Collective Action for a Democratic Eritrea

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The Blue Revolution shows the way forward

For decades, Eritreans have endured President Isaias Afwerki’s dictatorial rule, known for its repression, human rights violations, and denial of freedoms. Beyond such abuses, the regime has contributed to instability in the Horn of Africa by arming belligerents and attacking neighbors.

To put a stop to this, collective action is needed to bring regime change and lay the foundation for a democratic future in Eritrea.

A major problem hitherto has been that the regime in Asmara has manipulated public perception by creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation. It has presented Eritrea as a nation besieged by external enemies—ranging from Ethiopia and the TPLF in Tigray to the U.S. and its Western allies.

The regime has ingrained in the minds of Eritreans, both at home and abroad, the narrative that their country faces constant threats from these powers, which allegedly seek to undermine Eritrea’s sovereignty. Furthermore, it has instilled animosity among Eritreans towards others, particularly Tigrayans and Amharas.

Simultaneously, the regime has portrayed Eritrea as a peaceful oasis in the Horn of Africa, free from violence or tribalism, and attributes this to non-interference from foreign powers. It takes pride in Eritrea’s sovereignty, earned through armed struggle, not granted by external actors.

For years, Eritreans have internalized this narrative, taking pride in their sacrifices for Eritrean sovereignty, rather than focusing on the regime’s ongoing human rights abuses since 1991. Academics show how the narrative of Eritrean history produced a culture of nationalism through the glorification of the martyrs.

The regime has kept the Eritrean people from engaging with what it calls historical enemies by labeling those who seek to collaborate with foreign powers as traitors. Some opposition groups share this view. This has caused a rift in the diaspora-based opposition, with some rejecting foreign collaboration and others seeing it as necessary for change.

Until recently, the ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), has deceived the opposition groups from seeking international support, while paradoxically engaging with the same countries it demonizes. Some in the opposition still fear the West and Ethiopia.

To understand this dynamic, we must revisit the regime’s anti-Western propaganda, which fosters mistrust by drawing on historical events.

Historical Manipulation

The regime’s narrative focuses heavily on Eritrea’s past, especially the events surrounding its federation with Ethiopia in the 1950s. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 390A (V) of 1950 called for Eritrea’s federation with Ethiopia, a decision influenced by Cold War geopolitics and U.S. and British interests.

A famous statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, often cited by the regime, argues that U.S. geopolitical interests in the Red Sea outweighed Eritrea’s desire for independence.

Dulles said, “From the point of justice, the opinions of the Eritrean people must receive consideration. Nevertheless, the strategic interest of the United States in the Red Sea basin and considerations of security and world peace make it necessary that the country be linked with our ally, Ethiopia…”

While the regime often references this statement, it is a partial quote, and the full context remains unclear. Regardless, the narration around the quote fails to capture the complex political environment of the time.

The decision to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia came without consulting the Eritrean people via a referendum, yet the regime consistently emphasizes the U.S. role in this decision, stripping it of nuance and historical context. This selective retelling ignores the diversity of viewpoints among Eritreans at the time.

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The political climate in the 1950s was complex, with various factions advocating for different paths: Some sought full independence, others favored a united Ethiopia, while others hoped Eritrea would remain under Italian or British administration.

The dominant views were calls for independence or a federal arrangement. Some Eritrean elites supported the federation with Ethiopia, believing it was a compromise between full independence and annexation. Furthermore, some leaders had pro-Ethiopian sentiments, either due to ethnic ties or economic connections.

The PFDJ has used this historical narrative to manipulate public perception, fostering fear of foreign influence and preventing international collaboration. This tactic—manufacturing external enemies and threats—is commonly used by authoritarian regimes to control society and suppress dissent.

In sum, the PFDJ regime manipulates history to maintain its grip on power by stoking fear and preventing meaningful political change, among other repressive methods.

Embracing Collaboration

Despite such efforts, a significant shift is underway. Eritrean pro-democracy movements are embracing public diplomacy and seeking collaboration with the international community, including the U.S. This marks a crucial departure from the past, recognizing that international support is vital for dismantling the regime and facilitating a democratic transition.

A notable example is the Blue Revolution movement (aka, ‘Brigade N’hamedu’), whose chapters have engaged in public diplomacy to address the transnational repression perpetuated by the Eritrean regime. One of its successes has been its persistent advocacy against this repression across borders.

Through its institutions and community associations in the diaspora, the regime has worked to silence, intimidate, and control the Eritrean diaspora, even infiltrating opposition movements, which has contributed to fractures and divisions. Additionally, Eritreans have been isolated from the political and social activities of their host countries, limiting their ability to engage in public diplomacy to highlight their struggles.

The understanding and involvement in public diplomacy and local politics is growing in Blue Revolution chapters. Beyond exposing transnational repression, its chapters and other pro-democracy movements are now engaging with lawmakers to foster collaboration and advance regime change in Eritrea. For example, the Global Yiakl Movement and National Representative Council of Eritrean Government-in-Exist have intensified lobbying efforts with U.S. decision makers.

Seeking support from the international community has become the preferred strategic move for Eritrean opposition groups to leverage global pressure, secure essential resources, and rally worldwide backing for the Eritrean people’s quest for justice.

This is not the same as inviting foreign interference, as some may perceive. Rather, diplomatic backing can amplify the opposition’s cause, showing they are not isolated but part of a broader movement for change.

Diplomacy and collaboration can also bring significant benefits: sanctions that cripple the regime’s finances and weaken its grip on power, as well as financial assistance for organizing campaigns and raising visibility for opposition groups.

Furthermore, the international community can offer training in democratic governance, human rights law, leadership, and conflict resolution, ensuring that when the regime falls capable leaders are ready to guide the country toward democracy.

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Main Image: Protest by members of the UK chapter of Brigade N’Hamedu at the Netherlands Embassy in London on 1 March 2024.

While the opinions in this article are those of the author, Ethiopia Insight will correct factual errors.

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