National Unity as a Bulwark: Eritrean Sovereignty in the Face of External Threats
- Semere Solomon
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
National Unity as a Bulwark: Eritrean Sovereignty in the Face of External Threats
By Semere Solomon
January 26, 2026
Currently, deeply concerning political tensions are unfolding in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Moving beyond the standard "access to the sea" discourse, the Ethiopian government has been—and continues to be—vocal about claims that call Eritrea’s sovereignty into question. This phenomenon has not only created great anxiety in our region but also established a dangerous precedent that challenges the sovereignty of nations.
Legal Procedures or Military Pressure?
Any issue raised by Ethiopia regarding access to the sea can be resolved through international law and diplomatic dialogue. However, when the issue violates Eritrea’s sovereignty, it leads to inevitable conflict and war. Therefore, this display of "power-flexing" and intimidation by Ethiopia must be condemned. As a sovereign nation, Eritrea’s right to self-defense is sacrosanct. However, this right requires more than military readiness; it demands profound political and diplomatic acumen.
The Politics of "Engagement" and Its Risks
The Ethiopian government is attempting to convince the international community and foreign embassies that Eritrea is preparing to invade Ethiopia by collaborating with various Ethiopian opposition forces. Similarly, the Eritrean government, under a strategy of "engagement," has been collaborating with opposition forces within Ethiopia to counter the Prosperity Party regime. This bilateral web of proxy interactions further exacerbates the current situation.
Eritrean Unity in the Diaspora: Sovereignty Above All
Eritreans in the diaspora—whether supporters or opponents of the government—speak with one voice on the issue of national sovereignty and independence. The political recklessness displayed by Ethiopia is unacceptable to Eritreans. Even those fighting for change and justice, often referred to as the "Justice Camp," understand that turning a blind eye when the country is in danger is a historic mistake. Consequently, it is reported that some groups are engaging with the government to counter this threat of invasion. So long as these engagements are aimed at saving the nation, they carry no shame. However, there are fundamental preconditions that must be met by the government.
The Strongest Fence: National Reconciliation and Unity
As the proverb goes, "A wise person builds a fence before the wolves arrive." The strongest protective fence Eritrea can build is a government founded on national reconciliation and unity. For any engagement or dialogue with the government to be effective, the following points must be prioritized and presented to the Eritrean government in unequivocal terms and officially:
Unconditional Initiative for a National Dialogue Conference: An urgent appeal must be made to all Eritrean opposition forces, civic organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and intellectuals, both within the country and in the diaspora, to establish a Transitional Council for National Security. This initiative should pave the way for forming a government characterized by national reconciliation.
Formation of an Inclusive Government: The government must set aside differences with opposition forces to facilitate and support an inclusive transitional government that fosters national reconciliation and unity. This inclusive body would have the following mandates:
o Monitoring the current crisis or state of emergency.
o Conducting diplomatic activities to represent a single, sovereign Eritrea.
o Initiating the process of constitutional implementation and the rule of law.
This process must be overseen by international and regional organizations and adhere to international norms to ensure the security and guarantee of all opposing forces.
Internal Reform and Strengthening Internal Capacity: Decades of exclusionary and repressive political leadership have created deep-seated discontent in the country. To counter external threats, the government must first reconcile with its people and bolster its internal capacity.
Release of All Prisoners of Conscience: All political prisoners must be released. This is a fundamental step in building trust among the people. Such an act would demonstrate the government’s maturity and moral strength, thereby rallying the entire Eritrean population behind this just cause.
Diplomatic Acumen: Military preparations alone are insufficient. Eritrea must collaborate with global powers (such as the US, EU, China, and Russia) and regional bodies (IGAD, African Union) to counter the pressure from Ethiopia through legal and diplomatic channels.
Conclusion
Eritrea stands at a crossroads. This is a time for wisdom and statesmanship, not arrogance. When a nation’s existence is at risk, the strongest military defense is a cohesive society built on justice and unity. The Eritrean government should seize this historic opportunity to demonstrate its political will for a strategic shift—one that not only saves the country from invasion but also passes on a secure nation to future generations. The time is now. Should the government fail to show readiness to fulfill these preconditions, any resulting war will serve only to prolong the regime's lifespan, rather than protect the interests of the people.
For the original article written on October 11, 2025, please follow the link below.