Ethiopia and Eritrea have officially ended their “state of war” after their leaders signed an agreement on Monday.
The deal was signed after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afkwerki held historic talks over the weekend.
The talks were held in Eritrea’s capital after both parties held an earlier meeting last month in Addis Ababa.
Eritrean minister Yemane Gebremeskel says the deal signed means the “State of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end”.
Restoration of diplomatic and trade ties
Ethiopia and Eritrea have already restored diplomatic and trade ties after the peace talks on Sunday.
Ethiopian officials say direct international telephone connection has already been restored between the two countries.
The restoration on Sunday is “for the first time after two decades”.
Eritrea and Ethiopia have signed a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship today. The Agreement, which specifies five pillars, was signed this morning at State House by President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pic.twitter.com/ACSticSWpm
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) July 9, 2018
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a border war from 1998 to 2000 that killed an estimated 70,000 people from both sides.
A peace accord dubbed the Algiers agreement was signed on December 12, 2000.
Despite the peace agreement a tense armed standoff ensued with the two countries engaging in clashes occasionally.
Ethiopia had not in the past endorsed the results of the peace agreement fully. It refused to recognize the award of the symbolic town of Badme to Eritrea.
Ethiopia currently controls the town of Badme.
Joint Declaration states, inter alia, i) State of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end. A new era of peace & friendship has been ushered; ii) Both countries will work to promote close cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural & security areas pic.twitter.com/B9arIZnsxa
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) July 9, 2018
Joint Declaration: … iii) Transport, trade and telecommunication ties will be resumed; diplomatic ties & activities renewed; iv) Border decision will be implemented; v) Both countries will work together to guarantee regional peace, development & cooperation pic.twitter.com/gPIIPvksTK
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) July 9, 2018
Fresh beginnings
Ethiopia says it will now comply with the Algiers agreement which should finally end the standoff between the two countries.
There have been reactions to the latest peace deal from regional leaders in East Africa and the African Union.
We salute the leaders ,PM of Ethiopia Dr.Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea for their courage and doing the right thing for their people of the two countries !
We congratulate you and are with you….! pic.twitter.com/iPLSs1AxHk— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) July 8, 2018
I congratule Ethiopian PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed & Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki for choosing the path of talking to each other & beginning the journey of friendship. Kenya is a proud neighbour. I agree with @Paulkagame, we are together with you. pic.twitter.com/qOa6K7wHHx
— President of Kenya (@PresidentKE) July 9, 2018
Congratulations to the leaders of #Ethiopia and #Eritrea for their exemplary leadership that will greatly contribute towards silencing the guns on the #African continent by 2020. This is indeed a historical day for the peoples of the two countries. May their wisdom inspire others pic.twitter.com/qm1J4Q0H84
— Amb. Smail Chergui (@AU_Chergui) July 8, 2018
Both countries have been commended for resolving their differences.
Source: Africafeeds.com
