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ANFET EDITORIAL – September 2, 2025
Based on reporting from Negarit – Awate.com
For years, the Eritrean National Council for Democratic Change (ENCDC) has been a gathering place for diverse political organizations — each with its own history, vision, and loyal base. This diversity has been a source of strength, but also of challenge. Too often, fragmentation slowed the march toward a broad, unified national platform. The road to consensus was long, and the pace toward a common strategy uneven.
On August 25, 2025, in Kassel, Germany, a breakthrough was achieved. According to Awate.com’s Negarit desk, three respected organizations with proud legacies — the Eritrean National Democratic Party (HADI), the Eritrean National Salvation Front (ENSF), and the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) — agreed to merge into a single, united party under the banner of the Eritrean National Democratic Coalition (ENDC). This is not merely an administrative change — it is a historic political moment.
From Division to Common Purpose
The merger followed weeks of internal debates and external consultations. Each organization elected 21 representatives, forming a 63-member council to lead the new coalition. Concerns over proportional representation — given the unequal size of the groups — were resolved by granting equal representation, a move participants hailed as “a major step toward building trust.”
The ENDC’s leadership was also announced: Alem Seyoum as Speaker of the Legislative Council, Mohammed Ismael Hummed as President, and Dr. Yousif Berhanu and Dr. Ahmedin Saleh as Deputy Presidents.
A general congress is planned for the end of 2025 to formalize the merger, adopt common structures, and define a unified political program.
A Victory for Common Sense Over Division
This unity is a victory for common sense over division, for shared purpose over narrow interest. It proves that when leaders put the nation first, the whole movement gains strength. By joining forces, they have streamlined decision-making, pooled resources, and amplified their voice — making them better equipped to serve both the ENCDC and the Eritrean public at large.
ANFET takes this editorial stance today to discourage any attempt to spread bad news, distort facts, or undermine this merger. The unity of ELF, HADI, and ENSF is a victory for all who believe in a democratic future — and it must be protected from those who would see it fail.
A Call to the Rest of the Council
To the ELF, HADI, and ENSF — congratulations. You have finally done it. You have shown that unity is not a dream, but a choice.
Now, let this be the spark for others. We call on other parties within the Council — whether in pairs, in threes, or more — to follow this example. Imagine the ENCDC transformed from a patchwork of small factions into three strong, major political parties, each with the capacity to mobilize nationally, negotiate internationally, and deliver a clear program to the people.
Such consolidation would not erase diversity — it would channel it. It would turn scattered voices into a chorus that can be heard across the nation and beyond. It would give the Eritrean struggle for democracy the clarity, speed, and strength it needs to meet the challenges ahead.
