Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
May 8, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Eritrean president Isaias Afewerki criticized the split of Sudan into two states saying that it was a result of “political blunders”.
Afewerki added that separation of South Sudan was the inevitable result of political blunders and international intervention that affected the region. He urged Sudanese people to preserve the unity of the remaining land.
Southern Sudanese voted in January to separate from the north and form a new nation, a referendum promised to them as part of a 2005 peace deal which ended the decades of civil war.
But many countries in the region have expressed unhappiness with the breakup of Sudan saying that it could set a precedent in the continent and trigger regional instability.
Eritrea split from Ethiopia in 1991 after three decades of conflict. Until the 2005 peace deal that granted South Sudan the right to self determination the region had fought Khartoum for all but nine years of Sudan’s independence.
Afewerki also warned against the “internationalization” of the Darfur crisis stressing that it will only complicate the situation. He pointed out that the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) signed in Abuja five years ago came through U.S. and international support but did not solve the problem and “failed miserably”.
“Are the Sudanese people unable to resolve the crisis themselves?” he said . “I do not see the need for internationalization because it could lead the region ultimately to the same fate of South Sudan.”
The insurgency in Darfur by African rebels has commanded unprecedented international attention and sparked a humanitarian emergency which claimed 300,000 lives and drove more than 2 million people from their homes according to UN estimates. Government figures put the number of deaths closer to 10,000.
The current Qatar-hosted peace talks in Doha have been delayed by rebel divisions and continued military operations on the ground.
(ST)
Hero
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
You’re damn traumatize Sir! Hate it or like it, it’s a done deal. South Sudan knows where you belong and they know how to deal with you, and therefore,you must shut up and leave us alone.
unityfirst1
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
President Isaias!
South Sudan has already gone so tell the Northern Sudan government to unite itself with the Eritrea.
Bol Deng
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
What happened between Ethiopia and Eritrea? Are they still one country?. Please check your self before telling the South Sudanese irrelevances.
william
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
To Eritrean president and many others bribed nations to turn blind eyes onto suffering of southern sudanese under what you called north part of the country.Sorry if you are behind the news, be informed that we had already decided our destination and all what Bashir had been giving for bribing other nations to lobby for unity has gone in vain. You can either annex yourself to Khartuom or let the wanted criminal joints you in Eritera and forget about south north unity.Bullshit.
Chuol Tut
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
South sudanese. Read the quot word spoke by the slave of Ethiopia in 40 years beking. the son of slave isaias Afewwerka. you are pool. no need to worse my time on your comment. but south sudanese are long way mind to think back for African nation Dominate. but we Standy by Half and save african nation. From THE DOMINATION OF ISLAMAZATION NON AFRICAN RECOGNIZED AND IDENTITY AFRICAN NATION. Waiting in a few time. we bring a good news to african nation.
AKID.
Dakin
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
This absent minded president should rather keep queit if his memory failed him. Someone should remind him that the land of kassala belong to Eritrea
Bilen
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
This is NOT TRUE at all!! His words were taken out of context and I can imagine two reasons for that: 1) it’s a Khartoum journalist….so they’ll do anything to show someone is on their side. OR 2) it’s an Ethiopian-sponsored journalist that is trying hard to destroy the strong, historical bond that’s between Eritrea and S.Sudan!!! SO PLEASE PEOPLE, DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ!!!
If you heard the WHOLE INTERVIEW you would know that what he said was: we truly believed in the vision that Dr. John Garang and the SPLM had – a COMPLETELY NEW SUDAN with EVERYONE, especially the Southerners, enjoys FREEDOM and PEACE – a New Sudan where everyone is EQUAL and not second class citizen!!! That is what the Southerners initially fought for and that is what we would have liked to see – a FREE NEW SUDAN with no Sharia!!! – unfortunately, due to external agitation (you have to admit that the US had a vested interest in seeing the country split not because it cared about S. Sudanese people but because it wants a WAY IN – just like it’s doing now with all its LAND GRABS and so-called “aid”) the vote was for Independence.
President Isaias further said (in this interview and in MANY OTHER INTERVIEWS) that ERITREA WILL RESPECT THE DECISION OF THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN and will do whatever it can to support its PEACEFUL TRANSITION INTO STATEHOOD and will do whatever it can to maintain REGIONAL PEACE.
