The Algiers Agreement of 2000 is a significant document in African history, marking the end of a two-decade long conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The agreement was signed on December 12, 2000, in Algiers, Algeria, under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU).
The Algiers Agreement was created to establish a final and binding settlement of the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The conflict had been ongoing since the 1960s, with tensions escalating in the late 1990s. The war claimed an estimated 100,000 lives and caused significant damage to infrastructure and the economy in both countries.
The agreement established an independent boundary commission, known as the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), tasked with demarcating the border. The EEBC was given the authority to make determinations on the location of the border based on the 1900 and 1902 colonial treaties between Italy and Ethiopia.
The Algiers Agreement outlined several key provisions, including the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of troops to their pre-1998 positions, the release of prisoners of war, and the establishment of diplomatic relations. It also stated that the border dispute would be resolved solely through peaceful means, including the work of the EEBC.
The Algiers Agreement was a significant achievement, bringing an end to a long-standing conflict and paving the way for the re-establishment of peace and stability in the region. The agreement also demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and the role of regional organizations, such as the OAU/AU, in resolving conflicts on the African continent.
For those interested in learning more about the Algiers Agreement, a PDF copy of the document can be found online. The PDF contains the full text of the agreement as well as important annexes, maps, and other information. The availability of the PDF ensures that scholars, historians, and interested individuals can easily access and study this important document.
In conclusion, the Algiers Agreement of 2000 is an essential document in African history, marking the end of a long-standing conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The agreement established an independent boundary commission and outlined several key provisions that helped bring an end to the conflict. The availability of the PDF ensures that the document remains accessible and relevant to scholars and interested individuals alike.