Source: Eritrean Opposition Groups
The Issue
The Eritrean Political Forces Declaration for National Unity and Defense of Sovereignty
Preamble
We, the Eritrean Political Forces — along with the Eritrean people at home and in the diaspora, from every region, community, and political background — stand as one in defense of our nation’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights.
This is an affirmation of international law, an exercise of the right of the Eritrean people to independence and freedom — a legal stand, a historic call to unity, and a declaration that the destiny of Eritrea belongs solely to its people.
Our campaign is not for the defense of any one government, party, or leader. It is for the defense of Eritrea itself — its land, its seas, its people, and its right to exist as a free and independent nation.
Political Map of Eritrea: -The map shows Eritrea and surrounding countries with international borders, the national capital Asmara, administrative capitals, major cities, main roads, railroads, and major airports.
We affirm our commitment to:
The full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Eritrea, safeguarded under international law and the will of its people.
Democratic change within Eritrea, so that justice, freedom, and accountable governance match sovereignty.
Good neighborly relations with Ethiopia and all nations, based on mutual respect, non-interference, and international law.
Our Position
The Ethiopian government’s recent claims to Eritrean territory and maritime access — including a threat to occupy the port of Assab by force — are a direct violation of:
International law
The outcome of the 1993 UN-supervised Referendum
The principle of Uti Possidetis Juris — in the African context, this refers to the idea that the borders inherited at independence are upheld by the African Union principle of colonial borders
We reject any attempt to undermine Eritrea’s independence under the guise of history, proximity, or political convenience. The Eritrean people, regardless of political affiliation, will stand together to resist any aggression or occupation.
Our Call to the Ethiopian Government
We demand that the Government of Ethiopia:
- Cease all claims to Eritrean territory or maritime access by force or occupation, including through Assab or any other port.
2. End all hostile actions and rhetoric that threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
3. Respect the 1993 Referendum outcome and the sovereignty of Eritrea as recognized by the United Nations, the African Union, and the then-existing Ethiopian government.
4. Urgently and unconditionally complete the final and binding border demarcation in accordance with the Eritrea–Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) decision, to permanently settle the border conflict and remove the root cause of future disputes.
5. Commit to peaceful dialogue as the only path to resolving disputes between our nations.
Our Call to the Eritrean Government
We remind the Government of Eritrea that sovereignty is best defended through the unity and will of the people, not through secretive deals, mixed signals, or unilateral military gambits.
We therefore call on the Government of Eritrea to:
1. Cease all political gestures or alignments that could be interpreted as endorsing or enabling Ethiopia’s territorial or maritime claims.
2. Publicly reaffirm — without ambiguity — Eritrea’s full independence, territorial integrity, and rejection of any foreign claim to its land or sea.
3. Refrain from issuing contradictory statements on border demarcation — at times downplaying it as a non-issue, and at other times portraying it as grounds for military action. The government’s position must be consistent, transparent, and aligned with Eritrea’s long-term national interest.
4. Avoid initiating provocative armed action under the guise of “preemptive action.” The Eritrean people’s stand is defensive, lawful, and rooted in international legitimacy.
5. Refrain from interfering in Ethiopia’s internal political affairs or participating in its armed conflicts.
6. Engage the people transparently in all matters concerning national security, ensuring that decisions reflect the will of the nation, not the calculations of a few.
7. Cease repression of political rights in Eritrea — defending Eritrea’s borders must not be used as a pretext to silence calls for democratic change.
Our Call to the Eritrean People
We call on all Eritreans — inside the country and abroad — to:
1. Stand united in defense of our independence, regardless of political differences.
2. Reject any internal division that weakens our national position in the face of external threats.
3. Support lawful, democratic change that strengthens our sovereignty and the rights of our people.
4. Engage in civic action — through media, diplomacy, and peaceful mobilization — to make our voice heard globally.
5. Preserve our history and legacy by passing on the truth of our struggle for independence and freedom to future generations.
6. Recognize that genuine change can only be achieved through the abolition of dictatorial rule and the establishment of a constitutional system of governance that guarantees the rights, freedoms, and dignity of all citizens.
Our Call to the International Community
We urge the United Nations, the African Union, and all peace-loving nations to:
1. Uphold international law and the sanctity of recognized borders.
2. Condemn any attempt to alter Eritrea’s territorial status by force or coercion.
3. Support peaceful resolution of disputes in the Horn of Africa through dialogue and mutual respect.
4. Support and guarantee the immediate implementation of the final and binding border demarcation between Eritrea and Ethiopia, ensuring a lasting resolution to the border conflict.
5. Recognize and support the will and readiness of the Eritrean people for Ethiopia to make use of Eritrean sea ports only through peaceful dialogue, mutual agreement, and in full respect of Eritrea’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
This DECLARATION is a pledge: Eritrea’s sovereignty is not for sale, negotiation, or compromise. We will defend it with unity, dignity, and determination. Our struggle is not against the Ethiopian people, but against any policy or action that seeks to erase our independence.
Our Independence and Sovereignty: Eternal and Unyielding!
EPF — September 19, 2025
