Eritrea at 22,
Demonstration of United Strength
Amanuel
Biedemariam
Trying to sum up Eritreaxi's 22 Independence weekend, all
the events, activities, festivities and emotions in one word or in a simple
statement is quite a task. It is surreal and hard to believe, see or, imagine
the collective joy Eritreans experienced during the action packed weekend of
celebrations.
For decades, Eritreans in the Diaspora have established
activities that can bring-them the feel of home wherever they are. The
Independence Day celebrations accentuate that feeling tenfold because Eritrean
Independence is the result of long struggle, sacrifices and collective
experiences expressed joyfully and colorfully. Year 2013, Washington DC
Eritrean community did a great job in ensuring a joyful, safe and orderly
participation.
This year, DC, Atlanta,
Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles were graced by the presence of high level
Eritrean delegation led by H.E. Mr. Osman
Saleh Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Yemane
Gebreab Head of Political Affairs of PFDJ and Presidential Adviser. The
celebrations were then capped by a seminar that attracted huge crowds.
It is ironic and
emblematic of the resolve Eritreans demonstrate and reminder of what Eritrea
faces daily when on Independence Day, Eritreans were forced to gather in
defense of their nation, at the Embassy of Eritrea in Washington DC on the very
day that Independence was celebrated in Eritrea and globally.
On Friday May 24,
hooligans dressed on black (expression of mourning) tried to storm the Embassy
of Eritrea in DC. They came with eggs to throw at the embassy and to make noise
in a solemn day when Eritreans were celebrating or about to as it were in DC.
Obviously, these people are not happy about Eritreaxi's Independence. Most were Ethiopians.
Some are from Tigray born in Eritrea and the handful Eritreans were known
regionalists and religious zealots supported by Ethiopia. Moreover, the
hooligans were sent by Bereket Simon to balance out demonstration-news whereby
Ethiopians were set to demonstrate on the streets of Addis and allover
thiopia.
Eritreans responded to the
spiteful and evil disturbance by blasting music that drowned the vulgarities
and by dancing. And as soon
as the hooligans threw one egg hitting an elderly man, police kicked them out
of the area, a well-deserved response.
It is spiteful to condemn
entire nation for celebrating independence, a nation that was brought to life
as a result of thousands of dear lives and it is also telling, to see these
hooligans oppose the average Eritrean for celebrating a national event.
That in a sense was the
kickoff to Independence Day weekend in DC. A fitting reality of what Eritreans
regularly endure and overcome. Once Eritreans started their dances to ward-off
the enemies at the Embassy, the dancing of victory continued until the end of
the celebrations.
Countries around the world
celebrate Independence Day. For Eritreans however, Independence Day is a
special month-long national event and it is an event celebrated by every Eritrean
young and old. In DC it is celebrated over the Memorial Day weekend. The event
started on Friday and ended on Monday after the seminar.
On Saturday May 25,
thousands of Eritrean families picnicked at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria,
VA. It is heartwarming to witness a well-organized event where families can
come together with friends; children can be children by playing on the
playground, face-painting and playing soccer etc... Parking was plentiful and orderly.
Fort Hunt is expansive area that accommodated all the needs. In some areas
people danced; YPFDJ set up a barbeque grill and served hot dogs and burgers.
And interestingly, YPFDJ also set up a traditional coffee tent. Valet parking was also provided. The
event was warm relaxing, enjoyable and the love Eritreans show each other is
simply out of this world. The
civility is a reflection of Eritrean maturity. The picnic is also
representation of the nine Eritrea's nationalities. It was a fun filled picnic
full of memories. It was expression of what it means to be Eritrean.
The same night, the
opening party was held at a downtown DC hotel where hundreds of youth showed up
to celebrate independence.
On Sunday May 26,
thousands showed up to celebrate the 22 years of Eritrea's Independence. This
was the main event. Many dignitaries, activists, media personalities, embassy
representatives from invited countries attended. Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic gubernatorial
candidate for Virginia also attended and addressed the Eritreans and said that,
"if we helped him get elected, he will establish Eritrea Virginia trade
relations."
Prior to the event, all
the invited dignitaries were treated to the Taste of Eritrea where they were
served traditional Eritrean meals and coffee. The dignitaries were in awe with
the colorfully dressed beautiful Eritrean women that hosted the event for their
grace and welcoming nature. They enjoyed the hospitality. Representative from
the Russian Embassy and his wife enjoyed the coffee ceremony so much that they
took many pictures posing as if they made the coffee.
The dignitaries then
joined the Eritrean delegation on the opening of the ceremonies and continued
enjoying the celebrations afterwards. It was a packed house with hardly any
room to move. The atmosphere was full of positive energy, colorful, fun and
full of love. It is a testament to the good nature of the people and a vivid
evidence of how united Eritreans are.
On Monday May 27, the long
awaited seminar was conducted where thousands showed up to hear Minister Osman
and Mr. Yemane's presentations. The topics covered many issues. The Seminar and
the Q and A session summarized the state of the State of Eritrea, Diaspora
politics, US Eritrea relations, the economy, constitution, human rights, youth
flight and, many more issues were discussed candidly. To highlight some key
points from the presentations and the Q&A session:
About US accusing Eritrea
on human rights issues: The US
possesses no moral authority to tell us about the rights of our people.
