"The joy of the heart", first flight between Ethiopia and Eritrea for 20 years, signs a peace agreement The first commercial flights between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 20 years took off Wednesday morning, sealing an astonishing reconciliation between former enemies a week after the end of their military clash.

19659003] More than 400 pbadengers boarded two Ethiopian Airlines planes in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, many of whom waved country flags and wearing T-shirts with slogans celebrating the rapprochement [19659002]. on board, he felt a "sincere joy". "There has been hatred between us (Ethiopia and Eritrea) for twenty years – now it has been reversed."

A Boeing 787 with 315 people on board and a 737 with 154 pbadengers were to land in Asmara

The flights consolidated the peace efforts of the new Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who took office in April and announced a series of reforms that have upset policy in the region.

the former intelligence officer at the helm, the ruling coalition put an end to the state of emergency, released political prisoners and announced plans to partially open the economy – including letting foreign investors take stakes in Ethiopian Airlines. 19659008] In his most daring move, Abiy offered last month to make peace with Eritrea, 20 years after neighbors began a border war that killed about 80,000 people. The large-scale fighting ended in 2000, but their troops have faced their disputed border ever since.

Abiy has since visited Asmara and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki reopened on Monday his country's embbady in Addis Ababa. by Aaron Maasho, written by Maggie Fick, edited by Elias Biryabarema, edited by Alison Williams and Andrew Heavens)