Introduction

The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan are a stark reminder of the complex political realities in the Horn of Africa. Tensions have escalated in recent years, primarily over the control of disputed Al-Fashaqa territory, which is rich in agricultural resources. However, underlying this issue is a deeper history of conflict and political maneuvering that dates back decades.

Al-Fashaqa Dispute

At the heart of the current conflict lies Al-Fashaqa, a region situated along the border between Sudan and Ethiopia. The region is predominantly inhabited by Ethiopian Amhara people, despite it being officially part of Sudanese territory. In 2008, both countries agreed to a compromise: Ethiopia relinquished its claim to the region, while Sudan agreed not to disturb the local Ethiopian community. This agreement helped maintain stability, albeit uneasy, for years.

However, the outbreak of the Tigray rebellion against the federal government of Ethiopia in 2020 brought new twists to the situation. Sudan deployed its troops with Ethiopian approval, ostensibly to prevent Al-Fashaqa from being used as a logistics base for the Tigray fighters. This move by Sudan brought them into direct conflict with the Ethiopian Amhara fighters operating in the region under Addis Ababa's authority. Multiple skirmishes ensued, and eventually, SudanDeployed reinforcements, further entrenching its control over the area. Ethiopia's response was swift and proportionate, accusing Sudan of engaging in ethnic cleansing by driving out the Amhara settlers.

The current situation remains highly tense, with Sudan claiming to have fully secured the region, while Ethiopian forces are positioned along the border, ready for action. Mediation efforts are ongoing, but so far, they have not succeeded in de-escalating the conflict.

Historical Context

The relationship between Ethiopia and Sudan throughout their modern history has been marked by a series of conflicts and adversarial actions. Ethiopia has consistently maintained a high moral standard, avoiding dirty politics and supporting the unification of Sudan, even in the face of local separatist movements. In contrast, Sudan has repeatedly supported these movements, often in conjunction with international actors.

Since Sudan achieved independence from British colonial rule in 1956, it has been one of Ethiopia's most persistent adversaries. During the 1970s and 1980s, separationist movements were brewing in both countries. Sudan supported and continues to support such movements in northern Ethiopia, including the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF).

However, Ethiopia has always strived towards a unified, multiethnic Sudan. This is true of Dr. John Garang, the leader of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA), who was a Southerner fighting against the northern-dominated government. Dr. Garang's vision was for a secular, democratic, unified Sudan. In contrast, Ethiopia maintained a long-standing relationship with Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam of Ethiopia, who supported Dr. Garang's cause out of a sense of patriotism.

Despite Ethiopia's moral stance and support for Dr. Garang, the efforts to unify Sudan did not succeed. The EPLF, backed by the CIA, Sudan, and other Arab countries, eventually carved out the independent nation of Eritrea. This left Ethiopia a landlocked country, and the struggle continued with the eventual secession of South Sudan from Sudan, leading to a significant loss of territory and oil wealth for Sudan.

The Sudanese civil war, which has been the most deadly conflict since World War II, is often overshadowed due to the international focus on the conflicts in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Syria. However, it is crucial to note that Ethiopia did not get involved in the conflict but supported Dr. Garang's cause despite the odds.

Current Animosity and Future Prospects

The ongoing hostilities between Ethiopia and Sudan have caused significant distress among the people of both nations. Both countries share ethnic ties, and the animosity between them has not been beneficial for either. The Horn of Africa region as a whole would be much stronger if the countries worked together, resisting external interests from Egypt and other Arab countries.

However, the current situation remains complex, with significant historical and political factors at play. It is crucial for both countries to work towards a peaceful resolution, understanding that their shared ethnic heritage and geographical proximity make a cooperative future beneficial for all.