The impact of conflict on intra-regional relations: a case study of the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict (1997-2004) and its impact on relations hip the horn of Africa.

Abstract

This research undertook the initiative to investigate the impact of inter-state conflicts on intra-regional relations. The case study targeted the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict. The conflict IS umque in the African context. Eritrea was the first territory in post-independence Africa to secede. Secession was previously forbidden by the OAU constitutive act. . Eritrea independence has to date led to bitter contest over the border at Badme Triangle. The researcher first sought to find out what has been the regional response to the Ethiopia Eritrea border dispute. Secondly the researcher investigated the impact of the border dispute on relations between the two countries and the neighboring countries.

The findings of the research show that inter-state conflict has various effects on regional relations. The effect is observed on the level of politics, economics diplomacy and general development of the states. The Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute demonstrates that if a region is witnessing an on-going inter-state conflict, intervening in other regional intra­ state conflict is impaired. The interdependence among states to resolve trans-boundary matters is possible when all member states share the same vision. The Horn of Africa region has faced obstacles in achieving this objective _owingto the inter-state conflict as illustrated by Ethiopia -Eritrea conflict.

The research has managed to place the Etlli,ppi~-Eritrea conflict in a context of searching .... for peaceful intra-regional relations. Since the" ~pict has evaded institutional

intervention, the arbitration by the International Court of Justice has led to mounting tension among the parties. To settle the matter the research recommends that African leaders need to support institutions at sub-regional or regional level to end the numerous crises emerging among states.

The research is an appropriate reading for conflict managers and policy makes intending to reshape and transform intra-regional relations to be peaceful and development oriented.