Dr. Mesfin Araya, York College, The City University of New York
January 29, 2008
“ It is a curious thing with national hatred….Yet there is a stage at which it vanishes altogether, where one stands above the nations, so to speak , sharing joy or sorrow of a neiggboring people as though they had been encountered by one’s own ‘’ 1
The Age of Enlightenment in Europe has made a profound revolutionary change in the history of humanity. As history, however, is ultimately indeterminate, the Enlightenment has paradoxically brought humanity blessings as well as continued social crises .
With its central governing philosophical principle—The Mind, Reason, as the sole supreme authority—it has opened our eyes to the hitherto impenetrable secrets of nature; and behind the modern day of individual freedom and the unprecedented material comfort in the Western world lurks the historical role of the Enlightenment , although ‘The Third World’ frighteningly remains marginalized.
On the other hand, its heartless logic has unleashed unbridled ecological racism, resulting in a scaring environmental decay ; socially , it has aggressively eroded and narrowed the ethical-moral sphere: The debilitating poverty in ‘The Third World’, the accelerating fatal North/South divide, largely along the racial line , the morally disturbing global proliferation of the sex industry, etc. are indeed indicative of the unquestionable products of a civilization apparently singularily driven by The Mind, Reason, that has never tried to engage the Heart, as the latter has invariably been dismissed as a mere locus of emotions, irrationalities.
We need to understand, however, that behind the distortion, pollution of the historical role of the Enlightenment has been the critical role of its own twin products : The nation- state and capitalism .
The worst crime in the modern history of humanity occurred when a selfish minority elite in society invented the nation-state ; but the great tragedy unfolded when humanity itself blindly believed and followed the enterprising , destructively selfish , nationalists.
The nation-state–driven by its inherent mechanics of Us/Them syndrome and by its no less inherent logic of profit motive–has been central in the unfolding agony of humanity. . AS early as 1862 Lord Acton had predicted that , when he wrote that nationalism
“…does not aim either at liberty or prosperty, both of which it sacrifices to the imperative necessity of making the nation the mould and measure of the state. Its course will be marked with material as well as moral ruin.’’2
Behind the notorious history of the transatlantic slave trade and the cruelest institution of slavery in The’New’ World was the logic of the nation-state. The primary culprit in the late 19th century European scramble for the ‘The magnificent African cake’ —under the holy alliance of the politician , the merchant , the army , and the church— was the nation-state itself. The two destructive World wars , and the heartless Jewish Holocaust– “ …the mass sacrifice of human beings to the idol of nationalism . ’’ 3 – were no less the products of the nation-state; the unending suffering of our Palestinian sisters and brothers is rooted in the nation-state, this time parodixically, with a Zionist accent . Behind the Rwanda ethnic mayhem was also the role of the nation-state, with an African accent .
With the pessimism of the mind and the optimism of the heart, our dear Democratic Left, Eric Hobsbaum, tells us that– like ‘ The owl of Minerva—which brings wisdom—flies out at dusk ’– the nation-state, with its nationalism and selfish interest, may be on its way out under the onslaught of globalization. If so , its departure does not appear seamless. In its apparent death-bed, it seems to have engineered a destructive agenda. Among its targets is the Horn of Africa . Currently , we are watching the alarming military buildup along the Ethio-Eritrean border, where “ the threat of war is very real . ” 4 ; and we all know that wars –as Goethe would would say “… make many unhappy while they last and none happy when they are over . ” 5
The great question of our time is : Can we frustrate its agenda? Certainly, the answer must be yes ; as the alternative is mayhem , as an end in itself.
Awate.com had– on December 2 , 2007– released ‘An Open Letter to Eritrean and Ethiopian People’ with its encouraging and enticing slogan: ‘Together, we can do it!’ —i.e. , to avert the impending Ethio-Eritrean war, which has been conducted so far as a proxy war in the Horn. Indeed, it is a welcome call, especially coming from Eritreans in whose homeland “ Even the stones [ let alone human beings- M.A. ] were burning” under Mengistu Haile Mariam’s brutal war of ‘Greater Ethiopia’ nationalism . But their call ought to go beyond simply preempting the war to include the defeat of the twin tyrants : The incorrigible dictator in Asmara , Isaias Afwerki, and Meles Zenawe in Addis Ababa , the shameless Musharraf of the Horn of Africa .
