Vitaly Churkin

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, November 30, updated below — After a draft resolution to impose more UN Security Council sanctions on Eritrea was “put in blue” at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, the Council delayed a planned 10 am open debate on its Working Methods to fight behind closed doors about voting on the sanctions.

As Inner City Press exclusively reported Tuesday night, US Ambassador Susan Rice said the vote should take place Wednesday since Gabon, Nigeria and the regional IGAD group want the sanctions.

But the other African member of the Council, South Africa, questioned the rush to vote. Eritrean president Afwerki as asked to speak to the Council. Ambassador Rice put on a block, and as of now no other member has (“dared to”) call for a procedural vote, which it is predicted Rice would lose.

Most Council members spoken to by Inner City Press feel that if any head of state wants to speak with the Council, especially before sanctions are imposed, it should be allowed as a matter of due process and precedent.

On Wednesday morning sources told Inner City Press that Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said there should be no vote on the Eritrea draft today. South Africa has amendments. Experts will meet — but will Rice get her way?

Amanuel Biedemariam

On a recent interview with ESAT, the Founder and President of Genocide Watch, Dr. Gregory Stanton stressed that Ethiopia is high on the list of countries of Genocide Watch. The reasons Dr. Stanton outlined are alarming; however true, yet, an opportunity for Ethiopians and other peace loving people in the world to try to stop it from taking place. This is not the first time Dr. Stanton raised alarm publicly. However, this time, Dr. Stanton detailed the reasons why; as well as how and, what could trigger genocide in Ethiopia and specifically Tigray.

Dr. Stanton comes with a sizeable resume and expertise in genocide related matters because he has been closely associated with the formulation of the legal language and UN resolutions that govern the international standards. He has dedicated a great deal of time into the matter understanding the triggers; the damage, the consequences and ramifications; and hopefully preventive mechanisms. Dr. Stanton said the very reason Genocide Watch started is that, after The Rwanda Genocide, he came to the realization that there is a need for a watchdog group that specifically focused on genocide. And, that is the reason why he founded the organization.

While it is difficult to trust West- based organizations that claim to do good; I found Dr. Stanton’s reasoning compelling and his observation about the issues in Ethiopia spot-on. Dr. Stanton highlighted the stages or indicators that point to the likelihood of genocidal events in a given region and in this case Ethiopia, specifically Tigray. One of the common factors in these countries is often minority regimes ruling ethnically based administrations. Dr. Stanton said a Tigrayan minority that created its own colonies within the country rules Ethiopia. He further noted that the minority Tigrayan regime has created animosities and mistrust amongst the various ethnic groups in Ethiopia in order to divide and rule. In these circumstances a feeling of”Us-against-them” and resentment arises with deadly consequences. And there is always a nickname associated used to demonize the minority group as in Rwanda.

In Ethiopia, the minority Tigrayan regime has committed countless crimes against humanity in the Ogaden, the Gambella and other places. There has been a major forced uprooting of large populations to accommodate multinational organizations not to mention the ethnic cleansing of over eighty thousand Eritreans from Ethiopia from 1998-2000. That is why Dr. Stanton was compelled to warn; ultimately, the people of Tigray will end up paying the price for the crimes the genocides Meles regime is perpetrating. He stated, “My job is to identify trends that could cause genocides and what I am witnessing in Ethiopia is a great deal of concern for the people of Tigray because the regime is committing these crimes on their names.”

Here we go…, if an Ethiopian or Eritrean makes these remarks a Tigrayan is likely to brush it off as exaggeration. But what Dr. Stanton’s attempt to expose the minority Tigrayan genocidal regime does is, give weight to the subject and raise the ante. It gives it credibility. In a recent interview with ESAT, American Professor Theodore Vestal echoed similar concerns.

What is taking place in Ethiopia is real and not difficult to see its direction. All good things come to an end and the good time the genocidal TPLF clique enjoyed at the expense of Ethiopia and the regime is coming to end sooner than later. The regime, thinking that it will be the ultimate ruler in the region played a zero sum game with every country and ethnic group in the region. It committed genocides in the Ogaden and Gambella. It is dismembering the region by giving major land-away free; in Somalia, it has created a holocaust etc…

Signs of a dying regime

All of what the minority genocidal regime has done is ending. In 2006, Meles Zenawi waived the Holy Bible to invade an Islamic nation and failed leaving bloody trails. Now the Kenyans have taken that dubious honor to the dismay of the Transitional Government of Somalia. This clearly is a sign that the mercenary clique has failed to do the job and replaced by Kenya.

