 The
story of Eritrea is a story like no other. It stands on its own for
bravery, vision, wit, determination and doggedness. It is unique for
many reasons but mainly for sheer determination to accomplish what
has never been done in Africa, free a nation from perpetual
colonization, without outside support. It is unique because the
powers Eritrea faced were far-more powerful by international
standards. They possessed major military might, political influence,
deceitful strategic approaches and boundless resources to ensure
dominance. In addition, they were united to see Eritrea under the
hands of their client-state Ethiopia at any cost.
In reverse, every thing was stocked against the people of Eritrea.
They lacked money, resources, military-hardware; political
influence, training and all means necessary to counter the massive
powers staring at them. The idea to fight for independence and
succeed was remote but somehow Eritreans found it plausible. The
feeling of making the vision of independent-Eritrea radiated
throughout every segment of the population instinctively and
spontaneously. The numbers of those who joined to fight for the
independence of Eritrea trickle up and by the mid 70s, Eritrean
struggle for liberation blossomed.
The story of the curled afro-styled haired men and women in shorts
with Kalashnikovs fighting Ethiopian commandos became legendary like
mythical stories. At times it felt like nothing could stand in their
way. They provided a sense of pride. Pride they embedded deep into
the souls of every Eritrean. They empowered, motivated and inspired
Eritreans who didn’t think Eritrean independence was possible in
their life time. They kept Eritreans connected with their heritage,
traditions and music. They taught and showed what dedication meant
by example. They entertained with a message while uniting Eritreans
in the Diaspora. And they went the distance to ensure victory by
making every sacrifice known to man.
They left their homes, their wives and dear children. They set aside
their goals and dreams. They left their carriers behind to uncertain
future. They gave their fame and fortune to their cause without
hesitation. They left knowing their actions can endanger their
family’s lives and livelihood. They left families and children
behind in the hands of brut and criminal enemy army that was hell
bent to see Eritreans dissipate by all means in order to take the
land.
The enemy was cognizant of our powers, respectful of Eritrean can do
attitude that transformed their country Ethiopia from the middle
ages but hoped, prayed and did all that is in their power to see
Eritreans fail. The world was oblivious to our plight and ignored
the hardship Eritreans faced in a daily basis every where. When
Eritrea was being scorched by napalm bombs provided by Israel, the
Soviet Block and the West, our cries fell in deaf ears. We were
dispensable, expendable, and no where and no one to turn to. Those
who are crying in the name of freedom of press and human rights
today were mute enjoying the annihilation of Eritreans.
That meant we needed to BELIEVE! Believe on each other. Believe in
our leaders and leadership. Believe in our masses to withstand the
hardship, the scorching, hunger, insane living conditions. Believe
that we can do it ourselves! Believe on the mission that echoed so
brilliantly throughout the Eritrean psyche that called on the mass
to be aware, organize and arm. And envisioned on Victory for the
Masses! Eritrea heeded that message and took it a step further, to a
collective national-social-conscience and rose to the mountain top,
Asmara, and put the true banner Mission Accomplished. They cemented
the pride of Eritrea for good, paid for by all the blood and
sacrifices in order to lift the children of today’s Eritrea. Rimna!
Take Two
Soon thereafter however, Eritrea was tried fiercely by a
challenge that could have derailed the victorious spirit of those
who went through long and difficult struggle for independence. Just
at a moment when Eritrea can let her guards down, relax, join the
world and start to rebuild; she was suddenly forced to pick up the
torch one more time. Eritreans were encircled in a web designed to
entrap, immobilize them and suck-out Eritrean juices dry. Smelling
blood and sensing imminent death of Eritrea, the vultures started
hovering. The quisling league AKA lost-souls were hatched from the
dumps of Weyane. Confident of their march to Asmara, danced on the
graves of martyrs with TPLF soldiers.
Consequently, the experiences of the last decade will remain as one
of the most chronicled moments in the history books of Eritrea.
However, even if the challenges seemed insurmountable, the
undercurrent Eritrea pushed is what defines and will define Eritrea
for the foreseeable future. Eritrea paid dearly with unnecessary
sacrifices due to belligerent and deceitful TPLF leaders in
Ethiopia. However, it was not in vein, because that triggered
instinctive reaction based on values that was embedded deep. It is a
value system that traces its roots to the days of struggle for
liberation and serves as a foundation. It is THE value that
determines the very existence of the nation. It is the main
ingredient to all Eritrean successes. Eritrean Unity!
Eritrea is always united to defend and build the nation. United to
grow together, united to support and nurture each-other and to lift
the standard of living by education. Eritrea is united to find
indigenous solutions to problems and challenges in agriculture,
construction, education, infrastructures building, institutional
development, communication and expansion of services. The approach
permeates throughout every sector. If we take healthcare as an
example, Eritrean is committed to see a healthy-nation using
holistic approach to community-health-care focusing primarily on
women and children. By building medical infrastructures in all parts
of Eritrea, health care is becoming available to all.
