New Horn of Africa Fighting Feared
Another surge in fighting on the Ethiopian-Eritrean border was feared after the latest mediation attempt in the Horn of Africa dispute broke down, diplomats said Saturday.
A peace effort by African leaders promoting a U.S.-Rwandan initiative ended in deadlock Friday after Eritrea rejected the plan.
Objections to the four-point peace plan centered on its recommendation that Eritrea withdraw unconditionally from contested border areas. Ethiopia insists this must happen before face-to-face negotiations take place. Eritrea has asked for an international observer force to be put in place first.
There were no reports of renewed fighting Saturday, but Ethiopia said a U.S.-brokered moratorium on airstrikes between the two countries could be at risk after Eritrea accused its neighbor of violating the deal.
In Eritrea, thousands paid homage to those killed in the 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia. In an emotional display of solidarity on Martyrs’ Day, more than 100,000 Eritreans welcomed home 720 of their countrymen who had been expelled from Ethiopia.
“People are angry, they feel hurt, but at the same time there is a sense of pride and unity,” presidential advisor Yemane Gebreab said.
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