PEOPLE, AGAIN, please remember, BEFORE ETHIOPIA, BEFORE UGANDA, BEFORE US, Eritrean freedom fighters were MARTYRED in S. Sudan helping you fight injustice!!!
We, ERITREANS with our President, WISH YOU THE ABSOLUTE BEST in achieving your dreams and all we ask is that you PLEASE CHECK FOREIGN (especially AMERICAN!!!) INTERVENTION in your affairs — they come in sheep’s clothes!!!
Almek
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Esayas has been the fanatic of separation before twenty years. Surprised to hear favouring unity for Sudan. I think Esayas has now realized that Eritrea and its people are the loosers from their twenty years statehood. It is too late!
If Sudan has seen a quantum leap in development, Eritrea must be in negative development where its citizens are the worst suffering immigrats throughout the world.
Esayas, think about your country and your suffering people and leave the rest of East Africa. South Sudanese are wise people who can think about their future.
Ariambek
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
I am sorry to say that Eritrean president Afewerki is confusing because time has gone for talking about the unity the Sudan. Sir, rescue the separation of Darfur from Sudan as it following the route of the S.Sudan and other parts.
.Dr.Ariambek
Nguetbuny de Luelpiny
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Too late now Afroweriki.
You right, but something is completely wrong in the middle this time now. Separatist Confussion in our southern communities and the lack of present leadership. Formers Tribalist leaders running the GOSS now; with no knowledge of Sudan and Africa.
We were fighting for the Unity Sudan but something went in the square one here,that make us to stop a bit.
Compared it with your little province you have been cut it away from Ethiopia. South is big for us to be a country.
It is not ours choice we have made to break it up, but something is bothering us here now. We can get the whole Sudan internal, after we have settled down our internal problem. Our is not going to be like the mistake the Eritrea province people have made by turning Provinces as a country.
We need to digs our roots down first in our littles southern territories first. Establish Government and Law and order before we move farther; the rest will be liberates slowly.
It is his remarks are not bad, but who care of somebody opinions; let him express his own ideas. It does not make different from reality situation on the ground.
Tone of liberator
Nguetbuny
Dakin
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
@ BILEN
Don’t lecture us. If you are for unity, then unite with Ethiopia. This communist vision of a free united new sudan is impractical in real sense and proved to be an unforgetable waste of lives.
You should seek other avenues to corn your icc wanted criminal omar beshir
Bilen
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
This is NOT TRUE at all!! His words were taken out of context and I can imagine two reasons for that: 1) it’s a Khartoum journalist….so they’ll do anything to show someone is on their side. OR 2) it’s an Ethiopian-sponsored journalist that is trying hard to destroy the strong, historical bond that’s between Eritrea and S.Sudan!!! SO PLEASE PEOPLE, DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ!!!
If you heard the WHOLE INTERVIEW you would know that what he said was: we truly believed in the vision that Dr. John Garang and the SPLM had – a COMPLETELY NEW SUDAN with EVERYONE, especially the Southerners, enjoys FREEDOM and PEACE – a New Sudan where everyone is EQUAL and not second class citizen!!! That is what the Southerners initially fought for and that is what we would have liked to see – a FREE NEW SUDAN with no Sharia!!! – unfortunately, due to external agitation (you have to admit that the US had a vested interest in seeing the country split not because it cared about S. Sudanese people but because it wants a WAY IN – just like it’s doing now with all its LAND GRABS and so-called “aid”) the vote was for Independence.
President Isaias further said (in this interview and in MANY OTHER INTERVIEWS) that ERITREA WILL RESPECT THE DECISION OF THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN and will do whatever it can to support its PEACEFUL TRANSITION INTO STATEHOOD and will do whatever it can to maintain REGIONAL PEACE.
PEOPLE, AGAIN, please remember, BEFORE ETHIOPIA, BEFORE UGANDA, BEFORE US, Eritrean freedom fighters were MARTYRED in S. Sudan helping you fight injustice!!!
We, ERITREANS with our President, WISH YOU THE ABSOLUTE BEST in achieving your dreams and all we ask is that you PLEASE CHECK FOREIGN (especially AMERICAN!!!) INTERVENTION in your affairs — they come in sheep’s clothes!!!
