General causes

The debate over the causes of the Ethio-Eritrean war is ubiquitous not only
in contemporary political thought but also amongst historians and geographers. Some of them, like Alemseged Tesfai, attribute the cause
of the 1998 war to a mere territorial dispute whereas others acknowledge
the importance of economic factors.

Both standpoints, however, seem to neglect the real complexity of the conflict which was clearly triggered by more than just one contentious
issue between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

It should be recognized that the the war of 1998 is a complex phenomenon triggered by more than just one contentious issue between the two countries. Especially, as it might seem at first glance, the border dispute is merely
a sparkle that has ignited the fighting. By no means it is the only cause for
this war to occur.

Prior to May 1998 the two countries were already at odds with each other with regard to following aspects:

Territorial

The dispute over border's delimitation traces as far back as the beginning of the twentieth century. Established almost 100 years ago the line separating two nations was never demarcated. Over decades, the issue has been requiring a careful handling so as to prevent a war.
more info

Economic

Since Eritrea's annexation to Ethiopia in 1961, the two states shared their economy until Eritrea's independence in 1993. But, even then, the strong Ethio-Eritrean economic interdependence has been preserved.
In 1990's these economic ties triggered tensions and misunderstandings between the two countries. The most contentious issues included: divergent economic strategies, the use of ports, Eritrea's introduction of its new currency - the Nakfa all leading to economic rivalry.
more info

Homepage I Causes of War I Territorial I Economic I Nakfa
Divergent economic policies I The ports
International Involvement I US role Peace negotiations
Aftermath of war I Bibliography I Related Sites