Border Issues between neighbor countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea is likely to surface now and even, in the future. More so, in view of Eritrea’s only seven years of independence, there is no wonder if ever border conflict Reacts between these countries.

such being the case, it is to be recalled that in order for the border conflict to be settled peacefully, the two countries had on a number of occasions been negotiating in a friendly manner. And even later on they had managed to set up a joint commission with the objective of peaceful resolution to the said problem and had been doing fairly.

The joint committee started carrying out its, work with the following mutual understanding between the two countries

1. Whatever the two parties claim with regard to border issues, they need to and should be resolved peacefully
2. Until such claims are resolved in the above manner the two Governments would remain within the territorial demarcation which had been there during the DURGE regime.

The joint commission was working according to the above set principles; yet, all of a sudden and to our shock and surprise something bizarre took place. On May 12, 1998, the Eritrean defense force in flagrant disregard of the above understanding and agreement made a shameful provocation into North-West of Ethiopia. Yet, Ethiopia did nothing at the time except that it called upon the Eritrean government to show restraint from provocation. The response to the call was another surprise, the Eritrean defense force backed by Tanks and Artilleries invaded Badme District and parts of Shiraro at North-West of Ethiopia by attacking a few Policemen and Militia of the area. The areas that have been occupied by the invading Eritrean force are located in Tigrai Regional State. Badme and Shiraro have never been “even for a day” under the jurisdiction of Eritrea, be it during the Italian occupation under the British protectorate, at the time of the Federation or then after

Despite all these unprovoked aggression, Ethiopia rather than responding in kind had to only request again the Eritrean government to let its invasion forces pull out of the area. The response of Eritrea government was rather to dislocate residents of the area, and to destroy School, Hospitals and other Infrastructures. To top it off, the aggressor kept on digging trenches and building up its forces at Badme and parts of Shiraro.

Very much concerned about the trend of the aggression, the Council of Ministers giving priority to peaceful resolution had once again issued a statement condemning the aggression.

Cognizant of the fact that the Military measure the Eritrean government had taken could only hamper the efforts that had been made to resolve the conflict peacefully by joint commission and as such an action is in violation to the Ethiopian sovereignty, the Ethiopian government had to show utmost restraint from taking similar to desist from provocation and leave the Ethiopian territory unconditionally.

And fully aware of the consequence of the possible war between them and its impact on the Horn of Africa, the USA and Rwanda Government and O.A.U. had been making efforts to settle the dispute peacefully.

Right from the outset Ethiopia has wholeheartedly accepted the facilitators proposal while Eritrea has to this very date rejected it in effect.

The Eritrean government has committed a grave historical blunder in resorting to the use of force to resolve the dispute. The Ethiopian Government has done its level best to peacefully resolve the crisis. But the Asmara regime which had a snobbish attitude to International mediation efforts stubbornly held on to its belief that might is right. The bombing of Civilians and Institution with Napalm bomb! clearly depicts Shaebia’s hatred towards the Ethiopian peoples and is indicative of fact it is bent on unleashing further atrocities. Ethiopia is committed to the promotion of peace because its priority is development, alleviation of poverty and backwardness.

Despite repeated calls for the peaceful resolution of the crisis, the Eritrean government has refused to stop from 1 provocative acts while the mediation efforts of the facilitator nas been under way. After all these tolerance, Ethiopia has only been obliged to take all the necessary measures to earned the national sovereignty while at the same time leaving its door open to peace initiative to settle the crisis. Ethiopian Defense force had struck back along the Badme front in retaliation to Eritrea’s latest armed provocation.

A total victory for Ethiopian Defense forces was achieved on February 26, 1999 in the Military counter- offensive named “Operation Sunset”. This Military engagement which took place on the Badme front February 23-26, 1999. The enemy has been totally routed out of the area, the very same area Issaias said “expected Eritrea to withdraw is as unlikely as the Sun never rising”.

During “Operation Sunset” the Ethiopian Defense forces not only captured the hundred kilometer heavily fortified by enemy trench but also extended their victory. “Operation Sunset” is the code name of operation Badme. The Defense forces of Ethiopia have shown their resolution and determination in achieving a victory that Ethiopian people are very proud of it. All nation and nationalities of Ethiopia have stood in union against the aggressive forces of the regime in Asmara.