It is critical that we begin documenting the ever increasing wealth of the nation that is being plundered by the criminals in Asmara and Addis. We need to begin dialoguing about the economic structures that are impoverishing our people from day to day. This is an article to explore the cause and solution of the current economic and social terrorism in the Horn.
Economic justice. Economic justice means that every individual has a share of the nation�s resources and can participate in business enterprises. Negotiated peace by all stakeholders that sustains economic enterprises can direct us to potential sustainable peace. It is critical to understand that �Peace is not only the absence of war and conflict; it is the assurance of sustainable development and prosperity within good governance and mutual security�. Common understanding of the requirements for sustainable peace is critical for all parties.

Ownership by stakeholders. It is also critical to appreciate that peace becomes sustainable only when there is ownership of the deliberative process and expected outcome by all stake holders. Bypassing this process by assumed representation or deputization or deliberate confiscations of this basic right only prolongs the time of confusion. Who are the stakeholders in the current peace proposal?

Understanding underlying causes. Understanding the cause of conflict of interest is vital. Economic interests are the usual causes of disputes between individuals, communities and even nation states. Cultural and political dominance serve to perpetuate economic interests. Geographic demarcation is an excuse for economic interest demarcations. Non- sustainable economic systems will generate way ward undisciplined citizens seeking economic advantage at all costs. 

The path to sustainable peace. Any negotiation that does not take account of the underlying problems but looks for superficial solutions will beg for revisions and reconsiderations. The real stake holders should be the only parties that should be allowed to negotiate on conflicts of interests. If both parties are representing the same interests but have differences on how to take advantage of the peace dividends then the fundamental problems are not addressed. The current scenario in the Red Sea Region is that both parties are representing the same constituencies and the real partners for peace are not on the negotiating table. 

Who are the real partners for peace in the Horn? This is the fundamental problem in the current series of crisis in the Red Sea region that continues to baffle the local and international communities. The current peace proposal is not intended to negotiate on behalf of the partners. Rather it is intended to please international peace makers as it does not consult with the real stakeholders, the people residing in the area and specifically those in the border area whose day to day lives will be changed for ever by misguided negotiations and peace proposals.

Engaging all stakeholders is critical. The peace process is as important as the expect peace dividend or outcome. The peace partners should be part of the deliberation process from start to end, reviewing all the benefits and threats at all stages. The process should be open so that negotiations can continue in the future until the underlying problems are addressed in stage by stage basis. If the real problem is economic survival, demarcations or even building walls and fences will not do. The experience of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain is a good example. The current border demarcation should not be designed like the Berlin Wall or the Iron Curtain of the past 50 years.

What is the choice? Sustainable peace or imposed peace that does not respect the interests of all stakeholders? What kind of peace is this current peace? The people who experienced economic injustice by allowing their economic produce like coffee, cattle, and cereals to be exported having been purchased at very low price demanded the border to be closed. Those who had access to cheap local produce and were willing to export it at high price to the international market lost their easy market. So the challenge is having a sustainable economic policy that allows all parties to pay appropriate price in the first place. Now, demarcating and closing the borders does not solve the fundamental problem. The issue is economy stupid and not border demarcation. Investment based free market economy with private ownership is the real choice.

Economic justice will lead to sustainable peace, demarcation imposes isolation and poverty!