After the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia started, the minority regime established alliances with Omar Al Beshir of Sudan and Abdallah Sallah of Yemen to isolate and entrap Eritrea. Ten years removed, The Sallah regime is on life support and Sudan has distanced itself from Meles and strengthened her alliance with Eritrea. This is significant because there were major events that changed the dynamics of the frail Sudanese Ethiopian alliance for good. Firstly, Sudan split into two. Secondly, the Weakileaks revelation that Meles wanted Beshir gone is a certain dagger into the relationship and importantly, the TPLF clique is prone to pursue US interests at the expense of Ethiopia. While the minority regime has tried to show a positive face with Sudan, in a departure from the regular positive spins, the mouthpiece of TPLF Aigaforum website posted a critical article about Sudan while President Isaias Afwerki was in Sudan on a state visit, a first.

All one has to do is understand what Sudan means to Tigray.  The city of Kassala Sudan is 182 km from the city of Humera Tigray [aka Beghemder]. Sudan is a lifeline to Tigray because Tigray is a landlocked province. Most of the goods that come into Tigray including oil come from Sudan. If Sudan closes borders with Tigray, there will be a drastic change in the economic realities of Tigray. For long, the genocidal Meles was able to play the ICC card against President Beshir but now the political dynamics have changed after the independence of South Sudan. Furthermore, Eritrea is deeply entrenched in Sudan. In fact, during the opening ceremonies of a new highway between Eritrea and Sudan President Beshir said, “I want no border between Eritrea and Sudan.” This is significant because it means the interest of Sudan and Eritrea are in sink economically, politically, culturally and security wise. This clearly highlights the influence Meles lacks with his immediate neighbors. The only lifeline the genocidal regime has is Djibouti. In other words, he is alienated and, what he conspired against Eritrea turned on him.

The realities inside Ethiopia are not different. Meles Zenawi and his clique have no support of the Ethiopian people. The majority of Ethiopians in the 2005 election rejected them.  And the crimes Meles committed in various Ethiopian regions are a public record.

The Alarm of Genocide

That being the case, what could push Ethiopia over the edge and create a scenario that could dismember the nation and create chaos? What could trigger a situation that makes a specific group of Ethiopians, in this case Tigray a target for mass killing?  Why Tigray? Is there a truth behind Dr. Stanton’s alarm about genocide? To say Ethiopia loathes the TPLF and Meles Zenawi is understatement. Hence, is there truth to the fact that Tigrayans will ultimately pay for the crimes Meles is committing in their name?

While there are many Tigrayans that say Meles does not represent Tigray; the reality is the main supporters of Meles are from Tigray.  On the other hand, one of the main threats to his regime is Tigray based with a resurgent TPDM, a movement that is creating problems from within and gaining momentum with tens of thousands in the force already.  This means that the people Tigray, at least a sizeable portion are, opposed to Meles Zenawi’s rule. However, a perception exists that Tigrayans are the ones perpetrating the oppression that is taking place in Ethiopia.

In 1998, Meles and his clique forced over 80,000 Eritreans out of their homes. What is interesting was that the majority of Ethiopians were opposed to this. They hated seeing their neighbors, their friends, friends of their sons and daughters, people they grew up and grew old with; old, young and people that knew little or nothing about Eritrea forced out of their homes and ethnic cleansed. This is a precedent Meles Zenawi set, unheard of before and breaking the fabric of a long-standing relationship between both peoples. Therefore, is it likely, when the opportunity arises that Ethiopians could say, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander” and repeat history?

In 2003, a report that detailed the atrocities the minority clique committed in Gambella became public and it compelled Dr. Stanton to state, that the crimes “fit the definitions of genocide and crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch also conducted two investigations of their own and determined that the crimes against the Anuak meet the stringent definition of crimes against humanity.”  This does not include the forced eviction of thousands of Anuak Ethiopians from their homes, villages and farmlands to accommodate Indian and other multinational corporations. If Anuaks have the opportunity, will they lash out?

