On Wednesday, Sudan’s Foreign Minister reported that an Ethiopian military aircraft crossed its border in a dangerous and unjustified manner. This incident comes after both countries have had several border confrontations.
Disputed Border
For decades Ethiopia and Sudan have been conflicting over the border that lies between the two states. Al-Fashqa, the disputed land, lies on the Sudanese side, though Ethiopian farmers occupy it. Last year, tensions erupted on the border when Ethiopia and Sudan forces buckled up in a fierce fight. This incident left a tremendous impact on the region.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Sudan remarked that the recent attack at the border could trigger severe clashes and cause more border unrest. And that could be unfortunate, especially as Ethiopia and Sudan have undergone ethnic and political conflicts in the past, which have deteriorated their economy, rendering their countries unsafe.
Raising Concerns
The recent attack, conducted by Ethiopian gangs, really troubled Sudanese authorities. They called on the government of Ethiopia not to repeat such acts. For such disrespect could result in hostilities in the future. More so because of the dangerous repercussions on the future of bilateral relations between the two countries and security and stability in the Horn of Africa. However, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, their Foreign Minister, and Spokesman all did not immediately respond to the phone calls and text messages from Sudan.
On Tuesday, Ethiopia cautioned Sudan that it was running out of patience with its continued military build-up in the border. This was despite Ethiopia trying to defuse tensions with diplomacy. In response to Ethiopia’s warning, Sudan’s information minister and government spokesman stated that Sudan did not want war with Ethiopia. Still, in case of intimidation, then its forces would aggressively respond.
Similarly, Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister also criticized the Ethiopian gangs for attacking al-Fashqa on Monday. The minister reported that because of the attack, five women and children succumbed. He also stated that two women who had been harvesting their crops in the area went missing. This incident left the residents sad and fearful.
On Wednesday, Abdel Fattah ak-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s sovereign ruling council, visited al-Qadarif, located on the eastern side of Sudan, near the border. Fattah stated that Al-Fashq was part of al-Qadarif. He also emphasized that Sudan had the power to protect its territory and preserve its security and gains.
Mr. Burhan also paid a visit to the villagers who were victims of the attack. He offered condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones courtesy of gangs organized with Ethiopian forces.
On 31st December last year, Sudan announced that it had taken control of all Sudanese territories on the border. Meanwhile, Ethiopia alleged that Sudan had taken advantage of Tigray’s ongoing conflict to occupy Ethiopian land and steal properties. Tigray conflict has been ongoing in Ethiopia for quite some time now. The clash between the Federal government and Tigray forces has been the leading cause of insecurity and tensions.
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