Saho People's Democratic Movement

The Saho People's Democratic Movement (SPDM) is a rebel group in Eritrea,[2][3] fighting for the self-determination of the Saho people. They are allied with the Red Sea Afar Democratic Organisation (RSADO), whom they have done joint operations with.[1] The organization was founded in 1984, during the Eritrean War of Independence, and played a significant role in the struggle against Ethiopian rule.[4]

Saho People's Democratic Movement
HeadquartersAfar Region, Ethiopia
Active regionsSouthern Red Sea Region, Eritrea
IdeologySaho self-determination
Allies RSADO[1]
Opponents Eritrea
Battles and wars

The SPDM was formed as a response to the marginalization of the Saho people by the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), the main liberation movement at the time.[5]

The SPDM advocated for greater representation of the Saho people in the EPLF, as well as for the recognition of Saho as an official language in Eritrea. The organization also demanded an end to the forced conscription of young men into the EPLF, and for greater democracy and human rights in the country.[6][7]

After Eritrea gained independence in 1993, the SPDM became a political party and participated in the country's first multiparty elections in 1997. However, the party was unable to win any seats in the National Assembly, and has since struggled to gain a foothold in Eritrean politics.[8]

The SPDM has been critical of the government of President Isaias Afwerki, accusing it of being undemocratic and repressive. The party has also expressed concern over the government's handling of the border dispute with Ethiopia, which has led to a protracted conflict between the two countries. While the SPDM's official position is that it seeks a peaceful and democratic resolution to the conflict between the Saho people and the Eritrean government, some members of the party have expressed support for greater autonomy or even independence for the Saho region.[9] The Saho people have historically faced marginalization and discrimination,[10] and the SPDM has been a vocal advocate for their rights and interests.[11] However, the party leadership has emphasized the importance of national unity and cohesion, and has emphasized that any changes to the country's political structure must be achieved through peaceful and democratic means.

References
  1. Tekle, Tesfa-Alem (7 September 2013). "Exiled Eritrean rebel groups plan joint military attack against regime - Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan". www.sudantribune.com. Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  2. Andrews, John (2016). The World in Conflict: Understanding the world's troublespots. Profile Books. p. 106. ISBN 9781782831150. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  3. Minahan, James B. (2016). Encyclopedia of Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups around the World, 2nd Edition: Ethnic and National Groups around the World. ABC-CLIO. p. 493. ISBN 9781610699549. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  4. "The Question of Structural Violence on the Saho people of Eritrea, in spite of their important role during the Eritrean Struggle for Independence".
  5. "Algemeen Ambtsbericht Eritrea" (PDF).
  6. SudanTribune (2013-09-08). "Exiled Eritrean rebel groups plan joint military attack against regime". Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  7. "Eritrea: Exiled Eritrean Rebels Plan Joint Military Attacks Against the Eritrean Regime".
  8. GIEEGM. "Open Letter to Eritrean Political Party Leaders: Appealing for Unde..." [AIM] Asmarino Independent Media. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  9. "Two Ethiopia Sponsored Eritrea Armed Groups Got Terrorist Status". TesfaNews. 2013-09-09. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  10. "Saho Movement Leaders In Jail In Adi-Grat". Awate.com. 2017-09-09. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  11. Lansford, Tom (2017), "Eritrea", Political Handbook of The World 2016–2017, Thousand Oaks: CQ Press, pp. 474–478, doi:10.4135/9781506327143, ISBN 9781506327181, retrieved 2023-04-06


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