We are both looking in the right direction, sharing the same vision and working with the same keenness for the realization of the same goals.  Our success is guaranteed.¹ 

Mustafa Osman Ismail

Pre- Conflict Ethio-Sudanese Relations

 Ethio-Sudanese relation in the early 1990s was good.  The same was true of the relationship between the Sudan and Eritrea.  The relationship between the two countries was particularly boosted by the response of the Sudan to the Eritrean request regarding opposition groups who operated from basis in the former.  Hassan Makki has explained this below: 

Eritrean fears about the Sudan were temporarily hushed when the Sudan drove away the leaders of the Islamic Jihad from Kassala in April 1992.  This was the time when the Sudan was involved in the successful referendum which led to the Eritrean independence of May 1993.² 

However, things changed radically after the assassination attempt on the life of Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, in June 1995. The Eritrean government expediently used this incident to its advantage. According to Dr. Hassan Makki of the Africa university of Khartoum, the relationship between he two countries deteriorated because “Afowrki immediately exploited the deterioration of relations between Ethiopia and the Sudan by severing diplomatic relations with the latter.   Soon after, Asmara became the center of the Sudanese opposition.” ³ 

According to Makki the basis for the Eritrean anxiety which was then also shared by Ethiopia and much of the west was the perception of the Sudan as a promoter of Islamism.   At the time, the general picture of the area was that, “there was peace and stability in Ethiopia and Eritrea and that the major menace was the Sudan.”  Further, the Sudan was portrayed “as a danger which threatened the whole sub-region.” ⁴ 

The allegations leveled on the Sudan, inter alia, included that it was: 

1. The center of Islamic   fundamentalism keen to export Islamic   revolution to Ethiopia and Eritrea;
2. branded as guilty of allegedly trying to   assassinate  both Presidents Mubarak and   Afowrki; and
3. accused of supporting dissident Movements such as the OLF, Bani Shangol opposition and Jihad groups.⁵

The above was compounded by the role of the media, which projected the Sudan as a ‘pariah’.  As the result, the hostilities between the Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia continued until the onset of the Ethio-Eritrean conflict.  As Dr. Makki has explained, “the mass media projected the dispute between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Uganda on one side and the Sudan on the other.  Meanwhile, mistrust and doubts intensified between the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The mistrust and doubt between the two regimes it exploded on May 6 was kept secret until, 1998 at the border town of Badme.” ⁶

Ethio-Sudanese Relations during and After the Conflict

 Ethio-Sudanese relation was also significantly boosted after the conclusion of the Ethio-Eritrean war with Ethiopian victory. This positive development in Ethio-Sudanese relations was bolstered by a number of important agreements that were signed by both countries in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. Some of them agreements signed, inter alia, included the once discussed below:

 Cooperative Agreements Signed

 1.       Petroleum Trade 

A delegation from the Ethiopian Petroleum Enterprise met its Sudanese counterpart from August 31 to September 8, 2000 with the aim of negotiating on issues in the draft agreement. Support was extended to the EPE to build its own petroleum receiving tanks alongside the Al-Jeyli oil refinery. At the start of 2001, the implementing agency, the Ethiopian Petroleum Enterprise (EPE) and the Sudan Petroleum Corporation deliberated over the issue of the export of oil to Ethiopia.   An agreement was subsequently signed and Ethiopia has started importing oil from the Sudan. 

2.     Mining and Energy 

A delegation from the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines and Energy visited the Sudan from September 8 to14, 2000 with the aim of studying the Sudanese experience in oil exploration and development activities. During the visit, the two countries agreed to share experience in this filed.   The purpose of the visit was also to explore what the Sudan could offer to Ethiopian Professionals by way of training in the fields of mining and Energy. Besides, it was intended to explore the possibilities of training in the Sudan data processing and seismic bio-stratigraphic analysis in the Sudan.  

At the same meeting, the Sudanese Nile Petroleum Corporation (NPC) also expressed interest to go into joint ventures with EPE. This was for the purpose of opening up service stations in Ethiopia. An understanding was also reached to implement the petroleum trade agreement that would be reviewed every three months. 

