Time to form exile government by the opposition camp

By Fesseha Nair

What is a government in exile or alternative government?

An exile or alternative government is a political group that claim to be a country’s legitimate government, but lack its legal power because of many reasons, resides in a foreign country. Governments in exile usually operate under the assumption that they will one day return to their country and regain power.

When and why is government in exile formed?

Government in exile or alternative governments occur when a government fails to govern and protect its citizens. Eritrea is today in a state of crisis. The relentless destruction and human rights abuses by the authoritarian regime without no constitutional legitimacy should be confronted with strong resistance and protests. The Eritrean people demands this time an alternative government that can deliver peace, democracy, human rights respect and the rule of law in the country.

Some government in exile were for example, Government of the democratic republic of Georgia in exile after the Soviet invasion of Georgia in 1921. The free Aceh Movement, a government in exile for the Aceh special territory of Indonesian, headquartered in Sweden, the Tibetan government in exile based in Dharamsala in India and the exile Burmese government.

Having exile government would be beneficial for the whole opposition if all the political forces opposing the dictatorial regime in Eritrea unite their operational areas outside and within the country. If they reach in a position to co-ordinate and co-operate all opposition forces the impact would be tremendous. If not, formation of a government in exile or alternative government can remain on paper. All depends on the performance of the opposition forces.

An exile government can heighten the level of confrontation, it can erode the military’s power base, change the balance of power to the favour of the people and would boost the moral of the people.

I urge the opposition political and civic organizations and concerned individuals to come together and discuss on this issue.

It is time now to put you differences and unite your all efforts against the destructive system of the rogue government in Eritrea. The opinion of the world community is on your side. Neighbouring countries know that there is no peace unless the dictator in Eritrea is removed.  Recognition by international community can only be gained when the opposition show their competence and capacity by organizing their people for peace, democracy, human rights respect and the rule of law as pillars of nation building and stability.