The Oromo Liberation Front [OLF] had also issued —on December 3 , 2007— a public statement , calling upon resisting forces in the Horn of Africa to rally around the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy [ AFD ], in order to realize peace , democracy , and prosperty . But it is one thing to appeal for the need to initiate a united front across the region in which OLF itself —like all other opposition forces— would participate as an equal partner and totally quite another and disappointing thing to call upon resisting forces to merely circle around the would-be umbrella organization, the AFD . This is not the time for competing in leadership, it is rather the defining moment for creative collaborative efforts.
I call upon the organic intellectuals across the Horn of Africa—those who are deeply committed to the welfare of ‘The Wretched of the Earth’ in the region– to close ranks and mobilise their capacty to unleash a social movement to defeat the twin tyrants . As a social movement, they can popularize democratic ideas that can be transformed into a formidable material force to bring Peace, Democracy, and Social Justice . I submit that I have little doubts that once these rare and indespensable social values are realized, ‘The Wretched of the Earth’ of the Horn of Africa—who have for long undergone lived experience of abject poverty, oppression, and a vicious cycle of tyrannical rule—are likely to vote with their feet to bury the twin tyrants, the nation-state, and inaugurate a peaceful and democratic transition to the union of the countries in the region .
The organic intellectuals of the region can restlessly expose the servile role of opportunist intellectuals, the advisory councils behind the merciless tyrants; they can educate and show an alternative emancipatory vision . Indeed, history is settled at the present moment ; and if they ever opt to remain as a side observer , they will never escape their de facto complicity with the wantonly destructive designs that the twin tyrants have in store for their people .
I call upon our Ethiopian and Eritrean sisters and brothers- where ever they may be- to join the struggle against the tyrants . I also call upon our Oromo, Ogaden, and Somali sisters and brothers- whose legitimate grievances have yet to be addressed – to join the collective sruggle. Indeed, the need for a united Front has never been more timely ! This is the time for all of us to exit from our respectve ethnic wombs and assert our humanity. We ought not forget– as Goethe would remind us—- that “ The world advances only because of those who oppose it .’’ 6
May the spirit of Ra, God, Allah, and that of our ancestors find us courage and resolve to make a difference . May the spirit of EPRP members—who bravely marched to their death , holding ‘ Democracia’ high in the face of the merciless ‘ Red Terror’ , and may equally the spirit of the Eritrean martyrs— who heroically sacrificed their lives for freedom that never saw the light of day—sustain our collective sruggle for Peace, Democracy , and Social Justice . ‘The Wretched of the Earth’ in the Horn of Africa shall triumph !!!
P.S.
To my dear friends — wherever they are , who may still be not embracing , but rather embraced by emancipatory vision—I would like to recall our memorable years as undergraduates in Addis Ababa : We were young dreamers then—long before the process of living tried its best to undermine our collective dreams for our people . Do you remember when in the depth of the night we formed a circle and swore : ‘ Only death do us part ? ’ . Our dear friends , Wallelegn Mokonnen, Yesehak Debretsion, Yohanes Sebhatu , Tselote Heskias , Meles Gebre-Mariam , Tesfu Kidane , and many more , were there ; Debteraw [ Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin ] was obviously at the center with us . I, for one, remember vividly !
Debteraw remains an exceptional friend. We ought not forget his critical role , especially in the darkest years of EPRP : When doubts and hopelessness prevailed, he asserted courage and resolve! When the narrow individual interest prevailed, he affirmed the broader vision and the collective interest! When sheer expediency prevailed, he held cherished principles high ; when merciless Reason prevailed , he asserted the optimism of the Heart ! When some sold their souls to the Dergue , and then to Wayane , he resolved to struggle– regardless of the price to be paid . Indeed, Debteraw– ‘ The Black Lion’ of the rugged mountains of Ethiopia– shall always live in our hearts .
In the great African tradition the departed are not dead , as they continue to participate in the lives of the living . To die in the African tradition is to change one’s address. Our dear Debteraw has only changed his address ; and what really matters on our part is never to discontinue contact ! May his indomitable spirit guide us all in this stormy, Suname—like political weather in the Horn of Africa !
