This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
July 23, 2019
When Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a peace deal a year ago, the town of Zalambessa near the newly-opened border was filled with hope and optimism. The Peace and Love Cafe, owned by Teklit Amare, was bustling with customers.
However, the optimism has given way to frustration as the border has been closed again without explanation, and hopes of progress have been dashed.
"When they shut the border so soon after opening it, that was the saddest moment," said Teklit, a former teacher who now struggles to pay his rent.
The border closure has had a significant impact on the town, which was severely damaged during the Ethiopia-Eritrea border war that erupted in 1998 and left tens of thousands dead.
During the stalemate that followed the end of active hostilities in 2000, Zalambessa was all but abandoned, deprived of infrastructure and other investments.
Despite the progress made in the peace process, including the re-opening of embassies and resumption of flights, enthusiasm for the deal has given way to frustration.
On other goals too, from inking new trade deals to granting Ethiopia access to Eritrea's ports, high initial hopes have gone unmet.
The lack of communication from both governments makes it difficult to pinpoint why the peace process appears stuck.
Abiy paid a two-day visit to Asmara last week and pledged to "further enhance" the peace process, but no detail was given of their discussions.
Many analysts and diplomats suspect Eritrea is guilty of foot-dragging, with some arguing that opening up to Ethiopia would force Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to surrender a measure of control.
"I personally believe that as long as the current group in Asmara stays in power, I don't think the border will open and the two countries will not proceed to normal relations," said Mehari Tesfamichael, chairperson of the opposition Eritrean Bright Future Movement.
Even at the border, the news is not all bad. Soldiers on both sides have since loosened restrictions, and Ethiopian traders say that on some days they cross into Eritrea unimpeded, and on others they can often get through using unofficial crossings.
Back at the Peace and Love Cafe, owner Teklit said he is not giving up just yet.
"There are rumours that the Eritrean government is fixing the road," he said. "This gives us hope that they might one day reopen again."
