02 May 2019 | 05:21 AM UTC
Ethiopia/Eritrea: Bure-Assab border crossing closed April 22
Bure-Assab border crossing between Eritrea and Ethiopia closed April 22; heightened security presence and disruptions to trade and transport possible over the coming weeks
Event
Eritrea closed the only open border crossing between Ethiopia and Eritrea, at Bure-Assab, on Monday, April 22. According to news sources, the closure occurred only on the Eritrean side. The reason for the closure were not immediately given by authorities from either country. A heightened security presence and disruptions to trade and transport are possible over the coming weeks.
Context
Improved Eritrean/Ethiopian relations led to the opening of border crossing in September 2018. The Bure-Assab crossing is located in disputed Ethiopian and Eritrean territory.
Advice
Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid unnecessary travel to border areas as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
