May 10, 2008
Mesfin Araya*
It has been fifteen years since Eritrea formally declared its independence as a sovereign nation-state. The price paid was immeasurable: especially for over a decade and a half, Eritrean as well as Ethiopian blood had indiscriminately intermingled, overflowing the streams, the mountains, and the rugged dessert of Eritrea.
The idea of the referendum was presumed by the TPLF leaders as a catalyst for peace and stability in the region. Although the underlying authoritarian nature of EPLF and TPLF was known well before they took power, the referendum was also seen by some opportunist/naive—depending on how one takes them—Ethio-Eritrean intellectuals as a watershed in the possible transition to a confederation .1 The last ten years of bitter experience , however , has revealed an Ethio-Eritrean relationship, marked by deadly instability . Since the 1998-2000 bloody and devastating military confrontation , the proxy war between the twin tyrants—Issais Afwerki , the dictator , in Asmara2 and Meles Zenawe , the umbilical-cord of the US imperialism in the Horn of Africa—has increasingly engulfed the entire region, apparently with no hopeful signs for a peaceful exit . The brutal war and the unwarranted civilian deportations by both regimes has left behind a deep scar that may complicate future relations between the two countries .3
But what is sad and even more complicating is the current discouraging political environment surrounding Ethiopia . Within the Ethiopian political scene, we observe today individuals , groups , and political organizations , for which the independence of Eritrea still remains a bitter pill to swallow. Although there are others, I have in mind particularly the minority group that recently walked out from EPRP extraordinary Congress – a group which presumptuously calls itself “EPRP—Democratic.”
In its recent issue of ‘Democracia ’, the group printed a public statement regarding it position on Eritrea . To quote :
“EPRP-Democratic does not recognize the existence of an independent Eritrea . Ethiopia and Eritrea are not two separate countries . Eritrea was and still is part—province- of Ethiopia . ”4
Accordingly, it concludes:
“There is no border dispute at all, as Eritrea is not a separate and independent entity.”5
Reading the group’s statement was achingly a painful experience. I would not be exaggerating at all if I claimed that the authors of those provocative words have indeed grossly abused the concept, democracy, when they affixed the term to their organization. If TPLF were to deploy a military force to reincorporate Eritrea, we ought not be surprised if such kind of individuals, groups, and political organizations, rushed to join—what would be—a reckless war adventure.
It is a reckless adventure to deny what has been a fifteen-year old realty: The sovereign existence of Eritrea– sanctioned as such by the entire international community. On the contrary , what matters on the ground—having the long-term constructive vision in mind—is to engage tirelessly in creative efforts to entice the Eritrean people to come back under a peaceful and democratic process—a process that essentially values their humanity and also strongly underlines our sisterhood and brotherhood with them .
We lost Eritrea to a ruthless tyrant simply because there was incomprehensible lack of democratic thinking and practice in Ethiopia–where debilitating intrigues, conspiracies, and double talk prevailed; indeed, to repeat that kind of behavior to day would not be a tragedy, but a comedy.
As sad as it may be for some of us , the independence , or the separation , of Eritrea is a reality ; and only the hopelessly incorrigible chauvinists would deny it . The rare wisdom of our dear ancestors that ‘The neck was created to enable us to turn in order to look at what is at the back ’—the latter as a metaphor for the past— ought, indeed, to be instructive for the leaders of ‘EPRP-Democratic.’ On the other hand, it is the duty of serious democratic Ethiopians to expose such destructive elements— totally uprooting their movement at its bud.
A close reading of the Ethio-Eritrean history need to convince us that there are—apart from rational economic factors—deep historical , cultural , and social , repertoire to render Ethio-Eritrean Reunion less difficult and a happy historical encounter . It is only a matter of time.
