Eritrean Leader Criticizes Ethiopian Ethnic Federalism

Ethiopia Insight published on 12 February 2020 a commentary titled "Game Over for Ethnic Federalism: Isaias" by Getachew Gebrekiros Temare, human rights activist.

This article contains translated excerpts of a 7 February 2020 interview with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Eritrean state television. Isaias is highly critical of Ethiopia's ethnic federalism and continues to see Ethiopia as Eritrea's main threat.

Taking Account of Past in Ethiopia-Eritrea Rapprochement

Ethiopia Insight published on 7 August 2019 a commentary titled "Ethiopia and Eritrea's Peace Must Be Rooted in Past" by Samuel Fikreselassie, Goethe University in Germany.

The author argues that a major challenge for long-term reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea is to deal with historical issues and promote genuine peace between people with deep grievances and misperceptions.

Reaching a Permanent Ethiopia-Eritrea Peace

Ethiopia Insight posted on 31 January 2019 an article titled "Politicizing Eritrea Peace Perpetuates Conflict Cycle" by Mehari Taddele Maru.

The author argues that until Ethiopian forces stop making use of Eritrea for internal political purposes, genuine peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea will remain elusive. To achieve sustainable peace, there is need to build effective border governance with the active participation of local authorities and communities that leads to a soft border with free movement of people, goods, services and capital.

Resolving the Ethiopia-Eritrea Border Conflict

African Arguments posted on 18 June 2018 a commentary titled "Resolving the Ethiopia-Eritrea Border: What Actually Needs To Be Done?" by Martin Plaut.

The author argues that the road to resolution of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute requires the immediate support and involvement of the UN and the rest of the international community.

Ethiopia's Offer To Settle Border Conflict with Eritrea Encounters Local Opposition

The Ethiopia Observer published on 11 June 2018 an article titled "Irob Protests in Tigray Display Local Obstacles to Implementing Eritrean Peace Deal" by Arefaynie Fantahun.

The author explains that the Irob people who live along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border in the vicinity of Badme and who would be most affected by the transfer of Badme from Ethiopia to Eritrea find the announcement by Ethiopia unwelcome.

Eritrea and Ethiopia: Beyond the Impasse

London's Chatham House published in April 2014 an analysis titled "Eritrea and Ethiopia: Beyond the Impasse" by Jason Mosley.  The analysis argues that opportunities exist for external efforts to foster improved relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia.  A fresh approach should involve engagement with each country individually, rather than immediate attempts to promote dialogue between them.

While any movement that helps normalize relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea would be a positive development, my own reading is that neither Ethiopia nor Eritrea is interested in taking those steps which might result in improved relations. 

Time to Bring Eritrea in from the Cold (Part II)

The UK-based African Arguments published on 13 January 2014 my commentary titled "Time to Bring Eritrea in from the Cold (But It's Harder than It Sounds)."  This is follow-on to the commentary by former assistant secretary of state Hank Cohen published by African Arguments on 16 December 2013 and carried below.  I agree with Cohen's goal of normalizing relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia, but recent history between the two countries makes it more difficult than it might appear.  As for an improvement in relations between Eritrea and the United States, this depends as much on Eritrea as it does on the United States.  

Time to Bring Eritrea in from the Cold

On 16 December 2013 the UK-based African Arguments published a commentary titled "Time to Bring Eritrea in from the Cold" by former U.S. assistant secretary of state Hank Cohen.  His basic argument was a call for normalization of relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia and between Eritrea and the United States.