3.     Trade and Industry 

The Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Industry has commissioned a study to identify products that would be imported to and exported from regions bordering both countries. Furthermore, while the draft Protocol on Border Trade was sent to the second Border Development Commission, drafts of the principles governing its implementation were prepared. This was subsequently finalized to bolster the trade relation between the two neighboring sates. 

4.     Investment 

Attempts have also been made by both countries to strengthen their relationship in the field of investment.  As a result, the Ethiopian Investment Authority had sent a draft agreement binding both countries in this field.  This was reviewed and endorsed by the Council of Ministers and the House of Peoples’ Representatives.    

5.     Customs 

On the issue of customs regulation, the Ethiopian Customs Authority held talks with its Sudanese counter part from August 10 to15, 2000. As a result, the Customs Joint Committee agreed to take measures of strengthening capacity at the customs checkpoints of Metema and Galabat. It was also agreed to explore the possibilities of establishing checkpoints other than those at Humera and Abdurafi on the Ethiopian side, and Humdait and Baraket-Nuri on the Sudanese side, which already had enough manpower to discharge their duties effectively. 

In addition, the two countries have set up a Joint Committee which monitors the border at Galabat. They have also agreed to control illegal trade and to respect principles that enhance the services rendered by customs agencies. They also reached understandings on sharing expertise and experience and on the training of customs personnel. Both sides also agreed to sign additional agreements in related areas such as Customs and Transit. 

6.    Port Usage 

No agreement was signed on port usage at the end of 2000. However, the Ministries of Transport and Communications of the FDRE and GOS were expected to reach understandings in the course of 2001 and 2002 when further bilateral negotiations were expected. 

7.     Road Infrastructure  

According to reports released by the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), in order to keep the road via Azezo open at all seasons, the Negade Bahir-Metema route was maintained. This was concluded in the wet season of 2000. Furthermore, road construction has been undertaken by private contractors. Expanding the road infrastructure linking both countries thus seems to be a priority area. Ethiopian and Sudanese contractors have also worked hard to complete the construction of additional roads.  

8.     Road Transportation 

Vehicles carrying donated grain have been given permission to enter Ethiopia via the Sudan.  This was in line with the request of the World Food Program (WFP). According to the Ethiopian Road Transportation Authority permits were also given to vehicles entering the Sudan through Ethiopia. Special identification documents were issued for the purpose of insurance for drivers and other stuff. Further, as the roads via Azezo were not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, special attention is being paid to address the problem.  

9.    Transportation and Communication 

Two Joint Committees have been set up to supervise the implementation of a rail link between the two countries. Initially, the Ethio-Sudanese Steering Committees held their meeting from February 22 to 26, 2001, and discussed specific details concerning the railway line. The Ministry of Transport and Communication of the FDRE also reported that the frequency of Ethiopian Postal Services had increased from two to three times a week.  

On the use of Port Sudan, further efforts have been made by way of clarifying conditions for future port users.

10.   Air Transportation 

Air links between Addis and Khartoum resumed in 1997 after two years of interval. At present, the air link is in full swing. 

11.    Civil Aviation 

There are no new projects underway apart from what is being done by the EAL. However, the Civil Aviation Authority is trying to promote understanding between EAL and its Sudanese counterpart regarding old claims by the Ethiopian carrier.  

12.   Telecommunication 

The Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation reported that “root survey” was undertaken to implement the agreement of linking Ethiopia and the Sudan through microwave.  The Joint Committee that was established for this purpose has met and discussed technical and commercial details of the project. It was also decided that instead of announcing a new bid to link the two countries, it would be wise to negotiate with the agency that put the link from Addis Ababa to Gonder. Accordingly, the procurement and telecommunications departments of the two countries have begun negotiations with the company that undertook the work. 

13.   Understanding on the Issue of Refugees 

The Ethiopian Administration for Refugee Affairs (EARA) which is a department that deals with refugees and returnees has been collaborating with the Sudanese Commission for Refugees. The purpose of the cooperation is to facilitate the return of refugees who entered the Sudan prior to 1991. In line with this, Ethiopian delegations have visited the Sudan.  One of the aims of such visits was to discuss with relevant authorities the possibilities of registering the remaining refugees who would like to be repatriated.  

