From peace to discord

The fragile trajectory of Ethiopia–Eritrea relations in law and practice

Bibliographic Data

ID6030857
AuthorsEstifanos Balew Liyew (0000-0001-6348-0177, Samara University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-13
Publication date2025-10-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAfrican Identities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14725843.2025.2569485
OpenAlexW4415433697
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited11

The 2018 peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea marked a watershed moment in the Horn of Africa’s political landscape, ending two decades of hostility. However, the rapid deterioration of this relationship after a brief period of cooperation reveals deep-seated structural tensions and unresolved historical grievances. This article critically examines the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement, tracing the arc from reconciliation to renewed rivalry. The article employed qualitative research methodology. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, it examines the geopolitical, ideological, and military factors that contributed to the undermining of the peace process. Particular attention is given to Eritrea’s role in the Tigray conflict and the implications for regional security. This article argues that since the reconciliation of the two countries’ two-decade ‘no war, no peace’ stalemate was elite-based, performative rather than substantive, an event rather than a process, not participatory of the people, and key actors like the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), it has been aborted shortly. Thus, for lasting peace, Ethiopia and Eritrea must embrace inclusive governance, institutionalize diplomacy, and demilitarize borders. International actors should support implementation and reform, recognizing peace as a continuous process requiring public engagement, political commitment, and resilience to ensure regional stability

Trajectory · African history and culture analysis · Historical and Contemporary Political Dynamics · Political Conflict and Governance

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