We should all be prepared for any eventuality!
By: Dr. Tesfay Aradom
May 14, 2005

The current commotion concerning the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia is eerily reminiscent of the late 1940s and early 50s. The superpowers connived against Eritrea through the Bevin-Sforza proposal, the “Federal Arrangements” and a “Mutual Defense Pact” between the US and the Ethiopian Gov’t. The objectives of these plans were, of course, to partition Eritrea and dissolve its physical and political existence; secure strategic locations for US intelligence activities and provide Ethiopia with weapons to contain the threat from rising Eritrean nationalism.

If we fast-forward to 2005, a similar political scenario seems to be at play: we observe former US Ambassadors relaying provocative subliminal messages; State Department officials making biased comments and unsubstantiated accusations against Eritrea which, in essence, constitute a violation of its sovereignty; and politicians and NGO leaders, relying on “evidence” concocted by disgruntled individuals and groups of shady characters arriving at preposterous conclusions concerning the social and political conditions in Eritrea. Obviously, anachronistic views are still prevalent in some corners of the world.

The goal then, just as it seems to be the case today, was to make Eritrea the sacrificial lamb in order to gratify Ethiopia’s expansionist whims. However, with regards to Eritrea history will not repeat itself. The objective and subjective conditions in Eritrea are significantly different from what they were more than half a century ago. Guided by an increasingly effective political movement and ideological clarity, a fledgling but evolving national consciousness was gradually transformed into a solid and psychologically, politically and socially enlightened Eritrean nationalism. A long common struggle against discrimination and political and social oppression perpetrated by various colonial powers and successive Ethiopian regimes was also an important factor that contributed to the strong sense of nationalism among Eritreans.

Following a protracted political and armed struggle and sacrifices, Eritrea gained its independence and, as a result, has become a well deserving member of the international community. The Eritrean people are now capable of defending their country legally and politically and preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity of their nation. Eritrea has clearly demonstrated a military capability to decisively foil an expansionist war unleashed by the weyane regime and its supporters under the pretext of border conflict. It has also shown that it can skillfully and successfully defend its political and legal interests in the international arena. The EEBC’s final and binding decision illustrates such capability notwithstanding the weyane regime’s attempts to influence the outcome through subterfuge and display of pompous out of court disposition.

In violation of international laws and principles, the weyane regime is currently illegally occupying sovereign Eritrean territory and, subsequently, tens of thousands of Eritreans are unable to return to their villages and homes to resume the livelihoods they were forced to give up. Its continues to defy international laws by refusing to let the demarcation process move forward and is instead engaging in provocative actions along the already delimited border. The indecisiveness of the international community to take the necessary actions authorized by the “Algiers Agreement” has emboldened the duplicitous weyane regime and made it an accomplice in the regime’s plans to undermine international law. As a result, convinced that it can do it with impunity, it is gradually derailing the peace process in order to realize its sinister ulterior objectives.

Needless to say, the definitively delimited border is not subject to any kind of tampering either by the weyane regime or anybody else. With the acquiescence of the international community in general and the guarantors of the “Algiers Agreement” in particular, this same regime continues to hold the technical aspect of demarcation hostage. Although its final demarcation is inevitable and the onus is on the weyane regime, credible pressure should be brought to bear by the international community to avert unnecessary human calamity and material devastation.


For more than half a century, the superpowers, intent on protecting their economic and political interests have been conspiring to deny us our right to self-determination and appeasing successive Ethiopian regimes in their quest for expansionism. The latter, in order to realize their political goals, have committed atrocious crimes against the Eritrean people. In every region of the country, villages have been burnt, razed and pillaged. Women have been raped and innocent civilians have been indiscriminately killed and tortured. In a fair and just world, one would have justifiably expected an apology from the Ethiopian regimes and people for all the suffering and pain they have inflicted on the Eritrean people. Contrary to this, the weyane regime, not only is it following the footsteps of its predecessors, but it has actually shown a propensity to engage in acts of genocide against the Eritrean people which it views as its nemesis and the main obstacle to its expansionist dreams.

Unfortunately given that, in these times and age, belligerence, hypocrisy and defiance of international laws are extolled and imposed as norms to be emulated or adopted, we as a people of a sovereign nation should not hesitate to define and practice our own moral values and virtues within the context of our historical and cultural experience. Similarly, we should continue to carve out our own path towards economic, social and political development. Needless to say, we have to stay united and do what we do best: rely primarily on our own human and material resources and also engage in effective political and diplomatic activities to meaningfully support the efforts of our government.

Confronted with these challenging social, political and military situations, the Eritrean people, more than ever, have to be psychologically, spiritually and materially prepared for any eventuality. Every Eritrean should exhibit the determination and discipline needed to weather these difficult times. We should be constantly vigilant against disinformation fabricated by our enemies and psychological warfare aimed at shaking our resolve and blunting our political keenness. Undaunted by a concerted effort to deter us from fulfilling our national obligations, we should preserve our enviable tradition of making the necessary material contributions towards our noble cause.

Wetru Awet N’hafash !!
Awetna nay gdn iyu!!