This conversation is a conversation done with unknown Eritrean whom I faced with his ideas fearlessly for three years. On January 04, 2019, he gave up and decided to block me after I crossed his “Red Line”. I believe that he is one of the great politicians who has dominated Eritrean politics for the last 15 years. According to him, his main interest is the case of Eritrean Eritrean Lowlands and Jeberti community recognition in Eritrea.
Last message from Frezghi Mesmer
As a faceless man, I always maintained my privacy when I deal with him as he did so. But, we continued exchanging for the last three years in civility and amicably. It is unfortunate that he decided to leave when he can not more tolerate my freedom to express my idea freely.
I know he kept his identity secret. But, why suddenly he decided to bring his red Line to me when I discussed Aberra HAGOS family. Is he from them, if so, why he feels hurt when he was the one who was criticizing many Eritreans freely? Well, my analysis will follow. For now, I am making our conversation public so that Eritreans can know how farFrezghi Mesmer and I were engaged for the last three years.
Frezghi Mesmer
It is not clear what you believe. It is only clear that you don't trust Zaki or myself. From what you wrote, you accuse the PFDJ of being anti-Akele, anti-Muslim, etc. Which means if those groups are oppressed, there must be a group on top that oppresses them.
Tesfabirhan
As far as I don't know who you are, I don't care about trust. We exchange on politics. And my stand is very clear. If I am discussing with you, please do not think that I consider you a special target. I am discussing, debating or arguing with you as far as you stay engaged. Otherwise, I do dozens of engagement in a day which is similar to yours. And I like the way we engage. It is pure politics, When I engage with you,, I consider myself engaging with ideas, not with people. And I like this. I bring your identity because I can not discuss at a personal level. And I have lots of respect for the idea you bring though I don't agree in almost all.
Frezghi Mesmer
The regionalists in the opposition will always pick
the Hamasein as the oppressing group. Yet, as I said in the post, there is no
benefit to being Hamasien with the regime. No extra rations, no slavery
exemptions, etc. The Hamasein origin leaders in the EDF or PFDJ are
specifically forbidden to help their own people. That is building popular
support and a constituency. So, when there are no clear benefits to a region
and no exemption from oppression, it cant be said that Hama is the oppressive
region.
Frezghi Mesmer
That is decent of you to say but let me point out bias. You likely have a lot of activist contacts. Most of them have conventional ideas about the problem in Eritrea. You could not go against what they believe. You have to smooth over those differences because you have to live with them. With me, since I am no one, you don't. You can afford(politically and socially) to take a hard line. My out-of-the-box views also make this easy. I submit to you that you are as boxed in by conventional opposition ideas as any PFDJ supporter is by PFDJ ideas. Neither do you effectively apply LD ideas to our particular issues? The Jeberti issue bore that out. Your view on Jeberti is not based on LB. They are typical lowland AND highland chauvinist ideas about Jeberti. So, if your ideas about Jeberti are conventional, then it follows that your ideas about the highland regions are also conventional. Which means superficial and unexamined as it applies to the Diaspora opposition. I am stepping away for 30 mins to an hour....will reply later
Tesfabirhan
well, I see this from two angles. 1. PFDJ benefits no one even for its core members. PFDJ is a system that kills everybody. 2. To run PFDJ as a system, it needs competent and obedient people. And for this, officers who are trained to run the system are from Hamasien. This could be based on its early days of EPLF era. Nihnan Elamanan Manifesto is the perfect read why people from Hamasien are at the center of the helm. And I have experienced it based on an eyewitness who is who within the most trusted system operators.
Tesfabirhan
Jeberti Issue - I did a long discussion with Dr. Mustafa - a Jeberti who wrote about the history of Jeberti people. And I clarified why I am critical about their claim. My call is very simple - Jeberti people should upgrade their rights to a human rights issue and fight for it. So far, they are at a political level. Remember - human Rights includes 1. Social, Cultural and Economic Rights 2. Civic and Political Rights. By advocating their human rights grievances, they can get international attention and those who are skeptical about their claim could understand it in a safe way. Otherwise, like we see recently, movements like Aga'azians can immerge who can create identity conflicts. And this is purely LD perspective.
Tesfabirhan
My politics to PFDJ is purely rejection. I don't use
my LD to fight against PFDJ politics. I use LD within the opposition camp
because I believe that it is the best means to save us from our current
political bunkruptcy. Therefore, I am using a double strategy.
Frezghi Mesmer
There are no trusted operators. Interchangeability is the main feature of the system. I will grant you that the EPLF has a large percentage of Hamasien origin individuals. That had to do with geography. If the early days of the EPLF are in the middle of Hamasein, then its early recruits are Hama. As Ghedli recruiting followed social patterns, you joined the front where you had friends and relatives. As such, the EPLF has a lot of Hama in general. From such large numbers, any number of corrupt collaborators can be found. Also, one culture of Hamasein that you are unfamiliar with is their tendency to discount their region almost entirely. No Hamaseinay will help another simply because of regional connection. No Hama tells their children to marry within the region. Self-negation of one's regional identity is exclusive to the Hama. As such, Hama leaders tend to be viewed as fair by most Eritreans. They will not do special favors on a region. Whereas, other regions have an almost palpable sense of regional clannishness. You will see them give board exemptions to their co-regionals. Even to the extent of the immigration office, you can count on co-regional favors if you are from a region OTHER than Hama. One other personality tendency of the Hama is the famous naivete and foolishness they have. They are easy to control by DIA. Neither does DIA pick the educated Hama. He picks the most uneducated, naive, and corrupt ones. Wuchu was the best example. Wuchu only believed in war. He took care of his soldiers. His dog-like loyalty to DIA was viewed more due to his peasant and naive nature than any malevolence. While UOA students can rightly hate him for his threats in WIA, the majority of the Eritrean people generally liked him. He knew the name of every decent fighter in his divisions. He was popular in a way that did not threaten DIA. That is the benefit of using Hama for DIA. You have to dig deeper than the superficial conclusions your friends tell you.
Tesfabirhan
My concern on the Lowland issue - it is purely
anti-pfdj occupation. I am against PFDJ Land Proclamation. And I do believe
that the lowlanders are the primary victims. I want to restore land ownership
and return those occupied to their owners.
Tesfabirhan
About Hama - it is good that you acknowledged the high number of Highlanders. Let us leave this as it is. On characterization - I don't agree with you. No one told me about this. I lived in Eritrea observing "who is who" and now I am continuing to observe who is who. Of course, PFDJ system does not welcome educated people. It is a system of non-academicians - Even now, here in the diaspora, it does not welcome educated people. However, Nihnan Elamanan is everything to start with and conclude from. Without understanding Nihnan Elamanan, we can not understand PFDJ. In principle - PFDJ is Anti-Muslims. Any Muslim is not trusted through a Muslim can take a higher position as a cover of diversity issue. EPLF from the very beginning identified itself as "Christian Highlanders (just like what is now Aga'azians are claiming) who are ready to work with any to liberate Eritrea". This self-identification is a clear sign of their true identity and unmixed identity. According to their manifesto, they worked with anybody who agrees with them. Yet they operated EPLF as a private enterprise of the Highlanders (Hamasien). I am saying this with confidence because that is what they teach in PFDJ Cadre School in Nakfa, right now. 2 special days are reserved on Nihnan Elamanan teachings. And for this, either DIA or Yemane Gebreab are entitled to teach.
9/25/17, 11:13 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
Well, I agree with you on the Land Proclamation. I
also agree the lowlands are the main victim of this law. It is a law written
using a farmer's perspective in a nation that is 50% agro-pastoralist. I agree
on the high number of highlanders in regime. I never question that. I have
characterized the regionalism issue as highlanders complaining about a 35% Hama
-25% Seraye-20% Akele shares of positions, while the Lowlands only has 20% or
less. 50% of the country has less than 20% representation. So, my sympathy is
always with the forgotten lowlands as opposed to greedy or sensitive
highlanders. It is what a patriotic would do. To support the truly oppressed (lowlands)
vs those that are marginally oppressed in terms of representation.
Frezghi Mesmer
On EPLF being mainly highlanders, that is a historical
issue. The lowlands dominated the ELF. At a time when it was popular to join
the struggle, in the early 1970s, the majority of lowland youth flocked to
Jebha. While highland youth flocked to both EPLF and ELF. However, once Jebha
left the field. The number of lowlanders in the struggle dropped. Save for
Hizbawi Hailitat 1st Wing aka Ubel. They formed the core for the secret party
and were a stable component for PFDJ rule until Forto.
Tesfabirhan
I think, we do not such big differences on what
happened. Our biggest difference is this You want to check. I want to move. I
care less on what was there except to learn. What I care is the Secret Party
you mentioned is the monster of our suffering. And this secret party has
created the system now in use by PFDJ. And my objective is to WEED OUT this
system. I am not fun of what happened. I want freedom today.
