What Happened: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is meeting Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to follow up on tripartite talks from September, the Addis Standard reported Nov. 8. Initial reports suggest that the three leaders will unveil an economic alliance, although details remain scant.
Why It Matters: Djibouti is notably absent from the discussions, potentially indicating frictions with other Horn of Africa states. Growing violence in the region is an additionally troublesome development, especially as it appears to be expanding into more areas. If Addis Ababa proves unable to contain ethnic violence, it could eventually affect ethnic factions within Ethiopia's ruling coalition and cause greater fragility.
Background: Abiy's reconciliation campaign has produced mixed results. The reintroduction of formerly exiled militant groups has opened the door for more reconciliation, although it has also allowed activists to generate destabilizing violence in the region.
Read More:
- Eritrea Creaks Open the Door as Fears of War Recede (Oct. 12, 2018)
- Ethiopia's Ambitious Leader Reaches for the Stars (Sept. 18, 2018)
- Ethiopia, Eritrea: Border Opening Marks Another Milestone for the Former Enemies (Sept. 11, 2018)
