{"id":45448,"date":"2025-05-11T07:55:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-11T07:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eritrea\/all-news\/profile-q-a-my-struggle-for-eritrea-and-africa-decoding-president-afwerkis-vision-with-professor-mohammed-hassen"},"modified":"2025-05-11T09:29:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-11T09:29:49","slug":"profile-q-a-my-struggle-for-eritrea-and-africa-decoding-president-afwerkis-vision-with-professor-mohammed-hassen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eritrea\/all-news\/profile-q-a-my-struggle-for-eritrea-and-africa-decoding-president-afwerkis-vision-with-professor-mohammed-hassen","title":{"rendered":"Profile Q & A \u2013 \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa\u201d: Decoding President Afwerki\u2019s Vision with Professor Mohammed Hassen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eritrea. <\/strong><\/span>Distinguished Ethiopian historian and scholar of Ethiopian Studies, Professor Mohammed Hassen, brings his critical lens to the Horn of Africa\u2019s history and politics. His analysis, shaped by his background and diplomatic experience, challenges dominant narratives and explores marginalized perspectives. As a contributor to the upcoming book \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa,\u201d Professor Hassen offers insight into President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s vision for Eritrea, the continent, and the world, emphasizing the crucial role of historical awareness for the younger generation\u2019s understanding of Eritrea\u2019s path to success. Excerpts of the interview Professor Hassen conducted with Eritrea Profile and Eri-TV follows.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

1: Professor Hassen, given your emphasis on deconstructing dominant narratives, what specific aspects of President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s perspective, as presented in \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa,\u201d do you find particularly compelling or challenging to existing interpretations of Eritrean and regional history?<\/p>\n

For over two decades, a persistent negative media campaign has targeted Eritrea. As a resident of Belgium and a member of the Labor Party, I witnessed firsthand how these distorted narratives portrayed Eritrea, its Head of State and Government in pejorative terms. Major media outlets, both large and mid-sized, disseminated this image without critical analysis, driven by an agenda focused on \u201cregime change\u201d. This prompted discussions with colleagues, including media expert Michel Collon. In January 2010, I visited Eritrea, already familiar with its liberation struggle but eager to experience the reality firsthand. My interview with President Isaias Afwerki profoundly impacted my understanding. Shortly after my return, renewed media attacks on Eritrea surfaced. Encouraged by my experience, Michel also visited the country. His first trip to sub-Saharan Africa, too, left him impressed. We engaged with various individuals and produced the documentary \u201cEritrea: Come and See,\u201d borrowing President Isaias\u2019s phrase. Released in 2014, in French and English, the film reached millions, offering an Eritrean perspective rarely seen in mainstream media. Following the documentary\u2019s success, we formed a solidarity committee to foster people-to-people engagement. We brought approximately 300 individuals from Europe\u2014Belgium, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands\u2014to Eritrea, encouraging firsthand understanding over filtered narratives. Despite lacking the resources of major media outlets, our grassroots efforts gradually countered the dominant discourse. We translated Eritrean documents into Spanish, Dutch, French, English, and Russian, and launched a website to support global awareness. We began to question the nature of the propaganda itself. The first step, we observed, was the dehumanization of leadership, particularly President Isaias. Our interviews revealed the necessity to document and share his long-term vision, especially with younger generations across Africa. His concept of \u201ca good neighborhood,\u201d for instance, challenges the divisive framing of regional relations. Contrary to portrayals of perpetual conflict between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan, his approach emphasizes cooperation among neighboring states. This vision threatens external interests benefiting from disunity, leading to efforts to isolate Eritrea and suppress such ideas. \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa\u201d stems from our extended interviews with President Isaias. It explores not just his political life, but his pan-African vision, advocacy for sovereignty, and role in Africa\u2019s longest liberation struggle. Our goal was to present his perspective, particularly to younger readers across the continent. Currently available in English and French, it will soon be translated into Somali and Arabic, with plans for Amharic for Ethiopian audiences. It\u2019s imperative that Africa\u2019s youth understand the legacy, ideas, and strategic thinking of one of the continent\u2019s most experienced leaders.<\/p>\n

