Sharing long border and deep people to people relations, Ethiopia and Sudan have amicable bilateral ties. The neighboring countries’ relation is defined by shared socioeconomic and cultural values.
Sitting at the volatile Horn region, both countries have been fostering strong cooperation based on deep mutual respect and friendship. The countries have been at their disposal when either of the countries needed help. It is of nothing exaggeration to claim same people living in two countries. Connected by the precious Abay river, cemented by deep sense of love, both countries have long been a partner in need navigating through the thick and thin. Particularly, Ethiopia has special place among the Sudanese people for its unforgettable and notable role in the peace and stability of the Sudan. From deploying peacekeeping mission to brokering peace deal, Ethiopia has always been a friend in need to Sudan. Ethiopians are very much aware that the peace and stability of Sudan is the peace and stability of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia had helped Khartoum regain its peace and overcome its setbacks providing all-rounded supports. Suffice it to mention the contribution Addis Ababa made in mediating warring parties during Sudan’s tumults transition time. The longstanding harmony and the unbreakable bond of the two peoples make the relation more strong and special.
Both countries have been addressing border issues and disagreements through dialogue and negotiation. Since lately, some interest groups in Sudan and external parties have been trying to sow discord between the two brotherly countries under the guise of border issues.
Lives have been lost; livelihoods have been destroyed and relations have been damaged due to the far-fetched conspiracies plotted by the enemies of both nations. Lately, a tragic incident has claimed the lives of people escalating tension along the two countries’ border. Ethiopia has expressed its condolences and called for an investigation into the matter. In fact, Ethiopia has been making its utmost effort to improve strained ties and resolve the differences brewed by other third parties.
The message of Ethiopian Prime Minister in this regard attests this very fact. In his official twitter post, Abiy noted “For us, our choice is peace between our two peoples, and our two brotherly countries. Our choice is for mutual trust to prevail between us. There should not be confrontations between us, because of external pressures. We have to control ourselves; And to be restrained.”
“This is for the sake of our common interests and the principles of good neighborliness. There should be no enmities between us. Rather, we must be partners in development, and rise together. We have all respect for the brotherly Sudanese people. We believe that Sudan and Ethiopia are capable of solving all the problems and difficulties they face in the spirit of lasting brotherhood and good neighborliness,” Abiy remarked.
The words of the prime minster are the reflections of the whole Ethiopian people. Ethiopia and Sudan have all the means to turn calamity into opportunity. The countries should not be a victim of external interference and the deep-rooted bilateral relation cannot be and must not be damaged because of few interest groups. What the neighboring countries need is cooperation not confrontation. Negotiation is the only way out to peace and stability. In this regard, Ethiopia will continue striving to settle differences peacefully and diplomatically.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 1 JULY 2022
