The Ethiopia-Eritrea Conflict and Peace Explained

Summary

Eritrea and Ethiopia have had a tumultuous relationship, marked by colonialism and border disputes. Initially under Italian control, Eritrea was later federated with Ethiopia despite Eritrean resistance. A 30-year war for independence led to Eritrea's 1993 secession, but conflicts persisted. The 1998-2000 war resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths. Peace efforts began in 2018 with Ethiopia's new Prime Minister, culminating in a 2018 peace declaration, reestablishing diplomatic ties and opening economic opportunities for both nations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Eritrean territory was initially controlled by the Italians after the European Scramble for Africa, starting from 1882.
• 🇬🇧 The British took control of Eritrea after the Battle of Keren in 1941 during World War II.
• 📜 Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia claimed Eritrea and received support from the U.S. and Britain, leading to its federation with Ethiopia in 1950.
• 🔥 The Eritrean Liberation Movement was founded in 1958, which later led to a 30-year war for independence.
• 🏆 Eritrea achieved independence after a 1993 referendum with an overwhelming 99.83% vote in favor.
• ⚔️ Post-independence, Ethiopia and Eritrea faced ongoing tension and border disputes, escalating into a full-scale war in 1998.
• 💥 The two-year war between Ethiopia and Eritrea resulted in an estimated 300,000 casualties.
• 🏙️ Despite the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission's ruling in 2002, Ethiopia refused to cede the disputed town of Badme.
• 🔄 Periodic conflicts continued between the two nations, such as in 2010 and 2016, with both sides claiming varying numbers of casualties.
• 🤝 In 2018, Ethiopia's new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated peace talks, leading to the signing of a peace declaration and the reopening of diplomatic relations.

Q & A

What colonial power initially controlled Eritrea, and when did they arrive?

Eritrea was initially controlled by Italy, with the first Italians arriving in 1882 during the European Scramble for Africa.

How did Eritrea come under British control?

The British took control of Eritrea after defeating the Italians in the Battle of Karen in 1941 during World War II.

What role did Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia play in Eritrean history during the 1950s?

In the 1950s, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia claimed Eritrea and federated it with Ethiopia in December 1950, with the support of the British and Americans.

When and why did the Eritrean Liberation Movement form?

The Eritrean Liberation Movement was founded in 1958 in response to Ethiopian control over Eritrea, leading to the formation of the Eritrean Liberation Front and a war for independence in 1961.

How long did Eritrea's war for independence last, and when did Eritrea gain independence?

Eritrea's war for independence lasted 30 years, and the country gained independence following a referendum in 1993, with a 99.83% vote in favor of independence.

What caused the Eritrea-Ethiopia War in 1998?

The Eritrea-Ethiopia War in 1998 was caused by border disputes, with Eritrea invading Ethiopia, which led to all-out war lasting two years.

What were the estimated casualties during the Eritrea-Ethiopia War of 1998-2000?

Estimates suggest up to 300,000 people were killed during the war, though both sides disputed the exact number of casualties.

What was the significance of the 2002 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission ruling?

In 2002, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission ruled that the disputed town of Badme belonged to Eritrea. Although Ethiopia initially agreed, they later rejected the decision, which reignited tensions.

How did Ethiopia and Eritrea finally move towards peace in 2018?

In 2018, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took steps to end the conflict, agreeing to hand over Badme, and on July 9, 2018, the two countries signed a peace declaration.

What was the international reaction to the peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018?

The peace agreement was praised internationally as a landmark achievement, re-establishing diplomatic relations and opening up economic opportunities, especially for landlocked Ethiopia.