What is critically missing is the habit of democratic thinking and practice. The democratic process is the surest road to a happy Reunion! With the permanent removal of the obstructing regimes of Issais and Meles , and equally , the early preemptive measures that would successfully frustrate the rise of similar regimes , the Ethio-Eritrean democratic Reunion could hardly be a far fetched dream – and not only is the project feasible , but also the struggle towards that end is a noble cause .6
As I suggested elsewhere7, the Ethio-Eritrean organic intellectuals—those who deeply care for the welfare of the people—could decidedly intervene to make history by uncompromisingly unleashing the war of ideas: the critical and timely struggle for a paradigm shift.
The struggle of the Ethio-Eritrean ‘Wretched of the Earth’ shall triumph !!!
Notes
1. See Amare Tekle: Eritrea and Ethiopia : From Conflict To Cooperation [ July 1994 ] .
2. For my open public critique of Shaebia in the past , I have been ruthlessly vilified—let alone by other Eritreans—by some members of my very own extended family , who dearly longed –as it is said—for ‘not even a single person to show up for my funeral .’
Today, I have sometimes wondered what those same relatives may think under their own , current , miserable ‘ funeral ’, engineered by a ruthless dictator whom they once worshiped blindly as the George Washington of Eritrea—indeed , ‘ Kerien Germow !’– Live and Learn !
3. In a rather unwarranted and cruel fashion –alien to the Ethiopian tradition—Dr Samuel Assefa had tried to justify the expulsion of largely innocent Eritreans residing in Ethiopia— Eritreans , incidentally , who were among the first builders of modern Ethiopia . Ambassadorship to the USA was the reward for his opportunistic and servile service to Meles . See his article , “ On Deportations ” , Addis Tribune , May , 1999 .
4. See Democracia, vol . 3 , # 1 [ January 2000 , Eth . Calendar ] : 1-6 . The quotes are my own translation from Amharic.
5. Ibid .
6. I have dearly longed for a fine morning—when the sun is shining—to listen to the Tigrigna song of the forties and fifties that goes : ‘ Oh bus , for whom the dollar is a fixture , please don’t depart without me” . The highland Christian Eritreans have historically seen Ethiopia as a source for employment and schooling ; and since the forties they have been moving southward to Ethiopia—the point of attraction– and the song reflects that .
Even the Eritrean Moslems—despite their marginal status in the Ethiopian life–were not entirely resistant to live within Ethiopia. Their acceptance of the ‘Federal arrangement’ of 1952 strongly underlines their willingness to live within Ethiopia, as long as the latter was democratic. During the constitutional debate over the ‘ Federation ’ , the struggle of Ibrahim Sultan —–demanding for a full democratization of the ‘ Federal arrangement ’, including his demand for the modification of the Ethiopian flag which was obviously bearing Christian symbols—– was indeed a noble cause .
7. See my “Open Letter to the organic intellectuals across the Horn of Africa .” in Assimba.com , Debteraw.com (http://debteraw.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/an-open-letter-to-the-organic-intellectuals-accross-the-horn-of-africa/) , or Awate.com
*The author, Ph. D, teaches African Studies and is the Head of African-American Studies at York College , The City University of New York .
an article that calls for reflection.The EPRP anja has no stand based on principles.
I DON’T COMMENT ABOUT EPRP DEMOCRIA I THINK THEY HAVE ENTITLED TO EXPRESS WHAT EVER THEY FEEL TIMES WILL TELL WHEN DEMOCRATIC INSITUTION FORMED IN ETHIIPIA OTHER THAN THIS FOCUSING HATE PROPAGANDA SPREADING I DON’T THINK GOOD IDEA THERE IS ALOT OF ISSUES TO FOCUS NOW DO WE HAVE TIME WHEN OUR OWEN COUNTRY SUFFERING IN DRAUGHT, POLETICAL UNREST TERITORIAL PROBLEM ETC… ALL THESE ARE WE ARE FACING RIGHT NOW DO WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO JAUNARY WHAT THEY WROTE TO READ WHAT BEATIFUL MIND SIR.
