Ethiopia-Eritrea border restrictions tighten

December 26, 2018 | by Ethiopia Observer | 0

The border crossing between Ethiopia and Eritrea closed this morning for reasons not disclosed yet, according to informants from the area. The main road between Zalambessa and the Eritrean town of Serha is no longer accessible since this morning after Eritrean soldiers were deployed in the area, sources say. The border was officially opened following the rapprochement between the one-time enemies on September 10.

After its opening up, people from both countries were crossing the border without official permission, the informants said. But since this morning, Ethiopian nationals heading in the direction of Eritrea were told to have special permit from the federal government detailing the purpose of their visits, the informants said. Vehicles are not being allowed across the border, leaving travellers stranded.

Even after the rapprochement, only two border checkpoints in a more than 1,000 kms common border were re-opened. The crossing through Badme and Humera remain closed.