Tesfabirhan
Hope this summarizes
Our differences
Tesfabirhan
In politics, our difference is this You are conservative and you check. I am progressive- hence I move on. This is our difference. And it is not bad. What we should understand is every one of us is well aware of what he is advocating for. And when argument emerges, it is basically our political difference.
9/26/17, 7:23 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
First of all, because you were quick to judge me. You did not know
i was the biggest proponent for lowland rights. To the point where many people
think I am Muslim. Also, I am not conservative at all. I want truly fundamental
change. I see the instrument of fundamental change as being the way WE THINK.
Not the positions we take. The positions are meaningless if the underlying
political culture is corrupt. We know that democracy is a CULTURE of norms and
traditions. Not simply a system of laws. So, introducing healthy political
norms is a far bigger challenge than introducing law. Those norms should be
easier to institute in the DIaspora. Where there is minimal political cost.
Frezghi Mesmer
But, Diaspora politicians, in their loneliness and
need for social acceptance are more prone to group think and the perpetuation
of negative norms and traditions.
9/27/17, 10:54 PM
Tesfabirhan
First of all, I believe that democracy is a political process that needs to be learned and practiced. It is not therefore as you are describing Second: A fundamental change needs a strong political ideology. No one can join unless there is a clear politics to follow. Today, Eritreans are in political chaos. Though I have a strong belief that we will overcome, this chaotic situation needs to come out and take the lead. I do not think you are strong proponent lof lowlanders rights. In fact, I have not seen you advocating your politics or what you believe on except checking politics that stand against EPLF and those who use Ethiopia as a strategic place. I am reading you closely. You are more conservative than I can imagine. No nationalist is free from being conservative.
9/28/17, 6:55 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
Lol, so self-important. If you didn't see it, it did not happen? Is that your reasoning? You don't know my history at all. You are simply quick to judge and stubbornly stick to it. An underlying tendency for dictatorial beneath all your LD talk. First of all, as Free Eri, I was a Moderator for Eritreans for Action FB group. A group that is overwhelmingly lowland and Muslim. Second, ask Wad Haiget, Asia Abysinnia Job, and Shabbash Kerenite. They are all lowlanders who have interacted with me well for years. They know my stance on the lowlands. Another evidence is that some Christians think I am Muslim. For example, Milen Tewelde Lia and Chris Omally Tumuzhgi are convinced I am a Muslim due to my stance. Look at my Friends list, I have as many Muslim as I do Christian. Most from Eritreans for Actions and others who saw my post in support of lowland rights.
Tesfabirhan
My friend, I think I have all these information. I
have a good friend who has followed you since 2012 or 11. And i know free Eri
too as your nick name. Therefore do not take me naive for what I am saying.
Your area of interest is nationalism. Do you forget that you played a negative
role to widen the gap between EYSC and Simret? I remember very well your never
ending debate between Thomas Solomon and you.
Frezghi Mesmer
My "defense" of EPLF history is not based on ideology. It is practicality. The Ghedli-storytelling is an escape from a true struggle. By reviewing what happened years ago and condemning it today, the activists do not have to face what is happening today. They do not have to deal with the much larger issues of today. it is also done in a selective and regionalist manner. It is anti-justice to accuse without evidence and to defame outside a court of law. It is a dictatorial politics borrowed from the PFDJ. No need to beautify it. As far as Ethiopia as a strategic place, that has been proven to be a dead-end. We have an Ethiopian agent, Amiche, controlling who addresses Eritreans and who doesn't on Paltalk. Lol, what a ridiculous position. We also now know that Tigrayans have different priorities concerning Eritrea. They want an Agazian like future. Not the same future we Eritreans want for ourselves. For both these stances, you should be my biggest defender. Because the anti-EPLF Ghedli storying telling is anti-justice and hurtful to our struggle. While the Ethiopian interference only gave us parties that are welfare eaters, Unionists, or Agazians. That is the bitter truth. A true struggler embraces the truth and uses it to guide him. A faux struggler uses truth sparingly. Which is the mode most in the opposition use it? Already, you are doing the same as them. With your strong stance against Mesfin Hagos, promising secret evidence, and yet revealing little. You have been swept up by the same currents as the others.
Tesfabirhan
And I know you defended the lowlanders. But mind me,
what I am saying is your political interest is mainly Eritreanism.
Tesfabirhan
LD is this and I am guided with 1. Sovereignty 2.
Freedom of citizens 3. Human rights of every Eritrean as absolute and protected
4. Freedom of movement including goods 5. Free market 6. Universal suffrage 7.
Transparency 8. Rule of law
These plus other important principles (applied in the Eritrean
context) are what 8 use to debate, right, defend, activate, etc. And my
evaluation and opposing for you is based on these guidelines.
Frezghi Mesmer
LOL, are you kidding? SIMRET seperate themselves from
EYSC long before I started to comment. I questioned the use of armed struggle
to Tomas Solomon. He was never able to justify it as a tactic or a strategy.
Four years after they formed their stupid Strategic Actions Group, they have
not done a single action! Is that my fault? Simretawiyan were delusional,
dictatorial, and overly aggressive. They took out their regionalist feelings on
fellow strugglers. Seeing fellow strugglers as more of a problem than the
regime. It is Smret that opened the way for the Regionalism-based parties of
today. Now, they are quiet because they have painted themselves into a
political corner. Idiots. Smret or Tomas did not like my questioning and
criticism of their armed struggle nonsense. They asked EYSC to ban me and EYSC
refused. That was their issue with me and EYSC. Besides, Smret was in the
middle of the anti-Bologna intimidation of 2013. Do you really think they
wanted to work with EYSC? They hated EYSC's program, stances, leaders, etc etc.
They were more interested in defeating EYSC than the regime. All they did is
blunt the entire youth movement in ineffectiveness. There is not a more
destructive movement than Simret. They tried to become the anti-EYSC with their
Ethiopian help and co-opting of EYSC branches worldwide. Even the infamous EYSC
Board revolt was influenced by the regionalism sentiment of Simret and its
sympathizers in EYSC.
Tesfabirhan
At least, accept that you are conservative
Then we can move on. Otherwise, we will continue to argue
On the description of Simret, I agree with you. What I
don't agree with you on having Ethiopia as a strategic place.
Your nationalism pride ruled you to reject it. Know
that Saleh Younis from awate has the same stance as yours here
Frezghi Mesmer
No. Your conclusions are glib and superficial. You
have a long way to go before I take your pronouncements as meaningful. Already,
you missed a large part of my brand of nationalism. My brand of nationalism is
that every group's issues are legitmate and part of the nationalist discourse.
I PRACTICED what I believe in in the last 4-5 years. I took Lowland and JEBERTI
issues as my own nationalist issues. I am a Tigrinya speaker from Karneshim
like that idiot Wuchu. What am I conserving them? Your definition of
conservative doesnt apply to me because this is a new idea in Eritrean
discourse.
Tesfabirhan
I always laugh when you insist people to come with a strategy.
It is very laughable for me.
Frezghi Mesmer
It was not nationalism! it was 1000% practicality!
Tesfabirhan
It is not because a strategy is not needed, but to come with a working ideology, you need a clear political ideology. Here is how I see to come with an efficient strategy: It is in chronological descending order 1. Political ideology 2. Vision 3. Mission 4. Goals 5. Objectives 6. Policies 7. Strategies 8. Programs 9. Projects 10. Events
Now locate where you are focusing - 7th. For you and I to come out with a successful strategy, we should at least agree on our political ideology and vision. And the same applies to all political parties/civic
societies/communities etc.
Frezghi Mesmer
I accept your order of change. Now, where your
political ideology flounders in the opposition is the political culture of the
opposition is the same as the PFDJ. Because they refuse to accept criticisms,
they never improve. So, number 1 should mean political ideology that RESPECTS
the norms of democratic culture. In practice, none of the groups or individuals
respects the norms of democratic culture or LD. EVEN YOU, insisted on labeling
me and defaming me before asking any questions. So, if you can’t even
discipline yourself to follow your own strategy, what hope is there?
Tesfabirhan
Frezghi - transparency matters not your village or
region or religion. I don't care from where you came. What I care is your open
and transparency
Tesfabirhan
If you are feeling that In defamed you or labeled you,
fore give me. It must be ignorance to read you wrongly. What label is your
politics or ideas you bring to the common platform.. The good I don't know you
as a person. Hence nothing will be changed into personal thing However, up to
date i hold my description of your political line You are a nationalist. And
area of interest is to check and defend what has happened in the past.
Tesfabirhan
On number 1: Political ideology It depends. Each one
has its own ideology. What we should come to common understanding is we have
differences. Once we acknowledge our differences, we can debate on and come out
with a unifying politics that can produce a common vision.
Frezghi Mesmer
Nonsense and nonsense. It is acceptance of our
differences and a common democratic vision that will get us there. We don’t
need an ideology. We need accept different views and respect it. Our problem is
a cultural problem. Not an ideological problem. Will continue later. Have
another work meeting...
