Ethiopia Offers Eritrea Chance To End Africa's Longest War

Two decades after a border war erupted between Eritrea and Ethiopia, Addis Ababa says it will abide by a 2002 border commission ruling, offering Eritrea a chance to end Africa’s longest war.

Ethiopia’s ruling party, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, says it will fully accept ruling that would entail ceding disputed town of Badme to Eritrea.

Tens of thousands of people were killed in the two-year conflict and Eritrea remains on a war footing, demanding that Ethiopia withdraws from the "occupied territory".

If Ethiopia follows through, the move could help settle some of the differences between the two archrivals on the Horn of Africa.

Peace with Eritrea is part of radical reform agenda initiated by Ethiopia’s new prime minister Abiy Ahmed to open up the country after 26 years of authoritarian rule.

Mr Abiy's announcement is especially significant as it comes after the release of thousands of jailed politicians, activists and protesters, including British citizen Andargachew Tsege who was being held on death row, and the promise of wider reforms.





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