| Saho People's Democratic Movement | |
| War: | Second Afar insurgency |
| Ideology: | Saho self-determination |
| Headquarters: | Afar Region, Ethiopia |
| Area: | Southern Red Sea Region, Eritrea |
| Allies: | RSADO[1] |
| Opponents: |  Eritrea |
| Battles: | |
The Saho People's Democratic Movement (SPDM) is an organized 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. The organization was founded in 1984, during the Eritrean War of Independence, and played a significant role in the struggle against Ethiopian rule.[4]
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. 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.