual destabilization and proxy war thereby address conflicts that have regional dimensions, as explained in terms of the intervention of Ethiopia on the side of transitional federal government t(TFG) of Somalia whereas Eritrea aligned with dissident groups fighting transitional federal government The other far reaching implication of the peace talk and normalization of Ethio-Eritrea relations is the opening of favorable grounds and platform for Eritrea-Somalia and Eritrea-Djibouti governments to reconcile antipathies and resume diplomatic ties. Equally important, prioritization of diplomatic discussion manifest the rethinking of how ineffective is the culture of militarism in the resolution of various irreconcilabilities, given the longstanding reliance of the two people on guns and violence. Thereafter, the new peace prospect pursued by these countries also widen opportunities for strengthening formative regional cooperation and integrations schemes in security, energy, tourism, transports, road and trade. Keywords : Eritrea; Ethiopia; Horn of Africa; Normalization; Security. DOI : 10.7176/IAGS/79-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Highlights

IntroductionSome used the Horn of Africa to refer Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia and consider them as the ‘core Horns’ as distinct from the ‘Greater Horn of Africa’ (Kassahun, 2013: 72) whereas other writers added all IGAD member countries as part and parcel of it
A good demonstration of the inter-state wars witnessed since the late 1950s includes “the Ethiopian−Somali wars (1964, 1977−78 war and the 2006−9 military intervention), the Kenyan−Somali war (1963), the Ugandan−Tanzanian war (1978−79) and the Ethiopian−Eritrean border war of 1998−2000” (Kidane, 2013:28) and the EritreaDjibouti border discord of 2008
In its history, the year 2018 can be taken as a special milestone and momentum for the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region

Summary

Introduction

Some used the Horn of Africa to refer Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia and consider them as the ‘core Horns’ as distinct from the ‘Greater Horn of Africa’ (Kassahun, 2013: 72) whereas other writers added all IGAD member countries as part and parcel of it. From other parts of Africa, the political environs of the Horn of Africa are known for being a volatile, war thorn, hostile and poor place due to numerous factors. It is heavily beaten by wars and conflicts of different sorts. Prompted by the dreadful conditions of the environment and porous border, destructive cross-border communal conflicts recorded in the region (Kidane, 2013)

Objectives

Conclusion