Mekelle፡Teklaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,March 13፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
Strategic Policy Document
The Removal of Eritrean Dictator Isaias Afwerki: A Strategic Imperative for Regional and Global Security
Prepared by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR).Leading Regional and International Political, Security, and Diplomatic Analysis Platform
Executive Summary
The regime of Eritrean dictator Isaias Afwerki, in power since 1991 through the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), has become the primary source of instability and conflict in the Horn of Africa. For over three decades, Afwerki has ruled Eritrea without elections,committing severe crimes against humanity while fueling terrorism, civil wars, and regional destabilization.
From supporting terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels to directly participating in the Tigray Genocide (2020-2023), the Afwerki regime has established itself as a rogue actor with genocidal ambitions. Furthermore, Eritrea’s involvement in human trafficking, illegal resource extraction, and international money laundering has positioned it as a criminal state threatening global security.
The removal of Isaias Afwerki and the dismantling of the Eritrean regime is not only vital for the survival of Tigray and Eritrean, Ethiopia but also serves the strategic interests of the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Gulf States in securing the Red Sea region and countering China’s and Iran’s expanding influence.
I. Why the Removal of Isaias Afwerki is Critical
- Eritrea as the Epicenter of Regional Destabilization and Terrorism Providing military and logistical support to Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Arming Yemen’s Houthi rebels to target U.S. and Israeli vessels in the Red Sea Fueling Sudan and South Sudan civil wars through proxy militias. Supporting Ethiopian anti-government forces from Amhara and Oromia, destabilizing Ethiopia. Secret alliances with Iran and Palestinian extremist groups, threatening Red Sea security.
- Genocidal Role in Tigray and Crimes Against Humanity Direct involvement of Eritrean forces in the Tigray Genocide (2020-2023), committing mass killings, rape, and ethnic cleansing.
Destruction of Tigray’s civilian infrastructure and targeting of cultural heritage.
Ongoing occupation of Northwestern Tigray and border areas, violating the Pretoria Peace
Agreement.
- Global Criminal Network and Human Trafficking Operations
Eritrea is the largest exporter of African refugees to Europe, the U.S., and the U.K.
Involvement in illegal gold mining and resource looting in Tigray and DR Congo.
Operating human trafficking, organ smuggling, and international money laundering networks.
- Strategic Threat to Global Powers and Red Sea Security
Collaboration with Iran and Russia to destabilize the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Supporting Houthi rebels in targeting U.S., Israeli, and international vessels.
Strategic threat to U.S. naval operations, Israeli security, and the Suez Canal trade route.
II. Strategic Policy Recommendations for Regional and Global Actors
- For the United States and European Union
Impose targeted economic sanctions and international arrest warrants on Isaias Afwerki and top Eritrean generals for crimes against humanity.
Form an international military coalition with the Tigray Interim Government and Ethiopian
Federal Government to neutralize Eritrean forces occupying Tigray and Ethiopian territories. Support Eritrean opposition forces and exiled political leaders to establish a transitional government.
Secure the Red Sea region through joint U.S.-E.U.-Israel naval operations to counter Houthi and Iranian influence.
- For the Tigray Interim Government and Ethiopian Federal Government
Coordinate with Western allies to launch a joint military operation to expel Eritrean forces from Tigray and reclaim the occupying territories of Tigray. Support Eritrean democratic movements and opposition leaders to lead a post-Isaias transitional government.
Pressure the African Union and IGAD to diplomatically isolate Eritrea and suspend its
membership.
- For Israel and Gulf States
Strengthen intelligence-sharing and military cooperation to dismantle Eritrean-Iranian terrorist networks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Conduct joint intelligence operations to neutralize Houthi missile capabilities targeting international vessels.
Establish a strategic Eritrean naval base under U.S.-Israel control after Afwerki’s removal to secure the Red Sea corridor.
In collaboration and coordinating with the Eritrean opposition movements.
III. The Strategic Benefits of Removing Isaias Afwerki
Ending Eritrea’s role in the Tigray Genocide and the occupation of Tigray territories.
Stabilizing Ethiopia and strengthening the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Eliminating Eritrea’s support for regional terrorist groups.
Restoring peace in Sudan and South Sudan.
Preventing Iranian and Russian expansion in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.Enhancing U.S. and Israeli naval security and protecting global trade routes.
IV. Powerful Narrative Titles for International Media and Political Circles
- “Isaias Afwerki: The African Hitler of the 21st Century”
- “Eritrea: Africa’s North Korea Must Fall”
- “From Tigray Genocide to Global Terrorism: The Untold Crimes of Isaias Afwerki”
- “For the Sake of Peace in the Horn of Africa: Isaias Afwerki Must Be Removed”
- “The Final Battle for Tigray’s Survival: Ending Eritrean Occupation and Genocidal Ambitions”
V. Conclusion
The removal of Isaias Afwerki and the complete dismantling of the Eritrean regime in 2025 is an urgent necessity for the survival of the people of Tigray, the stability of Ethiopia, and the security of the entire Horn of Africa.
Failure to act now will not only embolden Eritrea’s genocidal ambitions but will allow Afwerki to transform Eritrea into a hub for terrorist organizations and a proxy for Iran and Russia’s geopolitical interests in the Red Sea.
The United States, the European Union, Israel, and key regional actors must take coordinated and decisive action to remove Isaias Afwerki and pave the way for a peaceful, democratic Eritrea that can contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Final Strategic Recommendation:
