The split between Ethiopia and Eritrea can be attributed to a combination of historical, political, and ethnic factors. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia in 1962, long after the Italians had left the territory. This annexation was met with resistance by the Eritrean people who sought to maintain their separate identity and autonomy.
One of the main reasons for the resistance was the perceived dominance of the Ethiopian monarchy over Eritrea. The Ethiopian government, led by Emperor Haile Selassie, implemented policies that marginalized Eritreans and suppressed their cultural and political rights. This created a sense of alienation and discontent among the Eritrean population, fueling the desire for independence.
Furthermore, religious tensions also played a role in the split between the two countries. While Christianity is the dominant religion in Ethiopia, Islam has a significant following in Eritrea. The Ethiopian government’s discriminatory practices against Muslims in the Eritrean government further exacerbated the divide between the two regions.
The struggle for independence culminated in a thirty-year-long armed conflict between the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Ethiopian government. The EPLF, composed of various Eritrean ethnic groups, fought for self-determination and the establishment of an independent Eritrea. The conflict resulted in immense human suffering, with thousands of lives lost and widespread displacement of people.
International pressure to resolve the conflict eventually led to a referendum in 1993, in which the Eritrean people voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence. As a result, Eritrea became a separate and independent nation, ending its formal association with Ethiopia.
It is important to note that the split between Ethiopia and Eritrea is complex and multifaceted. While the factors mentioned above played significant roles, there were also economic, territorial, and geopolitical considerations involved. The legacy of the conflict and the strained relationship between the two countries continue to shape their interactions to this day.
The split between Ethiopia and Eritrea can be attributed to a combination of historical, political, and ethnic factors. The resistance to the annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government’s discriminatory practices, and the desire for self-determination and cultural autonomy were key drivers of the independence struggle. The armed conflict between the EPLF and the Ethiopian government ultimately led to the separation of Eritrea and the establishment of an independent nation.