The most Brutal atrocities by Meles and his clique are taking place in the Ogaden. Major humanitarian organizations have provided detailed account of the atrocities the genocidal clique is committing in the Ogaden. Horrid pictures of tortured and raped women; torched village after village; reports of systemic alienation and denial of humanitarian aid to millions of Ogadeni’s over a sustained period with irrefutable-evidences are abundant. Thousands have perished while millions remain disconnected from the outside world, deliberately. The international community has been-denied access to the area. In fact, two Swedish reporters are in jail captured by the minority clique while trying to report about the plight of the people of Ogaden.  The list could go on…, but the question is there a repercussion?  And who will pay?

What the minority clique is doing to the people Somalia is a historic crime that will reverberate for generations. It is the highest crime of humanity like the holocaust and the crimes of the Ottoman Empire on the Armenian people. What makes it more ironic is that the people of Somalia were not posing any threat; they were not in a position; they did not have the capacity or, the ability to do harm. The minority clique invaded a sovereign nation at the behest of Westerners and committed genocides needlessly. Unfortunately, the regime is still at it using the people of Somalia for political, monetary and military advantages from the West and using the plight of the poor women and children as apolitical theater against Eritrea squandering precious moments for the people. Will they have their day?

The people of Oromo didn’t fare better either. The first target of the minority clique was Oromia.  The people of Oromo have suffered the most in the hands the TPLF. Any resistance against the clique meets brute force. Thousands of students have perished, beaten and jailed in high schools and colleges for showing a sign of opposition. Siye Abraha, a clique member said that the jails are full of Oromo people. A fight with Tigrayan students in colleges is a reason for serious punishments. This is because Oromia poses the greatest threat since the Oromo represent the highest percentage of Ethiopia’s population and if they rise, it will end the regime’s reign. Whilst the minority clique is-forced to apply an appeasement strategy, the people of Oromo are asserting their position evermore with vigor. And it is certain that they will clash in due time. The list of atrocities is long everywhere in Ethiopia.

These are the realities in Ethiopia today. The situation in Ethiopia is grave and requires urgent intervention. Numerous causalities can lead to calamitous and bloody events in Ethiopia at any time. There are different scenarios under which these events could become reality. However, the clique has ignored all the possibilities with a belief, “As long as the international community is with us, the people of Ethiopia and the region does not matter: hence, catering to the needs of foreign powers and businesses solely. For example:

The regime is in violation of international laws for sitting on Eritrean territories which could trigger a conflict at any time when Eritrea sees it necessary. Furthermore, the Tigrayan minority regime has based its very existence on the destruction of Eritrea. Emboldened by the support it gets from the West, it is feeling invincible which could lead to a conflict. This will create an opportunities for the insurgencies to assert their positions forcefully and target their perceived threat, the people of Tigray.

Sudan could close its border with Tigray and deny needed goods creating economic chaos for Tigray. This in turn will force Tigryans to migrate into areas where they may not be welcomed.

Frustration and helplessness of the youth will be rampant and a conflict from within will be rampant. Insurgencies will erupt and create a civil war inside Tigray. This grim assessment is happening as we speak and will gain momentum in a much faster pace because the regime has broken all the bridges with Ethiopians. It denied Tigrayans their traditional gateway and business partner in Eritrea isolating the people.

Conclusion

Dr. Gregory Stanton made it clear that Meles Zenawi will face justice for the crimes he is committing all over Ethiopia. There is always a price to be paid and someone is going to pay for all the crimes committed over the last two decades. The question is will that affect the people of Tigray and how? What can the average person do to avert disasters and unnecessary hardships of poor innocent people? Meles Zenawi is a friend to no one. He is leading a minority clique that does not answer to the Ethiopian people. As he gets desperate, he is doing all he can to stay in power and if he cannot, he has already seeded all the destructive seeds to light the fire and destroy everything so he cannot be brought to justice. This alarm is a call to all regardless of where they come from.

