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Speech Presented by Mr. Hailemariam Tesfai on the Occasion of the 3rd Congress of the Eritrean Afar National Congress (EANC)
Honorable Ahmed Yosuf-President of EANC, distinguished members of the Eritrean Afar National Congress, respected guests, and dear compatriots,
Thank you for the kind invitation to attend this historic 3rd Congress of EANC. I extend my sincere respect to you and your organization for your steadfast commitment to Eritrea’s democratic future. Your dedication to civic engagement, community representation, and principled national dialogue reflects the aspirations of our people. I stand in full solidarity with all efforts that envision an Eritrea where every ethnic community is treated with equal dignity, protected under a just constitution, and empowered to participate freely in shaping our national destiny. Your work contributes meaningfully to that collective aspiration, and I wish this congress productive deliberations and enduring success.
As we gather here today, each of us must reflect deeply on the imperative of unity within the rich diversity of our nation. Eritrea’s strength has always emerged from its mosaic of cultures, languages, and histories. A divided community cannot stand together against any adversary, and to overcome the enemy at home, our mutual respect and collective resolve are indispensable. The suffering of our people is not uniform; each community has been uniquely affected. Honoring and valuing each other’s dedication- both to local constituencies and to the nation as a whole- is essential for building trust, healing wounds, and forging a shared national purpose.
We must also reaffirm a fundamental truth: Eritrea is a sovereign and independent nation. This truth is inscribed in the charters of our organizations and in the hearts of our people. It must be guarded with clarity and conviction. At the same time, we must reassure our citizens that we fully understand the difference between the absence of freedom in today’s Eritrea and the undeniable existence of an independent Eritrea earned through the precious sweat, blood, and bones of its sons and daughters.
Furthermore, slogans claiming that “Eritrea is not independent” stand in direct contradiction to this affirmed truth. Such statements amount to denial, self-deception, and dangerous vulnerability to false narratives promoted by ambitious neighbors. Independence is a historical reality; the lack of freedom is a political condition. Confusing the two weakens our national resolve and undermines the sacrifices that brought Eritrea into existence as a sovereign state.
Today, the most urgent and historic responsibility before all opposition organizations is to unite our political and civic forces under one platform- disciplined, principled, and determined. Only through unity can we remove the dictatorial regime and replace it with a constitutional, democratic system that guarantees equality, justice, and liberty for all Eritreans. Our people deserve a nation where rights are protected, where diversity is celebrated, and where every citizen participates freely in shaping the future.
Let this congress be a testament to our shared commitment. Let it be a reminder that unity is not merely a slogan- it is the lifeline of our struggle and the foundation of Eritrea’s democratic tomorrow.
Thank you.
Hailemariam Tesfai
ANFET.NET-Editor
July 4, 2026
