Demand Transparency and Accountability for the Unjust Termination of the Go Green Eritrea Initiative

To:
Mr. Arefaine Berhe
Minister of Agriculture, Eritrea

Cc:
Eritrean Embassy, Washington D.C.

Subject: Urgent Clarification and Immediate Reversal of the Unlawful Shutdown of the Go Green Eritrea Project

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern and strong condemnation of the sudden and unjustified shutdown of the Go Green Eritrea Initiative’s coconut tree planting project a nationally beneficial program developed over five years with the active involvement of Eritrean youth, agricultural experts, and, notably, the support and oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Key Facts and Concerns:

1. Official Ministry Endorsement:

Minister Arefaine Berhe personally met with the project team in Asmara, encouraged its continuation, and assured alignment with ministry regulations. This was a clear sign of governmental support and partnership.

2. Full Legal Compliance:

The initiative strictly adhered to all legal, research, and certification requirements. It operated transparently and in good faith, under the assumption of full legitimacy.

3. Unlawful Interference and Intimidation:

Mr. Berhane G. Solomon, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Washington D.C., reportedly issued direct threats to the project owner, ordered an immediate shutdown without cause, and confiscated funds later redirecting them to the Ministry without due process or public explanation.

We Demand Immediate Answers:

Under whose authority was this decision made?

Why did the embassy override the Ministry’s previous support?

What specific approvals were allegedly missing, and why was this not communicated earlier?

Vague allegations of “lack of government approval” are not only unacceptable they undermine public trust and discourage patriotic contributions from Eritreans at home and abroad. We deserve clarity, accountability, and respect for due process.

This shutdown represents not just a bureaucratic failure it is a direct attack on Eritrea’s environmental progress, public trust, and the spirit of national development. It sends a dangerous message to youth, experts, and diaspora members striving to support Eritrea’s sustainable future.

Our Demands:

1. A formal and public explanation from both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Eritrean Embassy in Washington D.C. regarding this decision.

2. The immediate restoration of the Go Green Eritrea project and an apology to those involved.

3. The establishment of transparent, written guidelines for future national initiatives to protect them from arbitrary interference or politically motivated sabotage.

We will not accept silence. Far too many diaspora-led initiatives have been quietly dismantled over the past decade. We have a right to know who is obstructing our collective progress.

Sign this petition to demand transparency, justice, and protection for all initiatives dedicated to Eritrea’s environment, development, and people.