A Region on the Move: Mid-Year Trends report. Jan - June 2018

Thus far, 2018 has been historic in many ways. Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a landmark declaration of peace and friendship on 9 July, casting aside decades of hostility in a matter of weeks. The announcement of the end to the state of war was met by widespread jubilation in both countries, and was matched by concrete acts of rapprochement, which included reopening telephone and air links as well as the Eritrean embassy in Ethiopia. Later in July, Eritrea and Somalia announced a restoration of diplomatic relations through a joint declaration that affirmed a mutual commitment to foster regional peace, stability and economic integration. This was followed, in September, by a high level ministerial meeting between Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea that culminated in a joint declaration on comprehensive cooperation between the three countries that will see closer political, economic, social and cultural ties and improved coordination to promote regional peace and security and contribute to economic integration in the region.Shortly after, two border posts reopened between Eritrea and Ethiopia that had previously been closed for 20 years.