| Eritrea and Ethiopia have an intertwined history. Following struggles which led to a new government in Ethiopia in 1991 and independence for Eritrea in 1993, the two countries found themselves at war in 1998. Now, a peace agreement has been signed, United Nations peacekeepers are positioned on the border between the two, and boundary demarcation is set to begin. The legacy of the war, however, is mistrust and fear. The issue of reconciliation between Eritreans and Ethiopians is critical to lasting peace. This research project looks at how perceptions of ‘the Other’, however defined by participants, impact on prospects for reconciliation between Eritreans and Ethiopians.;The literature review examines postcolonial otherness, looks at popular portrayals of ‘the Other’, and considers various theories related to otherness.;This research project interviewed forty-five Eritreans and Ethiopians in 2003 in those two countries as well as in Canada, Kenya, Switzerland, and UK. Interviews were based on self-identification of participants, perceptions of and by others, memories of conflict, views on the recent war, and views on reconciliation.;Interview findings conclude firstly that ‘the Other’ and one's own identity are closely linked and that the act of identifying and acknowledging views of ‘the Other’ may be helpful in the reconciliation process. Secondly, likelihood of reconciliation may increase as greater personal loss is experienced. Thirdly, the stories of past events can be used to reinforce both positive and negative perceptions. |