Bilen
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
@Dakin, it’s NOT about LECTURING my brother. Just saying we used to support YOUR OWN – led by Dr. Garang – vision. But now, President Isaias has said (in this interview and in MANY OTHER INTERVIEWS) that ERITREA WILL RESPECT THE DECISION OF THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN and will do whatever it can to support its PEACEFUL TRANSITION INTO STATEHOOD and whatever it can to maintain REGIONAL PEACE and STABILITY!!!! So it’s not about supporting one side or another, it’s about wanting REAL EMANCIPATION for the People of South Sudan!!!
By the way, people always forget: when we began our struggle WE NOT ONCE wanted UNITY and then SWITCHED to INDEPENDENCE – we BEGAN WITH INDEPENDENCE AND GOT OUR INDEPENDENCE!!!
Jalaby
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Dear President Afewerki,
We know Eritreans and Ethiopians are the closest people to Sudan, closest more than our Jonobean, we know how much Eritreans and Ethiopians love Sudanese people (north) and we share with them our food and accommodations in Khartoum, you can see them at every corner in Khartoum.
Now Eritrea and Sudan have signed new agreement that allow the citizen of the two countries to enter each country without visa, we as sudanese are not really interested in going to Eritrea but Eritearns and Ethiopians like to stay in Sudan because of its rich resources and they can find jobs that ordinary Sudanese citizen do not do it, they are our brothers and we also love them.
No doubt Eritrea is a natural extension to east Sudan and they have strategic location in the red sea, sooner or later we will convince them to become one of arab member organization as we convinced Chad and they are on the process of entering the arab league. We will establish strong confederation countries that will consist of: Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Chad and we will be the lead country. I advise south Sudan to perform a confederation with Uganda and Rwanda, it may work for them (LOL).
president Afewerki, I’ll tell you what will happen with our Jonobean, they will fight with each other and finish off themselves and will come back at the end of the day and their bodies full of wounds because of the fighting and beg us for confederation, and those Jonobean who live in the north will never leave the north but when we loose our temper and fed up with them we will deport them by force though!
Jalaby (Abo Tagia)
Chuol Tut
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Buddy thanks for your correcting the though of your junta president of Eritrean. we the southern, we respect the people righ and opt or whose who clam their volvue. your president want far beyond belind concern. see your struggling and the time of your independent 1994. what is so different to southern Sudan who clam their future lifestyle as Eritrean recently adopt there independent. avoid of begin attempted issue the damn conflict. to assure you. these is author not came from the splm sector but south pupolution are the part of Juba independent watch dog. and act, action, involue to defend the nation of south Sudan.
akid
Observer
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Jalaby,
If your information about Sudan and ERitrea signing an agremeent where people of both countries can enter each others country without visaa, how come there are still hundreds of Eritreans fleeign Eritrea each week and seeking asylum in Sudan? Why are there still refugee camps in Eastern Sudan which grow bigger each week?
Those Eritreans you see on ever street corner are refugees who have fled Eritrea and are now suffering in Sudan as refugees with very few rights.
A visit to UNHCR will quickly show you just how wrong the information you write here is.
Chuol Tut
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Mr Khartoum. this time i thing, you guy will live the earth and go to hell for creating a unique ressume live, as South Gone. what resource late with khartoum sinnce we are going. not see your president beging for support all night and day. but do not came back to sole the solt to the south sinnce we give you the part of our dry land of sudan and you are still our victim.
akid
richard
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Do you want to know Eritrea’s full stance on South Sudan?
Check this out and judge it for yourself
http://tesfanews.net/archives/1352
RECENTLY THERE IS A SUSTAINED CAMPAIGN FROM THE ENEMY QUARTERS TO CREATE ANIMOSITY BETWEEN ERITREA AND SOUTH SUDAN AND ONE OF THEM WAS MELES ZENAWI OF ETHIOPIA.
This article is also written by a north sudan journalist to cheer the north that they are not the only one advocating unity. Definitely they want to use it for their internal propaganda consumption.
However, three days ago, a delegation of south sudan government was visiting Eritrea and they got an answer which is as clear as a northern star.
Check this out if you really want to know Eritrea’s stand on South Sudan:
http://tesfanews.net/archives/1352
ERITREA: AMBASSADOR IN STANDBY FOR FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATION AND RECOGNITION OF SOUTH SUDAN
A high-level Eritrean delegation, headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Osman Saleh, hand-delivers letter from President Isaias Afwerki, on behalf of Government and People of Eritrea, congratulating the people of Southern Sudan on a historic referendum on self determination.
