The primary goal of the ERIJ is to spread the Islamic ideology and the rule by Islamic law -Sharia and overthrow of the Eritrean government of President Isaias Afewerki, and his ruling People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ),[1][2] formerly referred to as the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF).

The PFDJ is the only legally permitted political party in Eritrea.

[1] Shaikh Khalil Mohammed Amer is the putative leader of ERIJ.

[3][dead link‍] ERIJ's Deputy Emir is Abul Bara' Hassan Salman.

[3][dead link‍] Sudanese authorities have signaled their official support of the movement when they allowed the ERIJ's Secretary-General Sheikh Khalil Mohammed Amer to hold a news conference in Khartoum.