ABEBE WOLDE GIORGIS
Ethiopia and Sudan are neighboring countries with age-long fraternal relations. They share common cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic features together. Both people are the children of the Nile River. Since time immemorial, both countries had trade relations and in time of hardship, they shared what they have.
A significant number of Ethiopians resides in Sudan and the same is true for Sudanese in Ethiopia. Simply put, they have many things that unite them than divide them.
The two countries also share more than 1000 kilometre of border. Since long ago, utilization of farmland and other resources cause sporadic conflicts between the two countries’ farmers in the border area but the two countries always manage to settle their difference using their brotherly diplomatic approach.
The recent confrontation between militias along border areas was contrary to this long-held tradition. The government of Ethiopia also expressed its willingness to resolve the difference only through dialogue. The Sudan government also showed interest to resolve the problem through negotiations.
What should be underlined here is that the global/regional anti-peace elements are fueling Ethio-Sudan border issues and instead of prioritizing dialogue, they are sponsoring mercenaries who orchestrate terrorism and atrocities in the border areas. It is clear that a third party is involved in the border skirmishes.
According to Ethiopian government officials, the enemies of Ethiopia are involved in destabilizing the already fragile region in order to provoke Ethiopia to engage in war by all means.
It further explained that the two countries have been sharing a very long border area for many generations but such aggressive conflicts had never been the case.
The Prime Minister Office noted that the Ethio- Sudan border skirmishes are backed by some external forces with hidden agenda to put in turmoil the region. The Office also said that the conflicts at the border areas are against the interest of the two governments.
Both governments acknowledged that behind the border clash there are some groups who are working relentlessly and add fuel in the current crisis in a bid to achieve their hidden interest in the region.
It is regrettable to see the conflict particularly after Ethiopia government concluded the law enforcement operation in the Northern part of the country while at the same time Sudan is engaged in dealing with the demand of Sudanese people for democracy, peace and stability.
It is believed that the ongoing conflict will never bring positive outcomes for the two peoples than aggravating their appalling living conditions.
There are many burning issues that the two countries should prioritize to tackle and among others poverty, unemployment, disease, food insecurity and the unavailability of clean water in the rural parts of both countries. They should allocate their resources to address these problems.
They should not utilize their limited resources to import weaponry for self-destruction.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Ambassador Dina Mufti in his recent interview with local media said that the two sisterly countries are now actively engaging in diplomatic discussions to solve the issue for good.
As neighboring countries, they should rather build their mutual benefit through trade and economic ties. Economists predict that the completion of the GERD brings a lot of fortune to the two countries.
Ethiopia supplies cheap clean energy to Sudan; Sudan dams will be protected from sedimentation and generate power in full capacity, and Sudanese irrigation farms will also get regular water without fluctuation.
Hence the two governments should focus on their common future rather than foreign-backed animosity and diplomatic hope is on the horizon.
The Ethiopian herald December 27/2020
