2018 was a significant year for Eritrea, marked by diplomatic breakthroughs, particularly a peace agreement with Ethiopia and the normalization of relations with Djibouti. The UN lifted sanctions against Eritrea, and the country was elected to the Human Rights Council amid controversies regarding its human rights practices. Reopening of border crossings with Ethiopia further enhanced regional interactions despite emerging challenges.
The year 2018 marked a pivotal moment for Eritrea, a nation previously perceived as isolated. A series of diplomatic breakthroughs initiated a transformation in Eritrea’s foreign relations, particularly highlighted by the peace treaty with Ethiopia. In July 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a monumental agreement to resolve a long-standing border dispute. This agreement fostered renewed cooperation and opened avenues for interaction between the two nations. Subsequently, in September, Eritrea initiated steps to normalize its relations with Djibouti, culminating in a historic meeting between President Afwerki and Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh facilitated by Saudi Arabia. This meeting symbolized a collective desire for regional peace and stability. In November, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift the sanctions imposed on Eritrea, attributing this decision to the peaceful resolutions achieved with Ethiopia and Djibouti. This decision reflected a broader regional consensus advocating for Eritrea’s reintegration into the international community. October 2018 witnessed Eritrea being elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council, an event that drew criticism from organizations concerned about Eritrea’s human rights record. In light of this election, Eritrean officials acknowledged ongoing human rights challenges within the country, promising to address them. Moreover, border crossings between Eritrea and Ethiopia were reopened to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year, facilitating movement and trade between the two countries. This reopening was not without challenges, as restrictions on border movement later arose, compounded by a notable influx of refugees into Eritrea. Overall, the developments in 2018 positioned Eritrea on a renewed path towards regional cooperation and international engagement.
Eritrea has historically maintained a reclusive foreign policy, but the year 2018 saw a shift towards diplomatic engagement, primarily influenced by its relationship with neighboring Ethiopia. The peace agreement signed in July 2018 was a significant milestone in resolving years of tension stemming from a border conflict, leading to broader regional implications. Additionally, the improvement of relations with Djibouti and the lifting of international sanctions marked a notable change in Eritrea’s diplomatic landscape.
The events of 2018 underscore a transformative year for Eritrea, characterized by diplomatic engagement and reconciliation with its neighbors, particularly Ethiopia and Djibouti. These developments led to the lifting of sanctions and Eritrea’s election to the UN Human Rights Council, despite criticism regarding its human rights record. Overall, the year established a foundation for renewed cooperation and integration into the regional and international community.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
