The Paradox of Liberation

The Paradox of Liberation

By Semere Solomon

April 18, 2026

The Paradox of Liberation: Analyzing the Crisis of Institutional Governance in Post-Independence Eritrea

The shift from a liberation movement to a functional, democratic state is one of the most intricate challenges in post-colonial political theory. In Eritrea, this path is marked by a phenomenon termed "suspended citizenship," where the moral authority of the independence struggle is used to justify the indefinite postponement of constitutional governance.

The Concept of Frozen Legitimacy

At the core of the current governance crisis lies the tension between "liberation legitimacy" and "legal-rational legitimacy." Liberation movements initially gain authority by successfully pursuing national sovereignty. However, for a state to remain stable and responsive, this authority must eventually be transferred to permanent institutions, such as the judiciary, legislature, and constitution. In Eritrea, this transition was halted. Despite being ratified, the 1997 Constitution remains unimplemented. Political scientists often classify such states as having "frozen legitimacy," where the ruling elite continues to cite past revolutionary sacrifices as a primary mandate, thereby bypassing the need for contemporary electoral or legal renewal.

The "State of Exception" as a Governing Logic

A defining feature of the Eritrean political landscape is the normalization of the "state of exception." By framing the national environment as one of perpetual existential threat—primarily due to unresolved border tensions and external pressures—the state justifies suspending civil liberties. Evidence-based observations of this system highlight several critical structural consequences.

• Securitization of civil life: Governance is filtered through the lens of national security, leading to the "indefinite national service" model, which serves both as a defense mechanism and a primary tool for social and economic mobilization.

• Institutional paralysis: When executive authority operates outside the constitutional framework, formal institutions such as the National Assembly lose their functional purpose. Power becomes concentrated within a narrow circle, leading to what is often termed "palace politics."

• Economic stagnation: A state-dominated economy, coupled with the drain of human capital through mass migration (often driven by the lack of a clear end date for national service), limits the development of a robust private sector and independent middle class.

The Human Cost: Suspended Citizenship

The most profound impact of this governance model is on the concept of citizenship. Traditionally, citizenship implies a reciprocal relationship between rights and duties. In a system of "suspended citizenship," the duties (such as service and loyalty) are absolute, while the rights (such as due process, freedom of movement, and political participation) are deferred to an unspecified future date. This has created a generational rift between two groups. While the "liberation generation" may view the current hardships through the prism of the struggle for independence, younger generations often perceive it as an era of lost opportunity. This is because the expectations of the younger generation differ from those of the 'struggle generation'; they view independence as a starting point for a better standard of living, the respect of human and political rights, economic freedom, and a bright future. This demographic disconnect is a primary driver of the high emigration rates seen over the last two decades.

Pathways to Renewal

An evidence-based analysis indicates that the current trajectory is not an inevitable outcome of the liberation struggle but rather a deliberate political choice. The path toward renewal involves several key structural shifts.

• Initiating an unconditional national dialogue: This immediately calls upon all Eritrean opposition forces, civic societies, and religious and intellectual leaders, both inside the country and in the diaspora, to form a transitional council for national salvation with a genuine intent to form a government of national reconciliation.

• Establishing a government of national unity: A constitutional government is imperative for the nation's sanity. Eritrea aspires to be a nation admired by its neighbors and the inter­national community. This admiration stems not only from the consider­able sacrifices made during the struggle for independence but also from a nation-building initiative driven by well-defined strategies and goals. This initiative entails robust institutions, a resilient and modern economy, highly skilled and competent human capital, balanced diplomacy in for­eign affairs, and a sincere desire to improve the quality of life for the Eritrean people. At the heart of this vision is the creation of conditions for the rule of law, which serves as the foundation of a society that values a fair and orderly system of governance. Upholding the principles of freedom and social justice, along with pursuing economic development that meets the needs of various regions in the country, is essential. Good governance and institutional frameworks emphasize building a collective consensus and prioritizing fair representation.

Ultimately, the survival of the state hinges on its ability to evolve beyond its founding myths and establish a system of governance grounded in the rule of law and the lived realities of its people.

A final chance for legacy and survival: The Government of Eritrea stands at a historic crossroads, forced to confront the hard truth that its past policies precipitated the crisis. Decades of failure to build a constitutional state that tolerates dissent, creates an economically viable nation, develops a deterrence-centered defense doctrine, and establishes a reputation as a reliable partner for peace have left the nation profoundly vulnerable.

By opening up the political space and calling all Eritreans to the decision-making table on issues that concern their survival, the govern­ment can transform this moment of peril into an opportunity for national rebirth. This is the only way to secure peace for the people of Eritrea, protect the sovereignty of the nation, and ensure that future generations inherit a country defined not by perpetual war and autocracy but by sta­bility, the rule of law, and mutual respect. The time to act is now.