Notes
1. Frederick Ungar [ ed. ] . Goethe’s World View, [ New York : Frederick Ungar Publishing, 1963 ] :185
2. Edward Hallett Carr . Nationalism and After . [ London : Macmillan ] : vi
3. Ibid . ,p . 34
4. Herald Tribune, December12 , 2007
5. Goethe , p . 187
6. Ibid . , p 113
Felow Ethiopians, this is a great piece of writing and legitimate invitations to all Ethiopians and the concern areas. It is a very important invitation, the time is running for Ethiopia and Ethiopians. The banda regime muste eliminated from Africa nogt only Ethiopia if Ethiopians can live peacefull, under democracy and the rule of law. It is sad that the Ethiopian intelectuals just lok only for their personal interest.
We have no time to waste.
Ethiopia prevails.
This seems to be an idea to debate. So How does one write to the author?
Does he have an email address?
Mesfin,
You have said it again. You are one of the few who have been broader thinker and above the narrow nationalists.
Yes your call United front is timely and necessary.
You have been consistent on your views and un wavering stands on the unity of people with understanding.
Solomon
Mesfin,
You have said it again. You are one of the few who have been broader thinker and above the narrow nationalists.
Yes your call for United front is timely and necessary.
You have been consistent on your views and un wavering stands on the unity of people with understanding.
Solomon
a good article Mesfin.But the revos of yesterday are reactionaries today.The EPRP anja is a case in point.very sad but how do we go foreword?
Ato Mesfin,
You are great, you brought A very important subject to the forum. This call should be sent to all Opposition Partie or fronts, formally, addressed directlly to them. It is not let but urgent.
It is a great idea. But this site is poisoned by brain dead people like Getachew Reda, whose only purpose is to burk on idea’s and hurle curses and accusation at every one except his own rubish “writing’.
Lemma Wasse
It is amazing that your group still has not waken up from its somber slip. You forced EPRP in to a split with your insulting behaviors, because of your labeling etc. Even after the split, you continue in the old approach of smear and the lack the capacity to take responsibility for the mess you created.
Walk up my friend, we have moved on and are doing what we could for our country.
If you decide to stay in that self consuming politics of despair, it is your choice.
I assure you that your approach is very destructive to the struggle against Weyane and an impediment to the realization of the ideas Mesfin Araya is talking about. You are for division his idea is for unity. You are for smear politics he is for humbleness and openness.
That is sad. Siyalk Ayamir
Yifajal Iwnetu
Selam Dr. Mesfin,
Your clarion call for broader united front to defeat the twin tyrants in the horn region is commendable and essential for durable Peace and True democracy.
As you are well aware of, the history of forming a broader united front is replet with so much treachery, double talk and for some a tactical short cut to seize political power. The philosophical and ideological underpinings of each movements and political organizations were/are the culprit to undermine the coming together of these forces. Beside these short comings external forces were/are able to explot these seemingly narrow differences.
Here comes your vision and clarion call for as you dubbed it,the organic intellectuals.
This is a good opportunity to unlearn the fallacy of divisive ethnic politics,with any of its nagative charcters,worship of neo-liberal polices etc. and rectify the mis-education of so called western trained intellectuals.
Let us debate the merit or de-merit of the issue and come together around a common princple. Dr. Mesfin your story of college years is an excellent testmony.You were bound by GREAT PRINCIPLE AND VISION for you vowed,ONLY DEATH DO US APART?.LET US PUT EACH INDIVIDUAL,PARTY,ORGANIZATON FOOT TO THE FIRE AND TEST THEIR SINCERITY AND RESOLVE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENFIT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE REGION.
UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL!
Selam Dr. Mesfin,
Thank you for your farsighted article that invited Organic intellectuals to work, cooperate and struggle together for a common goals for democracy, peace and development. Your article is very different from Inorganic Intellectuals are opportunists, corrupted, sham-nationalists or narrow-nationalists who are willing to do anything or sellout to advance their shortsighted benefits. For Organic Intellectuals, I would say Unity in Diversity against tyranny of majority and minority dictatorship.
Who are these “Organic Intellectuals” in the Horn, especially in Ethiopia and Eritrea the writer call for “their” leadership to allievate the suffering of millions of our people?
