The Ethio-Eritrea Rapprochement Since 2018 and Ethiopia’s Quest for Access to the Read Sea
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Date
2023-08-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This essay's main objective is to evaluate the main aspects of Ethiopia's relations with Eritrea
since 2018 and Ethiopia's quest for Red Sea access. In order to achieve this purpose, the study
made an effort to discuss important elements of the Ethio-Eritrea reconciliation. The study used
qualitative research methods. The data utilized to produce the results came from both primary
and secondary sources. The relevant information for this approach was gathered through key
informant interviews and document analysis. Determining the bilateral diplomatic and economic
ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea was the aim of the study. Due to Ethiopia's democratic
development, there is now a new opportunity for reconciliation.
Ethiopia's government has made a critical choice to put the Algiers Accord into effect since June
2018. The official end of the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea signaled end of“no-peace no-war
era”. The same month, Eritrea declared the end of the conscription system. In September,
Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea reached a tripartite agreement. The partnership between Ethiopia
and Eritrea improved the nations' sentiments toward one another. Eritrea and Djibouti also
resolved to reestablish their relations tin the same month, September, which is another
development on the Horn of Africa. At the end, both Ethiopia and Eritrea decided to withdraw
troops from the border region.
The Red Sea's coast was historically considered to be a part of Ethiopia. Unfortunately, Ethiopia
dropped the ball. Access to the Sea is Ethiopia's key national interest problem due to its
significant overseas trade transactions. Ethiopia should now make the most of the ports close to
her neighbor in order to lessen its reliance on the port of Djibouti. A new window of opportunity
for access to the Red Sea could be created by the rapprochement with Eritrea.
The government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was prepared to pursue tight diplomatic ties
with Eritrea. "No peace, no war" has been the guiding principle of both nations for the past
Twenty years. Reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea improved the situation in the area.
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Keywords
Rapprochement, access to the sea, Ethiopia, diplomacy, foreign trade, national interest, International law of the sea, people to people relations