External Intervention in the Current Ethiopia-Sudan Border Dispute
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Date
2022-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan was full of complication since the start of negotiation process for treaty making during Emperor Menilik II. Even if in 1972 both countries have agreed to re-demarcate the boundary upon reaching an amicable solution, till now they have not reached into any solution. Currently the Sudanese government has occupied the land which is under the effective control of Ethiopian administration. The main objective of this study is to assess the role of external interventions on the ongoing Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute. I used qualitative approach in this research. In addition to document analysis and researcher observation, the primary data was collected from respondents’ interviews that are selected from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions. Major findings and conclusions of this study shows that Egypt is the main actor behind the current Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute either in relation to GERD stalemate or other geopolitical interest. In addition, some Western countries, Arab countries and emerging super powers from other parts of the world have been complicating the problem to advance their own national interest. As short term solution, diplomatic efforts should be made intensively until Sudan shows good faith to evacuate from the disputed territory for a fruitful discussion to be made. The government of Ethiopia should raise international awareness about the continuing provocative action of Sudan. As a long term solution, they should re-activate joint boundary mechanisms to finalize the remaining task of finding an amicable solution. In addition, economic cooperation& joint development programs should be applied to ease the tension.
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Keywords
Border Dispute, proxy war, Geopolitics, external intervention, demarcation