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By ANFET Transitional Editorial Desk – October 29, 2025
Introduction
As pledged by the Eritrean Political Forces (EPF) and in joint campaign with the Organization of Eritrean Unity (OEU), we reaffirm that defending Eritrea’s sovereignty requires more than slogans. It requires arming our people—inside and outside the country—with historical facts, legal precedents, and political clarity. The recent Harnnet.org feature, “Historical Dates and Agreements that Strengthen Eritrean Nationality and Sovereignty” (28 October 2025), provides a vital foundation for this effort.
Eritrea’s independence is not a gift, nor a temporary arrangement. It is the product of binding treaties, international recognition, and the sacrifices of its people. To counter Ethiopia’s renewed ambitions and narratives, we must amplify these truths across the diaspora and within Eritrea itself.
Historical Roots of Eritrean Sovereignty
Eritrea’s current position cannot be understood without reference to the long series of international treaties and agreements that established its sovereignty:
1889 – Treaty of Menelik II with Italy: Recognized Eritrea as an Italian possession.
1896 – Treaty of Addis Ababa: Confirmed Italian administration of Eritrea.
1900, 1902, 1908 – Border Treaties: Demarcated Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia and Sudan.
1928 – Treaty of Friendship: Between Ethiopia and Italy, reaffirming Eritrea’s separate status.
1952 – Federal Union: Eritrea and Ethiopia joined under an UN-brokered federation, later violated by Ethiopia.
1964 – OAU Principle: Respect for inherited colonial borders, affirming Eritrea’s territorial integrity.
1991 – London Protocol: After the fall of the Derg, Eritrea’s right to self-determination was acknowledged.
1993 – UN Membership: Eritrea admitted as the 182nd member state.
2000 – Algiers Agreement and 2002 – Border Commission: Issued a final and binding decision on the Eritrea–Ethiopia border.
These agreements, though often violated by successive Ethiopian regimes, remain the legal and historical basis of Eritrea’s sovereignty.
Legal Dimension
International law is unambiguous:
Treaties and agreements signed by states are binding, regardless of regime change.
The UN Charter and OAU/AU principles enshrined the sanctity of borders.
The Algiers Agreement (2000), guaranteed by the UN and AU, remains final and binding.
Thus, Ethiopia’s attempts to reopen the question of Eritrea’s sovereignty or borders are not only illegitimate but also violations of international law.
Political Dimension
Eritrea’s sovereignty is not only a matter of treaties but also of political legitimacy:
The 1993 referendum, observed by the UN, gave Eritreans the right to self-determination with near-unanimous support.
Eritrea’s UN membership places it on equal footing with all other nations.
The diaspora’s mobilization today echoes the same determination that secured independence three decades ago.
Civic and Diaspora Dimension
The diaspora plays a crucial role in defending Eritrea’s sovereignty:
By documenting history and amplifying it in international forums.
By countering disinformation that seeks to delegitimize Eritrea’s independence.
By uniting across political and civic lines, showing that sovereignty is a shared value even among those critical of governance.
This campaign is not about defending a government, it is about defending a nation, a people, and history.
Conclusion
From the Treaty of Menelik in 1889 to the Algiers Agreement of 2000, Eritrea’s sovereignty has been recognized, codified, and defended. Ethiopia’s denial of these facts cannot erase them.
As Eritreans, we must ensure that every citizen, every diaspora community, and every ally understands this truth: Eritrea’s independence is not negotiable. It is a right established by history, law, and the will of its people.
By amplifying the message of Harnnet.org, ANFET and its partners reaffirm their commitment to arming Eritreans with knowledge—the most powerful weapon in the defense of sovereignty.
