17/12/2023
The Eritrean Coalition for Democratic Change (ECDC) is writing to express its concern regarding recent developments and impending conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Following the speech by the Ethiopian Prime Minister to the Ethiopian parliament regarding access to the Red Sea, inflammatory rhetoric and war preparations are taking place which have the potential to destabilise the already fragile Horn of Arican region.
Eritrea, situated in the northern part of the Horn of Africa, underwent a complex historical journey. Following United Nations (UN) Resolution 390A/V in December 1950, it was federated with Ethiopia in 1952. However, on November 14, 1962, this federal arrangement was abruptly and forcefully terminated by the Ethiopian Government at the time. The struggle for full independence began in 1961, culminating in de facto independence in 1991 and de jure independence in 1993, confirmed through UN-sponsored referendum. Eritrea officially joined the United Nations in 1994, solidifying its status as a sovereign member of the international community.
However, achieving sovereignty wasn’t the sole objective for Eritreans. Their fight extended beyond securing a free and independent Eritrea; it encompassed the pursuit of a democratic nation. Unfortunately, since gaining independence in 1991, Eritrea has endured a harsh dictatorship, depriving its people of a voice in national and personal matters. This authoritarian rule has led to a troubling pattern of resolving conflicts through war, exemplified by the devastating war over the border town of Badme, resulting in the loss of thousands of young lives on both sides. The recent alliance between the Eritrean regime and the Ethiopian Federal Government in the war in the Tigray region, following a seemingly hollow Jeddah “Peace Agreement”, underscores the propensity for resolving disputes through bloodshed. This conflict has inflicted immense human suffering, causing the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions.
Moreover, the prospect of another war looms between the Eritrean dictator in Asmara and his former ally, as evidenced by the apparent lack of collaboration after the Ethiopian Federal Government signed a peace agreement with Tigray region leadership in South Africa. Recent speeches by the Ethiopian Prime Minister regarding access to the Red Sea ports add to the uncertainty. These statements, described as confusing and unhelpful, raise concerns about peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The Eritrean regime’s public declaration on prioritizing Ethiopian internal conflicts over the Algiers Agreement, dismissing its implementation as a low priority, further minimises the possibility for mutual development.
Considering these complexities, there is a pressing need for diplomatic efforts, international engagement, and a commitment to peaceful negotiations to prevent further violence and instability. Thus, the Eritrean Coalition for Democratic Change expresses great concern about the ongoing rhetoric of war coming out of the Ethiopian government and calls for dialogue with the Eritrean people to peacefully find a solution. Moreover, we believe it is time for this generation of Eritreans and Ethiopians to work for peace, stability, and development as it is the only way forward for the region that has suffered from violence for too long. Hence, in an effort “to maintain peace and security” and avoid the threats for peace, ECDC
- Knowing that it is possible for both Eritrea as a coastal state and Ethiopia as a land-locked country to make a mutual agreement on access to the sea as per the international law in conformity with the existing international conventions:
- Recognizing that both the State of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the state of Eritrea have the responsibility and obligation to respect and comply with the principles of the UN.
- Mindful that inflammatory rhetoric and war preparations have negative impacts on the peace and security of the Horn of Africa region as a whole,
We call on all Ethiopian people and the Ethiopian government, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Eritrean people regarding the peace and stability in the region.
We also call on the international community to play its appropriate role in promoting and facilitating constructive engagement that would lead to peace and stability in this troubled region.
ECDC – Department of Diplomacy
ecdc.diplomacy@gmail.com