The two countries have also continued to hold their Joint annual Ministerial Meetings both in Khartoum and Addis Ababa. Meetings have also been held at sectoral and administrative levels including those convened by the regions bordering both countries.  An important Joint Ministerial Meeting (JMM) was, for instance, held in Addis Ababa in late June 2003 at which the two counties signed additional agreements on Tourism Cooperation, Animal Health and Veterinary Services.  The agreements were singed by Ethiopian Ministers, commissioners and other officials and their Sudanese counterparts.⁷ 

According to the Ethiopian Herald of June 29, 2003 at the conclusion of the Addis Ababa meeting the delegations of the two countries had expressed profound satisfaction over the level of their bilateral cooperation. Similarly, they underscored the progress made in the implementation of agreements that were previously singed.   These included activities undertaken in the areas of political and security affairs, trade and economic relations, transport and communication, etc.⁸ 

The two sides also stressed the importance of strengthening their cooperation and consultations in sub-regional organizations like the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), regional organization like the African Union (AU) and the UN system.  They also exchanged views on the peace processes underway on the Somalia crisis and the conflict in Southern Sudan.  Besides, they agreed to maximize efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the two countries.⁹ 

The above optimistic development was underlined by senior officials of the two governments.   Speaking at the closing session of the Joint Ministerial Meeting, Ethiopian Foreign Minster Seyoum Mesfin had, for instance, expressed his conviction that the agreements concluded would further enhance the already positive bilateral relation between the two countries.  He observed, “with the completion of some joint infrastructure projects and above all with renewed optimism, political goodwill and commitment, I am certain that our next meeting in Khartoum will witness even more achievements that would lay the ground for economic integration”.¹⁰ 

Seyoum also reiterated the commitment of the people and government of Ethiopia to work even more closely with their Sudanese counterparts to achieve peace and economic prosperity in the two countries.    In a similar vain, the Sudanese Minster of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail expressed satisfaction about the achievements of the various sub-commissions of the Ministerial meeting in their respective areas of mandate. In this connection, as observed in the introductory citation he noted, “we are both looking in the right direction, sharing the same vision and working with the same keenness for the realization of the same goals.  Our success is guaranteed.” ¹¹ 

It is also worthy of note that Ethiopia and the Sudan have agreed to broaden the scope of their cooperation by expanding its orbit to include collaboration with other countries.  For instance, the two countries have reached an understanding to collaborate with the Arab republic of Yemen in the economic, trade and security spheres.  Likewise, they have singed a trilateral agreement with the Republic of Turkey to enhance cooperation among them in various areas of development via the launch of joint projects. 

This cooperation will mainly focus on the implementation of trilateral development projects which will be identified at the next meeting of the three countries.    

The trilateral agreement was held by officials of the three countries.  Ethiopian Minster of State for Trade and Industry, Fantaye Biftu had on the occasion, for instance, said “the Sudan, Turkey and Ethiopia have enjoyed specially close and coordinal relations, which have been sustained over the years by continuous interaction between their peoples and governments.”¹² 

Recent Agreements — December 10-15, 2005 

1.        Judicial agreement on civil and criminal matters.

2.      Plant and plant quarantine.

3.       Boarder trade protocol (renewed).

4.      Extradition on treaty of 1994 to be reviewed and agreed upon.

5.      Agreement on eight executive programs of implementation

E.g. youth and sport, tourism, investment, industry, animal health and veterinary services, agricultural cooperation, infrastructure etc.

6.      Trade relation between the two countries has also improved. At present, the trade balance favors Ethiopia with the exception of petroleum imports by Ethiopia which accounts for more than USD 200 million per year.

7.       Boarder delimitation has been finalized and technical work on demarcation is underway.

8.       Further, work on power interconnection is underway. The  environmental assessment on it has been undertaken and approved. Routes have been selected for it via Gonder-Metema and Gedariff.

9.      A Telecom microwave inter-connection has been finalized and is operational. Besides, work on cyber optic inter-connection is underway.