The delegation included the Political Adviser to the President of the State of Eritrea, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, and was joined by the Eritrean Consul General in Juba, Amb. Alem Negash.
During the official two-day visit, the delegation met with the President of
the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), General Salva Kiir Mayardit, and other high-level GoSS Ministers including the SPLM Secretary General and Minister for Peace and CPA Implementation, Mr. Pagan Amum, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Alor.
During the meeting with President Kiir, Minister Osman Saleh hand-delivered an official letter from the President of the State of Eritrea, Mr. Isaias Afwerki.
In the letter, President Isaias congratulated the Government and the people of Southern Sudan, on behalf of the Government and people of Eritrea, on a
momentous and extraordinarily successful and credible Referendum on Self Determination held, as planned, on January 9, 2011.
President Isaias expressed his deepest appreciation for the solid role played by the SPLM and GoSS in leading the people of Southern Sudan to that auspicious day, ensuring that they register a historical victory and realize their ultimate goal of Self Determination.
President Isaias, underscored the deep bond that exists between Eritrea and Southern Sudan acknowledging the heavy sacrifices paid by both peoples for the right to Self Determination. In connection with this, President Isaias
highlighted Eritrea’s commitment to the Government and people of Southern Sudan, going as far back as 1994, during a PANAF meeting in Kampala, when Eritrea was the only partner that advocated for the inalienable right of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their own future and destiny through Self Determination. President Isaias also noted Eritrea’s leading role in drafting the Declaration of Principles (DoP) in 1994 which formed the basis for later peace negotiations.
President Isaias emphasized Eritrea’s readiness to recognize the result of the Referendum, as soon as it is officially declared, as the choice of the people of Southern Sudan.
President Isaias further emphasized Eritrea’s pledge to strengthen the relationship between both peoples and Governments and in this regard President Isaias informed President Kiir that the current Consulate General will be upgraded and a full embassy will be established in the case of, and soon after, declaration of independence. President Isaias also added that the Government of Eritrea has already identified a potential Ambassador for the new office.
Lastly, President Isaias reiterated his message of congratulations and reaffirmed Eritrea’s unyielding commitment to peace and justice throughout the Horn of Africa.
Dakin
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
@ BILEN,
You people would be kind enough if you don’t bring to live the issue of a free united democratic sudan whenever you visited khartoum. It was questionable from the very time it was conceived. These unionist betrayed the sudanese african cause in their ambitious attempt to rewrite our history. They blindly defied all the historical indications that there could never be a free united democratic sudan as they imagined. It was a communist ideology that is unpragmatic and best forgotten
Mr. Truthteller
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Why unstable decisions Mr. President?
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has proven to be unstable leader in his political decisions.
He was responsible for the split of Ethiopia into two countries.
He was also the first African President in 1992 to accept the call for self-determination by Dr. Riek Machar, that has now led to the split of Sudan into two countries.
That letter above also shows his appreciation of what he called successful referendum which resulted to the split of Sudan into two.
Now what the heck is this unstable leader talking about?
It is too late Mr. President. Our people have voted 98% for separation. Will you stand with them (us)?
Are you not going to attend the independence declaration on 9 July in Juba?
It is absolutely your choice. President Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia will come to Juba any way. I guess you will not like it and that could be the reason for your illogical blunders.
Born to Achieve
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Mr.Afroweriki or whatever yourself.
Practice what you preach otherwise people will preach what you practice.
Where were your nation during the struggle if you really wanted Sudan unity?what role did Eritrea played in the civil war?stop running your mouth about something that dosen’t concern you.
Raise up & gather your lost sheeps (Eritreans)that are scatterd everywhere.
By the way South is riding on a car without a break so even we the passengers can’t reverse it back.
Think positive.
Parise-France.
Almek
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Afeworiqi is a confused man. Disregarding the majority Christians, he is trying to make Eritrea a member state in Arab Leage. He is selling Eritrea’s identity for money. Just to get support from the Arab countries. It is really shame. Unfortunately, all arabs are busy with their internal problem leave alone to support you. Libya, Yemen, Egypt are busy of their homework.
When the arab countries forget you, you will then come back again to your original identity when it is ofcourse too late.
What a shameful identity crisis!? Shame on you, Afeworiqi!
amon
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
@Hero
Look even his political blunders is making Eritreans leave the country and stay in refugee camps all over the world, he has made Eritreans to be a hell to citizens. Don’t say your neighbor’s house is dirty when yours is more like garbage.
