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Fetsum: Three requirements for independence and three for democracy

I thank Assenna for having been our main channel of communication. I congratulate it for its Radio drive directly to Eritrea. This is very good for the voiceless people that needs to be assisted by

I thank Assenna for having been our main channel of communication. I congratulate it for its Radio drive directly to Eritrea. This is very good for the voiceless people that needs to be assisted by peace loving Eritreans from all corners of the world. I also congratulate GI for its new website www.erigiegm.com and wish it success with active participation of our people. In the mean time, I will post my articles at Assenna and the website from now on and thank you.

To Denver and Atlanta festival organizers: I appreciate what you are trying to do this Summer for your society and thank you. But let us please get to the point this time before it is too late! Remember that we are in emergency situation with no Vise President to take socio-political business in the country immediately after the dictatorship ends. Eritreans have no more time to discuss the problem that they already know and keep on searching for a solution when it there in their eyes but only following the correct strategy to freedom and close the chapter once and for all. We should focus on the most important subject matter to the Eritrean people, on “WHAT IS OUR FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM AND WHAT IS THE TARGET? AND WHAT IS THE MOST UNIVERSALLY ACCPTABLE STRATEGY TO THE TARGET BASED ON THE HISTORY OF SIMILAR SOCIETIES IN THE THIRD WORLD?” The problem is the dictatorship, the destination is DEMOCRACY and the only way of doing it is through a mass based TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT to Constitutional Democracy like others did it (Liberia, Somalia, East tumor, Iraq, etc.). We need a mass based strategy for global leadership to deliver the task!!!It is time for the people to ask all civic groups to individually display their respective strategies to freedom and to produce a common strategy to TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF ERITREA through open dialog and maximum transparency!!Please focus on this subject matter and God will bless you!

Nothing survives without its prerequisite in this life. No certificates without completing the courses and no adulthood without childhood and teenage experience. Our society could not have overcome Ethiopian colonialism without three interdependent critical prerequisites: public awareness on being colonized, using the most effective strategy of securing territorial independence (armed struggle) and legitimizing it through referendum under any political setup. No society has ever achieved independence and democracy at the same time because the immediate goal of liberation struggles has always been independence under the dictatorship of the liberators. Nothing is, thus unique about the Eritrean experience that touched down at dictatorship immediately after the armed struggle secured territorial independence similar to other societies; from Angola, Mozambique, Cameron and Chad to Guinea Bissau, Southern Sudan and Kenya; from Egypt and Algeria to Uganda and Nigeria, and far beyond to many more others in this classification.

Clearly, the dictatorship AS A POLITICAL SYSTEM could not have been the Eritrean people’s disappointing experience for our illusive expectation of democracy after independence was out of touch with reality. We were naïve to expect a democratic society without going through dictatorship because it is the most appropriate result of any country’s independence from colonialism. None of the EPLF and ELF could have secured democracy in our country but only dictatorship. We were, therefore victims of illusive understanding of the process by which a society liberates itself from colonialism not only of the dictatorship it self that had to be there by mandatory requirement of the socio-political dynamics on the ground.

But we at least, expected a progressive dictatorship focused on securing the wellbeing of the society in different aspects of life such as education, health, some form of justice and freedom of speech, free market economy, tourism, unity and peace at large, which the regime unfortunately failed to accomplish ever since its inception to our collective disappointment.

The society is now ready for democracy. It is ready for change after about three decades of dictatorship but what is its next political destiny? We can recycle dictatorship or transform to democracy based on the circumstance by how we handle the situation and the dictatorship ceases to exist. Some think overthrowing the regime can solve the problem. Some others think few secretive former EPLF members can do it with their old comrades from within the system. Few of us think we have the sole right of replacing the regime and entertain doing it without mass participation. But history says that no society can achieve democracy by only overthrowing dictatorship. These methods of changing a regime have always produced another dictatorship; cases in point from Uganda and Liberia to Kaddafi’s Libya and Congo, from Cameron and Chad to Thailand and Cambodia and many other similar countries in the category.

