Algiers Accords (2006)

The Algiers Accords (2006) refers to a set of agreements reached on January 4, 2006, in Algiers, Algeria, mediated by the African Union (AU). The accords aimed to resolve the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea following the Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998-2000).

The 2006 Algiers Accords focused primarily on the demarcation of the border based on the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's (EEBC) 2002 ruling, which Ethiopia had initially rejected. The agreements included:

• A commitment by both parties to respect the EEBC's decision.
• Mechanisms for demarcating the border under the supervision of the EEBC and the United Nations.
• An end to hostile propaganda and actions against each other.
• Provisions for normalization of relations.

Despite the signing of the Algiers Accords (2006), the border demarcation process remained stalled due to Ethiopia's continued refusal to fully implement the EEBC's ruling. The situation remained tense, with a significant military presence on both sides of the border for many years after the accords were signed. The border dispute was a major source of regional instability until a thaw in relations began in 2018 under Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, leading to a formal peace agreement and the opening of the border. The 2006 Algiers Accords, while not immediately successful in resolving the conflict, served as a framework for future negotiations and contributed to the eventual normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.