Christian Unit for Israel.
Paul Ongee
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Bilen,
I may agree with you but I also try to look beyond what the Eritrean President is saying. I believe he cannot contradict himself while he’s now enjoying his freedom in a separated country from Ethiopia. It was not politically fair to live under Ethiopian rule. The same with Southern Sudan, not to stay under the Islamic regime of Khartoum who never values cultural diversity.
The second point I think the Eritrean president is trying to make is that “it’s okay for Southerners to separate legally in already divided Sudan but it’s not fair for Darfur to internationalize the issue to follow the same footstep of Southerners simply because they are Muslims.” He makes this remark without considering why the Muslims (or citizens) of Middle East & North Africa (MENA) are demanding freedom, equality and democracy as well.
In this case, it not up to Darfur’s rebel groups but Khartoum to resolve the political issue domestically and peacefully without international involvement. The issue here is, will Khartoum make that effort? No. His concern is that the remaining North Sudan should not split further into another entities or independent states. However, North Sudan is certainly heading to that direction of further fragmentation. He can condemn it if it happens but cannot do anything about it. Khartoum will finally have to blame itself for its successive discriminatory Islamic policy that created the current political and military climate.
Paul Ongee
Khartoum Watch
Paul Ongee
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Bilen,
I may agree with you but I also try to look beyond what the Eritrean President is saying. I believe he cannot contradict himself while he’s now enjoying his freedom in his separated country from Ethiopia because it was not politically fair to live under Ethiopian rule. The same with Southern Sudan, not to stay under the Islamic regime of Khartoum who never values cultural diversity.
The second point I think the Eritrean president is trying to remind the general public, Darfur rebel groups and Khartoum in particular is that it’s okay for Southerners to separate legally as confirmed in the recent referendum voting but it’s not fair for Darfur to internationalize the issue that will eventually follow the same footstep of South Sudan simply because they are Muslims. He makes this remark without considering why the Muslims (or citizens) of Middle East & North Africa (MENA) are desperately demanding freedom, equality and democracy as well.
In this case, he is appealing directly to Darfur’s rebel groups but indirectly to Khartoum to keep the north united by resolving the political issue domestically and peacefully without further fragmentation and international involvement. The issue here is, will Khartoum make that effort? No. Khartoum is still even creating more states in Darfur. His concern is that the remaining North Sudan should not split further into another entities or independent states.
Unfortunately, North Sudan is already heading to that direction of further fragmentation. The center is getting isolated. Isaiah Afewerki can condemn it if it happens but cannot do anything about it. Khartoum will finally have to blame itself for its successive discriminatory Islamic policy that created the current suitable political climate for disintegration.
Paul Ongee
Khartoum Watch
Abdurezak
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Thanks to you South Sudan is Hosting Buisness men Enginers learned people who fled your iron Grip. Who do you think you are Aforgi look at yourself Sudan and Ethiopia are looded by your youth.Why care about Sudan and the rest of Sudan remember the days you were Errand boy of the west now you want to be an Arab? You inhilated your buddies you generals ministers and you have a nerve to preach about the world affairs.Shame on you like your friends Gadafi Mubarek your days are numbered
Ahmed Chol
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Isaisa Afewerki,
Why did Eritrea broke away from Ethiopia?
Ito
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Dear Readers,
I think we should truly be alert with this message from the Eritrean separatist Isaiahs; indeed, he has contradicted his position because the statement articulated by him is contrary to the vision and objectives of his party the Eritrean people liberation front which fought for 30 years for independence.
I hope that he was quoted out of context and has no such thinking and feelings in his heart.
thanks
Stephen kuach
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Bilen!
I believed about what you have said could be right,who knows ,but somehow you could be wrong,because the politicians always change things up.,either way President Isaiasi has been bribed by the enemy of the South Sudan or maybe those Journalist are making up alot of staffs.
Yibrah
Eritrean president slams the separation of Sudan into two states
Not surprising for the cruel and the worst leader on earth. His position is always against democracy. He loves speaking about other countries as if he is a world leader – about USA and its administration, Westerns, S.Sudan, Darfur, North Africa, Middle East, what a shameless leader! He is the worst dictator in Africa and the main reason for the bad image of Africa on the other part of the world.