Eritrea Focus expresses deep concern over the increasingly belligerent rhetoric emanating from Ethiopia regarding its alleged “right” to secure direct access to the Red Sea through Eritrean territory. Any such move, whether by threat, coercion or invasion, would constitute a flagrant violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the foundational principles of the African Union, particularly the Cairo Declaration of 1964, which reaffirms the respect for borders inherited from colonial rule. Indeed and unlike other countries in the continent, Ethiopia is a proud nation that has never been colonised and its border demarcated as a landlocked well before the scramble for Africa.
Eritrea, recognised as a sovereign state since 1993 and a full member of both the United Nations and the African Union, has inviolable territorial integrity. Eritrea achieved its historic independence through sheer determination by everyone of its citizen to defeat the largest army in Africa that was armed and supported by superpowers. No nation has the legal or moral right to alter another’s borders by force. The Horn of Africa has already paid a heavy price for wars and conflicts, resulting in immeasurable human suffering, displacement and economic regression. Another confrontation would be disastrous for both nations and the broader region.
If Ethiopians and their government in Addis Abeba think they will secure an operational port on Eritrea’s coast by force, they must be deluded. The one issue that unites all Eritreans is the territorial integrity of their homeland which they all see as non negotiable be it under the rule of Isaias Afeworki or anybody else. Ethiopia can only gain access to operational ports on the Red Sea through peaceful means and this requires the recognition by all Ethiopians that their country is landlocked and shall always remain so.
Eritrea Focus, while steadfast in its advocacy for democracy, human rights and accountable governance within Eritrea, stands unequivocally against any act of external aggression directed toward the Eritrean people or their territory. Our commitment to democratic change in Eritrea does not and will never compromise our defence of Eritrea’s sovereignty
We therefore:
1. Condemn any threats or preparations for military action by Ethiopia or any other nation aimed at altering Eritrea’s borders or sovereignty.
2. Call upon the African Union, the United Nations, and regional partners to uphold their founding charters, prevent escalation, and safeguard peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
3. Urge both governments to pursue peaceful dialogue, regional cooperation and shared economic development rather than confrontation.
4. Reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Eritrea in their right to self-determination, peace and protection from foreign aggression while continuing the internal struggle for freedom, democracy and justice.
Eritrea Focus remains committed to a vision of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Eritrea, living in harmony with its neighbours and contributing to a stable Horn of Africa. Any attempt to resolve regional challenges through force or expansionism will only deepen division and suffering which must be rejected in the strongest possible terms.
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About Eritrea Focus
Eritrea Focus is a UK-based civil society organisation founded by Eritreans and friends of Eritrea to advocate for human rights, democratic governance and the rule of law. The organisation works to amplify Eritrean voices to promote constructive international engagement that supports peaceful and democratic change in Eritrea.
For media inquiries:
Eritrea Focus : email: info@eritrea-focus.org – website: www.eritrea-focus.org
