EPDP Information Office

January 21, 2014 marks the 1^st year anniversary of army revolt against the repressive regime of Issais. On January 21, 2013 a group from the Eritrean Defense Forces led by Col. Salih Ali Hijay (Wodi Ali) stormed the Ministry of Information.

 In a defiant statement over the Eri-TV broadcast, the group called for the release of all prisoners, implementation of the constitution, and the resignation of Issais Afeworki from power.

The revolt was against the last two decades of atrocities, injustice, violence, and total lack of freedom in Eritrea. EPDP sees this day as a significant anniversary in the struggle for democracy and justice in our country.

EPDP is commemorating this day as a key historic day that created a platform for unity, dialogue, and engagement among all Eritrean opposition groups, which is a potential sign for fostering a collective struggle against dictatorship in our country.

We also remember January 21, 2013 as a big day for Eritreans for two crucial reasons: one, the revolt was an internal threat that exposed the vulnerability and instability of the regime, and second unlike past oppositions/revolts attempted against the PFDJ regime, the January 21, 2013 is notable and historic day that set off a wave of popular protests and demonstrations worldwide against the PFDJ regime. One year after, the impact of the revolt continues to spread like a wild fire across the Eritrean Diaspora community with development of a strategy on how to wage a consolidated struggle against the PFDJ regime.

EPDP in this important day calls upon Eritreans to seize the momentum of the “Operation Forto” and develop it to its fullest extent in a manner that would lay a strong foundation for the ongoing uprising and opposition against the PFDJ regime.

Last, we honor Wodi Ali and his group; we pride their patriotism, and above all we honor and pay tribute for the sacrifices and selfless contributions they made to our struggle and nation.