Internal Politics and Reforms: President Isaias Afwerki emphasized the importance of internal reforms to strengthen Eritrea’s governance and economic development. He highlighted the government’s focus on building resilience against external pressures and promoting self-reliance. Isaias reiterated his call for economic diversification and the need for a robust private sector to drive growth and job creation. He underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s infrastructure and enhancing education and healthcare systems as part of its broader reform agenda.
Relations with Neighbouring Countries: Afwerki touched upon Eritrea’s bilateral relations with Ethiopia, noting the need for sustained dialogue to ensure lasting peace. He emphasized the importance of economic integration between the two countries to foster stability and growth. Afwerki also discussed the challenges faced by the two countries in fully implementing agreements reached under the 2018 peace accord. He expressed hope that continued discussions would lead to deeper economic cooperation and reduce tensions along their shared border. Afwerki acknowledged the role of the African Union in mediating relations between Eritrea and its neighbors, particularly in facilitating dialogue and resolving disputes.
Somalia and the Horn of Africa: President Afwerki stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to peace and stability in Somalia. He called for more coordinated international support to combat terrorism and enhance governance structures in Somalia. Afwerki highlighted Eritrea’s role in regional stability, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts. He noted that Eritrea had been engaged in facilitating dialogue between Somali factions and supporting regional initiatives aimed at restoring peace. Afwerki expressed concern about the impact of ongoing conflict in Somalia on the broader Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the crisis. He mentioned Eritrea’s involvement in mediating between different Somali groups to foster reconciliation and the stabilization of the country.
International Relations and Global Actors: Afwerki discussed Eritrea’s external relations, emphasizing the need for balanced and diversified partnerships. He criticized what he described as the “double standards” of international actors, particularly Western countries, towards Eritrea. Afwerki urged for a fairer assessment of Eritrea’s contributions to regional and international peace and security. He noted that Eritrea was committed to engaging with global partners, especially those in Africa, to address shared challenges. Afwerki expressed concerns over the impact of international sanctions on Eritrea’s development, emphasizing that they were unjustly imposed and hindered the country’s progress. He reiterated Eritrea’s commitment to dialogue and reform, regardless of external pressures, and called for the lifting of sanctions to allow for greater economic growth and development.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Challenges: On the issue of sanctions, Afwerki reiterated Eritrea’s position that international measures were politically motivated and had hampered the country’s development. He emphasized that Eritrea’s government remained committed to dialogue and reform, regardless of external pressures. Afwerki also noted Eritrea’s cautious engagement with the international community, stressing that the country was not seeking isolation but rather a fair and equitable relationship with global partners. He called for the international community to acknowledge Eritrea’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, particularly in the context of its role in facilitating dialogue between Somali factions.
Peace and Stability in the Horn of Africa: Afwerki discussed the importance of regional stability, particularly with regards to the border tensions and conflict between Eritrea and Djibouti. He highlighted Eritrea’s role in mediation efforts, fostering dialogue between the two countries to resolve disputes and promote peace. Afwerki expressed concern about the impact of regional instability on Somalia, noting that continued conflict in Somalia was exacerbating broader security challenges in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to address these challenges, involving not only Eritrea but also other regional actors and the international community.
In conclusion, President Isaias Afwerki reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa. He called for a cooperative approach to addressing regional challenges and urged the international community to support efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Afwerki emphasized the importance of dialogue, economic cooperation, and a fair evaluation of Eritrea’s role in the international arena to achieve lasting peace and development.