We have to be careful not to make the same mistake expecting democracy from independence. We must clearly know how to go from dictatorship to democracy to avoid another surprise. Willingness to change the political situation without clear knowledge of the problem and the destination is simply another disaster the Eritrean society faced at this point in time from the opposition camp in general. Lack of knowledge has condemned the civic groups to only Tekawemti or Deleiti Fithi status with no potential and capacity to do anything (humanitarian, security, justice, etc.) greatly jeopardizing our society to unpredictable future after the dictatorship. The civic groups could not come with a common strategy that protects the country in any situation leave alone democratizing it simply because of lack of focus.

Some individuals have been members of the civic groups for “democracy” for many years with no practical significance beyond the Widub Tekawami status. You ask them “what are you trying to do?” and they answer “Hizbina dimocrasiyawi fethi kirekeb allewo”. How? “Eten wudubat mis muhuratna koinen hizbina bihabar democraciawit Eritrea kifetir. Bihansae koinna nitselaina nihimshisho dihar zigiber nigebir bizeyadluwo”. Does your group have a strategy to solve the problem? “entay strategy; Yimiliselka equa eye zeleku, Bihabar koinen netishigir kifet-heo yibleka aleku. Nikulen wudubat ndigif ntselaee kisabstekawamma ”. Is there any written material about how your group understands the solution to the problem? “Abeydea keisean; dehan embear kabtom zimerhuna kirekbelka kfitin eye, silkimo nilawawet hiji”!

Another mesmerizing episode;

Question: Is there anything new going on with deleyti fithi like your civic group?

Answer: “festival nai swuatn dekenistiyon gerna hiji dima nai natsinet mealti kingebir nidalew alena. Selamawi selfi dima kemu

Question: Anything else?

Answer: “Isaias hizbina bihaimanotn aletn kefalaliy dikas seinu silezelo, bihabar kinmikito bihafesha dima entaikingebir kemzelena kinimayayet. Tezarebti keribna alona, Derefti kemu, sefih nai dirar meadi dima alo. Nai seleste mealti program eyumo bizuh seb kimetsana nitsibe alona

Question: What is the main agenda of the festival and what are you expecting to achieve from it?

Answer: “hizbina kinerakib hadnetu kinetenkro antsar nai tselaee elama; menaeseyat kifaletu meninetomn adomn keleliyu migbar, abresiu dima bahlom kifeltu bmusica gerna kab zitefalaleya biherat….”

Question: Do you think we can make it divided in many civic groups as such?

Answer: “hibret trah iya melsa. Hiji nimisale kilte wudubat allowa Grassroots zibla. Bihansae zeyserhalu mikniat gin ayredeakan eyu”

Question: Very good point indeed but do you know the difference between the two versions of the strategy and why they are not working together? Do you know who is willing to dialogue on the issue and who refuses to do so?

Answer: “to me kulen hade neger eyen zibla zelewa, endiey kea bizus ayteketatelkuwon, tirah nimisale eye zinegreka zeleku…

Folks; the social events and the music are good but our people have no religious and ethnic problems looking at the subject from mass angle of the society despite very few insignificant individuals entertaining such ideas. Nor can we continue pointing the finger at the dictator for the division of the civic groups that could not move ahead without vision and written strategy. The most important subject matter of the people is a political solution from dictatorship. A democratic solution requires written strategy and willingness to dialogue from the so called elite groups of the society that oppose the regime in organized form. We cannot keep on searching for a solution without missing the problem and the destination; we did that for decades already! We must research and produce a common strategy as soon as possible if we don’t have one at hand, open to other ideas otherwise. We understood how the society could earn independence and effectuated the three critical requirements for nationhood. We then made it despite the zigzags we went through including the civil war. But we are in this INKILALO because of the elite class’s reluctance and incapacity to work for the target.

Apparently, three fundamental things mattered in the struggle for independence; public awareness about colonialism, liberation through armed struggle and justification for nationhood through referendum. The armed struggle was the bridge or the strategy that connected the demand of the people with its tangible answer. And three things matter the most now to democratize the country: public awareness about dictatorship, transitional government and constitutional democracy. There could have never been independence without the armed struggle and there will never be democracy without a mass based transitional government. There is no forward movement without accepting this reality. Failure in this regard is the reason the Civic Groups could not take advantage of the already achieved public awareness to the next level of the confrontation. They could not take advantage of the many opportunities created for us from the international community. That is the reason none of them could penetrate the international political arena; they just don’t have anything to show the world as to how to achieve democracy beyond dreaming it in the mouth.

