Principles for Decentralization and Transitional Process

Federal System

Division of powers

The transitional process for Eritrea shall be guided by the following principles:

1. United Now for Decentralized Federal Democracy and the Removal of Oppression — We commit immediately to establishing a United Front for Decentralized Federal Democracy, aimed at dismantling authoritarian rule and ensuring accountable, equitable governance—while safeguarding against future oppression.

2. Rule of Law — Justice and equality under impartial legal frameworks.

3. Democracy — Popular participation and representative governance via free and fair elections.

4. Equality — Equal rights for Eritrea’s diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, and regional communities.

5. United Non-Lethal Defense Force — Establishment of a coordinated, non-lethal civic defense force to protect the transition, democratic institutions, and citizens—without replicating oppression.

6. Resource Control — Provinces shall own and control their lands and natural resources, benefitting under transparent legal frameworks.

7. United Propaganda and Communication — Creation of shared media platforms—such as Afar and Tigrigna FM radio stations in Ethiopia—to counter disinformation, promote democratic values, and mobilize Eritreans at home and abroad.

8. Protection of Rights — Indigenous peoples and minorities shall be fully guaranteed and protected.

9. Cultural Preservation — Provinces shall preserve their languages, cultures, traditions, and economic systems.

10. Fundamental Freedoms — Freedom of religion, conscience, political opinion, expression, assembly, mobility, association, and liberty shall be guaranteed.

11. Personal Security — All citizens shall be protected from arbitrary search, seizure, arrest, detention, and abuse.

12. Due Process — No conviction shall occur without due process of law.

13. Judicial Independence — The judiciary shall function free from political interference.

14. Right of Return — Eritrean refugees shall have the right to return to their homes and properties, receive compensation for losses, and reclaim Eritrean citizenship.