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

In June of 2011 I posted an article, “Eritrea, UK and PVI Incident” highlighting the significance and the implications of the incident. I received considerable responses and reactions. However, I was taken aback, surprised and pleased after I read an email from Adrian Troy one of the four men that were held in Eritrea. I asked Mr. Troy if I can share the email with my Facebook bodies and, he said that I can share it with every Eritrean. I felt that our brief exchange was significant and worthy of our collective attention because it provides us with opportunities for a fresh start. It allows us to move forward and create a bridge. This also id a huge slap for those that live to see disharmony with hopes that it could serve their petty interests. I have decided to show the exchange as is…

Good article dated 19th June 2011.Eritrea, UK PVI Incident.
I look forward to visit your country again with your Government’s permission.
1 of the 4 detainees..

Adrian Charles Troy

My response:

Hi Adrian,

It is noble of you to contact me. May God bless you and your family. I never, in a million years would have expected this pleasure. Good things can materialize from difficulties and I think you are the example of it. Hopefully you can build up on it because it has a potential to play a significant role in building a bridge. That is what humanity needs now more than ever.

Please allow me to share your email with my Facebook friends. It will mean a lot to many.

Thanks

Amanuel Biedemariam

Adrian’s response:

Please share with every Eritrean!

I have deep admiration and respect for your Nation. I had the pleasure to visit Eritrea as a tourist in 1994 and was humbled by Your Struggle.I make no excuse but I had no choice in my 2nd visit to your country… This brought me much shame to have been part of this terrible insult but Yes Amanuel you are correct; ‘Good things can materialize from Difficulties’ My ‘Family Name’ is the most important thing in my life.

May God and Saint Michael Bless Eritrea

Adrian Charles Troy

Conclusion

Mr. Adrian Charles Troy deserves a great deal of kudos, admiration and respect for looking at things in positive way. I am also grateful to him for reaching out. My hope is that these small acts of good are the basis for a larger-good that we must all join-in. Yes, I would love for Adrian to visit Eritrea and more than that, I believe this to be an inspirational story that can go a long way in creating people to people relations between our countries. Each and every one of us braced not knowing how things will end and I feel this is a good ending and a new beginning!

Thanks Adrian!

Amanuel Biedemariam

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

refugee camp

A joint undercover investigation by BBC Newsnight and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has uncovered evidence that the Ethiopian government is using billions of dollars of development aid as a tool for political oppression.

Posing as tourists the team of journalists travelled to the southern region of Ethiopia.

There they found villages where whole communities are starving, having allegedly been denied basic food, seed and fertiliser for failing to support Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

The investigation has also gathered evidence of mass detentions, the widespread use of torture and extra-judicial killings by Ethiopian government forces.

Yet Western donors including Britain – which is the third largest donor to Ethiopia – stand accused of turning a blind eye by continuing to provide aid money despite being warned about the abuses. The aid in question is long-term development aid, not the emergency aid provided in response to the current drought in Ethiopia and its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.

Government response

Ambassador Abdirashid Dulane, the Deputy Head of Ethiopia’s UK Mission, has rejected the allegations saying that the Newsnight/Bureau report “lacked objectivity, even-handedness”.

“The sole source of the story was opponents of Ethiopia who have been rejected by the electorate, and time and again it has been shown that their allegations are unfounded”. Our reporters visited one village in southern Ethiopia with a population of about 1,700 adults. Despite being surrounded by other communities which are well fed and prosperous, this village, which cannot be named for fear of reprisals, is starving. We were told that in the two weeks prior to our team’s arrival five adults and 10 children had died.

Lying on the floor, too exhausted to stand, and flanked by her three-year-old son whose stomach is bloated by malnutrition, one woman described how her family had not eaten for four days.

“We are living day to day on the grace of God,” she said.

Another three-year-old boy lay in his grandmother’s lap, listless and barely moving as he stared into space. ”We are just waiting on the crop, if we have one meal a day we will survive until the harvest, beyond that there is no hope for us,” the grandmother said.

‘Abandoned’

In another village 30 km (19 miles) away it was a similar story. There our team met Yenee, a widow who along with her seven children is surviving by begging, eating leaves and scavenging scraps from the bins in the nearest town. ”The situation is desperate,” she said. “We have been abandoned… It is a matter of chance if we live or die.” The two villages sit just 15km (9 miles) either side of a major town, surrounded by other communities where the populations are well fed and healthy. They are in desperate need, but no-one is helping.