Frezghi Mesmer
A powerful event. They used their faith to steel them
from fear of death.
Tesfabirhan
Very true
Last Conversation 04/01/2019
3:04 AM
Frezghi Mesmer
you crossed the line with your defamation of the
Aberra family. Asmarinos of several generations know them well and love them
dearly. Your insult to them is an insult from my generation to my
great-grandparents. The depth of your insult is only overcome by the depth of
madness that has gripped your mind. Seek professional help. Mind your family
and your responsibilities. As for me, I am done with you. Blocking you from now
on.
This conversation is a conversation done with unknown Eritrean whom I faced with his ideas fearlessly for three years. On January 04, 2019, he gave up and decided to block me after I crossed his “Red Line”. I believe that he is one of the great politicians who has dominated Eritrean politics for the last 15 years. According to him, his main interest is the case of Eritrean Eritrean Lowlands and Jeberti community recognition in Eritrea.
Last message from Frezghi Mesmer
As a faceless man, I always maintained my privacy when I deal with him as he did so. But, we continued exchanging for the last three years in civility and amicably. It is unfortunate that he decided to leave when he can not more tolerate my freedom to express my idea freely.
I know he kept his identity secret. But, why suddenly he decided to bring his red Line to me when I discussed Aberra HAGOS family. Is he from them, if so, why he feels hurt when he was the one who was criticizing many Eritreans freely? Well, my analysis will follow. For now, I am making our conversation public so that Eritreans can know how farFrezghi Mesmer and I were engaged for the last three years.
Conversation Started on 19/01/2016 –
Conversation started by Tesfabirhan
1/19/16, 9:01 PM
Tesfabirhan
Virtual Eritrean Mr frezghi, how are you?
6/2/16, 6:47 PM
You can now call each other and see information like Active Status and when you've read messages.
Frezghi Mesmer
haha, sorry I just saw this. I am well, Tes. Hope you are too. Why are we not FB friends at least?
6/4/16, 12:13 AM
Tesfabirhan
Hi Frezghi, how can a virtual person accept friendship
No way
Frezghi Mesmer
are you going to attack me for my cowardice?:) My lack of belief in change? Please go ahead. I admire you a lot. I will accept any insult as if from an elder..
Tesfabirhan
Kkkk
No attack but as usual provoke
This is where I am good at
And as planned it worked even if is late
Though I don't agree with you promote I am to read the views of those hard line nationalists
Read "with what you promote..."
Frezghi Mesmer
I am writing something now on my wall. Hope it provokes you more.
Frezghi Mesmer
check it out.....
Tesfabirhan
I gave my response
No no this time u spoke on behalf of me
Thank u
6/8/16, 7:52 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
We are more similar than different, Tes bro.
1/19/17, 12:35 AM
Tesfabirhan
hello zeyhilelo
happy new year
Frezghi Mesmer
Hey bro, same to you. Hope Abraham did not disappoint you too much?
Tesfabirhan
Not actually
I am always skeptical for those who are fun of Arts
they are so easy to move with the wind
and are easily convinced as they gifted to appreciate new ideas
but I got a good opportunity to go against Tesfazion's manifesto
I believe on killing the discipline than the master
Frezghi Mesmer
you are wedi Keren, right?
Tesfabirhan
kkk, no
I am not a ghost like you
kkk
fantôme yiblwo ezom ferensawyan
Frezghi Mesmer
Lol, you got me there. There are a certain number of Kebessa that are obsessed with Ethiopia. They see it as an answer to everything. Agazian is just the latest Ethiopian thing.
Tesfabirhan
I don't think they are obsessed with ethiopia
in fact this where you and me differ in our take
they are just looking the best way to come out from our current problems. And what they chose is always becoming wrong.
They go only to the Ethiopian territory when they are just kicked off by a sudden and out of their expected public reaction.
I don't know why you are so obsessed with the ethiopian thing though.
Frezghi Mesmer
sigh.....Ethiopia spends over 200k per year on Eritrean opposition. Of course it is going to have the most influence.
Tesfabirhan
Ok spending is one and I agree on the effect
but why Eritreans are forced to depend on ethiopian funding?
This is what I always ask
The opposition camp are getting a kick whenever they come. Of course they don't come with a right political programs
Frezghi Mesmer
Because, they wont take the time to start a grassroots fund raising operation.
Tesfabirhan
and we just reject them instead of embracing them
then Ethiopia hijacks them
this is my reservation of not blaming ethiopia but for sure I know what is the effect once they are trapped there
Frezghi, Eritreans are not good in financing grass root movements
they are good in pouring their money when they see big things
Frezghi Mesmer
you are wrong. Eritreans follow an established pattern. Losing or winning, it almost doesnt matter to them.
Tesfabirhan
ah, that is what I mean established pattern
Frezghi Mesmer
It would have taken 3-5 years of an established FULL-TIME organization to dominate the opposition. No one ever bothered to work towards it. Every year, it would have more members. All it needed was consistent and simple philosophy for change.
Tesfabirhan
i just couldn't get the right word
3-5 years is for grass root movement
but remember all opposition groups are part-timers
Frezghi Mesmer
The EPLF established student groups that raised funds for it starting in the 70s. By the mid 80s, they raised 100s of 1000s s for it annually.
Tesfabirhan
how can then invest 3-5 yrs without financial resources
EPLF has hijacked an already established organization
Everyone is looking an EPLF model. No i totally disagree
Frezghi Mesmer
donations. You need dedicated people who can donate $100 per month without interruption. Fundraisersers and foreign donations can supplement this .
Tesfabirhan
In fact EPLF is a bundit
who stole resources (be it human or financial) from ELF
people can donate more than 100 but they are looking for a strong and well established organization
I was for exampling contributing more than 40 euros every month for 2 yrs when I was a student
even now I am contributing the same amount but for others
therefore it is not because we are not contributing but all of us are part-time opposition forces
Frezghi Mesmer
To succeed, an org has to have full-time leadership initially and members later on. To be full-time, it has to have independent funding. Donations are the only independent source of funding. We will never move from part-time unless we commit to it or find activists who will commit to it. Giving them a minimal salary is the way forward.
Tesfabirhan
I agree with you
Unless there are officially paid opposition leaders in the opposition, it will be hard to achieve our goals
More than Okay, bro. It was a principled defense. No one doubts your sincerity in the struggle or your cleanness of heart. At least, I dont.
I disagree with some views you have. That is all. People of integrity are expected to have beliefs. If it agrees with me, great. if not, it is still worthwhile and a pleasure to engage with them to find common ground. Keep being you.
Tesfabirhan
yah, I love different views
that is why I like to debate
through debating we perfect our thoughts and the winner can take the path
yet the ideas never die
Frezghi Mesmer
doubtful. Organization and leadership is what accomplishes goals. Not debating societies.
Tesfabirhan
and this is my principle in every fight I do
and thank you for your compliment
lets fight for bigots
Frezghi Mesmer
indeed....bigots are the enemies of everyone
Tesfabirhan
who don't tolerate other idea or try to silence ideas
indeed and I believe Aregai is a bigot though not a fascist like Tesfazion
in fact, my move against Aregai is multi-dimensional, against his bigotry, against his rule of the jungle, against fake unity call, against his anti-human rights
in fact, human rights embraces all
enough for a synonym man
just wanted to clarify
greetings Mr. Anonymous
not synonym sorry for the misuse
Frezghi Mesmer
lol indeed. Well, its good to expose him. People should know. I rarely go on paltalk. I thought he was a nationalist.
Tesfabirhan
me too, I never go to paltalk
butt thanks to facebook
and for the nationalit - that is why I hate nationalism
kkkkkkkkk
keytezaribena ske
Eritrea needs now Liberal Democracy
This is what I have concluded at last though it is impossible to let nationalism die
Frezghi Mesmer
i agree
4/10/17, 10:47 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
Hi Tes, how come you havent commented on my theory about the real reason narrow appeals are used the Diaspora opposition?
Tesfabirhan
Hello Frezghi
How are you?
I have only one reason
Though your thoughts are great, I am just feeling non-energetic when I interact with faceless people
I wish you expose yourself. I appreciate you in almost all of your political take(except few).
Plus, I am a bit over stretched these days
but but the main reason is transparency
Frezghi Mesmer
Either my ideas have merit to struggle and must be addressed or your preferences trumps the progress of the struggle.
Tesfabirhan
I am a liberal democrat and hence you know where we will be in conflict
and as a liberal democrat, I believe on transparency
In case, I consider you as a conservative, center right republican
Which I think it is where I basically differ with you.
Unlike Solomon Tesfamariam (he writes it in Tigrigna), Nationalist, Aregai Hagos - Ultra Nationalist, you are just a nationalist. I won't be surprised if stand against sectarian, regionalists, religious, etc.
