The 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Summit; A Historic Meeting Ushering in a New Era of Peace and Cooperation

History has witnessed countless instances where seemingly intractable conflicts have suddenly given way to unexpected peace accords. Such was the case with the historic 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Summit, an event that reverberated throughout the Horn of Africa and beyond. For two decades, Ethiopia and Eritrea were locked in a bitter border war, a conflict fuelled by mistrust, territorial disputes, and political maneuvering. The scars of this war ran deep, leaving behind a legacy of animosity and hindering regional development.

The architect of this monumental shift towards peace was none other than Abiy Ahmed Ali, the young and reform-minded Prime Minister of Ethiopia who assumed office in 2018. His bold vision for a reconciled Horn of Africa, coupled with his pragmatic approach to diplomacy, laid the groundwork for the summit. Recognizing the crippling impact of the protracted conflict on both nations, Abiy extended an olive branch to Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki, signaling Ethiopia’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Summit, held in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, marked a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. The summit saw Abiy and Afwerki sign a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship, formally ending the state of war that had existed since 1998.

This declaration encompassed several key provisions:

• Full normalization of diplomatic relations: Both countries pledged to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals and establish regular diplomatic channels for communication.
• Mutual respect for territorial integrity: Ethiopia agreed to uphold Eritrea’s sovereignty over the contested border region, a long-standing point of contention between the two nations.
• Cooperation on regional security: Recognizing shared threats, both leaders committed to working together to combat terrorism and instability in the Horn of Africa.
• Opening of borders for trade and travel: The agreement aimed to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border, fostering economic integration and social exchange.

The consequences of the 2018 summit were far-reaching and profound.

Beyond the tangible benefits, the summit represented a symbolic victory for peace and reconciliation in a region plagued by conflict. It sent a powerful message that even deeply entrenched animosities could be overcome through dialogue and mutual understanding.

The 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Summit was not without its challenges. Integrating two economies after years of estrangement proved complex, requiring careful negotiation and coordination. Concerns lingered about the sustainability of the peace agreement, especially in light of past setbacks and the enduring influence of hardliners on both sides.

Nevertheless, the summit served as a catalyst for broader positive change in the Horn of Africa. It emboldened other countries to pursue diplomatic solutions to long-standing conflicts and fostered a climate of regional cooperation. The momentum generated by the summit paved the way for future peace negotiations and confidence-building measures.

The legacy of Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Ethiopian Prime Minister who spearheaded this historic event, is intertwined with the hopes and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa. His courage in reaching out to Eritrea and his commitment to reconciliation earned him international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.

While the road to lasting peace in the region remains long and arduous, the 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Summit stands as a testament to the transformative power of diplomacy and the enduring human spirit’s desire for unity and harmony.