There is an ongoing border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. It has been ongoing since the war between the two nations in 2000. Continue reading to learn more about this crisis which has caused numerous casualties till date.

The Eritrea-Ethiopia border conflict is one of the largest military stand-offs in the region of ‘Horn of Africa’. It has caused many casualties, military and civilian and has also resulted in small battles between the supporters of the two sides. 

It all dates back during the times of Ethiopian colonial rule over Eritrea. A long armed struggle was initiated by Eritrea in order to gain independence from the colonialists. Eritrea managed to gain independence in 1993. Some territories were left as ‘no man’s land’ and the official borders were drawn. Suddenly, a war over the territory of Badme was waged from out of nowhere.

This battle left more than 70,000 people injured.

In 2012, Ethiopia launched a retaliation attack against Eritrean held territory. This attack killed a number of people and left thousands injured. Ethiopia managed to capture three border camps of Eritrea. Prior to this attack, Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting Ethiopian rebels financially and logisticaly. Eritrea denied these accusations. 

In the June of 2016, Eritrea launched an offensive against Ethiopia which killed 200 Ethiopian soldiers and wounded 300 further. 

In the course of war over territories, countries and governments forget about the people living in these territories. This crisis is no different, several ethnic groups living in this region had to flee as a result of this war. Many civilians have been killed in battles and cross-firing between the two parties.

This border dispute is only one amongst the several which are being fought across the globe since many years. Many innocent people are being killed, being deprived of education and basic needs because of wars and disputes like these which aren’t receiving enough attention and response form the International community. Wars involving bigger nations in war-prone areas receive most of the attention and humanitarian aid. But aren’t these small issues important, aren’t the lives of the people living in these regions important? These are some questions the International community and we should ponder upon. 

ishanjasuja

17 time MUNer and enthusiastic on international politics and international relations.

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