In self examination; I believe this basic lack of knowledge has been the most devastating cause of the total ineffectiveness of the civic groups that consider themselves effective partners of the nation’s democratic journey without anything at hand to that effect. None of them could so far scratch the regime let alone effectively challenging it. They could not produce a mass based strategy to democracy and could not entertain ideas from neutral elements of the people through dialogue because of lack of vision and strategy. Nothing to show so far and take advantage of the International Court’s verdict on the regime’s crimes against humanity with international politicians that expect us to come with nothing other than a strategy for transitional government of Eritrea. The people in general and members of the civic groups in particular should, therefore clearly consider this decisive reality to make a difference in the society. Eritrean festival organizers should also from now on direct their energies to this effect

Once again, our civic groups are too confused to get to the point. They could not be effective elements of democratic change. Our people should interfere to help them out of dormancy by challenging them on the question of TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH GLOBAL LEADERSHIP. WHAT IS THE STRATEGY TO TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF ERITREA? They should further help them out by pressing them to publicize their ultimate vision (STRATEGY TO DEMOCRACY) in writing or to start researching on the matter if they don’t have one. Strategy first before action my dear people! I hope the incoming festivals in Denver and Atlanta will initiate this noble cause for all of us to focus on the heart of the matter and Good luck!

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Review overview
17 COMMENTS
  • Hagos April 28, 2018

    Congratulations Korea and the Korean people. Yes, there is long way to go and these are your first steps. The Germans had done it in 1990 too
    This is what I dream for the the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. This may take few years; however, I guarantee ya. The people of Korea will live in peace as one people, so will the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia.
    If the Koreans can do it, so will the Eritreans and Ethiopians despite the few but laud futile failed and bankrupted elites …
    People who are proud of their own languages, identity and heritage can create miracles, no matter what, the others not much.

    • Wedi Hagher April 30, 2018

      The Tigrigna in Eritrea call their neighbors in Tigray our brothers and sisters.
      The Beni Amer do the say with Beni Amer is Eastern Sudan.
      The Afar do the same with Afars in Ethiopia and Djibouti.
      The Oromo do the same with Oromos in Kenya.
      The Banishagul do the same with their brothers and sisters in Sudan.
      The Somalis of Ogaden do the same with their brothers and sisters is Somalia.
      So we are all brothers and sisters, but only in the context of Greater Horn.
      The only reason why Tigreyans and Amhara in particular (other Ethiopians do not care much) are interested in Eritrea is because they think access to sea is important for them and not because they think we are one people.
      Thirty years of killing and maiming is a crime the Ethiopians have not yet apologized for.

      • Tsehaye April 30, 2018

        Wedi Arab – f**k off to your Arab and then come back as Wedi f**cker Arab outsider.

        • Wedi Hagher May 3, 2018

          I know … truth hurts. People like you have to chose their identity. It’s painful but you cannot continue like this.
          You cannot be both. Your are either Eritrean or Tigreyan (Ethiopian).

  • Almaz April 28, 2018

    When Ethiopians and Eritreans enjoy equality, justice and freedom and due to economic prosperity ethno religious sensitivities become history only then they might be united.

  • Almaz April 28, 2018

    Current Eritrea and Ethiopia because of poverty and backwardness and bad governance the factors of disunity are rising.

  • Danilo April 28, 2018

    Hey you guys, just pray good nieborhood rather than dreaming unity or confederation. If two Germans and Koreans unite is okay but Eritrea and Ethiopia are more apart. Some people may say we are one people considering the common language, traditione, culture and etc. But the case is the question of nationhood that became valid for respect according world order. Any one denying that is indeed in search of disorder as Emperor Haileelasie annexed Eritrea by force. Now, do we repeat that? No! No! Big no.

