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Road Map - Seedling for Peace and Democracy
in Eritrea
Introduction
The State of Eritrea was formed based on the treaty between the political force led by Emperor
Menelik of Ethiopia and that of colonial Italy, by the Treaty of Wichale of 1889 and the Treaty
of Feres-May of 1896. After Italian and British occupation, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia
in 1952; but the federation was dissolved by the then Government of Ethiopia, which led to the
30 years of armed struggle for independence. Eritrea became an independent and sovereign state,
received international recognition and became a member of the United Nations after conducting
a referendum in 1993.
The people of Eritrea have had close relationships with its neighbors, and especially with the
people of Tigray. The people of Eritrea and Tigray are strongly related and bonded by their
language, culture, tradition, religious beliefs, social beliefs, values, ancient civilization, history,
geography, economy and politics. Consequently, their security, peace and development and their
very existence is interdependent. Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea is a coalition of
forces that have made peace, reconciliation, confidence building and development between the
peoples of Eritrea and Tigray one of its cornerstones.
Similarly, Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea recognizes the long-lasting relationship
the people of Eritrea have had with the people of Sudan, and struggles to strengthen and enrich
it. History books are testament to the all-rounded support the people of Sudan have been
providing to the peoples of Eritrea and Tigray, more specifically during their respective armed
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struggles.
Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea recognizes that the terrorist regime of Isaias
Afewerki has been the main problem in the whole Horn of Africa region, by interfering directly,
by sponsoring terrorist groups and by inviting outside forces; and is so now more than any time
before. As a result, Seedling intends to work together, in all aspects possible, with all the forces
in our region and beyond, including with Tigray and the Sudan, to remove the rogue Isaias
regime from power.
Article 1. Objectives
The main and fundamental objectives of Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea are
1. Free our people and country by using and coordinating all modes of struggle to remove
the anti-people and anti-democracy regime of Isaias Afewerki.
2. After the fall of the Isaias regime, establish an all-inclusive transitional government
composed of all forces. Form suitable preparation and ground for the transitional
government to transfer power to the people of Eritrea.
3. Hand over power to the people of Eritrea a government system led by constitution,
formed legally and democratically with an all-inclusive election that ensures equal
participation of all.
Article 2. Vision
1. Following the fall of the Isaias regime, the people of Eritrea will live a normal dignified
life, with equity and equality, and with its rights respected.
2. Eritrea will be a peaceful country that is led by a democratic system, by one that
positively contributes to peace, economic development and prosperity in the region.
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Article 3. Political Strategy
3.1 Political Strategy
1. Adopts democratic principles in its struggle.
2. Is open to all political forces.
3. Includes all citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity, province (awraja), gender, political
background and opinion.
4. Performs its operations with all peoples and governments in our region by forming
relationships based on mutual interest.
5. Takes independent stand in regional and global affairs devoid of violence, and gives
priority to the interest of the people of Eritrea.
6. Prioritizes alliances with all domestic, regional and international forces, governments and
institutions in the removal of the Isaias regime.
3.2 Political Stand for Joint Struggle
All individuals, political forces, civic associations and groups who would like to join Seedling
for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea should first accept the following three (3) basic political
stands.
1. Believes that Eritrea is a sovereign state.
2. Prioritizes the removal of the dictatorial Isais regime.
3. Willing to work with our allies in the region, especially with the people of Tigray.
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Article 4. Military Strategy
1. There will only be one military army in Eritrea.
2. The army is to be composed of volunteer Eritreans from inside and outside of Eritrea.
3. It will be sponsored and owned by the people of Eritrea.
4. The army will be built to be a force that strictly adheres to military discipline.
5. It shall meet international ethical standards.
6. It shall have central financial, logistical, moral and other administrations.
7. The army shall acquire sufficient military science and technique, and learn from its own
experience and that of its allies’ armies.
8. It shall be built in such a way that it recognizes its mandate to respect the people of
Eritrea.
9. The army will work in close collaboration with its strategic allies, and more specifically
with Tigray and Sudan.
Article 5. Formation of Seedling for Peace and
Democracy in Eritrea
1. There shall be a council composed of individuals, civic associations, political forces and
media groups.
2. Makes an effort to ensure all renowned Eritreans, religious leaders, scholars, human
rights advocates, wealthy people who oppose the Isaias regime to be part of this struggle.
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Article 6: Structure and Activities of Seedling for
Peace and Democracy in Eritrea
In order to implement its objectives, Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea needs to have
a scientific structure that enables all forces to be part of the struggle. The structure needs to be
shaped in such a way that it develops and improves from time to time in order to achieve the
stated objectives. As it stands, Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea will have the
following five offices. These offices are to be led by professionals selected from all forces based
on their education, experience, ethics, and stand.
6.1 Political Office
Sources and leads the political ideology of Seedling. Performs people-centric political activities
within our community and within the larger international community. Straightens and clarifies
our stand in regard to our strategic allies in the struggle of the people of Eritrea, and analyzes the
changing regional and international conditions that affect this struggle. Identifies, with clear
evidence, forces who are opposed to the interest and sovereignty of Eritrea, and provides prompt
response.
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6.2 Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy Office
Works to enable Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea receive good reception and
support by forming good public relations within our community and diplomatic relations in our
region and the international community. Exposes the improper and anti-peace activities of the
Isaias regime of the past 30 years, one that has destabilized our region. Instead, forms an
alternative diplomatic mechanism whereby the Eritrean people's interests are prioritized; one that
is based on internationally recognized sound foreign relation policies.
6.3 Office of Mass Media
3. Uses all domestic and foreign mass media to enable the implementation of the objectives of
Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea. Echoes all activities of Seedling, combats the
Isaias regime’s propaganda and enlightens its audience, with the ultimate goal of weakening the
regime and its structure. Mobilizes the public to enable mass participation and support in the
struggle in all aspects. Ensures the masses get mass media service that counters the regime’s
narrative in real time.
6.4 Recruitment Office
This is an institution that records the capability and skills of all forces. Clearly puts all forms of
organizations in the Seedling structure and makes sure there is maximum participation. Works to
enable all Eritreans within and outside Eritrea to work by registering in this movement, adhering
to the objectives and stands of Seedling for Peace and Democracy in Eritrea. Identifies the
interests and qualifications of new members, and refers them to the concerned offices. Ensures
empowerment with knowledge and participation by organizing workshops, conferences and
discussions in collaboration with the Political Office and others.
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6.5 Finance Office
This office uses all legal means to raise monetary and material resources from the people of
Eritrea and the global community in order to be self-sustaining economically and perform its
activities properly. Assigns and controls expenditures of this movement.
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