The book highlights President Afwerki\u2019s vision for Africa\u2019s \u201cawakening.\u201d How does this vision align with\u2014or challenge\u2014your own understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges facing the Horn of Africa, especially regarding self-determination and regional cooperation?
\nIn 2013 or 2014, we published a three-part article, \u201cWhat You Are Not Supposed to Know About Eritrea,\u201d a strategic journalistic piece aimed at revealing overlooked truths. It received significant attention on major platforms in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. With Ruth Simon\u2019s assistance, we translated and integrated it into a broader initiative to explore Eritrea\u2019s regional role. Central to this was President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s worldview, whose leadership and commitment to Eritrea\u2019s independence merit deeper reflection. His role in Eritrea\u2019s liberation, arguably Africa\u2019s longest armed struggle, occurred in a geopolitically complex environment, with superpowers and regional actors opposing the Eritrean cause. Despite this, Eritrea prevailed. Post-independence, the Eritrean leadership cooperated closely with the transitional Ethiopian government, where I served as a diplomat. This cooperation, the \u201choneymoon period,\u201d lasted seven years until external forces undermined it, fearing strong regional alliances. In 2018, the peace agreement between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias rekindled hope, but was challenged by external players who exploited internal weaknesses, particularly in Ethiopia, to reverse progress. Despite Eritrea\u2019s critical role in preventing broader regional destabilization, attempts were made to distort its intentions and marginalize its contributions. We believe Tigray\u2019s educated and youth populations\u2014and the region at large\u2014deserve to hear directly from President Isaias. A central theme in \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa\u201d is the interconnectedness of Eritrean independence with regional stability. The president consistently emphasizes that Eritrea\u2019s liberation is inseparable from the broader African context. He advocates for regional integration built on mutual respect and cooperation, countering the narrative of African disunity. This threatens foreign interests that have long profited from division and conflict. Unlike movements that have succumbed to regime change, Eritrea has remained resilient, largely due to its leadership\u2019s strategic depth and vision. Our interviews also explored topics like gender equality in the armed struggle, where women comprised nearly half the combatants, a fact unmatched even by revolutionary icons like Vietnam. This book was created not just for Eritreans, but for the African public, especially young people, who are under constant ideological attack and require historical knowledge and political clarity. Our aim is to introduce them to the vision of a leader advocating for African sovereignty, unity, and strategic self-reliance.<\/p>\n

As someone who has engaged with the Eritrean Ministry of Justice and presented at the International Conference on Eritrean Studies, how do you see the book contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Eritrea\u2019s role in the Horn of Africa, beyond prevailing narratives?
\nWhile the EPLF published numerous documents during the liberation struggle, this book stands out by presenting not only the movement\u2019s perspective, but also President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s personal vision. To reach broader audiences, both within Africa and beyond, this vision must be translated into accessible language and communicated effectively. Though we are not confrontational, we believe raising political consciousness requires strategic communication and outreach. The book has already attracted interest from unexpected quarters; young people from Serbia, for instance, are keen to read it. They are curious about Eritrea\u2019s experience building a unified state in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society, especially as their country grapples with identity politics. The book offers insights into how Eritrea has navigated ethnic and cultural differences without succumbing to division. The Ministry of Justice\u2019s conference, and the International Conference on Eritrean Studies, were designed to showcase this underrepresented Eritrean narrative. They provided a space for international scholars to engage with the reality of a nation often misunderstood or misrepresented. The Ministry highlighted not only the formal legal system, but also how Eritrean society organically resolves disputes and administers justice at a community level. The experience shared through the book reveals this \u201chidden Eritrea,\u201d grounded in resilience, innovation, and indigenous problem-solving.<\/p>\n

You have consistently advocated for the importance of addressing \u201cfalsified history.\u201d In your assessment, does the book effectively challenge historical distortions related to Eritrea\u2019s liberation struggle and its subsequent political trajectory?
\nYes, I believe it does. The distortion of Eritrean history was confronted and corrected, at least in part, through the 1993 referendum, where Eritreans overwhelmingly affirmed their independence. That vote was not just political, but a rectification of historical falsehoods. However, correcting history doesn\u2019t end there. The next step is nation-building. This book explores how Eritrea has pursued a unique model of state formation in a multilingual, multi-faith society. It offers valuable lessons, especially in contrast to Ethiopia\u2019s approach, which institutionalized ethnic divisions and brought the country to the brink of collapse. Eritrea, on the other hand, has fostered a policy of peaceful coexistence, a \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d principle, despite political differences. The idea is simple: work together, respect differences, and understand that there is no natural contradiction or hatred between peoples.<\/p>\n

