United Nations Approves Eritrean Federation with Ethiopia

September 15th, 1952

September 15th, 1952

United Nations Approves Eritrean Federation with Ethiopia
How Long Ago?

72 years, 6 months ago

Location

Eritrea, Ethiopia

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Ralph Bunche
  • Hailie Selassie
Links & References
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United Nations Approves Eritrean Federation with Ethiopia

The United Nations General Assembly approved a federation between Eritrea and Ethiopia, creating a semi-autonomous Eritrean state under Ethiopian sovereignty. The resolution followed extensive discussions, reflecting post-World War II geopolitics and decolonization efforts. Eritrea had been administered by Britain after the Italian occupation, and the decision was aimed at stabilizing the Horn of Africa. It was considered a compromise, balancing Eritrea's desire for independence with Ethiopian claims over the territory. The federation was officially established on September 15, 1952.

UN resolution sought to stabilize Horn of Africa.

Eritrea was previously under British administration.

Hailie Selassie's regime impacted Eritrean autonomy.

The federation led to future struggles for independence.

What Happened?

The decision by the United Nations General Assembly to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia was a significant political maneuver aimed at establishing stability in the Horn of Africa following World War II. Until that point, Eritrea had been under British administration since the defeat of Italy during the war, which had resulted in the end of Italian colonial rule. The geopolitical landscape of the region was rapidly changing, and rising nationalist sentiments were influencing the political discussions regarding Eritrean governance. This federation was seen as a way to address Ethiopian ambitions to annex Eritrea while satisfying Eritrean aspirations for a degree of self-rule.

The UN resolution established Eritrea as a semi-autonomous region within the Ethiopian Empire, granting it some local governance rights while ultimately remaining under Ethiopian sovereignty. This compromise aimed to balance Ethiopia's historical claims to Eritrea and the desire of Eritreans for more autonomy and self-determination. It sparked a series of political developments in the region, including growing tensions between Ethiopian authorities and Eritrean nationalists who sought full independence. Eventually, these tensions would lead to escalating conflict.

As the federation progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Ethiopian government was not respecting the autonomy originally promised to Eritrea. The signing of the federation marked the beginning of several decades of complexity in Eritrean-Ethiopian relations, ultimately leading to a lengthy struggle for Eritrean independence that would be marked by conflict and turmoil.

Why Does it Matter?

The federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia represents a significant turning point in East African geopolitics. It is interesting because it highlights the challenges of balancing colonial legacies, national identities, and emerging independence movements. The decision had long-term repercussions, including the rise of nationalism within Eritrea and subsequent conflicts, culminating in Eritrea's struggle for independence in the 30 years following the federation. This shaped not only Eritrean but also broader Horn of Africa geopolitics, impacting relations among neighboring countries.

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