Some problems do not get solved by themselves

The Ethio-Eritrean impasse continues to loom over the faith of both nations seven years after the costly border war between the two countries. The UN continues to warn of the critical state of affairs between the two countries with tensions rising and falling periodically. Both sides so far, besides the rhetoric of willing to end the stalemate, provided the other side with no first step and this state of affairs cannot continue; surely something has got to give.

The international community seems to be at its wits’ end in terms of bringing the two countries to commit towards finding a solution. So far no real pressure has been applied towards bringing about any real commitment to close this chapter. This week’s renewal of the UNMEE’s mandate typifies the lack of direction for ending the close to seven years’ stalemate.
UNMEE’s presence between the two nations has so far been effective in preventing an all out war despite the fact that jabs have been thrown at it over allegations of favoritism or appeasement. UNMEE’s tasks need to be supplemented by political pushes which can allow room for ending the stalemate. Renewing the mandate of UNMEE without any real moves towards solving the problems on the ground can only be seen as a weak gesture by the international community. If the current trend persists, one fears that we are all delaying an inevitable war between the two nations.

So far what continues to permeate from both capitals is the continued blame game and saber rattling. Besides continued statements from the international community of its concern of the heightening of tensions, nothing has been done by way of bringing the two sides to the negotiating table. We have already gone through the Cold War. Should we go through another Cold War on a regional level? We are already experiencing the spill over effect from the debacle in the region be it in Somalia or the regional governing bloc, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) from where Eritrea has temporarily suspended its membership. Should history repeat itself in this part of Africa where the wounds from the previous Cold War have not sufficiently healed?

What is noticeably absent from all these dealings is the AU’s silence in solving the impasse between the two nations. A border conflict is not a rare word but what is unique in this case is the relative indifference by the international community to this time bomb. It would be prudent if we could come to terms with the fact that the problem will not simply wither away.

The Ethio-Eritrean stalemate can be regarded as a potential resource black hole for other conflicts in Africa where shortages in funding and troop contributions continue to cause havoc. This alone should be enough motivation for the continent to move in and diffuse before things get any further. We cannot stomach any more communiqués and shuttle diplomacy that squander resources- we should act now and bring closure now. It goes without saying what a potential conflict between the nations would mean to the people of both countries and others from the region.

One wonders how a lasting solution to the border stalemate cannot be influenced from the numerous allies both nations have. Should we allow yet another militarization between the two neighboring nations emerge in this part of the world? Action is required now, in the present!!!

August 3, 2007