Tigray Herald፡December 1,2024 (Mekele)
Written By Muktal Ismail
Key Take Away from President Isaias Afwerki’s Interview
- Trump’s Election Impact
- Policy forecasts should be based on the evolving global and geopolitical realities of the past 30 years.
- Trump’s Make America Great Again policy reflects recognition that the US is no longer the dominant global power as envisioned in a uni-polar world.
- US containment policies targeting China and Russia have not achieved their goals; effectiveness of protectionist policies remains uncertain.
- The majority worldwide seeks a new international order rooted in justice and fairness, rather than confrontational bi-polarity or multi-polarity.
- It’s premature to draw conclusions about the long-term impacts of Trump’s administration; constructive engagement and open-mindedness are essential moving forward.
- Sudan Conflict
- President Isaias emphasized Sudan’s key regional role and its historical ties with Eritrea from the liberation struggle.
- Cyclical crises in Sudan have arisen from religious agendas and external interference, leading to the 2019 rebellion.
- The resolution of the conflict is the sovereign prerogative of the Sudanese people; however, Eritrea aims to contribute based on its historical ties and a commitment to regional stability.
- Eritrea submitted a widely accepted proposal in mid-2022, suggesting the transition be entrusted to the Sovereign Council to prevent further destabilization.
- Isaias asserted that the war, lacking rationale and fueled by external intervention, must end immediately.
- Efforts should focus on reducing external interventions and fostering regional consensus to address the crisis effectively.
- Tripartite Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia Summit
- President Isaias criticized external distortion and disinformation about the summit aimed at inciting regional conflict.
- Highlighted that such narratives ignore the summit’s true purpose of promoting regional stability.
- Emphasized Eritrea’s commitment to promoting stability, cooperation, and complementarity in the Horn of Africa, Nile Basin, and Red Sea.
- Asserted that Eritrea has no interest in destabilizing Ethiopia and supports mutual consultations to build trust and facilitate positive interactions among neighboring countries.
- Situation in Ethiopia
- Focusing solely on current episodes without addressing the underlying political framework will yield little progress.
- Ethnic polarization enshrined in Ethiopia’s 1994 constitution is the main cause of ongoing tensions and conflicts, hindering nation-building and regional stability.
- The 1998 border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia was a consequence of this misguided policy and external interference, despite the issue being resolved through arbitration.
- The conflict following the establishment of a new Federal Government with reformist policies stemmed from the TPLF’s rejection of these reforms, leading to an attack on Eritrean targets.
- Following the Pretoria Agreement, conflicts have resumed in the Amhara Region, highlighting persistent instability.
- Eritrea remains focused on preventing costly wars and promote regional stability, cooperation, and complementarity, recognizing that many problems arise from external agendas.
- Domestic Development Programs
- Discussed developmental priorities for 2025 in water, energy, housing, and transport.
- Described national water conservation efforts and plans for expanding irrigation.
- Outlined investments in energy infrastructure, housing, and revitalizing the manufacturing sector.
- Encouraged private and diaspora investment across various sectors.
