Is Ethiopia Committed to Peace with Eritrea or Preparing for War?

Historically, Eritreans have been the sole guarantor of peace for Eritrea, and Ethiopia has only shown a commitment to war. Today is no different. Our current “peace” with Ethiopia is contingent on Ethiopia keeping their word. It is a paper peace, only as good as the paper it was written on. If our long-term outlook is predicated on this 2018 peace treaty lasting, our naïve stance will lead to compromising the long-term future of our race and culture.

Conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia has spanned hundreds of years. In this time span, the aggression has solely come from the expansionist mentality of Ethiopians; the 1960-1991 war and the 1998-2000 war are clear examples of this continued imperialism. During the past centuries, there were numerous times of “peace” similar to today. Today’s “peace” is the same “peace” as the mid 1990s or 1950s. There is little difference between the Ethiopian mentality, rhetoric, or geopolitical situation.

The periods of peace were often just periods of preparation and consolidation of Ethiopian power. Followed by Ethiopia’s return to war. What continues to incentivize Ethiopia to go to war?

Ethiopia is inclined to go to war with Eritrea for several reasons.

1. Occupying Eritrea provides a massive financial reward: the land, the coastline, the sea, the mineral wealth, and the natural gas wealth.

2. World powers encourage Ethiopia to occupy and colonize Eritrea to exploit Eritrea’s wealth through Ethiopia and take control of its strategic location.

3. International law and international coalitions have failed to prevent or deter Ethiopia from utilizing war and violence against Eritrea. They actually enable Ethiopia to go to war through funding and military support.

4. The Ethiopian expansionist mentality.

Among the major reasons, little has changed in the past twenty or hundred years. Thus, there are many incentives for Ethiopia to reattempt occupying Eritrea. Moreover, relying on the word of Ethiopians to maintain peace is foolish. Numerous Ethiopians continue to push for a return to war, and the Ethiopian regime could change at anytime.

What does peace entail?

Benito Juarez posited, “respect for the rights of others is peace.” Our Eritrean nation must continue to protect its rights and guarantee Ethiopians respect them as well. Eritrea must protect our land, economy, and culture. It must demand that Ethiopia demobilize its troops and cease to push for war.

Peace is not believing rhetoric and pieces of paper. Peace is not waiting for Ethiopians to learn kindness and respect. Is it possible for the Ethiopian people to show a true, longstanding commitment to Eritrea’s sovereignty? The peace and love we have shown Ethiopia in the past has served to advance their preparation for war. Hopefully, this cycle is addressed and broken by Eritrean leadership and people.