By HAN News Desk
The United Kingdom, Turkey, Norway and Japan have issued a joint statement calling on Ethiopia and Eritrea to uphold the peace agreement signed between the two countries in 2000, which formally ended a prolonged and deadly border war.
In the statement, the four countries urged both governments to respect the Algiers Agreement, which was signed in Algeria after years of conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced large numbers of civilians on both sides of the border.
They also called on Addis Ababa and Asmara to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any actions that undermine these principles could further destabilise the Horn of Africa region.
The appeal comes amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with officials and state-aligned media outlets in both countries exchanging increasingly hostile rhetoric in recent weeks. Analysts fear that the sharp escalation in verbal threats could lead to renewed confrontation if diplomatic efforts fail.
The Algiers Agreement established mechanisms to resolve border disputes peacefully, including the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. However, implementation of some key aspects of the deal has remained contentious over the years, contributing to periodic tensions between the two neighbours.
The four countries stressed the importance of dialogue and restraint, urging both sides to resolve disagreements through peaceful means and in line with international law.
They also underlined that stability between Ethiopia and Eritrea is crucial for wider regional peace, particularly at a time when the Horn of Africa is facing multiple challenges, including ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises and economic pressures.
There has so far been no immediate response from either the Ethiopian or Eritrean governments to the joint statement.