Given your focus on marginalized groups, what insights does the book offer\u2014if any\u2014into the perspectives and experiences of diverse segments of Eritrean society under President Afwerki\u2019s leadership?
\nEritrea, once an Italian colony, developed a strong industrial base, second only to South Africa on the continent. However, when the British defeated the Italians, they dismantled nearly ninety percent of that capacity, driven by geopolitical interests. Later, distant powers sought to use Eritrea as a strategic military outpost due to its extensive coastline. The U.S., supporting a feudal Ethiopian regime, orchestrated a forced union between Eritrea and Ethiopia under the guise of federalism, despite Ethiopia lacking a constitution. This deception sparked a prolonged struggle in Eritrea, centered on self-determination through a referendum. But beyond that, there was a deeper vision: what kind of nation-state should Eritrea become? What economic foundation would support it? How could it build a harmonized society rooted in equality? In Eritrea today, all languages are considered national and treated with equal respect, reinforcing a diverse yet unified national identity. Programs like Sawa, often misrepresented and disparaged, serve as crucial nation-building tools, bringing together youth from all backgrounds to forge a shared identity. Those attacking Sawa aim to weaken Eritrea by undermining its unity and removing its youth. By targeting the Head of State through propaganda, they obscure the tools that hold the nation together. But these narratives are weakening, and the Eritrean experience, rooted in resilience and a clear vision, has kept the country on a steady course.<\/p>\n

The book presents President Afwerki\u2019s perspectives on peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. How do you reconcile these perspectives with the region\u2019s ongoing challenges, and what role does Eritrea play in fostering stability?
\nThe book is primarily aimed at youth in the region. Growing up in Ethiopia, I was exposed to decades of false propaganda about Eritrea. But that narrative is crumbling. Four years ago, Eritrea showed its true face\u2014one of solidarity\u2014when it supported Ethiopia in a time of crisis. Today, the propaganda machinery in Ethiopia is weak. Despite efforts by external powers and some local actors with financial backing to portray Eritrea negatively, public perception is shifting. Young people are beginning to question why Eritrea is succeeding while Ethiopia appears on the brink of collapse. I often engage in discussions with fellow Ethiopians, using this book to stimulate awareness and reflection. President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s vision is grounded, coherent, and forward-looking. Unlike other nations in the region, Eritrea operates with a long-term vision despite its smaller size. Those countries gained independence earlier and maintain large armies, yet lack the clarity and consistency of purpose reflected in this book. It is not a personal biography, but a presentation of a national vision that invites comparison and inspires rethinking of governance and leadership.<\/p>\n

As a scholar who has studied state-formation processes, what observations can you make about President Afwerki\u2019s approach to state-building in Eritrea, as reflected in the book, and how does it compare to other regional models?
\nState formation is inherently difficult. Eritrea, only 34 years into its independence, has made significant strides that many older African states have yet to achieve. A foundational milestone is the establishment of a shared national identity. In Eritrea, people don\u2019t primarily identify by ethnicity\u2014Saho, Tigrigna, or otherwise\u2014but as Eritreans. This sense of unity remains elusive in many parts of Africa. Failing to build that base opens the door to division and foreign interference. While diversity is a strength, it can also be exploited if not managed wisely. Even in countries with relative homogeneity\u2014where a common language and religion exist\u2014conflict still persists, proving that unity requires more than surface-level similarities. Eritrea\u2019s state-building efforts, though young, are notable for their emphasis on inclusivity, cohesion, and a clearly articulated national vision.<\/p>\n

Ministry of Information<\/b><\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Eritrea<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eritrea. Distinguished Ethiopian historian and scholar of Ethiopian Studies, Professor Mohammed Hassen, brings his critical lens to the Horn of Africa\u2019s history and politics. His analysis, shaped by his background and diplomatic experience, challenges dominant narratives and explores marginalized perspectives. As a contributor to the upcoming book \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa,\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":45447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[233],"class_list":["post-45448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-files","tag-eritrea"],"yoast_head":"\nProfile Q & A \u2013 \u201cMy Struggle for Eritrea and Africa\u201d: Decoding President Afwerki\u2019s Vision with Professor Mohammed Hassen - Eritrea<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Distinguished Ethiopian historian and scholar of Ethiopian Studies, Professor Mohammed Hassen, brings his critical lens ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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