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The sudden thaw between long-time enemies Eritrea and Ethiopia open up a world of possibilities for residents of neighboring countries: new economic and diplomatic relations, telephone and transport links and the end of the war. One of the most bitter feuds in Africa
But nascent peace raises new questions for the Eritrean diaspora, tens of thousands who have fled the grip of their government, a rigid system of compulsory military conscription and endemic poverty.
Now they are cautiously waiting to see how the truce will shape their homeland and
"I want to go to my country," said Salamwit Willedo, a 29-year-old Eritrean living in Israel. "Everywhere I am a refugee … But my country is my homeland, I feel at home, so I hope peace will happen."
Tiny Eritrea, with 5 million people , gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after years of rebel war. He has been ruled by President Isaias Afwerki since then and has become one of the most reclusive nations in the world. The state of war with Ethiopia kept the country of the Red Sea in a state of constant military readiness, with a hard and indefinite conscription system that drew criticism from rights groups and sent thousands people flee to Europe, Israel and other African nations. Discrimination and Conspiracy
The arch-enemies of the Horn of Africa led a bloody border war from 1998 to 2000 that left tens of thousands of victims and separated families. But the antagonism erupted sharply last month when reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia was fully accepting a peace agreement signed in 2000 that would put controversial border areas back on the ground. ; Eritrea.
Hostility between nations has faded considerably. The leaders traveled to the respective countries for jubilant receptions, diplomatic and other ties were restored, and flagship Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Eritrea this week.
The adoption of the peace agreement by Ethiopia away from years of anti-government protests demanding wider freedoms in the second most populous nation of the world. Africa, with more than 100 million people. Now the eyes are on Eritrea and peace can induce him to relax and abandon his long defensive position.
"Hatred, discrimination and conspiracy are now over," said the 72-year-old Eritrean leader. People chanting his name on his first visit to Ethiopia in 22 years.
While the diaspora is divided into supporters and critics of the government, many Eritreans abroad are skeptical of change as long as the current government remains in power
think that this is not going to bring of solution in the interior of the country, because we still have thousands of prisoners in the country, we do not have a constitution, we do not have internal peace, "said Bluts Iybadu, who came to Tel Aviv. 2010 and is a member of United Eritreans for Justice, a group of Eritrean expatriates who work to promote democracy in their home country.
Israel has become a destination of choice for Eritreans fleeing and is home to around 26,000 people. Most live in underprivileged neighborhoods in South Tel Aviv and hold subordinate positions in restaurants or hotels.
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that many say their lives are better than in Eritrea, they have not received a warm welcome in Israel, which has struggled to cope with an influx of migrants from Eritrea and Sudan.
Israel sees migrants as jobseekers who threaten the Jewish character of the state. He detained migrants and sent them to third countries to reduce their numbers.
Rights groups say that Israel can use reconciliation between Eritrea and Ethiopia as an excuse to encourage migrants to leave.
170,000 Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers living in Ethiopia, short-term peace means a new ability to communicate by phone with their loved ones at home.
"I can not put my joy in words to my sisters in (the port city of) Mbadawa since the phone line was restored," said Alemnesh Woldegiorgis, 64, an Eritrean living in Ethiopia. He said that he was hoping to get a pbadport to visit a family that he had not seen for 20 years.
In Germany, where nearly 70,000 Eritreans have settled, most are refugees who have come to the country in the past five years. German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
Hintsa Amine lives with other Eritreans in temporary migrant housing near the former Berlin Airport. The 22-year-old man arrived in Germany a year and a half ago and, while supporting the peace agreement, he said that he had not changed his plans because He still did not feel safe in his home country.
I want to stay here in Germany, "he said.
Peace Agreement
For Mohammed Lumumba Ibrahim, 61, who has been living in Germany for 45 years, the truce was aroused the hope that he "I would like to go with the whole family, but I have to make sure that we have peace, that there is no war for that I can take my children and show them Some members of the diaspora have defended the government of Eritrea, saying that he was not responsible for all the evils of the country
Essey Asbu, 47 years old, who came to the United States in the 1980s as a refugee. , has returned to Eritrea for the 10th anniversary of independence and again about two years ago for the 25th anniversary. Eritreans mark their independence from 1991, when they captured their future capital, Asmara.
He does not believe that the current regime can prevent members of the diaspora from returning unless they have committed a crime. "I do not know why anyone would not be very comfortable to come back," he said, adding that Eritreans who are professionals or who have been educated in their own right have been educated. other countries could be the biggest resource of the country if they come back.
The most recent data from the US American Census Survey, there are about 34,000 people born in Eritrea now living in the United States. California has the largest number, about 6,200. About 1,150 live in Minnesota, according to the survey.
Mohamed Salih Idris, 49, of Minneapolis, left in the 1970s and came to the United States in 1999. Idris did not attempt to return to Eritrea, citing danger for himself and his family and the threat of not leaving Eritrea
He said that the peace agreement brings a little optimism, but this feeling is marked by mistrust.
"There is no confidence in the current regime.The hope is that now with this peace agreement, there is no excuse for them to continue to do what They did, "he said.
He said that the fear of imprisonment is very real. Someone to think about coming back right now. "
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