Scott A. Morgan
January 26, 2007
As the situation within Somalia stabilizes the eyes of the World turn towards two past crises that have the chance to flare up again. Sadly both of these situations are in Africa again.
The first potential flashpoint is the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Both countries have a violent history since Eritrea won its Independence in 1993. Both countries fought a border war that ended in December of 2000. The Border Dispute then went to an Arbitrer which then drew a new border. The UN has a monitoring force watching the situation. The mission is up for renewal this month.
The crisis almost erupted into conflict over Somalia. The Ethiopians supported the Transitional National Government in Baidoa. Eritrea had links to the Union of Islamic Courts which was in the Capital of Mogadishu. When the drive towards the Capital began there were fears that there could be a border incident to divert attention away from assisting the TNG. But no fighting broke out this time although the possibility still exists.
The other area of concern is Sudan. We all heard President Bush during the State of the Union Address. He talked about assisting those in Darfur who have been victims of war for several years now. But there is another region within Sudan where the World should pay attention too.
The Situation in Southern Sudan has been overshadowed by events in Darfur. The area has been in the past plagued by a rebellion that has seen a Peace Accord signed. The region was also used as a base by Ugandan Insurgents. Currently Peace Talks are underway in Juba. The Ugandan Government and the Lords Resistance Army have been talking for several months now. A Cease-Fire is in Place now but it is tenous at best.
The Sudanese want the LRA to leave Sudan. The Ugandans do not want them there. Therein lies the current problem. A Peace Deal is crucial for the restoration of Peace not only in Southern Sudan but also in Northern Uganda. The GOSS has asked for four African States: South Africa,Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania to join the talks and ensure that any accord reached is followed through. After decades of war the people of Northern Uganda probably wish a deal to be reached.
These are two areas that have been scenes of war in the past. IF noone pays attention it could happen again. These people have suffered enough and the US has sent Special Envoys and Congressional Investigators. Maybe assisting in recovery and in Medical Care would be money well spent as well. Don't You think?
American Chronicles
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