According to local opposition members they are being punished for failing to vote for the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which Mr Meles leads. Further north a group of farmers alienated by Mr Meles’ government met the BBC/Bureau team at a secret location on the edge of a remote village. One farmer described how he had been ostracised for failing to support EPRDF: “Because of our political views we face great intimidation. We are denied the right to fertiliser and seeds because of political ideology,” he said.

‘Buying support’

The Ethiopian federal and regional governments control the distribution of aid in Ethiopia. Professor Beyene Petros, the current vice-chairman of the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Forum, an alliance of eight opposition parties known as Medrek, told our reporters that aid is not distributed according to need, but according to support for the EPRDF:

“Almost all of the aid goes through the government channels… in terms of relief food supply and some of the safety net provisions, they simply don’t get to the needy of an equitably basis. ”There is a great deal of political differentiation. People who support the ruling party, the EPRDF, and our members are treated differently. The motivation is buying support, that is how they recruit support, holding the population hostage,” he said.

Mr Beyene said that the international community, including the British government, is well aware of the problem and that he has personally presented them with evidence: ”The position of the donor communities is dismissive… they always want to dismiss it as an isolated incident when we present them with some proof. And we challenge them to go down and check it out for themselves, but they don’t do it.”

Accountability

The UK International Development Minister Stephen O’Brien issued a statement in response to the allegations raised by the investigation, saying: ”We take all allegations of human rights abuses extremely seriously and raise them immediately with the relevant authorities including the Ethiopian Government, with whom we have a candid relationship. Where there is evidence, we take firm and decisive action.

“The British aid programme helps the people of Ethiopia, 30 million of whom live in extreme poverty. We demand full accountability and maximum impact on the ground for support from the British taxpayer.”

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Newsnight also gathered evidence of a crackdown and human rights abuses in Ethiopia’s Somali region, the area bordering Somalia and Kenya, also know as the Ogaden region. Ethnic Somali rebels from the outlawed Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and Ethiopian government forces have been fighting for control of Ogaden since the 1970s. The media and most aid agencies are banned from the region.

Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries of the world, is currently suffering from horrific drought.

Many of those fleeing the ensuing humanitarian crisis have headed to Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya. It is the largest refugee camp in the world, and the vast majority of the 400,000 people there are from Somalia, but among them are an increasing number of Ethiopians from the Ogaden.

‘Revenge killings’

Abdifatah Arab Olad, an Ogaden community leader, told our reporters that up to 100 refugees are arriving every month with tales of killings and the burning of villages by government troops. ”Whenever fighting has taken place between the rebels and the army, for each army member that is killed, the military go to the nearest town and they start killing people,” he said. “For each army member killed it equals to 10 civilians losses.”

In the corner of a makeshift shack in the camp, an old woman who had arrived from Ogaden three weeks earlier described being arrested along with 100 others in her village. She said they were taken to a jail where they were locked up in a shipping container, and picked out on a nightly basis to be tortured: ”They beat me then started to rape me; I screamed and fought with them… I tried to bite them… they tied me this way,” she said, gesturing to her legs.

“They raped me in a room, one of them was standing on my mouth, and one tied my hand, they were taking turns, I fainted during this… I can’t say how many, but they were many in the army,” she said.

‘Assaulted when pregnant’

Other women in the camp also said they had been arrested and accused of being members of the OLNF. They included one who said that she was eight months pregnant when she was detained and raped by eight soldiers: ”They were beating me while I was being raped, I was bleeding,” she said, describing how one soldier stamped on her stomach and beat her with the stock of his rifle:

“I fell unconscious when I saw my baby… a man jumping on your stomach, you can imagine what happened to the child, very big kicks blows with the back of a gun. As a consequence of that the child died.” We cannot substantiate these individual allegations. But other credible sources have reported similar stories of the widespread use of rape by Ethiopian security forces against women in the Ogaden.

Speaking on Newsnight, Ethiopia’s Ambassador Abdirashid Dulane said that the claims of rape and torture were a “rehash” of old allegations that the Ethiopian government had answered time and again. ”The Ethiopian government is governed by the rule of law, and human rights and democratic rights are enshrined in the Ethiopian constitution,” he said.

BBC

President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Juba city to participate in the official celebrations marking the declaration of the Republic of South Sudan due to take place today.

