The political economy of the Eritrean war of independence 1961-1991.
Abstract
The political economy of the Eritrean War of Independence (EWI) examines the power
relationships that were unfolded during the War. In this study, political economy refers to the
making and administering of power. The political economy approach to the EWI presents a new
theoretical perspective to understanding war. The making and administering of power manifests
itself through power struggle that occurs during war. Therefore, power struggle determines
power relationships of the forces that are involved in the war. This study entails three major
themes. The first theme addresses the prelude to the EWI and the background to the power
struggle unfolded during the War. The second theme addresses international involvements in
the wars of the horn of Africa and their impacts on the EWI. The third theme examines the
formation of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) that started the EWI in 1961 and its implosion
in 1969.
This study used qualitative research method and data was collected through in-depth
interviews and from written personal accounts of the EWI. It also used secondary sources such
as books and articles. The target population of this study were veterans who participated in the
EWI and served at different leadership positions during the War. The rationale behind selecting
the veterans of the EWI who served in different leadership positions during the EWI. Their
leadership positions enabled them to possess comprehensive knowledge of the power struggle
unfolded during the War. In-depth interviews with 20 Eritrean veterans who participated in the
EWI at leadership levels and critical positions were conducted.
The findings of the study are presented in four themes. The first theme discusses the
prevalence of power struggle during the EWI. The prevalence of power struggle included
individual power struggle, negative experiences of failed military administrative structures,
conflict among military commanders, the role of reform movement, and implosion of ELF. The
second theme discusses how and why civil war ensued among different armed factions in the
aftermath of the implosion of the ELF. The third theme focusses on the breakaway groups that
split from the ELF, and the formation of the Eritrean Peoples’ Liberation Front (EPLF). The
fourth and final theme compares the ELF and the EPLF as two competing and rival armed
organizations during the second half of the 30-year war period, and how the EPLF won the war
of independence. The final theme also highlights the contribution of the EWI to the State
formation in Eritrea