Declaration of the Organization of Eritrean Unity (OEU) on Ethiopia's Undying Quest for Seaport

01/01/2025 18:04 PM

Declaration of the Organization of Eritrean Unity (OEU) on Ethiopia's Undying Quest for Seaport

by Declaration of the Organization of Eritrean Unity (OEU), 27 December 2024

Declaration of the Organization of Eritrean Unity (OEU) on Ethiopia's Undying Quest for Seaport

The people of Eritrea believe in fostering peace and stability with all neighboring nations through mutual cooperation, development, and respect for sovereignty. For this vision to materialize, each country is obligated to respect its counterparts’ national unity, territorial integrity, and the preservation of the nation’s independence, free from external coercion or subversion. Consequently, any force attempting to undermine Eritrean sovereignty or national unity is seen as a threat to peace and stability.

The historical tendency of dominance and exploitation in the Horn of Africa, especially by Ethiopia, remains a deeply rooted behavioral pattern we observe. Ethiopia's history generally reflects a nation that has consistently sought to assert its power over weaker neighboring peoples and states, employing aggressive and expansionist policies. This aggressive tendency is well-documented by historical accounts of its leadership, marked by suppression and disregard for the sovereignty of others.

These enduring behaviors of domination and disregard for others’ rights continue to persist among many successive Ethiopian leaders. This dangerous culture is exemplified in modern times by the current Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. On October 29, 2024, during a parliamentary session, he openly raised the issue of maritime access, specifically focusing on the Red Sea. His remarks clearly reflect a chronic mindset aimed at claiming ownership of the Eritrean port of Assab.

Likewise, high ranking members of the Prosperity Party have unequivocally and repeatedly declared on many occasions, including during the Ethiopian cultural holiday, Irecha (ኢሬቻ), their ambitious activities related to the Red Sea. Such intensified statements of dominance and expansionist ambitions toward Eritrea leave no room for doubt about their intentions.

This must come to an end. Historically, Eritrea has endured relentless challenges from Ethiopia's aggressive actions, often driven by expansionist and hegemonic ambitions. This recurring pattern among Ethiopian leadership has consistently undermined regional peace and stability, posing a persistent threat to harmonious coexistence in the region.

Prime Minister Abiy also indicated that Ethiopia would not tolerate any resistance to his project of owning the Eritrean port of Assab. This stance unequivocally threatens Eritrean territorial integrity and sovereignty and raises concerns about potential future conflicts and the destabilization of the region. He shamelessly asserts that if his project of owning Assab does not come to fruition during his reign in power, future Ethiopian generations will fulfill it.

Key Points from the Ethiopian Leadership’s Statements:

1. Prime Minister Abiy outlined bold plans to construct an artificial canal through the Afar region, effectively connecting landlocked Ethiopia to the Red Sea and ensuring a direct flow of maritime resources to the country, potentially rendering other regional ports useless. Demonstrating his unwavering resolve, Prime Minister Abiy declared that no entity could deter this vision. He emphasized that if cooperation was not forthcoming from Eritrea, he vouched to turn Eritrea into Gaza. In his speech, Prime Minister Abiy detailed his plans for the artificial canal connecting Ethiopia to the Red Sea. His proposal involves a substantial financial investment of $3.6 billion, reflecting Ethiopia’s obsessive ambition to secure maritime access.

2. Ambassador Redwan Hussein, a key security advisor to Prime Minister Abiy, daringly declared that the moment to reclaim Eritrea had arrived and that Ethiopia could not afford to delay seizing this decisive moment any longer.

3. The Foreign Affairs Spokesperson also claimed that Eritrea’s independence should have been determined through the Ethiopian Parliament, adding that former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi misused his authority without proper accountability. The Foreign Affairs Spokesperson made this assertion, brazenly disregarding established international norms and conventions.

Our Organizations Perspective:

Ethiopian leaders and elites, unwilling and unable to learn from their slanted and biased history as a nation and people, seem unaware of the imminent dangers, complex conflicts, and challenges that lie ahead that will not spare either side. Rather than pursuing strategies grounded in peace and cooperation, they persist on a trajectory that breeds hostility and deepens discord.

In contrast, we Eritreans are dedicated to peace and committed to upholding the sanctity of the Algiers Agreement, which set the foundation for peace and territorial integrity. Consequently, honoring and practically implementing the Algiers Agreement on the ground is imperative. We want to make it abundantly clear that Eritrea's hardwon sovereignty, achieved through immense sacrifices, is non-negotiable. The Eritrean people remain committed to preserving their independence, territorial integrity, and unity. Our land, sea, and the unity of our people must unwaveringly and steadfastly remain preserved for future generations. Our people remain steadfast in their resolve to overcome challenges, build a prosperous nation, and cultivate meaningful cooperation with others. Our organization’s vision is deeply rooted in the Eritrean people's belief and determination for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for neighboring countries.

Conclusion:

To the Eritrean people—Including in the pursuit of Eritrea’s independence, the Eritrean people, have long carried the weight of historical struggles, both as a people and as a nation. Our resolve is to preserve the rightful place of Eritrea in the world, grounded in the principles of peace and sovereignty. Eritreans, both at home and abroad, must stand united to safeguard the dignity, honor, and independence of our nation and its people. We must stand united in resolute opposition to any attempts by Ethiopian leaders to impose their will upon Eritrea. Our resilience, rooted in our historical unity and collective spirit, ensures our people and nation's continuity, freedom, and prosperity. We will continue to defend our human dignity and rights against Ethiopia as well as the regime in Eritrea, which acts as nothing less than an enemy, depriving the Eritrean people of their rights and dignity and posing an imminent threat to Eritrea's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our unity as a people and nation is our strength against all adversaries. With determination and unity, we will overcome both internal and external challenges and achieve our goals of building a just and prosperous Eritrea. Our unity has been the cornerstone of our strength, enabling us to resist successive aggressions and ultimately achieve our independence. Our people's solidarity is of paramount importance in the face of Ethiopia's renewed plan of aggression towards Eritrea.

United we stand, divided we fall!

Organization of Eritrean Unity
Executive Committee
27 December 2024

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