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ANFET-Editorial November 14, 2025
Preamble
Eritrea’s independence was won through sacrifice, resilience, and unity. Today, sovereignty faces renewed challenges—political, diplomatic, and informational. In response, new fronts have emerged to safeguard Eritrea’s territorial integrity and national dignity, intersecting with the declaration of the Eritrean Political Forces (EPF) and the mission of ANFET to inform, mobilize, and unify the public.
Synergy of Purpose
EPF Declaration: The Eritrean Political Forces have articulated a principled stand for sovereignty, calling for disciplined unity across political and ideological divides.
ANFET’s Mission: As a communicator and documentarian, ANFET ensures that the public is informed, empowered, and able to collaborate in shaping Eritrea’s democratic renewal.
ESDTF Framework: The Eritrean Sovereignty Defense Task Force (ESDTF) provides a structured, diaspora-driven strategy rooted in diplomacy, legal advocacy, information defense, and community resilience.
Together, these initiatives form a triangular constructive collaboration: EPF provides the political declaration, ANFET amplifies and educates, and ESDTF operationalizes through task forces.
Note on Inclusivity
While the spirit of this initiative has always been genuine, ANFET has remained honest and critical about certain methods used in the early organizing efforts of OEU. Some approaches and groups initially presented were not widely embraced across all corners of the Eritrean community. Importantly, OEU listened to these concerns, and the framework has since evolved to be as inclusive as possible. This adjustment reflects the collective commitment to unity, ensuring that the task forces are not perceived as inconsistent, but rather as a disciplined and responsive front for sovereignty.
Historical Icons of Patriotism and Song
The defense of Eritrea’s sovereignty is not only a political and organizational task—it is also a cultural and historical inheritance. The recent loss of Bereket Menghisteab (1938–2025) reminds us that patriotic songs can be as powerful as declarations. Bereket’s voice carried romance, tradition, and resistance, inspiring generations with melodies that blended the heartbeat of Eritrea with the wider Horn of Africa. His passing marks the departure of a national icon, yet his music remains a living testament to Eritrean resilience.
Alongside Bereket, we remember Martyr Teklemichael Ghebru, whose sacrifice embodied the spirit of the liberation struggle. Teklemichael’s legacy, like Bereket’s, reminds us that sovereignty is defended not only on the battlefield but also through song, narrative, and cultural pride.
Together, these figures symbolize the dual heritage of Eritrea’s struggle: the martyr’s blood and the artist’s voice. Their imagined collaboration—songs in Tigrigna with titles such as “Ayfalkan Abiye” (“Abiye, don’t do it”) or “Babur Egebeyka” (“The train is derailed”)—serves as a metaphor. These are not real songs, but symbolic creations that could have carried messages of warning and resilience, blending sacrifice with melody. Even without such a duet, their legacies harmonize across time, reminding us that Eritrea’s sovereignty is safeguarded by both memory and music.
Why Public Participation Matters
Sovereignty is not defended by institutions alone—it requires the active involvement of citizens. Eritreans at home and abroad are called to:
Join Task Forces: Contribute expertise in diplomacy, law, media, and community organizing.
Amplify Narratives: Share accurate information, counter disinformation, and preserve Eritrea’s historical truth.
Strengthen Unity: Reject divisive rhetoric and foster intergenerational dialogue that sustains Eritrea’s identity.
Mobilize Resources: Support initiatives with skills, networks, and financial contributions to ensure sustainability.
A Call to Action
The defense of Eritrea’s sovereignty is a collective duty. Every Eritrean voice matters—whether in drafting policy briefs, fact-checking disinformation, organizing community forums, or simply sharing Eritrea’s story with integrity.
We invite the public to participate in the Eritrean Sovereignty Defense Task Force (ESDTF), collaborate with the Eritrean Political Forces (EPF), and engage with ANFET’s educational mission. Together, we can ensure that Eritrea’s independence remains unassailable, its identity resilient, and its future secure.
Closing Note
“Sovereignty is not a gift—it is a responsibility. Eritrea’s independence must be defended with unity, discipline, and truth. Let us rise as one people, one voice, one nation.”
