Eritrea and Ethiopia sign fresh peace accord in Saudi Arabia
Eritrea President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have signed a fresh peace accord in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.
The move extends efforts to establish lasting peace between the neighbouring nations after two decades of conflict, following the signing of a peace accord on July 9 in the Eritrean capital of Asmara. The new peace deal expands on the previous peace agreement and reaffirms the economic partnerships set out by the former rivals.
Eritrea, Ethiopia sign fresh peace deal
The key aspect of the peace agreement remains the same since the initial deal was signed in Asmara in July. Article One states that the “state of war” between the two countries is categorically over and the two nations have entered a new era of peace and cooperation.
The second article states that Eritrea and Ethiopia will specifically cooperate in the political, security, defence, economic, trade, investment, cultural and social interests of both countries.
Next, the accord maintains that both countries will implement the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission decision reached in 2002 that determines key territories lie in Eritrea – the key factor in the border conflict dividing the two neighbours over the past 20 years.
Articles five and six detail plans for the former enemies to work together in promoting regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa region. This includes combatting terrorism, human trafficking and the illegal sale of arms and drugs.
Finally, Article Seven states the two countries will establish a joint committee to oversee the implementation of the peace deal.
Featured image: By Skilla1st – Own work using: Eritrea location map.svg by NordNordWest, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25055977
