The Ethiopian Mediation In Sudanese National Issues

For the second time in almost a month, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, visits Sudan and holds talks with the President of the Republic Omer Al-Bashir on important issues. The visit of Zenawi comes in a time when Sudan is witnessing important events in South Kordofan and Blue Nile state a matter which indicates that the visit has something to do with the two incidents.

Every single observer knows that Ethiopia has special relations with Sudan. This relationship has witnessed remarkable progress as Ethiopia is relying much


on Sudanese ports, oil and food exports. The national security of the two countries is somehow inseparable.

These strong ties encouraged Ethiopia to play a role in handling some Sudanese issues such as Abyei, the disputed triangle between North and South Sudan. Sudan has welcomed the Ethiopian role and the presence of a Ethiopian military force to avoid any possible confrontations between the parties to the dispute.

The balanced Ethiopian relation with both Sudan and North Sudan makes this mission promising. So, the view that the Ethiopian mediation will give international dimension to the issue is a strategic mistake.

Sudan is exerting huge political and diplomatic efforts to find a solution to its crises. Since the Sudanese security issues could have a negative impact on the regional countries including Ethiopia, there is no harm in allowing Ethiopia to play a positive role to help Sudan find a solution to its issues.

Based on that, we do not think that the Ethiopian role in Sudan toward these files will go beyond this level. The Eritrean role in supporting the eastern Sudan agreement is another example that the regional countries could play a positive role in the Sudanese issues.