A vision for a just, democratic Eritrea free from dictatorship and corruption, where opportunity is open to all.

Eritrea is a small but strategically important country on the Red Sea coast in the Horn of Africa, home to nine ethnic groups, with Islam and Christianity as its major religions. Rich in natural resources — including gold, potash, oil, natural gas and copper — along with fertile land and abundant marine life, Eritrea’s ports, Massawa and Assab, serve as vital gateways connecting Africa, the Middle East and Europe. 

Its strategic location made it the target of colonisation by the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, Italy, the United Kingdom and Ethiopia, which together ruled the territory for over 400 years, before Eritrea gained independence in 1991, following one of the longest and most destructive wars in modern African history. During this struggle, women made up thirty percent of the forces, and all nine ethnic groups were united. Eritrea was officially recognised in 1993, after the resounding independence referendum votes. 

Since, the country has been governed with an iron fist as an authoritarian one-party state by President Isaias Afwerki and the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice party (PFDJ), with no constitution, indefinite national service and conscription, strict suppression of political freedoms and the press, widespread human rights violations, and arbitrary detention, forcing many Eritreans to flee abroad in search of safety and opportunity 

Like many fellow Eritrean brothers and sisters, I have long witnessed decades of oppression, injustice and corruption. I dream of a nation where freedom, dignity and opportunity belong to every citizen.

An end to one-party rule without a constitution, without elections, without a free press and without the rule of law — and an end to the countless human rights abuses and violations 

Moreover, as we know from the history of many nations that have endured similar eras of tyranny, ending an authoritarian regime is only the first step towards liberation and civil society. What comes after is just as important — if not more.

Rebuilding after decades of injustice and transitioning towards a consolidated democracy will demand costly, tiresome, long and challenging efforts. However, it is during such times that Eritreans shine the most, and I have no doubt that we will succeed in our quest for justice and democracy. Because Eritrea is ours — and its future is in our hands.

A Vision for Renewal

It is in this faith, and in this dire state, that I dream of this:

A reformed Eritrea — reborn with liberty, growth and justice. A new renaissance rooted in democracy, with a well-established constitution and a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

I carry a dream that rises above narrow, short-sighted ideas of progress. A dream of Eritrea guided by justice, strengthened by unity and driven by the purpose of its people.

Equality and Democratic Rights

I have a dream that my people will not be judged based on who they know, but what they know.

I carry a dream of a democratic Eritrea where democratic rights are protected, and where every citizen has the right to vote for whom they trust to represent them. I dream of witnessing the end of a generation abused by corruption, replaced by the rule of law.

An egalitarian system that ensures equality and opportunity, irrespective of one’s status, class, title or means. 

Freedom and Human Rights

I dream of an Eritrea where fundamental freedoms are protected.

Where threats, arbitrary and political detention, suppression of free expression, censorship of media, elimination of political opposition, disappearances, torture, silencing and killing end.

A nation that terminates injustice committed in the name of the state or individuals and guarantees accountability and protection of rights. A system that provides fairness. A system that ensures equality.

I dream of an Eritrea where a mere dissent, a difference in opinion or a belief will no longer be seen as treachery, as being an enemy or as being less of a proud citizen, but as a fellow citizen with a distinct perspective. 

Rule of Law and Justice

A system that establishes an independent judiciary so that courts interpret the law based on constitutional norms and legislative intent, rather than the discretion of a single authority.

I dream of freedom of mobility, where my people can travel freely without fear of armed checkpoints: from Karora to Assab, from Teseney to Massawa, from Anseba to Adi Quala.

Our heroes and heroines did not sacrifice themselves to free us from foreign rule, only for us to live like prisoners in our own country.

I dream of justice being served across every corner of our land — from the heights of Emba Soira to the plains of Gash Barka, through the Filfil rainforest and the Danakil desert, along the Red Sea’s pristine coastline — where no place is too high, no valley too remote, no shore too distant for justice to reach.

Rebuilding Society

I dream that the more than 300 prisons arbitrarily confining over 10,000 conscious and political prisoners in such a small country will be replaced, turned into schools where minds can grow, hospitals where bodies can heal and centres where communities can gather, learn and play.

I dream of an Eritrea where its youth can dream of greatness — and have the opportunity to pursue their passion, energy, innovation and intellect in their own country. Where they can decide their own future without fear, without coercion and without being forced into paths they did not choose. 

I have a dream that the indefinite conscription — the nightmare fate of Eritrean youth and young adults — will end. 

It is only in such an open society that citizens can better their lives and develop their country.

I envision an Eritrea where the average citizen can freely engage in matters of politics, economy, society and religion, in concert with one another, without fear . 

A Nation Reclaimed

I dream of an Eritrea where its biggest export is not its people, but its abundant natural and marine resources.

Where the protracted displacement of over one million Eritreans living abroad ends. Where Eritreans can build a life at home, surrounded by their families, friends, communities and values.

I dream that no Eritrean will have to cross deserts or seas in unsafe journeys, risking their lives and the lives of their children to escape hardship.

I dream that no one will face sickness, violence, exploitation or extortion along these journeys, nor fall victim to smugglers or armed groups that traffic, abuse or kill the vulnerable.

I dream that Eritreans will no longer be forced into life in refugee camps as the only alternative.

These are not choices — they are symptoms of a system that must change.

I dream that this will end.

I dream of an Eritrea no longer known for war, poverty or exile, but for resilience, innovation and culture. 

Let Democracy Ring

Let democracy ring.

Let it ring from every ethnic group — the Kunama, Nara, Rashaida, Bilen, Beja, Afar, Saho, Tigre and Tigrinya peoples.

Let it ring from every region — Anseba, known as the vibrant crossroads; Maekel, the heart of Eritrea; Debub, the cradle of history; Gash-Barka, the nation’s breadbasket; the Northern Red Sea with its Dahlak Islands; and the Southern Red Sea with Assab port.

All will be able to join hands and say: Justice has prevailed.

A Call to Action

That is when my dream will be manifested: an Eritrea governed by a consolidated democracy.

So let this not remain a dream. Let us, Eritreans, once again unite to restore our freedom and end the cycle of injustice and corruption, just as our heroic mothers and fathers did a generation ago.

Let our oppressor remember — we are the sons and daughters, the descendants of those heroes and heroines.

Let us remember: Eritrea is ours. 

It is not a personal fiefdom for the dictator and his inner circle to control, exploit and oppress. Its future belongs to us, not to the mercy of tyranny.