GOOD LUCK
Mesfine,I very much agree with you that a revolution in demomocratic thinking and practice is the safest and surest way for a possible re-stitch between these two peoples that were forced to accept separation at a time when debate and discussions were not the norm. Now that it has come to be a common practice to hear debates on possible re-unification of Ethiopia and Eritrea( for example through paltalk discussion and online articles like yours), I feel there is a twinkle of hope that this discussion will get momentum and trickle down to grass-root level. Because any discussion that does not have a room for the majority “layman population” on both sides is doomed to fail. As the layman is the primary subject that enjoys and suffers the good and the bad features of Bihertegninet, I believe that it is pretty important also to write in languages that are understandable in Ethiopia and Eritrea(e.g.in Tigrigna,Oromigna,Amharic….). This way all our vision for peaceful co-existence based on equality and mutual respect can be shared among both Eritreans and Ethiopians.
Greetings to Dr. Mesfin and All,
My response is mainly to the New Anja’s declaration of its policy on the Eritrean situation.
The run away Anjas mercurial political postions on various important issues reflect thier opportunist sentiment an waveing charter. Any thing ia bargainabel for political exepdiency. There is no surprise here: Anjas by essence are like a virus which attack the body politic in time of crisis. Their uniltaeral declaration on this isssue withstanding,the runaway Anja’S main focus is to demonise EPRP IN TANDEM WITH NOTORIOUS WAR CRIMINALS,TOTURERS,WOYANE SPIES ANS OPERATIVES ETC TO MUUDY THE POLITICAL WATER. Their statment and public utterances are all designed to talk,write,declare about what the retrogade and woyane,and ethnocentric element want to hear and read. The profelration of so called “democracy loving” groups who talk the talk but do not walk the walk reminds me the direct duplcation of “socialism” in the early days of the Ethiopian revolution.In the early ’70 and ’80′s SOCIALISM was the order of the time. From the hair and dress style, the language of everday interaction between and among the urbane populace were laced with this new idea the radicals “imported from abroad. Not to be shortchanged and exsposed as “backward” even members of the miltary junta-Dergue jumped to the bandwagon. And the rest is as you know history….Socialsim as an alternative politcal philosophy was discredited and the “Left” movemnts were exiled licking their wounds. I am afraid the constant abuse and misrule by Woyane/TPLF and shady charcters who peddle in the name of democracy may cause irreparable damage to cause. The runaway Anja is a addiition to this negative development.
Ethiopia will prevai;!!
Dr Areya
You have said what you believe and most of all as an Eritrean origin you might have some sympathy for that runaway province and all the secession drama. But sadly your statement on the EPRP D is out of the way. Ethiopian brothers sisters spilled their blood defending that province from Arab hired mercenaries. When that happen, you successfully Lind up the Ethiopian youth in your side by the name of nations nationalities, and the right of secession. Now if not all, majority of Ethiopians know the blander, and the reality as you said, Ethiopia now a landlocked country with her over 71 million people. Your and your buddies cry against the stand EPRP d took don’t change any other than help other Ethiopians to know who you are. Believe us Ethiopia shall bring her lost territories by all means when time comes
Selam Dr. Mesfin,
I do see your points. What you are saying is that we need to live with the reality in the ground. We need to live by what is summarized by weyane. We need to accept and recognize what exists in the international legal and political frame work, though it is not justified. No challenge.
This point attracts the concept of recognition. There are lot of actions and omissions, which are not recognized regarding EPRDF by different political groupings and societies. It is this aspect of recognition, which created different paths for the political organizations. There is a constitution and there are laws, there is a government in Addis, there is a ruling party and judiciary and different government institutions and officials etc in Ethiopia, recognized by the international system and working with the international frame work. There is also Eritrea as a state recognized by the same international framework. Therefore, the stands or recognitions by different political groups might have nothing to do in being democratic or not. It might be a perception and motto of political struggle.