Moreover, it is agenda driven and not based on the interest of Eritrea.
Eritrea US relations: We
have no intentions for enmity towards the US. We would like better relation
based on mutual respect and respect to sovereignty.
Answering about
development, nationalism:
Why is there poverty in
Africa? No nationalism. Africans
have failed to establish themselves as nations. Eritrea did not get the chance
they got when African nations where handed independence Eritrea was condemned. To the contrary Eritrea's path
was independent. The Eritrea that we are building will be advanced, sovereign
and able to chart her destiny consistent with our history. We are in a stage
where we are in the tip to ensure self-sufficiency in agriculture. That is when
we can focus on exports
About Asmara: It will get
its due attention because Asmara is too important to be overlooked since it is
central. Hence, we will retain her beauty and develop her.
About the youth, Diaspora
and new comers: we must focus on them and make sure they remain engaged.
One of the new comers who
fled from Sawa said, "I fled from Sawa and seen hardships that I only know. But
my Eritrawinet is unflinching and will go back to defend my country tomorrow if
I have to."
About constitution: There are three aspects to the
constitution. A) It focuses on
Social Justice based on our principles. B) On the rights of our citizenry.
Anything that stands against it and those that undermine those rights will
naturally pay due price. C) Governmental institution that ensure the rights of
the people.
When we talk constitution
we must ensure that we are not falling into the trap enemies set and set our
own course based on our timeline and gave examples.
About the rapporteur: it was politically motivated and
should have been rejected by the organization. It was illegal and unacceptable
from the get go and we will not buckle. In June 23 there will be meeting at the
UN and will participate.
About Human trafficking,
is not Eritrea specific. But in our case it is conspiracy. There are networks
in Sudan, Egypt and we know individuals that are responsible. He also noted
that there is one nation that bullied nations in order to take ownership of the
issue and to manipulate it.
About youth born in the US
and 2 %: We have to
strengthen our communities. We need to engage them and it is of utmost
importance to focus in the ID's of Eritreans.
A lady told a story about
the lies she was told to discourage her from sending her daughter to Eritrea.
She was told there are people dying etc...
About the anti Eritrean
groups: Minister Osman said this is part of Weyane's agenda to create ethnic
zones in order to divide Eritrea. He said, "Their main goal is to acquire Assab."
By using the rights of the
people in the region their aim is to divide up Eritrea along ethnic lines. This
is article 39 replicated on Eritrea, a desperate last gasp for greater (Abay)
Tigray. The TPLF believes it is the only way they can yet try to hoodwink the
people of Ethiopia. The regionalist elements are perfect tools for TPLF.
Minister Osman also said
that, it is time to weed out these criminal elements from our lives. He stated
these are individuals going to Addis and scheming to hand over Eritrea. These
are people going around and trying to create problems all around. And yet,
Eritreans are simply accepting them in social gatherings as if nothing
happened. He said they must be isolated from our circles.
Mr. Yemane also echoed the
same sentiment by saying, we will no longer tolerate them and that we are going
"on the offensive" regarding this matter. There is no need to take their
insults and criminal activities any longer.
Summary:
We want to make sure that
we continue to grow the right way by considering education and all the
necessary human development steps. China took 30 years and they still have room
to grow. We are showing great progress. Over
the last 15 years, we have weakened the entire machination against us but it
does not mean we have won yet. We have to strengthen our resolve and with the
understanding that Mekete is not only against the sanction, it is alive in the
economy, social etc... The aim of the enemies is to exploit our resources by
weakening us.
It is worth noting that
the statements about the anti-Eritrean element parading as Eritreans received a
sustained applaud. It showed that Eritreans were fed up and were eager to hear
what Minister Osman said, "Isolate them."
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the
seminar, Mr. Yemane made a remark that summed up the 22nd anniversary of
Eritrea's Independence celebrations. He said, "Eritreans must realize how
powerful that you are."
It is sometimes hard to translate Tirignya and
capture accurately the meaning. Mr. Yemane made the remark to remind Eritreans
that they possess proven powers and that they can utilize the unexploited
powers.
The 22 Independence
celebrations affirmed the unflinching unity, unwavering commitment and the true
love Eritreans have for each other and Eritrea. At a moment when international
schemes have reached feverish pitch, when the schemes aimed at breaking the
will and unity of Eritreans reached unparalleled high; the faith Eritreans have
on each other and the leadership blossomed as demonstrated during a serene
weekend of celebrations that Eritreans enjoyed worldwide.
This by no means is
deterrence to the enemies because the enemies are dead set to see the
disintegration of Eritrea and the annihilation of the state of Eritrea. Years
of aggression attest to that fact. However, and to their dismay, the people of
Eritrea have become the oceanic tide that they need to cut through in order to
get to Eritrea. That is the heart of Mr.
Yemane's comment. There are more unrealized powers Eritreans need to exercise
to deal with the upcoming challenges and to place Eritrea where it needs to be.
And it will take the collective resourcefulness and resoluteness of the people
in and out of Eritrea to overcome the challenges. The Independence celebrations
and the way the Eritrean community in DC hosted and conducted the events is a
testament to it. And as always, victory is a must!
Zel Alemawi Zikri
N-swe-atna
Awetnayu_at_hotmail.com
Received on Thu Jun 06 2013 - 13:59:00 EDT