Certainly, Ethiopia and Sudan have longstanding bilateral relations that can withstand any irregularities that might arise between them. The relations of these two countries date back to ancient times. For instance, Muslim merchants from Sudan have been an important part of Ethiopia’s trade for many centuries as one of Ethiopia’s principal trade routes ran west to Sudan and then to Egypt and the Mediterranean. Besides this, since antiquity, their relations have always been flourishing.
Both Ethiopia and Sudan are not only sharing a relatively long border but also they share cultural and socioeconomic values that are inextricably interwoven. The people to people relations have enabled them to create cultural and social interdependencies that have cultivated friendly bilateral ties. As they are nations in the volatile Horn region, they have been playing significant roles in ensuring sustainable peace and stability across the region. Their deep mutual respect and friendship have positively been influencing the neighboring countries. Whenever needed, they have been addressing national and regional issues.
Essentially, the two countries are inseparably connected by the Nile River and this would give them historical significance and unity that boost their commendable roles in the Horn. Because of this, they have been working together on issues involving mutual benefits. Realizing the significance of peace and stability for the Sudanese people, Ethiopia took initiation and played noteworthy roles for the peace of the Sudan. This is because Ethiopians are well aware that without the peace and stability of Sudan there is no peace and stability in Ethiopia. More importantly, Ethiopia’s roles in mediating warring parties during transition time cannot be forgotten among the Sudanese people. These communications of the nations have not only renewed the longstanding harmony and unbreakable bond between the two countries but also strengthened the bilateral relations.
As they have been discussing possible ways in which they can utilize the Nile River and they have also been addressing border issues and disagreements through dialogue and negotiation, they ought to deal with current irregularities through discussion without involving the external parties.
Unfortunately, some interest groups are trying to deter the longstanding relations of the two nations so that they gain their obscured agenda. The evil scheme of these groups that are enemies of the two countries resulted in loss of lives. These groups have hidden agenda aimed at destroying the relations of the two nations and putting the entire Horn in trouble. It is essential for the Sudan to realize the hidden tactic of the third party that would have nothing to do for the Sudanese people who would like to give a slight chance for the third party to reap any benefit through stimulating conflict.
For the benefit of all, Ethiopia has pursued peaceful ways to deal with the recent conflicts since the outset. As it is well aware of the destructive consequences of the evil strategies of the third parties, Ethiopia, unlike Sudan, does not offer them a slight chance to interfere and deter its longstanding relations with Sudanese people. It relentlessly works for mutual trust to prevail between the two nations. Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “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.” In short, both the people of Ethiopia and the Sudanese people have shared similar socioeconomic and cultural values that inseparably connected them.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 3 JULY 2022