Frezghi Mesmer
Everyone has reasons for anonymity. One benefit that is rarely considered is that I am free to say what I truly think without fear of consequences. Have you ever considered the value in that? Once someone joins the formal opposition, the group think soon starts to affect their ideas. If not that, they are afraid to antagonize their friends in various camps. The end result is stasis and stagnation.
Frezghi Mesmer
Ever heard the expression "we are playing word games on the Titanic."
Tesfabirhan
But today, we are not in a political debate
we are fighting
I consider myself as a fighter
Frezghi Mesmer
These political spectrum definitions that you have are not appropriate to our struggle. We need critical mass.
Tesfabirhan
hence I am fully exposed to the public
and for what I do I am responsible
this is the advantage of transparency
responsibility
Frezghi Mesmer
That’s not actually true, Tes.
Tesfabirhan
and accountability
and what you are saying is the opposite
It is true
but it might not be for you
Frezghi Mesmer
You live in a civilized society. You are protected by laws. The regime elements in the West are not interested in going to jail. You only risk your ability to visit the homeland. Little else.
Tesfabirhan
Liberal Democrats believe on transparency, accountability, responsibility, hence rule of law
Frezghi Mesmer
That is a legitimate risk, for sure. And one that is a sacrifice.
Tesfabirhan
I have risked everything.
my family, my baby, my wife
everything - even I was once upto a dxxxxx
Frezghi Mesmer
Forgive me if I stepped over the line. I a m not talking about you personally. Since I dont know you.
Tesfabirhan
Don't worry. I am who I am and I am saying what I have to say it is my conviction and principle
Frezghi Mesmer
I meant in general. Anyway, back to the relevant points.
Tesfabirhan
Don't worry therefore. the relevant point for me is transparency
Frezghi Mesmer
Diaspora strugglers risk disconnection from the struggle inside the homeland.
Tesfabirhan
but yes we can discuss also on idea. Network with homeland is one thing
Frezghi Mesmer
I think due to the distance and exile. Anything less than a united effort is not a struggle. It is avoiding the struggle. it is waiting out the struggle while saying you are in the struggle. Especially for those with narrow appeals.
Tesfabirhan
I appreciate for anonymosity but I expect high quality of information
Frezghi Mesmer
Of course
Tesfabirhan
Look, I am happy these days. for the development the justice seeking is doing. For the last 4-5 yrs, we were in chaos, till now!
but it seems that the struggle is taking its shape
Frezghi Mesmer
You are fooling yourself. it is dying and losing momentum. Why are groups dormant and only wake up to argue? why isn't there an agreed upon strategy by all groups by now?
Because of the total lack of ideas in the opposition, people have been free to wander into Agazianism and regionalism. That is political death.
Tesfabirhan
I have a different perspective
what we are doing is moving from collective nationalistic struggle to chaotic liberal struggle. And from this chaotic struggle, rule of law will be developed
Frezghi Mesmer
tes, I love you like a dear brother. But you are delusional!
Tesfabirhan
Thank you and same me too. I have great appreciation in most areas. As for me, I don't think I am delusional
Frezghi Mesmer
Chaotic struggle is always exploited by the most organized and most ruthless party. If DIA died today, the various groups can do nothing to influence the situation. They don’t even have a plan to work together if that happens. Or even an ideological outline.
Tesfabirhan
Take my notes carefully
I am not saying chaotic struggle is the end. what I am saying the chaos we are witnessing today is changing of our political thinking - from socialists and nationalistic mindset to liberal thinkers
Frezghi Mesmer
This is only of the reasons why I CANT participate openly in the struggle. I dont understand why people think the way they do. I dont mind sacrificing for principles I believe in. I cant see sacrificing to be lumped in with regionalists and Agazians.
Tesfabirhan
just like that of the 1940s 50s
Frezghi Mesmer
It certainly is not!
Tesfabirhan
Liberalism is not good at all
but there is high probability of coming with a common law
Look those naughty Akeleguzay nationalists
Frezghi Mesmer
One big difference is that we are OUTSIDE our homeland. We are lonely refugees shaking our identity beads in a strange and new society in order to make ourselves feel better. Our politics is social in nature. It is a way for us to continue our Eritrean identity in a foreign land. We are just like the PFDJ supporters. Just their polar opposite in what we define as Eritreanism.
Tesfabirhan
Finally they are out. Almost filtered. Now it is time to make laws
Frezghi Mesmer
In what context can you make and enforce laws??
Tesfabirhan
It is not simple but now the time has reached. and I believe everyone is callign for it. - Even Kunama opposition are now back to acknowledge eritrean history. - Afar are demanding for open dialogue - Adikeih, those who always create havoc and who believe on violence are now calling for mutual respect
Frezghi - Eritrea is a diverse country
nationalism/socialism will not help
Only Liberal Democratic political ideology will work
Liberal democracy is welcome by our Mulsim brothers
is welcome by Catholics
is welcome by regionalists
is welcome by sectarians
is welcome by extremists
is welcome by all religions
is welcomed by business people
I am reading a lot about liberal democracy these days. and my politics is maturing
and hopefully I will be a prominent political advocate for liberal democracy
Frezghi Mesmer
Who says nationalism excludes liberal democracy? Did you think I was advocating for a replacement to the PFDJ that was similar to the PFDJ? I spoke up for lowland issues so much that half the FB audience thinks I am from the lowlands.
Tesfabirhan
PFDJ ideology is not nationalism
it is Juche Ideology
Frezghi Mesmer
Same for Muslims. I defended them as a crucial part of Eritrean and I was accused of being a Muslim. Liberal democracy can exist only under a unitary nationalism in which each group's grievances are national grievances. A Tigrinya should be just as well versed in Kunama and Afar issues. Because both those groups are part of the nation.
Tesfabirhan
Nationalists are OK with people's grievances - if you talk about lowland, don't think it is not nationalism
And same for Muslims
Liberal Democracy principles are very simple: 1. Respect of Human Rights (very important) - 2. Free Market 3. Free Speech 4. Freedom of Movement 5. Rule of Law 6. Sovereignty
Frezghi Mesmer
Okay, bro. I have to get back to work. I just wanted your input. take care.
Tesfabirhan
On the other hand, Nationalism - 1. shared communal identification (History) 2. Self-governance, with full sovereignity( free from unwanted outside interference) 3. Developping and maintaining national identity ( characteristics such as culture, language, race, religion, political goals) 4. preserve the nation's culture, sense of pride in the nation's achievements(patriotism),
Tesfabirhan
that is all. Now see the difference
It is like the USA Politics: Democrats Vs. Republicans
We will continue
and hope you will be transparent
5/31/17, 6:17 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
I can’t believe you write on awate.com but have little understanding of Jeberti issues. Have you not read old articles by Saleh Johar on the issue?
5/31/17, 11:00 PM
Tesfabirhan
Hello Frezghi -I can't understand what you mean exactly. could you please clarify to me
Frezghi Mesmer
Jeberti are a historic people that spread to four countries in the Horn. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. They were either converted by the original Sabaha(Mohamed's followers who fled to Abyssinia) or related to them. The reason they dont have their own language is because they assimilated centuries ago. They only kept their origin current and not their original language. Sort of like the Jews. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, they played pivotal historical roles. Especially in Eritrea. The Jeberti of Tigray were persecuted by Menelik(?) and driven out or converted. Those that fled into Eritrea joined existing Jeberti. This is why many Eritreans think all Jeberti come from Tigray. Anyway, because of their experience in Ethiopia. Jeberti were skeptical of Union with Ethiopia. As a result, they were the FIRST to fight for independence as a group. The first victims of Andinet terrorists who killed them and burned their homes and businesses. They were the canary in the goldmine for Eritrea. As such, their wish for historical recognition is not only simple justice. It is also supported by Eritrean patriotism or nationalism. It is also a wish expressed in non-violent and peaceful terms. How could you compare them with the odious Agazians? You should have seen their issue in terms of free expression and recognition of expressed identity by the state.
Tesfabirhan
Please don't think that I don't know this history
I have enough historical background
Jeberti people issue is not political but Civic Rights
Of course Civic Rights issue in rare cases can be solved through political movement but the consequence is not simple to imagine
If the Jeberti people are asking the same civic rights in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia etc, I don't think they can achieve it through political means as AL-Nahda Party is trying to do
They should better re-organize themselves and fight in Civic Rights Movement form
6/1/17, 1:45 AM
Frezghi Mesmer
my God...what a monumental failure on your part.
Frezghi Mesmer
They are organized as a Civic Rights Movement. All they ask for is recognition of their history. They don't ask for land, proportional representation in military/economic/civil service, or anything concrete. The Jeberti case was the simplest case to support from a Liberal Democracy view or a Civic view. Why do you insist on putting them in the "political context" simply because Al-Nahda is a political movement is beyond me. Al Nahda is only a small party of the Jeberti movement. Every single jeberti feels left out of Eritrean history. That is a social movement with huge appeal inside their community. Just because one political party used it to create a platform and join the opposition, you lump them with genocidaires who want to create concentration camps. You lack a sense of proportion. Too many times, you hear only the voices in your head and move headlong accordingly.
