The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission set up a year and a half ago to adjudicate a border dispute that left tens of thousands dead and the entire region on edge will issue its verdict on April 13. Both countries have pledged to abide by the outcome.

The judgment will mark a giant step toward the resolution of one of Africa's bloodiest conflicts, but numerous obstacles remain to the achievement of a lasting peace. Some involve the behavior of the contending parties, notably respect for the decision and cooperation with the actual demarcation of the frontier. Others concern the response of the international community -- both to ensure compliance and to assist with reconstruction and the demobilization of the massive armed forces raised for the confrontation.

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