The President was accorded warm welcome by senior officials and Commanders of the Government of South Sudan and that of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Earlier, an Eritrean government delegation headed by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh that included Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs at the PFDJ, and Mr. Abdala  Jabir, Head of Organizational Affairs at the Front arrived in Juba on July 6 to take part in the celebrations.

It is to be recalled that 98.8% of the people of South Sudan voted for secession from North Sudan in the referendum conducted on 9 January 2011 in line with the comprehensive Naivasha peace agreement signed in 2005.

Shabait

China in Africa

Amanuel Biedemariam

Over the last decade China has received a favorable PR on the way that it deals with Africa. The perception is that China’s a-political approach of engaging Africa is good for Africa. It is also deemed that China’s economic investments are positive for Africa. The low bid contracts by Chinese companies are seen to be good alternative from the West that traditionally strangulated Africa with debt. China is helping African countries develop some capacities in various fields. These are amongst some of the advantages China provides African countries.

In November of 2006, China organized probably the largest gathering of African countries outside Africa a “China Africa Summit”. The gathering was hailed by African leaders because they believed it to be a good sign for future China-Africa relations. There were press accounts detailing satisfaction of African countries because they perceived that China was looking to partner with African countries. The very fact that China held the gathering was a big deal, a-first for Africa and, a knock at Western nations that treated Africans with utter disrespect for generations.

China’s involvement with Africa has its critics and supporters. The most glaring objection is that China is dealings with countries that the West claims-have bad human rights records. China is accused of encouraging corruption and corrupt leaders. China is criticized for not focusing on governance and human right issues. And for systematic denial of African countries from manufacturing their own products because of China’s insistence on selling products produced by China. In a nut shell this is the extent of the critical view China gets from the West.

China is the “anti West” in the way that it deals with African countries. For example in Ghana, a $270 million loan facility to carry out expansion works at the Kpong Water Project was agreed upon between the government of Ghana and China. What is different about the loans China provides Africa is the fact that these countries can use their resources, in effect bartering in exchange for projects, goods and services that these African countries need in this case, water. The Chinese have a lot of dollars that they must dump. This is leverage that Africa never had with the West.

What does it mean when we say is China a friend of Africa? How should friendship between China and Africa be defined? How deep of a friendship is China cultivating in Africa? How good of a friend is China to Africa? What does China’s friendship mean to African countries? And the main question; is China a friend of Africa?

For a layman and according to various dictionaries, a friend is: a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts; an acquaintance; an ally in a struggle or cause; a comrade; one who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement and, a member of the Society of Friends.

Using the basic understanding of the meaning of friendship, can Africa trust China; consider China as an ally and be confident that China is a comrade in the struggle towards economic emancipation and development? Can Africa “trust” China to support and be the party that stands for the security of Africa?

The attention China received for her dealing with Africa collectively was partly accentuated by China Africa Summit in other words self made. One thing that needs to be clear however, Africa is not one nation. Therefore, it is impossible to paint China-Africa relations with one brush and as such; fair to ask some basic questions in order to have a common-basic understanding of what China means to Africa. It is also important to look at history of relations of other nations for example, Great Britain and the US as a standard. It is important to see the historic interaction of UK and US in the realms of economic cooperation, cultural relations, friendly ties, political/diplomatic co-ordinations and importantly on national and global security matters as a guide…

Is there a country in Africa that has ties with China that remotely resembles the example above? Does China have allied countries in Africa? During the Cold War, the alliances were almost clearly defined. The countries that were pro-West received support from the West led by the US, and vice versa. Can African countries count on that type of support from China? While the author is not an advocate of Africa divided based on the interests of super powers; it is important to note that countries enjoyed qualified diplomatic and military support during that era from one side or the other. However, while the current world is considered to be multi-polar, the main powers are the US and China. These are veto wielding powers capable to impose their will on any nation around the world. Ironically, while the US is clear on whom their friends are and her interests; it is extremely difficult to gauge China’s intentions. And absent of any pronounced friendship with any country in Africa it is nearly impossible to say where China stands with any nation.

