Tigray And Eritrea
Hope Rekindled: Ethiopians and Eritreans Embrace at Unofficial Border Reopening
Zalambessa, Ethiopia – In a poignant display of hope and reconciliation, communities along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border reunited this Sunday, marking the first time in five years that families and friends could cross paths. Celebrations erupted in the Ethiopian town of Zalambessa as residents from both sides embraced, a powerful symbol of peace amidst lingering political tensions.
The border, largely closed since the 2020 conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, saw an emotional gathering organized by local activists and community figures. While lacking official government backing, those behind the initiative stated they had the blessing of officials in Tigray and Eritrea. Village elders and religious leaders were present, underscoring the deep community desire for rapprochement.
Many present described the reunion as long overdue and intensely emotional. For half a decade, families whose lives straddled the international boundary had been separated by a militarized border, enduring economic hardship and social fragmentation, particularly in areas like Zalambessa that bore the brunt of the two-year war in Tigray, which ended in November 2022. The conflict displaced over 55,000 people from Zalambessa and nearby villages, many of whom now rely on relatives while living in makeshift shelters in Adigrat, 30km south.
Despite the war’s conclusion, the border has remained officially closed due to ongoing governmental tensions. However, Sunday’s events saw cross-border trade resume, with both Ethiopian and Eritrean currencies being used, a testament to the local impetus for normalcy. “As people, we want to eat, trade and attend social events as before. Their siblings are here, their siblings are there. What we need is peace,” one woman from Tigray shared with BBC Africa.
Path to Recovery: Challenges Remain
While the spirit of reconciliation is strong, significant work lies ahead to repair the damage inflicted by the war. Zalambessa’s infrastructure, including electricity, telephone, and banking services, remains completely destroyed. Residents note that restoring these, largely owned by Ethiopia’s federal government, will require substantial investment. Water, health, and education facilities, also affected, are slowly being rebuilt through the efforts of local communities and donors.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been strained since Eritrea’s secession over three decades ago, with the border closed for most of that period. A brief formal reopening occurred in 2018 following a historic peace agreement between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, a deal that earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the 2020 Tigray conflict derailed this progress.
“I am confident that the peace and reconciliation we started today will continue to grow,” expressed Nebiat Woldegergis, who traveled from Senafe, Eritrea, for the ceremony. Amleset, a mother who spent five years in a refugee camp after fleeing Zalambessa, declared, “Today I came to see my locked house. From now on, I will return with my children and continue living on my land.”
Representatives from both communities echoed the sentiment that “peace and reconciliation has begun,” urging residents to return home and rebuild. Nevertheless, the challenges of looted property, destroyed homes, and lack of services continue to impede resettlement for thousands of displaced families. The long-term impact of this localized peace initiative on wider governmental reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains to be seen.
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