What strategies should Eritrea and its citizens implement to counter the psychological warfare being waged by Ethiopia?

Afewerki Ghebremichael
 

The ongoing political and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa reveal that Ethiopia is strategically leveraging social media and news channels as a tool for psychological warfare against its neighbouring states, especially Eritrea. This approach involves disseminating targeted narratives and disinformation campaigns to influence public perception and destabilize regional relationships.

It has become common nowadays to hear and watch Ethiopian news channels, such as Fana Media Corporation (FBC), the main media outlet of the Ethiopian government, along with other YouTube channels and thousands of posts on X (formerly Twitter), all discussing Ethiopia's false claim regarding the historic rights of Eritrea's Red Sea coast. Several Ethiopian academics and revisionist prophets emphasize the urgent need for the younger generation to advocate for Ethiopia's access to the sea. These pseudo-experts argue that reclaiming coastal territory is fundamentally a historical and inherent right of Ethiopians. Their discourse indicates a broader desire for recognition and validation from the international community, especially among Western leaders and advocacy groups. The academics stress the importance of raising their voices on this issue to ensure their aspirations are recognized globally.

This discussion is not merely a preliminary effort to persuade the former colonial powers; rather, it is grounded in a diverted historical and geographic context. Ethiopia has a longstanding tradition of appealing to global powers for territorial claims, at times resorting to symbolic gestures of subjugation. A pertinent example is the federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia - a monarchy steeped in feudal structures - established with U.S. endorsement, albeit framed as a decision by the UN General Assembly. This federation not only included Eritrea, which Ethiopia has viewed as a historical and divine territory, but also extended claims to Somalia, as articulated by Ethiopian delegates during diplomatic negotiations organized by the UK, France, the USA, and the USSR regarding the future of Italian colonies.

Historical Context

The historical context of Eritrea's federation with Ethiopia was largely influenced by U.S. strategic interests during the Cold War. Despite the geopolitical motivations, it is essential to recognize that the Eritrean populace has long sought recognition as an independent and sovereign entity, a right that aligns with the principles of self-determination applicable to all communities that have endured oppressive colonial regimes characterized by brutality, discrimination, exploitation, and acts of genocide. This perspective is supported by statements made by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, who has acknowledged the complexities surrounding this issue, John Foster Dulles famously declared: 

“From the point of view of justice, the opinions of the Eritrean people must receive consideration. Nevertheless, the strategic interest of the United States in the Red Sea basin and the considerations of security and world peace make it necessary that the country be linked with our ally, Ethiopia.”

In his remarks, the ambassador characterized Eritrea as a sovereign nation with clearly delineated borders, a robust economy, well-structured institutions, and a dynamic political landscape. This raises an important question regarding the Ethiopian perspective, which claims that Eritrea was historically integrated within its national framework. Eritrea, having achieved independence, was initially part of a federation and faced the prospect of colonization by an African feudal system, facilitated by external powers, notably the United States.

Ethiopia’s assertion of historical ownership over the Red Sea appears to be a strategic narrative crafted to mislead public perception and justify unprovoked, unlawful actions by its leadership, operating amid internal fragility. This disinformation campaign is characterized by meticulous orchestration, utilizing carefully selected language, imagery, and contentious historical references alongside specific political and diplomatic manoeuvres. The most concerning aspect of this situation is the systematic dissemination of propaganda coupled with explicit military threats issued by the Ethiopian government, particularly from the Prime Minister. These threats carry significant weight, and the state’s propaganda apparatus is mobilizing at full capacity, likely to divert attention from domestic crises and shift focus externally.

How should we fight this madness?

In the current global landscape, countering misinformation and disinformation has become increasingly complex. The interplay between political and security issues often intersects with propagandistic narratives, leading to emotional responses that overshadow rational discourse and sound decision-making. As Eritreans, it is essential that we maintain unity and actively pursue diplomatic engagement with a diverse range of nations. This proactive approach ensures that our grievances and aspirations are not only acknowledged but considered seriously by fellow sovereign states. 

In discussions concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty, it is crucial to recognize that the metrics of size and population do not justify breaches of the principles governing nation-states as outlined in international law and the UN Charter. Additionally, bolstering the public’s understanding of international legal frameworks is vital. We must work to dismantle conspiracy theories by enhancing awareness and education, thereby fostering a more informed citizenry that can critically engage with these issues.

The philosophy is simple:

“To have a country, you need a strong Army, to have a strong army, you need a strong economy, and to have a strong economy, your people need to be rich; to have rich people, you need commerce”.

To effectively address the unprecedented security challenges we face, it is essential to develop a robust and modernized military capability, particularly considering our demographic challenges. Addressing the demographic decline requires urgent and decisive reforms, starting at the highest levels of government and extending to local leadership. Additionally, the government must prioritize institutional reforms aimed at mobilizing the Eritrean workforce - both domestically and within the diaspora - to reinvest in Eritrea and revitalize the nearly stagnant economy.

The strategic positioning of the Red Sea coastline facilitates trade and commerce, enabling seamless international exchanges and access to global markets. To effectively counter various socio-economic challenges, it is imperative to prioritize economic resilience over poverty alleviation. This approach can attract Eritrean expatriates from both the Global South and Western countries to repatriate. 

By fostering a conducive environment for job creation and entrepreneurship, we can stimulate innovation and empower the youth to flourish domestically. This initiative is critical for establishing a robust state in the long term. Moreover, economically successful young individuals are well-positioned to establish families, thereby contributing positively to the nation's demographic growth and sustainability.