It is important to ask these questions of China considering the extent of China interaction with Africa over the last thirty years. It is even more crucial in light of the resolutions United Nations Security Council (UNSC) produced over the last ten years that profoundly impacted many countries in Africa. In 2005 alone, nearly 80% of the 70 deliberations and decisions the UNSC made were related to matters in African countries with the Middle East coming far-second and Third World countries such as Haiti and Bosnia Herzegovina filling-in the blanks. The reality is 2005 is not an aberration it is the annual reality in the UNSC. And the problem is the fact that the UNSC is making all these decisions without the affected parties having a say and a fighting chance against decisions that are affecting these nations in some cases altering the social landscapes violently. Moreover, the role China played or lack thereof is by far the most perplexing.

One needs to look at some of the recent developments in Africa pertaining to Libya, Sudan, Eritrea and others vis-à-vis Security Council decisions that the West and particularly the US perused in the region. China went along with decisions when it seemingly could impact its national interests. These decisions raise some serious questions about Chinese intentions and dealings in Africa.

China has been in Sudan for decades and it is one of the reasons why Sudan remained viable. China has heavy investments in Sudan primarily in the oil sector. China imports an estimated 7% of its oil from Sudan. Moreover, China has a sizeable human-resources invested in various sectors. In other words China’s investments in Sudan are numerous, extensive and took decades for China to build it that level. Yet, when we look at the future security and stability of Sudan, the West led by the US appears to be on the driver’s seat basically dictating terms while weakening Sudan and nailing wedges designed to fragment the nation into pieces. It is ironic because the US pushed measure after measure using the UNSC that China can stop using its veto power.

Moreover, if one is to add Eritrea into the mix it makes one wonder what China’s underlined interests are. Nearly all of China’s goods from Sudan are channeled through the Red Sea. Eritrea owns a large and strategic lane on the Red Sea. Eritrea is also bordered by Sudan. If Eritrea is to be what Ethiopia and the US wanted to be (an entity under their control in whatever shape or form); then Sudan would be encircled by countries that are propped by the US and, the US would have assumed control over the entire eastern part, the Horn, and the Northern parts of Africa.

The US is in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Egypt. The only countries left are Sudan and Eritrea. If the US is to succeed by accomplishing what they planned for Eritrea after World War II, then Sudan would have no fighting chance because it will be encircled. Moreover, US and her allies would have controlled the entire Red Sea territories namely Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti on one side and, Saudi Arabia, Yemen on the other. They will have the chokehold for any shipment that sails through that area. A good example to glean from is the Suez Canal and Iran. Eritrea controlled by the US can potentially limit China’s access to the area and give US the upper hand in the region.

It is with this background in mind that the author questions China’s role. Why is China allowing the US to pass measure after measure to pressure Sudan and Eritrea? The US, on Xmas Eve of 2009 imposed a sanction measure, by concocting lies and fabrications in the most brazen way that disregarded the existence of the people of Eritrea. They used a mechanism and methodology that denies Eritrea a say and moved along with a sanction.

In Libya when the UNSC authorized the No Fly Zone, this is the statement by China’s Ambassador to the UN LI BAODONG:

“The continuing deterioration of the situation in Libya was of great concern to China. However, the United Nations Charter must be respected and the current crisis must be ended through peaceful means. China was always against the use of force when those means were not exhausted. His delegation had asked specific questions that failed to be answered and, therefore, it had serious difficulty with the resolution. It had not blocked the passage of the resolution, however, because it attached great importance to the requests of the Arab League and the African Union. At the same time, he supported the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Envoy to resolve the situation by peaceful means.”

“The UN adopted Resolution 1973 (2011) by a vote of 10 in favor to none against, with 5 abstentions (Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russian Federation), the Council authorized Member States, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians under threat of attack in the country, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory — requesting them to immediately inform the Secretary-General of such measures, to establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in order to help protect civilians.”

LI BAODONG statements are very troubling. Firstly, he stated that China wants the situation to have a peaceful end. And secondly China is against use of force. He continues, his delegation had asked specific questions that failed to be answered and, therefore, it had serious difficulty with the resolution. The most troubling statement however is, “It had not blocked the passage of the resolution, however, because it attached great importance to the requests of the Arab League and the African Union,” and passed a resolution with a vague and open-ended language that allowed NATO to destroy Libya in the name of protecting civilians.

The Irony, first of, the African Union was disregarded. And secondly, this was taking place in the most turbulent times in the history of the Middle East when countries were embroiled on their internal civil struggles. China passed the resolution not to protect the best interest of the people of Libya but to satisfy a nonexistent or a nominal Arab League and African Union. It is even more perplexing considering the number of Chinese that worked in Libya and the amount of investment that China had in Libya.