Most if not all African intellectuals both “organic” and “nonorganic” are shaped by foreign thinking, West and now China, and not function independently to tackle their problems.
Afircan elites are now serving their foreign masters interest by igniting wars in the name of fighting terrorism and globalism and the only way out is for those few “elites” to bring change and accountabilty at grass root level and take back their communities.
Africans do not need foreign ideology, secular or religous, to function as society because we have survived with our own system of governing for thousands of years.
We should not either dwell on the colonial legacy of the continent to rekindle wars to devastate our community rather work through our communities to solve our problem.
If the writer’s “Organic intellectuals” means homegrown or self confident grass root organizers I support them and if they are made in China Robots or Western thinkers forget about them.
Dr. Mesfin,
It is very refreshing to see your magnificent article on Debteraw’s website. It brought tears to my eyes. Always humble, insightful and responsible citizen (human being) you are truly one of the finest sons of our motherland. Unlike the recently written divisive articles it is without insult, innuendos, blaming, character assassination or conspiracy theory. The article matches the name of the website it is written on. For your friends legacy is impeccable and should not be tarnished by bitter, doomsday Sayers, hateful and arrogant writings that are not reflective of the Debteraw’s vision. Your call for democratic forces to close rank and remove the two tyrants is not only timely but also essential requirement for the establishment of a democratic pluralist political order. Your call should reverberate in the minds and hearts of all agents of change in Ethiopia and Eritrea. For emphasis sake, I will quote one paragraph from your article.
“I call upon the organic intellectuals across the Horn of Africa—those who are deeply committed to the welfare of ‘The Wretched of the Earth’ in the region– to close ranks and mobilize their capacity to unleash a social movement to defeat the twin tyrants. As a social movement, they can popularize democratic ideas that can be transformed into a formidable material force to bring Peace, Democracy, and Social Justice.” Mesfin Araya
yifajal Ewnetu, the old windsof Chicago and Toronto have dome bad things to your sick ego.That is why you have faield to understand the message of Dr.Mesfin.The politics he suggests is not including being Weyane.Siyalk ayamir?go tell it your sick Guru.
Thank you for giving us hope and showing the way away and beyond nationalist rethorics.
Once the rats and mice held an important conference
the subject of which was how to make peace with the
cat. After a long and heated discussion
it was decided that the best thing to do would be
to tie a bell around the neck of the cat so that the rats
and mice would be warned of his movements and have
time to get out of his way.
This seemed an excellent plan. So they sang and danced until the
question arose as to who should undertake the dangerous job of
belling the cat. None of the rats liked the idea and the mice
thought they were altogether too weak. So the conference
broke up in confusion.
For the past 50 years, we have read many articles, visited
many websites, heard many recordings, and watched many videos
from those who claim to oppose the government of Eritrea,
but no one is likely to approach, let along attempt, to the question:
“who is going bell the cat?”
The world is sick and tired of idle talks that do not
result in action. debteraw, awate, asmarino, and the rest of the opposition groups are powerless to have any impact on the gov of Eritrea. Well folks, what it takes is to
bell the cat. So, if the opposition groups are not up to
that task, they all need to stop making noises like the
gathering of the rats and mice.
Salutations!
B. Yohannes. St. Paul, MN
Dear d/r,
Let’s first do our own home work that is to come to unitary forces instead of biting and blaming each other, before we aspire the wider circles of unity.
When we are symbols of it, which is founded in understanding and respect each other, and then we will have moral power to shout the wide based unity that you propose to have.
Otherwise it will be a cruel jock as the Africa union while every and each nation is found under ethnic based turmoil.
Lemma Wasse , your usual insult aside, it is time that you come clean on the issue of Eritrea.
Your group has responsibility to be open to the Ethiopian public about your position regarding Eritrea. Do you consider Eritrea as a separate country from Ethiopia? Is Shebia a government you recognize or not? Come clean. We can not allow another historical mistake of cuddling Shebia to repeat it self. Never again
We can not allow double talk, double standard on this issue. You can not talk one thing in public and say (or do) the contrary behind the curtain. You can not consider Shebia anti Ethiopia and continue to have a secret relationship with them. The evidence is out in the public now. We can not allow another historical mistake of cuddling Shebia to repeat it self. Never again
You may not be comfortable talking about this issue but I have to knock your door again and again as this is an issue of public interest.