  • AHMED SALEH !!! April 28, 2018

    Eritreans paid heavy price to be independent from Ethiopia . Now what we
    ask for is to be accepted and to recognize our people’s demand to be left alone .
    Incase the relationships between two neighboring countries , it requires
    a good will from both sides to live in peace . Otherwise history taught us
    that our past experience doesn’t allow our people to bring issues for
    unification at present time .
    Few unrealistic people might neglect the lost of many lives and try to
    promote for unification which sounds a strange proposition from unknown
    elements . Before we speak about time of reconciliation , we should look
    for healing process to the wounded soul then time may lead into the right
    path that serves common interests .
    Speaking the truth , the two antagonists who created chaos in our region
    are HGDF and WEYANE leaderships .
    HIBRET-HIBRET…………………………………………Wey gud,
    ZIAKHLEN TIHINEN SI BEALE MARYAM YIBLA , khoynu iti negher
    The late singer Ateweberhan Seghid said it all in his song ;
    ” Adeye adi geghanu – Beal men iyom zihademu “

  • AHMED SALEH !!! April 28, 2018

    Selamat brother Futsum
    The problem of popular movement of justice seekers to ride the train by
    waiting for exhausting period of time for the driver to arrive started to take
    a toll .
    Eritrean political opposition group failed our expectation regardless the
    activities and support of civic movements in diaspora .
    Right now we are marching like heards without a shepherd presence
    in a dark tunnel until we see a light . Don’t get amused if you see one
    of us wondering around somewhere in BARKA desert .
    URGENTLY WE ARE IN NEED FOR A GOOD SHEPHERD

  • meretse April 29, 2018

    Hi
    እንደገና ሕውነት እንደገና ፍቅሪ
    እንደገና ቤተ-ሰብ እንደገና ስምሪ
    ዕድመ ኣይተንውሕ ናይ ፍልልይ እግሪ
    ኣድራሻ የብሉን መገሻ ናይ ሃውሪ
    ኮቦርታ ኣይመልኮን ‘ቲ ዘስዕቦ ቑሪ
    ገብገብታ’ዩ እቶቱ ፀሓይ ከሎ ቀትሪ
    ኣንታ ሕረ እንተበልኳስ ንመን ትሓሪ
    ገመድ ዶ ሓጺርኳ መሳገሪ
    ኣእምሮን ልብን ስኢንካ መስመሪ
    ንጓና ጠንጢንኻ ምድረ -ባሕሪ
    ናይ ዓዲ ጓና ሰማይ መንቃዕረሪ
    ኣእምሮን ልብንዶ ስኢንካ መስመሪ
    በዓል ቆጽሊ እንከሎ’ስ በዓል በትሪ
    ሕማቕን ጽቡቁን ዘይፈልጥ ነውሪ
    ፈላላዪ ዓለት ጓሶት መዋፈሪ
    ቀደም ዘይጸንሓካ ሎሚ ኣይተጥሪ
    እንደገና በል “ቆጽሊ-ኣውሊዕ ” እንደገና ፍቅሪ

  • meretse April 29, 2018

    my bad : I posted the draft by my mistake

    • k.tewolde April 29, 2018

      If this is only the draft,I wonder what will be the final product,can’t wait meretse…..however this line from Fitsum nudged me off balance.. “we at least, expected a progressive dictatorship focused on securing the wellbeing of the society……..”,sounds like an oxymoron, if a leadership is focused on securing the well being of a society,it is not a dictatorship.The one we have in Asmara is not only a brutal dictatorship,it is primordial cannibalistic bunch.That’s why even the underage is hauling ass. Instinct is never wrong.

      • amanuel May 5, 2018

        K.tewelde
        Have you considered the posibility that many of hgdf leaders considering what they might have experienced for 30 years in the deserts may be suffering from unattended PTSD. For most part the behaviour they display is not something that you would expect from a normal person. I know non of them have ever been assesed for psychological disease that is a norm for an army after deployment period before mixing themselves with civilians. We can add the identity crisis he has which can be extreemely bad for iseyas.

        • amanuel May 5, 2018

          I strongly believe though it is our weakness or failure that we have dictatorship in eritrea. We have been unable to organize ourselves like animals. Sometimes even animals like buffalos organize themselves against attacking lions.

        • k.tewolde May 5, 2018

          On the contrary,the ones on top came out unscathed with no exposure to the trauma,always shielded or away from the action,the ones with unresolved PTSD either became their tools,or ventured away with the psychological burden doing subservient odd jobs around the globe,I run into them every now and then with a broken heart.The tyrant is in no crisis! he knows exactly what he is doing and set out to do,we are the ones in delirium.

          • Simon G. May 7, 2018

            If we I had to summarize it in one short sentence, I would say “we got screwed by the evil wedi Tembien!”

  • k.tewolde May 7, 2018

    Haw Simon,I hate to say it but, Yes!!!!! no grease

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