Joy and tears flowed at Ethiopia’s Zalambessa border town as Eritreans and Ethiopians reunited for the first time in five years. Families, separated by war and political tensions, reconciled in an emotional ceremony organized by local leaders, marking a hopeful chapter after years of conflict. Although the border reopening wasn’t officially sanctioned, it had quiet backing from regional officials. The border was closed in 2020 after war broke out in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. Even though the war ended two years later, the border remained closed due to tensions between Addis Ababa and Asmara. The symbolic reunion reignited cross-border trade and rekindled community bonds, even as destroyed infrastructure and displaced families remain stark reminders of the toll of war. Locals now call for lasting peace and support to rebuild their towns.
BBC