We can not allow another historical mistake of cuddling Shebia to repeat it self. Never again
Yifajal Iwnetu
Dear brothers and sisters;
I understand the genuine desire of Dr.Mesfin Araya. Having said this, we should not be driven by the emotion or peal letter to us by the so called “awate.com” an Eritrean hard core anti Ethiopia website (we can bring all evidence for it). You should really listen to the Meles stooges calling themselves Eritrean opposition lead by the pompous, arrogant, silly and racist fellow who I for many years followed his theory about Ethiopia and the way he disrespect Ethiopia and its history and who still never back off from the back of the “Hadinet/Andinet/Fikri Hager” still with his early 70’s or 60’s when he deal about present Ethiopian people and psych. Listen to the so called VoMD radio broadcast on January 31,2008 posted on Asmarino.com (where the Aigaforum commentator (TPLF cadre and admirer) Gorufu Gebregziabher is one of the Tigringa commentator contributor- his picture posted there), cursing the Kinijit party , accusing it working and directing by Isayas Afewerki (I have no idea he is talking when he is naming KINIJit- Might be AFD?). Any way, these are the groups that are called Eritrean opposition who are worst racist and immature arrogant who still are in their myth worst than Isays Afewerki. So, I have nothing against Dr. Mefin’s view since he is trying his best to call for change, but, following the Eritrean opposition who are waiting and begin Meles Zenawi to carry them on his shoulder back to Asmara is expected no positive change. What will change their view to think positive is, if the Ethiopian opposition is stronger than any of them then only then they will from heart deal with us. Most of all the Ethiopian opposition need to subdue/stronger than the three Eritrean Amigos in power (Meles, Sebhat and Bereket). Peace will not come without the opposition showed some unity and strong muscle. Until that time the locker will be in the hand of the three Amigos. Ethiopia will prevail!
Dear readers, what ever the doctor idea is innocent (innocence originates from knowledge to the political behavior of the doctor); it is untimely to form a political union at the level of the horn. Rather it will be a good forum that only serves the interests of TPLF.
Before we proceeds to that level of such gathering, let’s come to unity at least those who are expected to come.
You know the only proven tool of our enemies to disintegrate democratic forces is infiltration as it is evidenced in the case of Kinijit.
What my argument is that, first let’s form a strong bondage of union of between opposition forces. What was attempted till now by Kinijit or Hibret was an artificial union that was not derived from those who have and had fundamental similarities.
While such union formes, there should be a bench mark between the organizations those who are assume to form the union.
For instance, the stand toward means of struggle and ethnical based organization must be a difference or union points to form broad based union fronts between opposition forces those who are supposed to form the union front.
I read D/r Mesfin Arayas writings.
Although it is good, it has no use for our current problem from Ethiopia context.
I think it is an ABC of handling things between primary and secondary issues.
From Ethiopians perspective, to get organized and to give priority as well as allot our human and financial resource is our primal agenda.
To see things from horns perspective is our secondary task.
So let’s give priory first for the unity of our fragmented opposition groups.
Tedla Asfaw – The Capital from Addis reported the “ wedding” ceremony between Temesgen Zewde(MP)and Judge Birtukan’ s Kinijit faction and understandably no one from Eng. Hailu’ s faction was present . The ceremony was concluded by electing sixteen members of Supreme Council, fourteen from Temesegen supporters and four others including Professor Mesfin Woldemariam.
Judge Birtukan as reported on Capital she is trying to make a “ last minute deal” with Eng. Hailu’ s faction that was also reported on Ethiopian Review as a joint appearance with Ato Abayneh of Hailu’ s faction this past Monday which Ato Abayneh, acting chairman of Kinijit, denied on paltalk radio but confirmed that elders are mediating between Hailu and Birtukan’ s factions maybe for the last time before permanent split.
The Kinijit supporters anger in Ethiopia for what is going on within Kinijit is forcing these last minutes contact if it materialized and so as not to be seen in public as spoilers, however, deep inside the Kinijit factions are embarking to solidify their own positions in undemocratic way in case of Birtukn Medekssa
The call for the general assembly of Kinijit was ignored wisely by Birtukan’ s faction and rather try to reorganize it from top to down by bringing new sixteen council members which will finally join with the other Supreme Council members of Kinijit that supports her faction.