The methodology applied for sustainable healthcare system in Eritrea
is fascinating. Eritrea was lucky to have learned from pitfalls that
drained the brains of doctors and educators underdeveloped nations’
experience. To counter that, Eritrea established health-education
sector that partners with doctors around the world. It is
fascinating to see doctors of varied specialties contributing their
expertise as well as equipments to the program enthusiastically. It
is a program that will certainly yield dividends to Eritrea and the
region. It is a program that can encourage other countries to solve
problems fundamentally using indigenous long term solutions
following Eritrea’s lead.
The Swing
Over the last decade Eritrea has moved forward even when the
rogue mercenary TPLF regime in Ethiopia and the Bush administration
placed major obstacles as part of their campaign to see a failed
Eritrea. They acted as if they are invincible and placed every
hurdle known to man fearing no consequence. But eerily, the
similarities of the fall Mengistu Hailemariam and the current
circumstances surrounding the Meles regime are striking. The end of
the Cold-war spelled disaster for Mengistu. The USSR was defeated;
communism was associated with failure and money dried. Similarly,
the driving force behind the Bush administration support for Meles
was the War-on-Terror or the war between good and evil; code slogan
for religious war! The world rejected the war uniformly and lead to
a failed Bush administration. It damaged US reputation around the
world and emptied US coffers leading to massive economic crisis
around the globe. This will deny Meles the money he is used to.
And just as the USSR was unable to support Mengistu after the
Cold-War; Meles will not get the unlimited support he once enjoyed
from Washington. Like Mengistu, Meles will not be able to finance
his army. This is creating defection of high ranking military
officers, massive imprisonment and involuntary dissolution of the
mercenary TPLF army. Like Mengistu, Meles has no public support and
faces insurgencies throughout Ethiopia. Mengistu claimed to wipeout
rebellion and failed. Similarly, everything Meles claimed he can
accomplish as a regional power failed. Eritrea defeated the Derg
successfully leading to the crumbling of the army and ensuring the
independence of Eritrea. And the defeat of Meles appears imminent
because he is at the weakest political position ever and on shaky
grounds.
Eritreans must feel pride and a sense of major accomplishment this
independence day because we overcame the Bush administration with
our heads up high in the face of tremendous pressure and adversity.
Eritrea cemented a position of independence unseen any where,
defiantly. Eritrea successfully transferred an economy that was
largely dependent on trades with one country by creating new
partnership. Eritrea showed sophistication and what it means to
stand on principle in the worst of times never compromising her
position. Eritrea showed the world what it meant to be a regional
player indeed and for a good cause, peace. Eritrea created alliances
while cornered showing illusiveness not only on the battle field but
in all the fields. Eritrea is developing capacity in all sectors to
ensure sustainable growth. Eritrea showed, preservation, history and
education mattered. Eritrea proved to the world, “injustice any
where is injustice everywhere!” Eritrea bravely showed the world
Eritrea is not a cakewalk.
Eritrea broke all the taboos the West propagated by developing
construction capacity, maritime-exploration-education and
exploration of ones historical heritage in every part of Eritrea.
Eritrea is building infrastructure necessary that will ensure
tourism coupled by stability. Eritrea, while under tremendous
pressure created media outlets that serve not only the kids of
Eritrea but kids throughout the region. In addition, Eritrean kids
are running their own successful entertaining-educational programs
in keeping with our values.
In short, what Eritrea accomplished is nothing short of miracle. It
doesn’t mean that we are there but, the principles Eritrea cemented
will ensure future success for the next generation more that any
structure we can build. It is admirable to see the way Eritreans
worked to develop while fiercely defending the country. The culture
of work, sacrifice and persistence will go a long way to ensure a
successful nation and the life we deserve. Because Eritreans have
toiled and died to pave the way, literally! There are those who
believe we should be on the moon and have taken the steps to get
there however, Eritrea is in the right place.
Before independence Eritrea fought because we believed in a dream, a
dream many thought will never materialize in our life time. But it
did. We didn’t know what freedom would look like and we earned it
overcoming very dark moments. Stage one was reached in May 24, of
1991. At that moment we placed our feet on a platform of freedom..
After a limited respite, in 1998, we started the struggle anew
against a thick pressure meant to derail every thing Eritrea
established during the struggle for liberation. And brilliantly
Eritrea used it as a lever to catapult her on to the stage we are in
today!
This Independence Day, Eritrea is on a new stage. The international
platform! It is a platform for trade, business and development.
After an arduous climb we have arrived at the mountain top. But we
just arrived and we are setting our gears to try to navigate
successfully. We have made some necessary moves to set us on sound
footing. We have made strong alliances, friendships and best
possible deals we can make to jumpstart our mining and other
resources. In other words we are like the kid who just graduated
from high school and received scholarship to go to college. And like
the good kid who wants to make his parents proud, we have to do good
by doing all the right things. We have to study hard, learn from
others when we can and always think, how to make home a better
place. Eritrea has always been a source of pride for all, but now,
it is time to think about the Second-Level-of-Pride; to become proud
members of the global community and compete successfully. It is time
to dream big. It is NOW!
Happy 18th Eritrea
Wetru Awet N-Hafash |