A political group can pick and recognize any of the above for the promotion of its agenda. What I mean is self explanatory to elaborate it further. There are those who do not recognize the constitution and even the mere existence of a Ethiopian government let alone the actions and the blessings it gives ( Like the secession of Eritrea).
If we follow your approach there is no democratic political organization in Ethiopia for they do not recognize the existing that or this.
Badme will go, the western part of Ethiopia is going, other parts may follow. If it takes longer years and the truth is dominated/suppressed by the national and international regime, should we resort to recognition through that process?
But the idea and the process you forwarded and proposed to bring Eritrea to its right and natural place is great and nobel in my opinion. It could be one of the options.
The issue triggers a debate on the concept of recognition and the accepted principles behind it and politics.
My weak remark.
Yosef
Greetings Dr. Mesfin,
You have entitle to give your comment or reflect your view towards Ethio-Eritrea future. what I am amusing is that you are well aware of that EPRP’s long stand on Eritrean case, why you try to bring it at this moment. Also, you know very well both EPRP and EPRP (D) have the same stand on this case, why U trying your radar is focused on EPRP (D) alone? When did EPRP (Iyasus group) officially announce in favor of Eritrea’s independent? As an respected Ethiopian intellectual, at least use to be, you have to be fair. I know you quickly took side before you think twice.
Dear Dr. Mesfin,
I have a dream, We Ethiopians and my Eritrean relatives will live together once again if not by federation, we will live as a good neighbor like Canada and US, or Western Europe. However, This time it will be voluntary, peaceful and lawfully.
The reason is that the last 17 years gave a chance and taught both people that they need each other to cope with life.
Neither Eritrea become Africa’s Japan, nor Ethiopia’s head chopped off.
I have a dream the bus will depart early morning from Gondar, spend a night in Axum, then the next morning it will arrive in Asmara as it used to do during the old good days as Debark’s elders who took that trip and trade told me. So that we the people can sell and buy goods to get our daily breads, not worried about the politics.
From the beginning, people got together to hunt animals to get their daily food, then they developed history, language, and culture and so on in the process. The purpose of living together is to make life easier.
Thus, I have great admire for Dr. Mesfin Ariya’s view. My disappointment about his comment is that He equates Meles and Esayas and He failed to see some of the achievements Ethiopia made such as private media, political parities, developments etc. Those cannot be found in Isayas’s Eritrea.
I know there are so many problems but democracy is a process. Even America, which claims a father of Democracy did not elect a women for President to this day and their democracy is bought by money. In India, the largest democracy left out 150 million untouchable people. There is no perfect system.
As to EPRP, that is why it remained where it is now. It does not recognize the reality on the ground but wants to rule Ethiopia.
My appeal to Dr. Mesfin is go and visit Ethiopia and travel across the country (if you did not do so far), see the reality for yourself. Talk to the people and organize a conference on Ethiopian and Eritrea issue in Ethiopia and play a role. Hopefully, there will be a light at end of the tunnel. I believe the last 17 years gave a lesson for Ethiopian and Eritrea people.
Dear Dr. Mesfin,
I have always given careful attention to what you write. You are one of the few who are not afraid to say their mind. Thank you. Thank you also for sharing (fn.2) the consequences to you of your convictions.
I agree with you that the argument by some that Eritrea should not have broken away or that it should be federated with Ethiopia is silly.
I don’t know what you think but in my opinion the idea of confederation should not be raised now or in the near future.
First, the two nations should settle in their own way and second, unlike the hastily orchestrated secession (without a thorough public debate)there should be a cooling off period of at least ten years before such issues are raised.
The leadership in Ethiopia and Eritrea are both deeply distrusted by the general public and hence a genuinely democratic governance must precede any such talk.
Finally, we should realize that there are matters of national significance about which the public has no clue whatsoever that the two dictators have agreed on in its name.
I would appreciate if you could post few of your articles in this or other websites.