This undemocratic action, avoiding the general assembly,out of “ fear” for their deliberation which might be against her and her followers interest and finalize a “ weeding” with Temesgen Zewede is a big mistake on her short lived political experience.
This might be a big blunder which might cost her big time form her die hard fans in the Diaspora and by not learning from Lidetu Ayalew(MP) she might get the same treatment he got from the wider publicwhen hey sabotaged the formation of Kinijt after May 2005 election by bringing flimsy excuses and later run for his life to the sleepy Parliament of TPLF/EPRDF.
Eng. Hailu’ s faction surely will call the general assembly using a legal cover of Ayele Chamiso(MP) who got the legal name of Kinijit and it is possible that the majority will show up to make an important decision for the future of Kinijit.
In all these political circus the millions who supported Kinijit are intimidated by the TPLF/EPRDF cadres to vote for the paid candidates that are fed and clothed by the regime in power numbering around four millions in the spring local election.
It is sad the spirit of May 2005, the hope of electing representatives that serve their people is now turned in to recruiting paid candidates by the regime and forcing the public to vote for them and on the other side Kinijit’ s elected representatives that won the hears and minds of people end up splitting and betraying the people who gave them their votes.
The regime in power ultimate goal is to rule by preparing such make-believe election by denying free press and assembly, however, if Kinijit did not come through the general assembly and save the democratic hope of our people the action taken by Biruikan’ s faction to force new party from top will get the same fate as of Lidetu Ayaew’ s infamous party.
Dear readers:
The above article was posted on the Tegadalay Dawit website called EMF. As soon as the BB cults react to remove his article, I was also trying to comment on it and sure Tegadaly Dawit and his oter asociat Tegadeltee removed Tedla’s article. Can you imagine, how hopless and incohorent and inconfidence these media operators are when facts confront them? Zombi are experiencing distraction infront of them very verey fast. Ethiopia will prevail!
Dear Mesfin!
I am proud of you and hope your wishes for democracy will come true. You are a true friend of Rousseau in fact. Even the term “organic intellectuals” would have been very much to his liking!
Françoise
“Man is born free but everywhere is in chains.”
The central concept in Rousseau’s thought is “liberty,” and most of his works deal with the mechanisms through which human are forced to give up their liberty. At the foundation of his thought on government and authority is the idea of the “Social contract,” in which government and authority are mutual contract between the authorities and the governed; this contract implies that the governed agree to be ruled only so that their rights, property and happiness be protected by their rulers. Once rulers cease to protect the ruled, the social contract is broken and the governed are free to choose another set of governors or magistrates. This idea would become the primary animation force in the Declaration of independence, which is more or less a legal document outlining a breach of contract suit. In fact, all modern liberation discourse at some level or another owes its origin to the Social Contract and Rousseau’s earlier treatise, the Discourse on inequality
Ato Yefajal ewnetu (you guys/ anjas/ are good at producing superficial names though it is laughable because your deeds are not in congruity with your fabricated names. Your other comrade in anja produced similar pen/anja name as “seife nebelbal” Comikoch!!!
Yefajal you and your anja friends are counting your victory each day by how much you “destroyed” EPRP not Woyane. This is a futile attempt. You have lost the battle just like those before you, the Kiflu tadesses’, bereket simon’s etc… EPRP will never perish because it is a people’s centerd movement not instrument of the people’s enemy. It is sad your group end up being the Andargachew/berhanu jelie. History will remember you together with bereket, tefera walwa, addisu leggese… and other mercinaries.
Hello Professor,
I have been crying for Tselote and Youhans Sebatu and his 27 Eritrean comorades. Dr. Iyob is another great Eritrean leader who perished for the freedom of people of East Africa. My heart bleeds every now and then when I ran into prints that have their names. I thank you for holding and honouring them so dear. I wish I would be able to erect a monoument as tall as Ras Dashen for all of them.
Their blood that was shed in the dusty corners of northern parts of the Empire shall give birth to our freedom. They were truly dedicated leaders. I miss them dearly.
Sabatta Dubbii