Algiers Agreement (2000) - Boundary Commission

Boundary Commission

The two governments agreed to determine the origins of the conflict by allowing an investigation incidents of 1997 and 1998 and earlier regarding their common border. The investigation would be carried out by an independent, impartial body, known as the Ethiopian-Eritrean Boundary Commission (EEBC), appointed by the Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in consultation with the Secretary General of the United Nations and the two parties.

The two governments reaffirmed the principle of respect for the borders existing at independence, and that the border was to be determined on the basis of colonial treaties and applicable international law by the EEBC. The United Nations Cartographer would serve as Secretary to the EEBC, and undertake such tasks as assigned to him by the Commission, making use of the technical expertise of the UN Cartographic Unit.

Each party provided its claims and evidence to the Secretary, who provided to the EEBC his findings based on this evidence, identifying those portions of the border where there appeared to be no dispute between the parties. Where there was disagreement, the parties presented written and oral submissions and any additional evidence directly to the EEBC.

Upon reaching a final decision regarding delimitation of the borders, the EEBC transmitted its decision to the parties and Secretaries General of the OAU and the UN, and the EEBC would arrange for demarcation. The parties agreed that the delimitation and demarcation determinations of the EEBC would be final and binding. Each party agreed to respect the border so determined, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the other party.

The EEBC issued a final border ruling in 2003, but its decision was rejected by Ethiopia. As of August 2004, the border question remained in dispute, although a tentative peace remains in place. By November 2007 the EEBC concluded the demarcation phase of the Algiers Agreement. As of that date, Ethiopia has not withdrawn its troops from those positions on the Eritrean side of the demarcated border.

However, as of September 2007, Ethiopia considers Eritrea to be in breach of the agreement, which effectively puts any border issues in contention. In December 2007, an estimated 4000 Eritrean troops remained in the 'demilitarized zone' with a further 120,000 along its side of the border. Ethiopia maintained 100,000 troops along its side.