On September 12, 2024, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a statement calling for a democratic government in Eritrea. Sherman emphasized that both Eritrea and its neighboring countries would not experience peace until Eritrea transitions away from what he characterized as an oppressive regime. “The U.S. must support the Eritrean people in their fight for a free Eritrea,” he asserted, adding that the nation’s current government not only oppresses its own citizens but also destabilizes the region.
The #Eritrean people will not have freedom and Eritrea’s neighbors won’t have peace until #Eritrea has a democratic govt instead of one that oppresses its citizens and neighbors.
The U.S. must support the Eritrean people in their fight for a free Eritrea. pic.twitter.com/NhlAw448vy
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) September 12, 2024
Sherman’s remarks, which were accompanied by a video in which he claimed to have met with an Eritrean opposition leader, quickly sparked backlash from Eritrean activists. Critics argue that the congressman’s characterization of Eritrea’s political landscape is flawed and misleading. They highlight that the so-called opposition groups he referenced are fragmented and often alleged to be proxy organizations backed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)—an entity historically opposed to Eritrea.
Eritrean political analysts have voiced strong disapproval of Sherman’s comments, accusing him of siding with the wrong factions. “For Congressman Brad to refer to these groups as credible opposition is a very low point,” said one analyst. “Advocating for the replacement of Eritrea’s government by such groups is not only insulting but also an invitation for chaos and destruction in Eritrea.” The analyst noted that Sherman has long been supportive of the TPLF, an arch-enemy of Eritrea, which further raises suspicions about his intentions.
In response to Sherman’s comments, Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel posted a scathing rebuttal on X on September 13, 2024. Ghebremeskel referred to Sherman’s remarks as “yet another grotesquely familiar howl,” criticizing the congressman for his lack of understanding about the history and current realities of the region. “Clueless as he is about the history and current reality in the region, Sherman has the audacity to speak/feign concern about ‘the freedom of the Eritrean people,’” Ghebremeskel wrote. He went on to remind Sherman that the U.S. government had once compromised Eritrea’s freedom for its own strategic interests, referencing the acquisition of the Kagnew Military Base through what he called “illicit and despicable machinations at the UN.” Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel added that Sherman’s recent support for the TPLF’s insurrection had more to do with a lobbyist’s fee than with justice, ethics, or the welfare of the region’s people.
Yet another grotesquely familiar howl from US Congressman Brad Sherman against Eritrea.
Clueless as he is about the history and current reality in the region, Sherman has the audacity to speak/feign concern about “the freedom of the Eritrean people”.
He must be reminded… pic.twitter.com/Sfojg8t3Hp
— Yemane G. Meskel 🇪🇷 (@hawelti) September 13, 2024
In Eritrea, where social cohesion is often highlighted as a point of national pride, many argue that the country’s internal stability could be compromised by efforts to install foreign-backed opposition groups. One activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that while Eritrea might be economically strained due to regional tensions and international sanctions, it remains a peaceful and stable nation with unparalleled social cohesion. “Imposing a regime forged by enemies of Eritrea would not only threaten this cohesion but also plunge the country into ethnic and religious conflict,” the activist warned.
Critics of Congressman Sherman’s stance accuse him of undermining Eritrea’s sovereignty and stability, either through ignorance or with deliberate intent. By advocating for regime change, they argue, Sherman risks exacerbating tensions in a country that, despite external pressures, has maintained peace and unity among its people.
As the debate continues, many Eritreans believe that external attempts to influence their country’s political future could have disastrous consequences. For them, any support for groups associated with historical adversaries like the TPLF is seen as a direct threat to Eritrea’s stability and security.
