
“Five years ago, in September and October 2018, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia reopened after 20 years of hostilities, the people of both countries met in a very happy spirit, economic and commercial activities began to sow life, and transportation routes connecting ports. It was a snowstorm. If the atmosphere had continued like that, what would five years of progress have been like?” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).
Yesterday Shabait, the Ministry of Information published an Editoral called “What would 5 years of progress look like?”. That was so interesting, that I had to dive in. It shows the sentiments that are now in Asmara. We can clearly see the message and the rhetoric which is used. There is a narrative that wants to feaster and we know this from the past too.
Now, the Eritrean government is trying to signal the Ethiopian one. As Shabait continues: “The plot was not hidden. Despite the threat, however, the peace initiative was given priority without apology and compensation for the atrocities committed against the Eritrean people. It was a demonstration of the goodwill of the people and government of Eritrea for peaceful neighborliness and friendship. As part of this initiative, at the opening ceremony of the Omhajer-Humera border, His Excellency President Isayas Afewerki exposed the plot of division and said, “Why are you preparing for war? You don’t need war.” He advised the TPLF leaders to be aware of the conspiracies of the hegemonic forces and to be wise” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).
We are seeing a familiar means to an end. They continuation of vilifying Tigray and the TPLF. That has been done endlessly and the Shabait has blamed the conflict on Tigray. It has been the mission all along and justify the invasion the region from the Tripartite Alliance. Therefore, this Editorial was no different. What is more striking here is how Ethiopia should be gleeful over the secretive agreement made between Abiy and Afwerki. As the public and the world doesn’t know the details of it. Therefore, it is a bit far fetched to praised and acknowledged completely when you haven’t shed a light on the arrangements between Asmara and Addis Ababa. This is why there are speculations of a war-pact and not a peace-deal per say. Because, later Eritrea wasn’t only willing, but has been a key ally in the war in Northern Ethiopia.
I am sure that Prime Minister Abiy won’t take this tone kindly. A man who is a man who swiftly changes faces and allies. He can one minute love-bomb someone and later he can assassinate you. So, Afewerki and allies should know this and take the memo from what is going on in Amhara region, which was one of the allies in the conflict in Tigray. Therefore, the lecturing is telling, but a contrasting one at that.
Shabait continues: “Even after the second invasion was contained, it was decided not to allow federal troops to enter Tigray. A solitary ceasefire was imposed to deliver humanitarian aid. They also used this opportunity to prepare for the third wave instead of peace. After the workers carried enough food, aid, and weapons for the war, a third wave of land grabbing was launched. All these opportunities for peace were arrogantly rejected and the last massacre of the people of Tigray, “If we do not occupy Arat Kilo, we will not enter Asmara”, was banned by a disarmament treaty after weakening hundreds of thousands of youths” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).
We are just seeing the reality here. That’s how Eritrea perceive it and their grievances are clear. They weren’t happy with the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) and the Pretoria Agreement, which where detrimental to the warfare in Tigray. They needed a prolonged war to end the mortal enemy of Asmara and annihilate the region if possible. Just as a revenge and a means to be superior in the region. That’s what Eritrea partly wanted and their mission wasn’t over. This is why they have continued to station troops and not left annexed territories in Tigray. Even if the CoH or Pretoria Agreement states that it should. Therefore, if Eritrea really wanted peace and wanted non-interference from the TPLF and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray. It would have retreated completely and given back territories to them. However, we know that this haven’t happened yet.
Shabait ends with: “Today, as the Ethiopian people reflect on the cost of this futile wandering, this bitter experience is expected to generate a broad mind that will generate wisdom, strategic thinking to bring about lasting peace and stability. If lessons are learned from the suffering and heavy and unjust losses, they will contribute to peace and growth that will cover up the tragic losses and bitterness” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).
We know Asmara feels betrayed by Addis Ababa. They didn’t do the mission and didn’t finish Tigray off completely before signing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. That one ended the war suddenly and the EDF wasn’t prepared for that. This is why the Shabait has lecture the Ethiopian authorities about stability and lasting peace, which is ironic as the Eritrean government is unelected and everyone who stands in their way is gone missing, detained or dead. Therefore, the peace made in Asmara is questionable grounds. That is not where you want to learn to build institutions or democratic values. The regime in Addis Ababa better go elsewhere than seeking advice from advice on these matters. Unless, they want to have for life conscriptions and take away people rights for “slave-labour”. Then we know where they have some wisdom to share.
This Shabait Editorial proves there things in the making. Things are not how it was just a year ago or more. There is tension between Asmara and Addis Ababa. I wouldn’t say that… if the text didn’t say what it says. It is telling and sign of the changing tides of Abiy.
The friendship of Abiy and Afewerki is maybe falling apart too. That’s why, because at this moment… these are two that are running the nations and their actions are the vital ones. Peace.