Tesfabirhan
What we have is Al-Nahda as a political organization hence a Political Rights movement. If you are telling me that it is not sorry then.
For you
That is all i can say. Otherwise Al-Nahda Party that i know is a political organization
And I am criticizing it accordingly
Of course these days there is no clear difference line between Civic and Political Rights in Eritrean politics. I will not be surprised if there are crossings
But don't let me stay ignorant. What I am saying is very clear
And I put it clearly.
6/1/17, 10:52 PM
Tesfabirhan
Hello Frezghi
I hope by now we are on the same understanding on the topic I raised
I am for an absolute right of individuals/group of people to identify their destiny. I am no one to recognize people. Any human being who lives in a certain territory has rights to be who he is.
8/4/17, 11:55 PM
Tesfabirhan
Hello Frezghi
I don't think we can agree on many issues
but we will keep on our exchange
as I can see we are in opposite sides
it is good
Frezghi Mesmer
yes. I am on hte side of reality. You joined the mass hallucination of the Paltalk opposition.
Tesfabirhan
well, I believe I am on the side of reality too
I am against Mesfin from the very beginning. Check my comments at awate
four yrs ago
But you are not real
you are fake
and I am not
Frezghi Mesmer
lol. good for you. It means in four years you will not found single evidence. Which is why you only discuss rumors.
Tesfabirhan
you defend EPLF and Mesfin
while hiding
this indicates you are on the same leauge
hahaha
Please don't bring the PFDJ style - where is the evidence
please please
the more you say it the more you are sounding pfdj
I told you what I got from primary testimony
and you denied
Frezghi Mesmer
sigh....how about not being in league with mental midgets and feckless howling monkeys?: ) Its not that Mesfin is guilty or innocent. It is that those bringing the charges have nothing worthwhile to contribute.
Tesfabirhan
then if you believe that they have nothing to contribute, why you live defending
Frezghi Mesmer
Is that sworn testimony in front of a grand jury?:) NOPE. You brought hearsay from unnamed sources. You are not a journalist. Why are your unnamed sources worth anything?
Tesfabirhan
why don't you leave us
hahaha, even I am dealing with unknown person
It is like dealing with a robot eko
Frezghi Mesmer
I should say nothing positive to contribute. You contribute a lot of negativity and ineffectiveness.
Hey Tesino, you inboxed me. Feel free to stop conversating anytime.
Tesfabirhan
yah I have too
inbox you
it is a continuation of what we do in the front page
but I like to inbox you just to avoid tensions
it is kind of reducing negativity
Frezghi Mesmer
Tes, I love you as a brother. That will not change. You have a good heart. BUT, in politics, you are out of your depth. You are all over the place. The Mesfinism is a sign of giving up. A sign of defeat. It means you have given up on PFDJ in Eritrea. its easier to reach one ole pensioner in Frankfurt.
Tesfabirhan
our love is mutual and indeed with respect
but I never gave up on PFDJ
pfdj will be gone sooner
but I am more concerned on the reminants
To tell you, after hearing a lot about Mesfin, I experienced his dirty mission in person
it is since then that I felt confident to oppose him openly
Frezghi Mesmer
What did you experience? Did he not treat your ideas with respect? Mesfin has concluded that the external opposition is not worth much. I can’t say I disagree.
Tesfabirhan
No, I don't have any contact nor have I experienced directly with hm
Frezghi Mesmer
Tell me what happened. I will respond later. Have to go now. Ciao
Tesfabirhan
but I got some networks that was in rumour before
I won't tell you. I'm just telling you that I have some personal evidences
Thank you for your time. Just let us continue our civil exchange without creating unneeded tensions
8/6/17, 1:40 AM
Frezghi Mesmer
I wont spare my opinion one bit. That is another problem we have. We like our fellow anti-PFDJ supporters and dont speak truth to them often enough.
8/6/17, 10:36 AM
Tesfabirhan
Thank you for the piece of advice
But i don't think i will agree
I have to speak the truth
But i think i should know with whom i am talking
8/7/17, 6:15 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
Isn't it interesting that your "truth" is the same as a large segment of the opposition? Change requires a leader. Not a follower.
9/25/17, 8:52 PM
Frezghi Mesmer
So, you valiently exposed us Hama regionalists?
Tesfabirhan
what do you mean?
Frezghi Mesmer
Your last answer to Zaki on my post basically assumed we only care about Hamasein region.
Tesfabirhan
But who are you?
You are neither Hama nor else. I consider you just an eritrean
And what I wrote is what I believe on. If it matters to you, defend it.
was born in the lowland of Eritrea in a city called Agordat. He is one of the highly educated Eritreans with vast work experiences. Although his area of expertise is in Veterinary sciences, in his personal blog, he said about himself he is interested in History, Political Sciences, and Social Justices. He studied at the Universities of Addis Ababa and Khartoum, and at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Sciences. He is active in Eritrean politics and many of his writings can be found in his blog titled ” Hedgait هيدقايت ሄድጋይት.
He is among the signatories of the so-called “Berlin Manifesto” prepared by a group of 13 Eritreans, abbreviated by “G-13”.The manifesto, which was written on October 03, 2000, is an open letter handed to Isaias Afewerqi to demand political change, reconciliation, and implementation of the 1997 Constitution. Some members of the G-13 were arrested and never freed until today.
2. Jelal Yassin Aberra
Is an Eritrean from Asmara, who is currently living in Norway. He is educated in Social Anthropology and Information Technology. He is famous for his writings about the 1940s political history of Eritrea, especially the Unionist Party and its members. Although he is not a known figure in Eritrean politics, he is behind many of the political activities which have great impacts on the overall political spectrum.
I have extracted Ten remarks written about Jelal Yassin Aberra and his political activities by Dr. Mohamed Kheir Omer in his article written on 25/01/2015 under a title, “A Portrait: Jelal Yassin Aberra
Jelal Yassin Aberra
He is very generous when it comes to financial contributions for political endsor in helping persons in need. Tesfay Temenewacknowledged his support in his book.
I know of many clandestine political activities he had been involved in but it is not time to speakabout them, at present.
The first time I met him was several years ago at Café Providence in Oslo. […]. I was sitting alone when he joined me. Some of my friends had warned me he is as unfriendly and aggressive, but I always preferred to talk and listen to people before judging them. Our discussion led quickly to the issue of the Jeberti, which I later discovered that he had a lot of passion for. I listened attentively, I got a lot of new information and from that day on, I decided to learn more about them. He succeeded in changing some of the wrong perceptions I had.
I learned how his great-grandfather name ‘Aberra’ was coined. His original name was Abrar, but his mother opted to change it to Aberra to protect him from forced conversion to Christianity when Atze Yohannes used force to convert Muslims to Christianity.
His late father who was a prominent Professor of Economics at the University of Asmara was killed by the EPLF in January 1991 in the front of his house. Probably, his only crime was that he advocated the cause of Jeberti and worked for their recognition as a separate entity.
Born in Asmara in 1957, Jelal went to a Koranic school (Khalwa) and to Michelangelo Buonarotti kindergarten, Sant Anna Asilo & Scuole elemntari and later studied high school at Vittorio Emanuele.
…joined the field by early 1975. There he took a short military training and was assigned to the army. His first assignment was in a platoon led by Ibrahim Affa. Later he served among others in a battalion headed by Woldenchael Haile. The political commissioner was Berakhi Gebresellasie. He also served in a platoon headed by Bitweded Abraha.
After his sixth injury which left him paralyzed for almost a year, he was assigned to the Information Department of the EPLF, where he served among other positions as head of the manual publishing unit and attended the 9th round course at the cadre school. He was later assigned as a representative of the EPLF Information Department in Port Sudan where he served until the end of 1983 when he abandoned the organization.
…Jelal is a multi-faceted intellectual. You can discuss with him on any subject, including religion. Besides the Koran, he knows the Bible by heart.
Many families who live in today’s Eritrea are from Bet Agaw, and their last kingdom was in Lasta – Lalibela founded by King Mirara Teklehaimanot from Hamasien – today’s Eritrea. After the fall of Axumite Kingdom, the newly re-located kingdom lasted after four centuries reign(910 – 1270) AD.
Zagwe Dynasty was over taken by Solomonic Kingdom of Showa who revolted against the Agaws under the leadership of Yikuno Amlak.
After the fall of Zagwe Dynasty – the Agaws of Eritrea re-organized themselves and established three different polities. One of the most powerful polity was the Kingdom of Bahre Negassi ze – Debarwa
Map of Bahre Negassi Debarwa
Bahre Negassi Debarwa – the Kingdom of the Land of the Sea is one of the largest polities which is now part of modern Eritrean Nation.
The other two polities which joined the Kingdom of Bahre Negassi are The Adal Sultanate of Rahayta(Assab) and the Beni Amir Sultanate of Barka (Kassala).
