Shaping Eritrea Through Pragmatism

Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea since its independence in 1993, is a leader whose name evokes polarized opinions. As the architect of Eritrea’s liberation and its sole president, his leadership has left an indelible mark on the country. A closer look at Afwerki reveals a complex figure whose pragmatic geopolitical strategies have profoundly influenced Eritrea’s trajectory.

Born on February 2, 1946, in Asmara, Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki grew up under the Ethiopian administration, marked by increasing tensions over Eritrea’s status. In the 1960s, Afwerki joined the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), later becoming a founding member of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) after ideological differences with the ELF.

As the EPLF’s leader from 1977, Afwerki directed a disciplined and effective liberation campaign, culminating in Eritrea’s de facto independence in 1991 and formal independence in 1993 after a UN-supervised referendum. His leadership during the struggle earned him widespread acclaim as a visionary and dedicated nationalist.

Nation-Building Achievements

Despite the criticisms, Isaias Afwerki’s leadership has yielded notable achievements in nation-building:

1. Education and Health Infrastructure: Post-independence, Eritrea prioritized the expansion of educational and health facilities. Investments in schools and adult education programs significantly improved literacy rates. Similarly, healthcare initiatives reduced maternal and child mortality rates, a feat recognized by international agencies in the early 2000s.
2. Self-Reliance Policies: The philosophy of self-reliance has been central to Afwerki’s vision. Eritrea invested in domestic agricultural and industrial projects to minimize dependency on foreign aid to achieve food security and economic independence. Although these efforts faced limitations due to resource constraints and international sanctions, they underscored a commitment to sustainable development.
3. Infrastructure Development: The government’s emphasis on equitable development is reflected in the construction of roads, schools, and clinics in remote areas. Key urban centers like Asmara have also benefited from efforts to preserve and enhance infrastructure.
4. Social Cohesion: Through policies emphasizing unity and national identity, Afwerki fostered a sense of collective purpose among Eritreans. This cohesion was critical in stabilizing the nascent state.
5. Gender Equality: Women participated significantly in the liberation struggle, and post-independence policies sought to institutionalize gender equality. Legal reforms and educational initiatives aimed at empowering women have had some success, though challenges remain in implementation.

The Eritrean experience under Afwerki highlights the role of a strong hand in nation-building, drawing parallels to other historical examples, such as the early nation-building efforts of the United States. Leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln faced immense challenges in forging unity and laying foundational institutions in the face of internal and external adversities.

Afwerki’s tight control over Eritrea’s political and social structures reflects a belief that strong centralized authority is necessary to guide a nascent nation through existential threats and developmental hurdles. Without such centralized leadership, Eritrea’s sovereignty could have been jeopardized by external interference or internal fragmentation. The Eritrean struggle for independence and subsequent challenges demanded a level of cohesion and discipline that might have been impossible under fragmented leadership.

Pragmatic Geopolitics

Isaias Afwerki’s foreign policy is defined by pragmatism, often prioritizing Eritrea’s sovereignty and security over external expectations.

Eritrea embraced self-reliance as a deliberate strategy to avoid dependency on foreign aid and external interference. This approach stems from his belief that sovereignty must not be compromised. In one of his notable remarks, Afwerki emphasized, “We refuse to be pawns in a global chess game.” Eritrea’s stance has been one of equal participation in international affairs without succumbing to pressures from more powerful states.

Eritrea’s strategy of self-reliance ensures that decisions are made independently, aligning with national interests rather than external dictates. Afwerki has also stated, “True independence means owning our decisions and charting our path without the shadow of foreign interests looming over us.”

While this policy has insulated Eritrea from the conditionalities often tied to international financial assistance, it has also limited economic development. However, Afwerki views the trade-off as necessary for maintaining the integrity of the nation’s sovereignty and long-term autonomy.

Ethiopia: A Complex Relationship

Eritrea’s relationship with Ethiopia has been marked by profound conflict and strategic recalibration. After Eritrea’s independence, border disputes culminated in a devastating war from 1998 to 2000. The Algiers Agreement 2000, which ended the conflict, awarded the contested town of Badme to Eritrea. However, Ethiopia refused to implement the agreement, maintaining its control over Badme and prolonging tensions between the two nations for nearly two decades. This refusal deepened Eritrea’s sense of vulnerability, prompting Afwerki to adopt a militarized and self-reliant posture domestically and regionally.

The 2018 peace agreement between Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed marked a significant relationship thaw. While the normalization of ties reopened trade routes and created opportunities for regional stability, the peace deal did not fully address the core grievances arising from Ethiopia’s prolonged non-compliance with the Algiers Agreement, leaving lingering distrust.

Regional Conflicts and the Tigray War

Eritrea’s entry into the Tigray conflict in 2020 was a calculated response to escalating threats from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had long been an adversary. The TPLF’s decision to launch missiles into Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, marked a significant escalation. Afwerki’s intervention was driven by the dual goals of neutralizing a historic foe and safeguarding Eritrea’s security. By aligning with Ethiopian federal forces, Eritrea sought to eliminate the TPLF’s capacity to destabilize the region.

While this intervention demonstrated Afwerki’s readiness to act decisively, it also highlighted his commitment to regional stability and Eritrea’s long-term security interests.

Strategic Alliances

Afwerki has cultivated relationships with non-Western powers, including China, Russia, and Gulf states. These alliances provide Eritrea with economic investments and diplomatic leverage while avoiding the strings often attached to Western aid.

Assessment of Leadership

Isaias Afwerki’s legacy is multifaceted. On one hand, his pragmatic geopolitical strategies have ensured Eritrea’s survival and elevated its role in the Horn of Africa. On the other hand, his governance style has focused on stability and sovereignty, albeit with significant trade-offs.

Strengths

1. Sovereignty Preservation: Afwerki’s policies have kept Eritrea independent from global power struggles and maintained its decision-making autonomy.
2. Regional Influence: Eritrea remains a significant player in the Horn of Africa geopolitics despite its size and economic challenges.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Relationships with non-Western powers have diversified Eritrea’s alliances and provided alternative sources of support.

Challenges in Nation-Building

The implementation of national service was seen as a necessary measure to protect Eritrea’s sovereignty, particularly due to Ethiopia’s failure to uphold the Algiers Agreement. This decision was based on the country’s ongoing existential threats. While some critics view national service as restrictive, it has been defended as an essential tool for nation-building during this challenging period.

Afwerki’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping Eritrea’s identity and sovereignty in a challenging regional and global context. His pragmatism and firm governance have ensured the survival of a nation forged through decades of struggle. While his methods have faced international criticism, they reflect a belief in the necessity of strong leadership to protect Eritrea’s independence and navigate its nation-building journey.

The measures taken under his administration—whether in asserting sovereignty, fostering self-reliance, or engaging in regional geopolitics—underscore a vision of a resilient and independent Eritrea. Without prioritizing sovereignty and unity over external pressures, the fragile state of post-independence Eritrea might have faced greater risks of fragmentation or external domination. This is a testament to the complex interplay between pragmatism, power, and the imperatives of nation-building in the face of adversity. His legacy will remain a cornerstone of Eritrea’s narrative as it continues to chart its course on the world stage.