President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea has recently shifted his focus to target the United States and the European Union, a departure from his previous antagonisms with neighboring countries. This dangerous move warrants attention and scrutiny, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond. Therefore, it is important to understand the reasons behind this shift and the implications of President Isaias’ actions.
One possible explanation for President Isaias’ targeting of the West is to deflect attention from his own government’s human rights abuses and economic failures. By creating an external enemy, he hopes to divert attention from the mounting criticisms against his regime. Another reason may be his attempt to gain favor with authoritarian regimes, such as China or Russia, who have strained relationships with the West. However, these reasons are not justifications for his actions, as they pose a significant threat to regional stability and international relations.
Moreover, President Isaias and his government have declared the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as dead, which is not only inaccurate but also an intentional attempt to distract from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray. Reports have accused Eritrean forces of committing atrocities, including rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings in the region. Therefore, this false declaration of victory is counterproductive to efforts to resolve the conflict in Ethiopia and violates the human rights of all parties involved.
The Eritrean government’s actions cannot go unnoticed, and the international community must hold them accountable for their actions. The United States and the European Union should take a firm stance against President Isaias’ aggression by imposing economic sanctions or other penalties and issuing public statements condemning his actions. Additionally, they must support Eritrean civil society organizations that promote human rights and democracy in the country.
Eritreans living in the United States also have an important role to play in pushing back against President Isaias’ regime. They can raise awareness about the situation in Eritrea through social media, advocacy campaigns, and other means. Furthermore, they can work with US lawmakers and policymakers to urge them to take action to hold the Eritrean government accountable for its abuses.
In conclusion, President Isaias’ attempts to create external enemies and distract from his regime’s abuses are dangerous and ill-advised. The international community must continue to hold the Eritrean government accountable for its actions and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ethiopia that respects the human rights of all parties involved.