These three polities were united by Italians to form the Colony of Italy in the horn of Afrika.
Although these three polities were united, the union is not yet fully stable.
If we go back to ancient history, today’s Eritrea was basically part of the ancient Hamitic and Kushitic kingdom. It was only divided into three different polities after the fall of Zagwe Dynasty.
The three most significant civilizations that have a great impact in today’s Eritrean social fabric are:
1. Kush Kingdom of Nubia
2. Axumite kingdom of Axum
3. Zagwe kingdoms of Lalibela
After the fall of Zagwe Dynast,n Christianity and Islam have played a great role in shaping Eritrean social fabric and evolution of new identities.
In-depth understanding of these socio-dynamics is crucial to understand the complex nature of Eritrean Anthropology, Sociology, History, Politics and Economics.
Zagwe kingdom is the last powerful center all Agaws of the horn of Africa uses as a reference to develop their family tree. However, there is some confusion to understand how these genealogies are developing. Because many scholars(The Amharas) and kings tried to corrupt as if the Agaws of Eritrea are immigrants from Lasta in order to claim Eritrea’s territory ownership. The truth is the inverse.
Family Tree of Agaw Eritreans who were part of the last Agaw Kingdom, Zagwe Dynasty
I hope intellectuals will come together and enlighten our people to be free from all kinds of oppression.
On Tuesday, 24 July 2018, Eritrean Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmded were bestowed the Order of Zayed for the so-called their remarkable achievement to bring peace in the horn of Africa and the region after signing a Peace agreement to end the bloody war conducted between Eritrea and Ethiopia in the year 1998-2000. This war took about 100,000 lives and displaced many people from their ancestral land. After the war, the two countries entered into a proxy-war through armed groups and political groups. In consequence, This senseless war had paralyzed the diplomatic and any other activities between the two countries.
With the election of the new Prime Minister in Ethiopia, the relationship between the two countries showed a fresh start and finally, a peace agreement was signed. This development is a relief to the horn of Africa region and the Red Sea zone. It is within this fresh discourse that many countries which have a strategic interest in the Red Sea and in the horn of Africa healed the accord.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) are the first respondents who welcomed the agreement by inviting the two leaders. Though it is believed that these two countries played a major role in the Peace Agreement Process conducted mostly behind doors, no official statement was released whether they played any supportive role or not. In fact, the two countries claim that there was no any other part engaged in the process.
The objective of this article is not to see whether Saudi Arabia and UAE had a role in the peace process. Rather, I am trying to give importance to the prestigious reward given by these two countries to Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Saudi Arabia – f
on September 16, 2018, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has awarded its highest medal award to Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Dr. Abiy Ahmed. In principle, the medal named, “The Order of King Abdulaziz” is a special award given to citizens of Saudi Arabia and world leaders for meritorious service to the Kingdom. I am not sure what service was given to Saudi Arabia by these two world leaders, especially the newly elected Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. However, Saudi Arabia has a serious strategic interest in these two countries for many reasons.
Dictator Isaias Afaewerki is already engaging Eritrea with the Saudi Arabian lead allies in the war conducted in Yemen. The Yemeni civil war is killing innocent civilians. And, Eritrea is hosting Airbase in its territory that is been in use for operation. This is a great service to Saudi Arabia and its allies. I believe the occasions that can cover its true motive from the world while at the same time giving a world recognition to the services provided by Eritrea is the best opportunity Saudi Arabia to recognize Isaias Afewerki’s service.
Not only this, Saudi Arabia on the other side of the Red Sea. This means, what happens in Eritrea has a direct effect on Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Saudi Arabia a responsibility to step in and recognize any positive development in the horn of Africa, especially between Eritrea and Ethipia.
UAE – Order of Zayed
On 24/07/2018, UAE invited Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Dr. Abiy Ahmed to Abu Dhabi and awarded them the highest civil decoration in the country. It is awarded to Kings, Presidents, and world leaders who played great role and efforts in supporting and developing the friendly relations and mutual cooperation between their country or organizations and the UAE.
So far, only about 18 world leaders have become beneficiaries of this prestigious award. Among these, President of China, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and President of Eritrea have received in 2018.
Though it is hard to imagine the positive role played by Eritrea and Ethiopia in improving the relationship with UAE, I believe this award is rather a means to put them under the watchdog. By doing so, UAE secures its strategic position in the Red Sea Trade activity as well as a secured ally and support for its military activity in Yemen. UAE has already established its Naval and Airbase in Eritrea along the Red Sea coast. A new and modern military airbase is constructed in Assab which is in use for military purpose by the UAE and its Allies. Signing a peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia has a direct consequence for this base. Therefore, UAE has no other option but either to engage itself in the peace process or welcome the agreement. By doing this, it grants its position along the coast.
It is wise to state the truth as it is when you witness Eritrean history being hijacked by opportunists who try to promote their own agenda at this very critical moment dominated by chaos, confusion, depression, misery, division, sectarianism, religious fanaticsm, etc. by ignoring the precious cost paid by Eritrean people to liberate their land. While, the ruling regime, PFDJ, is the main institutionalized actor to hijack Eritrean history and sacrifice, there are also other forces with similar but opportunistic agenda who are trying hard to contain Eritrean history within their circle through elimination. Therefore, it is necessary to give due emphasis on important historical events that can help us to understand the political discourse of Eritrean people.
1965 Asmara Demonstration
Generally speaking, there are two most important demonstrations which changed the political discourse of Eritrea. These are demonstrations which took place in 1958 and 1965. Both of them were organized by the most important driving forces of any community is supposed to have: the working class (1958) and the students (1965).
These two demonstrations became one of those important factors as an instrumental driving force for the initiation of a fully fledged political mobilization which played the great role for launching armed struggle(1961) and then massive participation of young and educated people to the ranks of the ongoing armed struggle(1965).
The 1965 massive student strike was unique. Thousands of students roamed Asmara city center denouncing Ethiopian forced annexation. Not only condemnation bur also it inspired many highlanders to join the Army Struggle too.
As change seekers, Eritrean history tellers and political analysts are usually obsessed with the results and little or no focus is done on the people who contributed for the events to happen. It is with this objective that I have rather preferred to bring the untold stories of Eritreans who made the demonstration to be successful.
Though the 1965 demonstration was a collaborated activity of more than a dozen young students, I have chosen three individuals who made 1965 demonstration successful. These are Yohannes Naffe Mindal, Michael Ghabir, and Woldesus Amar.
The 1965 Asmara demonstration happened between 8 – 12 March 1965. It was organized by patriotic Eritreans who were working in a semi-organized clandestine student movement. These semi-organized students were self-motivated individuals who were working to increase political consciousness among students by exchanging information about the then increasing Ethiopian aggressive oppressions as well as the on-going armed struggle of Eritreans against Ethiopian forced annexation.
To illustrate the origin of the semi-organized groups behind the March 1965 demonstration, I will divide the incident into two phases:
The Initiation of Student Strike
Actors behind March 1965 Demonstration
1. The Initiation of Student Strike
After the 1958 demonstration, Asmara was under full control of Ethiopia. People were busy in adjusting themselves with the on-going political changes that resulted in a state of confusion after Ethiopia formally annexed Eritrea by ending the Federal system. The Highland of Eritrea was in a relatively peaceful period while the lowland was in a state of war and terror by the continued clashes between Eritrean Liberation Army groups and Ethiopia.
Most of the Highlanders, especially the youth, were exposed to Ethiopian propaganda that was portraying the Armed Struggle as if it was a war launched to Arabanize or Islamize Eritrea by killing the Christians. Many youths from the highland had no clear information about the objectives of the Armed Struggle. As a result, all they had was a negative perception.
Such perception started to change when students from the lowland started to join the Highlanders to pursue their secondary school studies. Among these are Woldesus Amar and Michael Gabir.
Woldesus Amar and Michael Gabir are originally from Senhit region of Eritrea from the Bilen speaking communities. Though both of them were not born in Keren, both of them started their early studies in Keren as there were no schools in small villages by that time. Michael Gabir was born in a small village called Musha, Northeast of Keren, while the other in Ashera found in the Southwest. Therefore, their relationship should have started in Keren. Since then, their friendship became ever strong.
In the early 1960s, there was no high school in Keren. Therefore, they were forced to go to the Capital city, Asmara in order to continue their studies as they did. Therefore, from 1961 to 1965, they stayed in Asmara before they moved to Addis Abba for further university studies. While they were in Keren, political consciousness among the students was so high.
The year Woldesus Amar and Michael Gabir went to Asmara, Eritrean Armed Struggle was already launched(1961). And a year after, 1962, the Eritrean flag was lowered by Ethiopia. Though the change in a political situation was supposed to have a drastic impact among the youth, the then high school students were relatively reluctant and unprepared to react accordingly to play their role in defending Eritrean federal sovereignty. Contrary to this, those who were coming from other regions to pursue their high school studies were more conscious. The reason could be exposed to different political forces.
