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Prospects of the Ride Ahead

Not many people predicted that PFDJ would face significant shakeups in 2013 both from inside and outside of Eritrea and yet the year proved to be a real game changer – including the Forto revolt

Not many people predicted that PFDJ would face significant shakeups in 2013 both from inside and outside of Eritrea and yet the year proved to be a real game changer – including the Forto revolt which was led by Wedi Ali, the rise of a strong and vibrant youth led movement in exile (EYSNS), massive demonstrations in many cities of the world, raiding of several PFDJ embassies, unity seminars featuring Wedi Vacaro, defections of key regime personalities, big blows to PFDJ’s propaganda machine, … and more.

Going into 2014, one must ask what to expect from the most promising organizations and their advances. Certainly the youth led grassroots movement – EYSNS, also known as SMERRRRRR is best positioned to contribute significantly toward removing the regime in Eritrea and restoring peace with neighboring countries. We should expect this from EYSNS simply because this movement has already made few steps in that direction with unwavering adherence to its principles. Its unifying ideas and approaches are attracting and energizing young Eritreans to join the movement. This movement is also getting ready to transform itself into a highly effective and full-fledged movement with even more unity and collaboration initiatives to materialize.

Although EYSNS has a long way to go, currently it is the largest, most diverse and fastest growing Eritrean movement and its firm presence has already taken root. Starting with a unity of 32 youth organizations in July of 2012, this movement has now become a highly organized network for over 50 youth organizations that united to form one movement with hundreds of members in many countries, Ethiopian universities and refugee camps. In less than a year and half, this vibrant movement has already grown to have over 80 chapters worldwide and its network is spreading like wildfire. It is also taking part in most activities organized by Eritrean change seekers, boosting the dynamism of activities and contributing significantly for better results.

Since the above achievements will offer better prospects for EYSNS to further strengthen itself, in 2014 we should expect more from this movement. The ride ahead may get bumpy at times but through continuous and focused actions, identifying new opportunities and priorities, evaluating conditions and developing effective strategies the movement is expected to take its activities to the next level and to play a leading role in the fight against PFDJ. Delivering on these plans will continue to require strong and visionary leadership, sustained commitment and greater public support. For EYSNS, the goal is not just about exposing the crimes of PFDJ or raising public awareness. It’s also about battling PFDJ from all directions and using different approaches to fulfill the necessities for complete change, to mobilize ordinary Eritreans of different backgrounds to own the movement, and to re-build trust between the peoples of Eritrea and its neighbors for peaceful and friendly coexistence. To have a just and prosperous Eritrea in peace with itself and its neighbors, fostering greater collaboration with other Eritrean movements and creating ties with neighboring countries will be critical as always.

Obviously, PFDJ is weakening and the support it previously enjoyed is in great decline. However, the sufferings of Eritreans have increased to unprecedented levels. What Eritreans and the world community at large need to realize is that the desperate flee of Eritreans from their homeland, water shortages, electric blackouts, food rationing and hospital closings are only signs for humanitarian catastrophe that will most likely devastate Eritrea even further. In view of the possibility that such an unfortunate event may occur, a united Eritrean movement working with a sense of urgency and in collaboration with governments and global agencies is crucial. Our failures to act quickly and diligently may create a situation much worse than what we have seen to date, obliging us to watch our worst nightmare unfolding from a distance. It may be hard to make a sense of such a catastrophe happening soon but it is even harder to think why it wouldn’t. Going into 2014, Eritrean organizations should reevaluate their approaches, work for the best outcome and prepare for the worst. The year 2014 should also be a year many Eritreans question their involvement and assess their contributions in rescuing their nation from the grips of tyranny and chaotic future. In a situation like this it is just morally wrong for people to watch from the sidelines and not to involve in serious activities more often.

As a final note, Eritreans all over the world are calling for a united movement that will be strong enough to challenge PFDJ in all fronts and to restore Eritrean dignity. Therefore, Eritrean justice seekers shouldn’t be caught in a vicious cycle of splitting organizations that have more board members and executives than ordinary members. “Euqub” like organizations that constantly multiply to become even smaller groupings might produce results which satisfy the ego, but has little to do with the change Eritreans are seeking. Organizations with usually less than five active members to ignore a call for unity, instead to hope for “Unity in Action” to carry them forward is only a myth and counterproductive when multiplicity of organizations is causing unnecessary competition, infighting, mistrust and paralysis. An organization’s readiness for unity with other organizations that have similar goals and objectives, its ability to mobilize many Eritreans, impact of its actions and its vision for the future should be yardstick by which people evaluate effectiveness of organizations and measurement from that yardstick should be the basis for people’s support. Even EYSNS, an organization that has made great progress in 2013 will still need to be evaluated accordingly so that it will press forward, make bigger moves and strive to achieve higher goals.

Happy New Year!

Tomas Solomon

12/30/2013

aseye.asena@gmail.com

Review overview
8 COMMENTS
  • SideLiner December 30, 2013

    Well said…On a side note, not only that we shouldn’t lose the momentum, but also, we need to engineer our main objectives. It is my personal opinion that we need a very STRONG leader to hold us all together in unity. We need to start electing a viable candidate (possibly a party) in the event a change come before the water boils. Let the good going. Awet neHafash.

  • ahmed saleh December 30, 2013

    I agree 100% with Tomas assertions that SMERRRR group
    EYSNS was and still is the backbone of present political
    youth movement . To progress forward ahead will not be
    easy in political process but evaluating the ups and downs
    of the past is a learning experience . And I hope to see them again with energetic new agenda.

    • Shewit December 31, 2013

      EYSC is the way to go. What has EYSNS really accomplished? Nothing.

  • Zereba Seb December 31, 2013

    Smerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr is the only hope

  • Negga Yosif December 31, 2013

    Well said Tomas, We are expecting change from SEMARRRR,and Wedi Vaccaro, Dr,Tewolde,is doing good job,
    Viva SEMMARRR, Wedi Vaccaro and others.
    I hope 2014 is the year of peace, justice, and Democracy for the people of Eritrea and the end of PFDG.

  • michael tedla December 31, 2013

    Its about time,for dictator of Eritrea to go.

  • nakfa December 31, 2013

    Thomas and your EYSC shallow boys case brings to mind ” eybeduwat tanqelafalaech”.

  • aus 17 January 1, 2014

    The evil of the evils rule seems to terminate by its own huge weakness and the coming effective push of the youth in process: is invitable.
    But priorities has to be clearly marked.The supporters of justice should free the Eritrean inhabitants of their area. Isolate the regime and its followers. Hold festivals portraying symbolic days of Eritrea, not for the sake of dance and dancing as the regime does. However, informing inspirng and opinion building gatherings.Challenge the dedicated few higdefite bulls, who are bullying and causing silent majority. Decode their motivations and void their reasoning in the area you live. Demostrate in your area with placards of the coffins from Italy where world community is chocked to see them happen in day light. Highlight this tragedy parallel with martyrs aims and ambitions to free ERitrea and its people.
    Be aware you build an alternaive choice for Eritreans and for the world.
    The peace and justice loving supporters of change against the war mongering and choatic rule and its supporters who would hardly learn from the democratic rule they entertain in thr West World.
    Let us controll the areas where we live and createa picture of positive Eritrea to us and to the world.
    Happy new year 2014: “I have a dream” This year!!!!

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