Building the State in Eritrea: Notes on Epistemologies and Sources

This paper aims to discuss some of the epistemological and methodological issues underpinning the conflicting accounts of Eritrea’s path to statehood. Drawing on colonial literature and documents produced by Eritrean nationalist forces, I will assess the extent to which the manipulation of historical sources and the successful hegemonic production of narratives by the victorious EPLF shaped the discourse on Eritrea during the years of the liberation struggle. A fascinating mix of colonial narratives and radical leftist ideologies has conjured up an image of Eritrean nationalism and statehood that has escaped rigorous epistemological scrutiny. In my paper, I argue that Eritrean nationalist leaderships have successfully projected an image of their struggle that aimed to meet Western expectations and stereotypes of the progressive and “civilised” organisation, while pursuing a much more brutal and ruthless policy on the ground. Beyond the specific case of Eritrea, I strongly believe that this analysis can provide crucial insights for a better assessment of the many contradictions that the contemporary African state faces in its complex relations with both its citizens and the international community.