The Complex History of Ethiopia and Eritrea: From Italian Colonization to Independence

While Ethiopia did not colonize Eritrea in the traditional sense, the complex and intertwined history of these two regions is extensive and multifaceted. This article explores the historical context, from Italian colonization to the eventual independence of Eritrea in 1993.

Historical Background and Italian Colonization

Eritrea, a strategic coastal area of the Horn of Africa, was colonized by Italy in the late 19th century. In 1890, after successfully subduing the autonomous kingdom of Aksum, Italy established 'Italian Eritrea.' This was during the height of European imperialism in Africa, and Eritrea became a pivotal point for Italy's ambitions in the region. Meanwhile, Ethiopia, known as Abyssinia at the time, was never formally colonized despite interest from several European powers, including Italy. Italy, with its two colonies in the Horn of Africa, already held a significant presence by this time.

At the Battle of Adwa in 1896, Ethiopia secured its autonomy from Italy, and the two nations signed a treaty that officially recognized Ethiopia's sovereignty. This border officially demarcated Italy's control over Eritrea and Ethiopia's existing territories. Both nations maintained separate identities for nearly four decades, until the mid-20th century.

Collaboration and Conflict in the 20th Century

Despite being members of the League of Nations, Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. Italy occupied Ethiopia for five years and united it with Eritrea and Italian Somaliland to create the greater colony of Italian East Africa. However, the Ethiopian resistance never waned, and when Italy was defeated by the Allies in World War II, the British liberated Ethiopia and took control of Eritrea.

Following the war, Ethiopia sought the annexation of Eritrea. Various international bodies deliberated over the future of Eritrea—from becoming an independent country to being part of the Soviet Union. The reality on the ground in Eritrea was different; there was a significant independence movement that aimed for Eritrea's sovereignty. In 1952, the UN General Assembly decided to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia, a decision that would lead to decades of conflict and tension.

Annexation and the Thirty-Year War

As a response to internal pressures, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia dissolved the federation in 1962 and annexed Eritrea, effectively making it a province of Ethiopia. This led to a thirty-year war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, beginning in 1961 and lasting until 1991. During this period, Ethiopia was governed by various regimes, including a Marxist military dictatorship, the Derg, after Haile Selassie was overthrown in 1974, with its leader Mengistu Haile Mariam.

Simultaneously, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) led the independence struggle, with Isaias Afwerki as its leader. By the late 1980s, the EPLF had become the dominant group, and as the Soviet Union withdrew its support, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) gained momentum. This marked a turning point as Mengistu Haile Mariam resigned and went into exile, paving the way for the eventual independence of Eritrea.

Independence and Future Relations

In 1991, following the collapse of the Mengistu government, a conference was held to establish a transitional government in Ethiopia. Eritrea seized this opportunity for discussions and negotiations with the hope of a peaceful path to independence. As a result, an agreement was made for the Eritrean people to hold a referendum on independence, which took place in April 1993.

The vote was almost unanimous, with the Eritrean people choosing to establish an independent and sovereign state. In May 1993, Eritrea was admitted into the United Nations, officially recognizing its independence. Despite the hopeful and peaceful start, the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea continued to be complicated, leading to further disputes and conflicts.

This article highlights the complex and intricate history of Ethiopia and Eritrea, from Italian colonization to the eventual independence of Eritrea, marking a significant milestone in the region's history.