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On 21 May 1991, the Eritrean war of independence, which had been commonly considered the longest "civil war" in Africa, came to an end when the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and other political groups forced the Ethiopian dictatorMengistu Hailemariamto flee the country. On 23 May, the last stronghold of the Ethiopian army on the northern front collapsed, and about 200,000 Ethiopian soldiers surrendered in Asmara, giving the EPLF full control over Eritrea.
As soon as Mengistu left the country, the United States tried to broker a peace conference in London between the major contending political groups, including the EPLF, to facilitate a smooth transition in both Ethiopia and Eritrea. But before the conference convened, the political situation in Addis Ababa became critical, and the Interim Government which took power from Mengistu collapsed. Therefore, the London conference was canceled, and the EPLF and the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) entered Asmara and Addis Ababa respectively and took power. Soon after entering Asmara, the EPLF formed a provisional government, which is now governing Eritrea until a plebiscite can be held on the country's future. The principle question regarding Eritrea's futurewhether it will be an independent entity or an autonomous part of Ethiopia (or any other variation)will be determined following a referendum scheduled for April 1993.
On 6 April 1991, the Provisional Government of Eritrea had issued a communiqué regarding the proposed referendum. According to that statement, every Eritrean above 18 years of age will be given the right to vote. The question to be presented to the Eritreans will be: Do you support the total independence of Eritrea? The answer will be yes or no. The Provisional Government has also established a commission which will supervise the voting process to ensure that it is carried out freely and fairly. It is believed that the Commission will invite international observers to be monitors.
The agreement on a referendum for Eritrea has brought a relative peace and tranquility to this politically troubled and economically impoverished region of Africa. However, some groups, particularly the Amhara elites, who favor Eritrean unity with Ethiopia, resist the whole notion of a referendum. They argue that Eritrea is part of Ethiopia, and, therefore, all Ethiopians should be able to participate in determining the fate of Eritrea. Naturally, this is unacceptable to the EPLF, which fought for independence for the past 30 years. On this last anniversary of the Eritrean revolution, EPLF leader Issayas Afeworqi criticized those who refuse to accept the prevailing changes and attempt to delay the independence of Eritrea in the name of the Ethiopian state and its particular aspirations for territorial integrity.
So far, Eritrea's relations with Ethiopia have been smooth and cordial. At the outset, the EPLF and the Provisional Government of Ethiopia signed various agreements, including a mutual defense and non-aggression pact. They also set up a joint committee on issues related to security, economic activities, and free flow of goods and services across borders. Of great importance was an agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea about the port of Assab, Ethiopia's main outlet to the sea and the site of its oil refineries. Assab, which is within the boundaries of Eritrea, is claimed by both the Eritreans and the Ethiopians, and also by the Afar people who live in the vicinity of Assab and have their own aspirations of independence. In the meantime, an agreement was reached between the Provisional Governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia that Assab, which is held by the EPLF, will serve as a free port for Ethiopia.
Fourth World Bulletin • October 1992
Copyright © 1996 by the Fourth World Center
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