Nexus of political tensions and cross-border contraband trade between Ethiopia and the Sudan, 1974–1991: evidences from Metema-Humera corridor and its environs

Abstract

Based on a critical examination of untapped provincial archives, contemporary periodical sources, and extensive field interviews conducted with selected local elders in the border areas, this study explores entanglements between regional diplomacy, political tensions hampered by the violence of various armed factions in the Metema-Humera border regions, the dynamics of cross-border contraband trade that involved a diverse array of actors, state failures in enforcing law in the border areas, and enduring impacts on the border regions, 1974–1991. The study also explores the patterns and dynamics of cross-border contraband trade, major actors in the contraband trade, routes, networks, types of contraband items, and the profound impact on borderland communities and state building projects. Cross-border contraband through Metema-Humera has been practiced for longer periods, but the situation was more complicated during the Derg regime (1974–1991) due to entanglements between regional diplomacy, fragile border governance, state failures in enforcing laws in the border areas, armed resistance in the border areas, and the involvement of a diverse array of actors in the contraband trade. The entangled regional diplomacy, mistrust, and suspicion that characterized inter-state relations between Ethiopia and Sudan in the post-1974 period created an enabling environment for cross-border contraband trade, which ultimately contributed to fragile border governance, social and economic crises in Metema-Humera borderland communities. These were exacerbated by the presence of armed movements in the border areas and the involvement of various interest groups.