Opinion: Shabait proves that Eritrea is a staunch Russian ally

This is not shocking, but not only the “no” vote on the Resolution against the Russian Aggression on Ukraine. They are doubling down on their stance, as dropped on piece on defending that. Now they are furthering it and digging deeper. Not like the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Shabait is making their stance any better. However, they are just showing how they are willing to defend the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It is really magnificent that the text of Shabait starts like this:

“These are dangerous times. The anguish and human sufferings inculcated in the war in Ukraine are too familiar that could and should have been avoidable from the outset. More ominously, the world is on a precipice of a colossal disaster; the threat and potential for a major conflagration cannot be downplayed or shrugged off if we stay on this dangerous course” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).

It is like the Eritrean Foreign Affairs is using the propaganda of Russian allies. That is very evident, in the manner of which it says the war could have been avoided and a dangerous course. This is using the will of Ukraine to either join the European Union (EU) or Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a sovereign nation, it is the free will of the Ukrainian republic to join whatever multi-national organization, coalition or defence body, which it deems fit. Just like Russia can do the same.

The Shabait is playing on the diplomatic entanglement, which is using NATO as an excuse for the Russian invasion. That is giving no agency of Russia or their Head of State, Vladimir Putin. Putin ordered and sanctioned this war. He had annexed Crimea in 2014 and supported separatist since then in the Donbass region. So, the Russian Federation has already taken territory and interfered on parts of the Ukrainian integrity. For a county like Eritrea to say this was a major disaster that could have been avoided. The Eritrean government and army has gone to war over smaller territories in Djibouti and Ethiopia (Badme). So, the Eritrean government should understand the loss and the pain of Ukraine. Still, the Eritrean government is siding with the bigger-brother. Would Eritrea be fine, if Ethiopia would invade and take bigger parts of Eritrea? I am sure the Asmara government wouldn’t be fine with the interference or support of militias to work against the Eritrean government. Therefore, it is really tragic of Shabait to do this.

“This is not a crisis that erupted yesterday. The seeds of the current crisis were planted and have been brewing for the last thirty years by forces of domination and hegemony who craved to establish a unipolar world order. The inevitable corollary of this misguided and perilous policy was the encirclement and “containment” of Russia since it was perceived as the primary obstacle to their objectives. Ukraine is sadly a victim and has been scape-goated in their overarching scheme of “tightening the noose on Russia”. In this perspective, the issue is not a matter of support for Russia or Putin” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).

They are clearly on the side of Russia here. While calling the Ukrainian people a victim for the scapegoating of Russia. That is the definition of defending the invader in the war. They are siding with Moscow and no other statement is needed. The “no” vote is really just representing how Eritrea defends Russian and their invasion. That is evident here and there is no other way to see it. The Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs isn’t worried about the sovereign or the integrity of any nation. This nation can easily defend the Russian and their imperial dreams.

The Eritrean cannot say they are not supporting it directly, but indirectly supporting it. That is how they are trying to twist it, but that doesn’t make it more true.

The ending of the text is really satire here:

“A unipolar, or polarized world order, is antithetical to the fundamental pillars of robust multilateralism as well as the lofty aspirations of the majority of the world’s peoples and nations. This is what is at stake in these crucial times” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).

This end is really unique coming from Shabait. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs who usually targets the West and the United States of America (USA). Therefore, the Shabait must be really out of order here. Since, this isn’t the usual business of Eritrea. Neither the ideals it speaks of here. It is more self-centred and that’s why writings like this is insincere.

Eritrea wants to support Russia, but wants a unipolar world order. While they are supporting the nation that is invading a smaller republic. Because, Putin wants to revive the Soviet Union. This should have been acknowledged, but Eritrea wants to be loyal to the allies of Moscow. They don’t want to offend or even say anything that would tarnish that alliance. Peace.

Opinion: Eritrea’s UNGA “No” Vote Explanation isn’t it!

“Recognizing that the military operations of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and that urgent action is needed to save this generation from the scourge of war” (…) “1. Reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters;

2. Deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter;

3. Demands that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State;

4. Also demands that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders;” (Draft Resolution A/ES-11/1-1 – “Aggression against Ukraine” 02.03.2022).

No surprises here. I am only taking a small fraction of the Extraordinary United Nations General Assembly and their resolution against the “Aggression against Ukraine” which only a few nations who voted no or abstained from voting against it. That’s because the international community and solidarity towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Eritrea was one of the member states in the United Nations who voted “no” on the resolution. It just show their allegiance and friendly relations towards Russia. They are showing this loyalty while voting their way. However, the excuses for defending it isn’t it. The Eritrean diplomats should just say: “We are in debt to Moscow and their aide towards us is valuable. That’s why we are willing to go against all principals and rights of a sovereign. Therefore, we are reaffirming the support and standing behind the warfare of the Russian federation in Ukraine”. If the Eritrean government and diplomats had done that. They had at least been sincere… and not this shallow, as Shabait is in it’s defence.

Just look here:

“Eritrea firmly believes that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, are sacrosanct principles and should be respected by everyone, at all times, for the attainment of sustainable world peace. Eritrea’s vote is a demonstration of its uncompromising stand for peace. Its position is against internationalizing, incessant rhetoric, and impositions of unilateral sanctions, which regrettably further polarize international relations and escalate the situation with enormous implications for civilians. Instead, we have consistently opted for world regions to be given the needed space and solidarity to address political problems” (Shabait – ‘Explanation of vote after the vote by the delegation of Eritrea’ 02.03.2022).

“Let me conclude by reiterating that Eritrea would like to see that the windows for diplomacy remain open. We are confident of the ability of the parties to resolve their differences and reach an outcome that meets the interests and concerns of all. We hope that the international community constructively supports the parties in their search for sustainable peace” (Shabait – ‘Explanation of vote after the vote by the delegation of Eritrea’ 02.03.2022).

When you read this text, it makes sense, but when you see it in the light of vital parts of the resolution against Russia. You see how the Eritrean diplomats is double-speaking. As it speaks of respecting the UN Charter and the values of being a sovereign, but the Eritrea state voted against rebuking the invasion and warfare within Ukraine by an outside entity. Therefore, Eritrea cannot defend that and stand behind it in this manner. Since, it is indirectly supporting the invasion by voting “no” and not respecting the sovereign member state Ukraine.

I don’t see how the “no” vote is a sign of peace. It is a direct support of the nation that is ordering war on another. Maybe, because the Eritrean doesn’t want to have votes against it’s actions within another sovereign Ethiopia, which it has been participating in the warfare in Tigray region and elsewhere in Ethiopia. That would make sense, as they are war-lords and behind atrocities there. So, they need the support of Russia to be able to continue the war itself. Russians should be happy to see this vote, as they are supported by one ally, which happens to be Eritrea.

It is clear that Eritrea isn’t worried if a bigger nation would violate it or invade it. Since, they are vouching for Russia here. That’s the essence here. They are supporting the imperial powers of the world and Eritrea isn’t someone you can trust diplomatically, apparently. It is not shocking, but just a further proof of what it is willing to do. And say afterwards … to defend their despicable act of Russia in Ukraine. Peace.

Statement Delivered by Amanuel Giorgio Charge d’Affaires Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the United Nations during the UN Security Council discussion on the situation in Somalia (10.11.2016)