Students who happen to live in Asmara were more exposed to Ethiopian propaganda. The propaganda was full of hatred towards those who launched armed struggle usually accompanied with labeling such as “Islamists”, “Bandits”, “Arabs”, fanatics, etc. It was a not a surprise if such blackmailings had ears to listen. In fact, the less informed and politically unconscious Eritreans were highly influenced by such kind of daily propaganda.
Many high School students were victims of such kind of propaganda. Some of them were naive to believe what Ethiopia was propagating. This was a shock to then relatively better-informed students who were going to Asmara to continue their studies.
Generally speaking, young students from Senhit, Seraye, Akeleguzay, Barka, etc. were very active during the 1960s politics. Students from Mendefera, Keren and Segeneyti were some of those who became the most active agents in mobilizing high school students of Asmara. Among those highly active students, Woldesus Amar and Michael Gabir of Senhit region are in the forefront. Others include Martyr Seyoum Ogbamichael; Martyr Woldedawit Temesgen; Martyr Mussie Tesfamichael; G-15 member and x-Foreign Minister of Eritrea Haile Woldetensae (DeruE); Tekle Ezaz; etc.
2. Actors behind March 1965 Demonstration
Woldesus Amar
Woldesus Amar is one of those patriotic Eritreans who was actively engaged in mobilizing students in Asmara in the years between 1691 to 1965 and later in Addis Ababa University. He is the living legend who is giving primary information about the early student movements through his wonderful writings.
Woldesus Amar started to engage himself actively in politics in May 1962 by taking a courageous initiative to participate in one meeting of the then functioning Eritrean Federal Assembly. He had observed hot debates among the parliament that calls Ethiopia for not paying Eritrean government due to fees. He took notes and then used it to agitate students in his school. He wrote leaflets that call for a strike and distributed them in each class.
As a result, in May 1962 the first of its kind and unorganized student strike took place in the streets of Asmara. This gave the birth of the short-lived “Association of Eritrean Intellectuals”. This association organized itself and submitted a leaflet to the UN committee which was holding a meeting in Addis Ababa condemning Ethiopia. This single event became an inspiration for many young students to be acquainted with the armed struggle. After this, Woldesus Amar was among the Mastermind of all the student strikes that took place from 1962 throughout to 1965.
2. Michael Gabir (1940 – 1992)
Michael Gabir was a close friend of Woldesus Amar. In fact, Woldesus Amar describes him as a man who was the mastermind of his generations. Born in a small village called Musha around Keren, he graduated in History major from Addis Abba University. He was among the founders and schoolmaster of Refugee School in Kassala funded by UNHCR. During high school, he used to sit with Dictator Isaias Afewerqi.
Michael Gabir wrote extensively about Blin people and their history. Some of his works can be found here
Michael Gabir was living with his relative during his stay in Asmara. It is this house which became the most secure place to organize the most sensitive events. His relative, Yohannes Naffe, was a well-established man from Musha, Senhit. He[Yohannes Naffe] was a building contractor. He had a small wood workshop. Yohannes, not only he welcomed the young Eritreans to use his house to arrange the most sensitive meetings but also he supported them materially to conduct demonstrations.
Yohannes Naffe encouraged Michael Gabir and his friends to use his workshop in preparing placards that are used for demonstrations. The young students were free to use his material resources throughout the 1961 to 1965 demonstrations.
Not only this, Yohannes relationship with the then Eritrean Police force Commander, General Zeremariam Azazi helped the young students to have some security from the police. General Zeremariam Azazi, who is from Mensae, Senhit, stayed with Yohannes during his early days in Asmara when had difficulties.
General Zeremarian got the on-going preparation about March 1965 demonstration. But, he did not want to put the life of Yohannes Naffe at risk. This gave the success of the demonstration.
Life After 1965 Demonstration
After the demonstration, about 2000 students were detained for more than 40 hours. It was a great success and a blow to the Ethiopian expansion. Not only this, but it became an inspiration to many Eritreans to join in the armed struggle. After 1965, the Highlanders started to join the armed struggle in mass.
Wondesus Amar and Michael Gabir continued to work with the students in organizing demonstrations, conducting secret meetings, distribution of leaflets and contacting with ELF members. They started to receive magazines which were prepared by ELF and later managed to prepare student magazines called, “Our Voices”. Woldesus recalled Isaias Afewerqi was writing the contents as he had beautiful handwritings using different colors. Isaias Afewerqi became most active in the student movement only after 1964 when he was recruited to be the main member of the leaders.
Woldesus Amar and Michael Gabir became the target of Ethiopian security agents. This exposed them to several imprisonments.
Michael Gabir joined the Armed struggle in 1975 and was a member of ELF until he was mysteriously assassinated on May 25, 1992, in Kassala Sudan.
Woldesus Amar completed his Master’s degree and later served ELF in different areas. After independence, he continued his opposition to the dictatorial regime. Currently, he is a member of EPDP(Eritrean People’s Democratic Party) and is actively engaging in Eritrean politics and human rights.
Yohannes Hotel, Keren City
After independence, Yohannes Naffe constructed a two-story beautiful hotel in Keren. He continued to serve his people through his wisdom and profession until his death in 2008. Though he was a person behind the youth movement of the 1960s in which dictator Isaias Afewerqi himself was part of the activities, it is sad the state did not give him formal recognition for his great contribution.
I have been a reader, commentator and occcasional contributor at www.awate.com since 2013. It happened so as it was the only website that can feed my hirsty and curiosity to engage in elite politics. As I expected, the website has indeed nurtured my expecation. Since the first time my comment appeared as one of the new comment update section list, I was overwhelmed to visit again and again until it became my subliminal addiction.
Encouraged by the appearance of my ordinary comments in the forum platform, I decided to contribute articles too. It was amazing experience to see your articles being published in a website that you adore most. Not only that, the website is one of the very few best sites where few but high calibre elites publish.
I believe the articles published at awate.com have a political power to influence the Eri-Ethiopian politics in general and the Eritrean elite minority politics in particular. Without doubt, I was proud to consider myself as part of this elite group and name the web-site as my university. Though I had a different political perspective than most of these political gagnsters, I loved to stay there.
After, almost four years 24/7 presence, I started to realize that I have been detached from the majority. What I mean “the majority” are those Eritreans who are fighting against the dictator at a louder voice but through different means.
Not only the isolation, I also realized that the politics that is served at Awate Website has little to do with the the people’s desire to bring a massive change. It is at this time that I started to think on my own but indpendent ideological views to deal with the Eritrean politics by creating a strong bond with the masses.
The experiences I have and the analytical mindset I came to encounter at awate forum, I have learnt that all the political elite gangsters at awate are not really close to the people but with the monsters of PFDJ politicians. Their focus was more on what “had been said” and could be the consequence that what the oppressed need to bring a change. In short, I could say, no one is interested to equip the masses with ample political tools that can help them nurture their mind and use it against the oppressive PFDJ regime.
After realizing this gap, I decided to merge political elitism with people’s desire for change. I came to be well aware of the elements the majority people are looking for by removing PFDJ. I also learnt how the struggles conducted to achieve that.
The Missing Elements within the Political Struggle
Eritrean political elites are not fully equiped with elements of liberty in line to the 21thC definition of human rights. Globally speaking, what they seem most cared for is “justice” than any other basic and comprehensive elements of Eritrean desire to achieve full liberty. Even to worst of my disappointment, no one is confident what democracy has to do with Eritreans. Some favor power sharing than people’s full fledged participation in expected to be a just democratic country. For most, the priority is to take down the oppressive regime at all costs than designing pro-dictatorial regime statehood.
Though the priority is undoubtefully to let the monster regime from power, there are two missing key elements to happen before and after that. First, the skill to mobilize the masses, and second, to accomodate the masses after the demise of the regime. Of course, mobilizing the masses requires understanding the loose bonds that exist between the Eritrean societies and build the brigde of trusteeship so that people can come closer than ever before united and be a fearless voice. And, after the demise, the masses need at most high degree of assurances of liberty to granted by thepolitical atmosphere that is expected to exist. In between, political elites can be the key players to adjoint these missing elements.
To my disappoint, I was scared to learn that human rights issues are the least favored subjects to be in the forefront of these political elites agenda. Most of them consider human rights in line to 21thC is a luxury. Instead, they keep on stressing on, “Justice”. To an innocent society, no word is better to hear then the word justice itself. However, it must be accompanied with innocense. Otherwise, it can be as cynical word as it appears to be.
Within this political specturum, political gansgters which are housed at Awate Forum are neither successful to mobilize the masses nor innocent to describe what justice is meant in its true sense to the masses. Removing PFDJ regime is not enough to call it justice by itself. And neither is suffice to consider it with full certainity to bring a just country that will gaurantee full libertyof the citizens. For the last 25 years, Human rights topics are at scracity. Though there are human rights activist gangsters, it is very rare to find political gansters who advocate for and fight fully for in line to the universal declaration of human rights. Achieving human rights is left to those human rights actvisits or to the international organizations who are expected to be guarantors of these rights then after.
