After 20-yr military standoff, Ethiopia and Eritrea agree to normalize ties in historic breakthrough

[DonViejo]

Source: The Washington Post



After 20-year military standoff, Ethiopia and Eritrea agree to normalize ties in historic breakthrough

By Paul Schemm
July 8 at 3:03 PM

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethio­pian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled Sunday to Eritrea, once a bitter adversary, and agreed to normalize ties after an unprecedented summit.

The rapprochement between the two neighbors could have far-reaching consequences for improving the stability of the Horn of Africa, which is home to several conflicts and environmental crises.

The two nations, sworn enemies for two decades, fought a brutal war from 1998 to 2000 in which at least 70,000 people were killed. In the intervening years, the two sides have clashed repeatedly and supported rival rebel movements.

Abiy was hugged by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at the airport in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, and they smiled and laughed as they strode past the uniformed band and honor guard.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/ethiopias-leader-arrives-in-eritrea-for-unprecedented-summit-between-former-enemies/2018/07/08/a1144f96-826b-11e8-b9a5-7e1c013f8c33_story.html

[johnp3907]

1. Has Trump claimed responsibility yet?

[FakeNoose]

4. Not sure but I think Ethiopia and Eritrea fit the definition

... of "shit-hole countries." So I doubt Cheeto would even notice.

Just sayin'

[sandensea]

5. He must think Ethiopia is like nearsightedness.

And that Eritrea is what he gave Ivanka once while enjoying their "quality" time.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Hope this holds.

Some of the issue had to do with port access if I remember correctly, from back when they were really going at it.

[Zorro]

6. When Eritrea won its independence from Ethiopia

Ethiopia lost control of the port of Assab, and became essentially landlocked.

[BumRushDaShow]

7. Yup and there really needs to be a resolution to that.

[Hortensis]

9. Apparently Ethiopia will have access to Red Sea ports.

From US News and World Report:

Ethiopia and Eritrea will jointly develop ports on Eritrea's Red Sea coast, Ethiopia's state broadcaster said on Monday, the day after the leaders met and agreed to normalize relations after a 20-year military standoff.

"In their meeting, the leaders agreed to restore ties and resume flights by the carriers of both countries. In addition, they agreed to participate in the development of ports," the state-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said.

Nice to have good political news.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. Great! Thanks for the update!

[msongs]

3. it's easier to rake in the $$ if they get along better nt

[brooklynite]

8. UPDATE: Former sworn enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea have declared end of war

Former sworn enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea Monday signed an agreement to end the war between the countries, according to Eritrea's Information Minister.

Yemane Meskel tweeted that the "state of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end."

The minister added in the post that "a new era of peace and friendship has been ushered. Both countries will work to promote close cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and security areas."

The declaration was signed Monday during an unprecedented summit between the leaders of the countries in Eritrea's capital, Asmara.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/africa/ethiopia-abiy-ahmed-eritrea-war-intl/index.html