• Ethiopian citizens traveling to Eritrea were asked for “permits”
• A spokesperson for Foreign Ministry had no information about any border restrictions
• Security tightened in Eritrea after an attempt on the life of minister of mining

The border crossing between Ethiopia and Eritrea closed this morning for reasons not disclosed yet, according to people who live in 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. Eritrea has also imposed restrictions on another border point – the Rama-Kisad Adi-Quala border crossing, it was said. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson, Meles Alem said on Thursday he has no information “regarding reports Eritrea has restricted movement of people from Ethiopia to Eritrea, I will verify the information and get back to you,” as he was quoted by Xinhua.

The border was officially opened following the rapprochement between the one-time enemies on September 10. After its opening up, except during the night time, people from both countries were crossing the border without official permission, the informants said. Buses and trucks, as many as 400 have been making their way across the frontier every day. But since this morning, Ethiopian nationals heading in the direction of Eritrea were told to have a special permit from the federal government declaring the purpose and duration of their stay, the informants said. Vehicles, some of them carrying perishable food, fruits, and vegetables have been blocked and travelers stranded.

Security has been tightened in Eritrea after an attempt was made on the life of General Sebhat Efrem, former minister of defense and current minister of mining, according to some reports. It is not yet clear if the latest restriction on the border area had any relation to that. Business people in the area are already worried about possible economic and social disruption because of closed border roads, witnesses say.

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

Main Image: In the absence of border patrols, people are seen here walking on a road that leads from Ethiopia into Eritrea. Photograph: Michael Tewelde

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