The truth is, no other can guarantee full human rights of citizens unless there is full readiness of the politicians who have a potential place to control power. When politicians are more concerned about power sharing than guaranting human rights of citizens, nothing more can be an expected to be nighmare of eroding qualities of people’s liberty.
No power can give liberty without considering what liberty is. Plus, at a higher level, no justice can exist without echoing a just justice. These complex political endeavours need full fledged political readiness. So far, I haven’t become confident on how these readiness is being implemented. Above all, the majority of the political gangsters I encountered for the last five years are timid to say it loud that they are all for the universal declaration of human rights in accordance to the worldwide accepted perspective of liberal values. Instead, they bring social values to be at the center for a reference. For example, in my five years stay at awate.com, U have not read a single article that advocates for an absolute guarantee of human rights. Instead, I have read on article that focuses on Child and Old-aged people by not mentioning the notion of universal declaration of human rights.
Our political gangsters: Unprepared for a Peaceful environment
When a struggle becomes the life, peace has might have little room left to be accomodated. It is as if what Thomas Jeffesson did when declared “all men are equal” while he continued to enslave hundreds of slaves. I am bringing this historical paradox to relate what is happening today among the political gansgters of Eritrea, the elites.
There are many indications to prove this. For example, awate.com published a news article through its one of the most referenced and believed to be credible news column, Gedab News under a heading, “Ethiopia reiterates of its acceptance of the boundary ruling.” This tiles is misleading as it indicates Ethiopia had previously accepted the border ruling as it did in 2018. The truth is Ethiopia did not accept it fully in 2002 as it has done now. Although Eritrea had accepted the Border ruling that was decided by the Border Commission on April 3, 2002, Ethiopia had some pre-conditions though it accepted in principle. From both sides, sixteen years passed without any meaningful initiation to settle the issue peacefully.
The news reads,
Beginning of Quote
“…Sources from Ethiopia indicated that PM Abiy Ahmed is expected to issue a directive to release many prisoners remaining in jail, some of them since 2012.
Lately, the government of PM Abiy has emptied many prisons around the country. The released prisoners include opposition members, journalist, and other political prisoners. However, the release did not include individuals arrested after the Awalia school crisis of 2012.
The Awalia school protests erupted after officials of the school and other Muslim activists protested the alleged government interference in the private affairs of the school. However, government sources alleged its clampdown on the Awalia school protests was because of the infiltration of extremist Muslims activists who were agitating the Muslim community. The protests resulted in the arrest of hundreds of protesters who expanded their demonstration to the Anwar Mosque in the heavily populated area of Mercato.”
End of Quote
What Gedab News did was unexpected. Instead of providing the news as it is, it provided a misleading title to the news. Not only this, instead of focusing on the news accordingly, the first three or four paragraphs it highlighted rights issue inside Ethiopia which is totally a non-relevant issue as per the title.
In fact, the issue brought primarily dates back to 2012 political crisis and is entirely an Ethiopian internal affairs. It is perplexing to read such mixed-up cases. Of course, being an urdent reader of Awate website, such approach and content-wise political sophistication is not new to me. Awate.com has more inclination towards human rights abuses committed by PFDJ regime for Eritreans in general, and Eritrean Muslims in particular. I understand why it does so for the Eritreans. What I could not figure it out at this particular moment is creating a link between the border ruling new decision with an old news that concerns Ethiopians first than any.
Being familiar with awate political inclination, may be it is part of the promise held from the late Osman Saleh Sabbe who is believed to be one of the most prominent and controversial political figure of Eritrean revolution Eritrea because of his passion and link with the Arab nations, especially Syria and iraq. Before joining the Eritrean Liberation front (ELF), Sabbe was more passionate to fight for the rights Eritrean and Ethiopian Muslims more than he ever sought to fight for the Eritrean rights to self-determination. In fact, he joined the armed struggle while he was an activist for the rights of Eritrean and Ethiopian Muslims. These political interest emerged while he was a student in Ethiopia. Though he shifted his energy to the cause of Eritrean people, throughout his stay in the revolution, he incorporated his early dreams within the Eritrean struggle by merging it within the concept of Arab Nationalism. Sabbe has injected this ideology through those early members of ELF who were trained in Syria and then Iraq and other Arab countries. Though, there is no clear indication for the existence of such political ideology as pure as it is within the ELF political discourse, there is no doubt that it had great impact on the way ELF was running its struggle. Today, such ideologies exist here and there in its silent behaviour; Awate webiste seems one of these protectorates of such ideologies.
Not only the news published through Gedab News, an article written by one of the prominent political elite gangsters, Saleh AA. Younis under a title, “Ethiopia PM Aby Unscrambles the algiers Agreement,” it is quite clear indication on how the news that is coming from Ethiopia is wanted to be perceived. Though Saleh Younis seemed to break down the whole scenario into a more readable form, how he concluded his article gives the whole notion of his mindset.
These two sentences given in the conclusion section by Saleh Younis tells everything how he [Saleh] seems to look into Abiye’s era
“…the PM is going to take measures that will keep the TPLF too busy dealing with its kilil issues to bother him at the Federal level. “
“For a guy so easy to lampoon, prime Minister Abiye may yet become one of the most consequential leaders Ethiopia produced.”
These sentenses are clear indication of pessimistic mindset of Saleh’s expecation from Dr. Abiye.
of course, Ethiopia has gone through a very complex political process to reach where it is today. The crisis within the modern governance system of Ethiopia is full of power hungry leaders, revolutionaries and warmongering tendencies. Nevertheless, since 1991, it has witnessed a smooth increments of democratic atmosphere. Learnigng from what had happened before, only a magical discourse and wisdom can bring a lasting change inside Ethiopia.
Hope of Peace that need to be worked out
Despite the political uncertainities, there is one hope that one good hearted Eritrean politician can wish to happen and be part of this happening: PEACE BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES. For the first time in history, the sovereignity question of Eritrea has some legal status to stand by itself by following international pacts. Ethiopia has re-affirmed its position on the legal status of Eritrean sovereignity by accepting the border ruling of 2002. This is a great step towards peace once these two countries have come to terms on the border ruling after experiencing three years of devastating but senseless war that broke out because of border case.
It is discouraging to see some of our political gangsters to look powerless and pessimistic on this important period of time. As if business is going normal, they seem to be not ready to be actors in the peace making process. Instead, they seem to be hopeless within Ethiopian politics, and people of no role to the peace deal between Eri-Ethiopia.
Had the aforementioned gangsters’ website had a courage to go beyond fears of uncerainities and focus what good can come out of these new developments, they could have positive impact and support of the Ethiopian side towards Eritrea.
Without doubt, more than ever, Eritrean political elites are hopeless and non-optimistic. In fact, their almost two generation struggle has exhumed all the energy they had without producing any meaningful change. But they have one possible, in fact most valuable, work to accomplish at this critical time. And this is to promote peace betwee the two countries at all costs. They could have a historical contribution if they use their collecive experience to tell what has happened and what shouldn’t so that peace between the two countries can flaurish. Unfortunately, they are further cultivating seeds of mistrust by bringing a non-relevant issues. If they stop to cross the poltical sovereignity of Ethiopia and just wish peace to be between the countries no matter what challenegs exist, the energy of peace could have a power of transforming into a positive wave.
On Tuesday, 24 July 2018, Eritrean Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmded were bestowed the Order of Zayed for the so-called their remarkable achievement to bring peace in the horn of Africa and the region after signing a Peace agreement to end the bloody war conducted between Eritrea and Ethiopia in the year 1998-2000. This war took about 100,000 lives and displaced many people from their ancestral land. After the war, the two countries entered into a proxy-war through armed groups and political groups. In consequence, This senseless war had paralyzed the diplomatic and any other activities between the two countries.
on September 16, 2018, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has awarded its highest medal award to Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Dr. Abiy Ahmed. In principle, the medal named, 
On 24/07/2018, UAE invited Dictator Isaias Afewerqi and Dr. Abiy Ahmed to Abu Dhabi and awarded them the highest civil decoration in the country. It is awarded to Kings, Presidents, and world leaders who played great role and efforts in supporting and developing the friendly relations and mutual cooperation between their country or organizations and the UAE.
There are many indications to prove this. For example, awate.com published a news article through its one of the most referenced and believed to be credible news column, Gedab News under a heading, 
Liberation front (ELF), Sabbe was more passionate to fight for the rights Eritrean and Ethiopian Muslims more than he ever sought to fight for the Eritrean rights to self-determination. In fact, he joined the armed struggle while he was an activist for the rights of Eritrean and Ethiopian Muslims. These political interest emerged while he was a student in Ethiopia. Though he shifted his energy to the cause of Eritrean people, throughout his stay in the revolution, he incorporated his early dreams within the Eritrean struggle by merging it within the concept of Arab Nationalism. 