10.   A number of roads have been constructed over the last few years. This include the Azezo-Metema-Galabat and Gedariff road which is already operational. There is also a plan to upgrade the road up to the end of 2007.

11.     Other roads under construction include the Ashwak-Amberget-Alcodi road.

12.    The Humera road which is under construction is also expected to be completed by 2007.

13.    The civil aviation agreement will also be reviewed to strengthen the air link between the two countries. Further, there are plans for creating railway and river transport links between the two countries.

All of the above power, telecom, road, civil aviation and the eight implementation agreements as well as future plans on rail and river transport were raised and discussed during the technical and ministerial meetings of December 10-14. They were then endorsed by the Summit of December 15, 2005.   

Optimistic Nile Related Pointers 

The positive relationship between Ethiopia and the Sudan is also clearly mirrored in the context of some of the understandings which have surfaced over the Nile recently.  One of them is the Nile Basin Initiative.     The NBI coupled with other improvements in bilateral relations has begun to make a difference.    

The above convergence of views is manifest in the expressions of the officials of both countries.  For instance, such views were articulated by the Sudanese Minster of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mustafa Osman, who was quoted as having recently said, “the obvious, legitimate and right thing is that all the states in the Nile basin should benefit from its resources, and that can be done through cooperation and coordination.”¹³ 

According to Dr. Mustafa, “Ethiopia should and has got the right to make use of the Nile simply because the river originates in it.” He also made it clear that, “both his country and Egypt were not against this.”   In this connection he added, “What we are saying is we should sit down together and reach an agreement which will enable everybody to make use of the Nile.” ¹⁴

Dr. Mustafa even came very close to the Ethiopian position of raising questions about the 1959 agreement which was singed under colonial duress.  He then alluded to the circumstances under which the agreement was singed.  But, he was not too keen on dwelling on the past.  Instead, he emphasized on what needs to be done in the future adding, "every riparian states has the right to utilize the waters, but, this should be done through an agreement.” ¹⁵ 

Some analysts even suggest that the Sudan is ready for “another agreement which would take into account the demands of other riparian states and this comes very close to the Ethiopian position on redistribution or rights over the waters of the Nile.” It is difficult to attribute fully the emerging positive relationship between Ethiopia and the Sudan to the contribution of the Nile Basin Initiative.  Nevertheless, there is no doubt that it has contributed to the emergence of a more convivial environment in the Nile Basin region.  

Observations 

Ethiopia and the Sudan have undertaken a considerable amount of work to bolster their bilateral relations in various sectors.  The sheer number of bilateral agreements that were singed between the two countries which number more than 20 is a testimony to this. 

As noted above, bilateral agreements have been signed in the fields of defense, security, transport, telecommunication, aviation, investment, trade and scores of other sectors.  In addition, the Nile Basin Initiative seems to have had a positive impact by way of removing some of the old misgivings and restoring confidence among the Nile Basin countries including Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt.  This is likely to improve even more as the cooperative process continues via the implementation of the different projects that have been identified within the context of the NBI and the framework of the bilateral relations between the two countries.  

REFERENCES

 Ethio- Sudanese Relations Before, During and After the

Ethio-Eritrean Conflict

¹Mustafa Osman Ismail, Sudanese Minster of Foreign Affairs, The Ethiopian Herald, June 29, 2003, Vol. LIX, No. 251, Addis Ababa.    

^2-3Hassan Makki, Ethio-Eritrean Conflict (1997-1998), An Analytical Point of View, Dirasat Ifriqiyya, Issue No. 21, pp. 8-9.

^4-6 Ibid.

⁷MOFA, Achieved Documents Unpublished, 2001, 2002.

^8-9Mustafa Osman Ismail, ibid.   

^10-11Ibid.

¹²Fantaye Biftu, Ethiopian Minster of State for Trade and Industry, Ethiopian News Agency, The Ethiopian Herald, July 1, 2003, Vol. LIX, No. 252.

^13-15Mustafa Osman Ismail, Sudanese Minster of Foreign Affairs, The Reporter, July 2, 2003, Vol. VII, No. 356, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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