This begs the question; why is China allowing punitive measures against nations that are friendly; nations that are doing business and, nations that have accepted not only the diplomatic core but the Chinese people all around Africa? Why is China allowing the US and Western nations to take advantage of UNSC resolutions for their hegemonic objectives. The No Fly resolution was just a hook because soon after the decisions were made the French, UK and US did bait-and- switch, called for a regime change and escalated the operations including sending advisors into a civil war. The people of Libya are being terrorized by the most intensive bombing campaign the continent of Africa has ever seen. The people of Libya are being exposed to depleted uranium; Libyans are suffering and not better off. And contrary to China’s wish of peace, Libya is ensnared by violence of the brutish NATO forces. In short, China’s repeated abstentions do not absolve it from the responsibilities.

Conclusion

Dambisa Moyo and others have said a great deal of good about China’s economic programs in Africa. However, no-economic success means a-whole-lot unless coupled by peace. Africa’s problems are chronic by design and they continue because the West is intent on keeping Africa crippled. China was Africa’s first and best hope to counterbalance the negative role the West continues to play in Africa. Instead, China is tacitly accepting the label of new colonizer of Africa. On a setting that resembles a Hollywood’s scary witch-movie, Secretary Hillary Clinton stood on a dark room on a podium in Ethiopia and warned Africans to beware of the new colonizers that do not care about Africa. Her statements are evidence that Africa has effectively turned in the dinner table of hyenas and lions fighting for a carcass only this time; it is with the impending holocaust of the African continent.

The question is what can Africans do? The UN/UNSC is an organization designed to benefit the five permanent members at the expense of the world. The UNSC has literally turned the international order into that of the Jim-Crow laws that punishes without representation, due process and to send a message. They have established systems they can manipulate as they wish like the ICC that they are using to petrify leaders such as Beshir to get what they want. They are penalizing the people of entire regions based on their national interest-considerations and denying them the right to live in peace. Moreover, these are people that have never been able to establish institutions that can sustain them in bad times such as draught. The continuation of this holocaust is reaching biblical proportions. Yet, they are escalating these strategies.

The reality is there is no recourse for these transgressions and deliberate injustices. Therefore, the responsibility befalls on those countries that are being negatively affected by the injustices. Hence, the only solution is for nations to abandon the defunct UN and disqualify its purpose and create a mechanism to deal with world matters. Moreover, united vigilance of the people is far more important than ever because they are openly returning Africa back to the colonial era. China could also assume the just role of defending African because ultimately that will serve its interests in the right way.

awetnayu@hotmail.com

Nabro Volcano Eritrea

According to NASA strong volcanic activity continued at Nabro volcano, Eritrea in late June, 2011, almost two weeks after the volcano sprang to life after a series of earthquakes shook the Eritrea-Ethiopia border region.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Terra satellite captured this true-color image at 7:25 UTC (10:25 a.m.) local time on June 24, 2011.

Shortly after midnight local time on June 13, the volcano spewed a large ash plume about 8 miles (15 km) high and disrupted air traffic over parts of the Middle East. Prior to that day, there had been no eruptions of this volcano during historic times. The initial eruption contained large amounts of ash as well as very high levels of sulfur dioxide. By June 20, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reported that the sulfur dioxide eruption continued.

In this image, the large red hotspots represent areas of increased surface temperature, an expected result of volcanic activity. A very large, white, billowing plume can be seen rising from near the hotspots and blowing to the southwest. The difference in the character of the eruption can be seen by comparing this image to the MODIS Image of the Day for June 21 (image captured on June 19), when the large plume was primarily dark brown in color.

On June 22, a report from the Eritrean Ministry of Information, stated that the ash and lava emitted from the Southern Red Sea region volcano has created a new land mass measuring hundreds of square meters.

Eritreans will always choose to walk the path leading to self-reliance and independence no matter how stony the way ahead might be. This is why Eritrea has told the United Nations that it wants out of its long-term development agreement because the U.N. makes the problem worse, not better.

The reason, given in a January 26 notification letter from the country’s powerful Finance Minister, obtained by Fox News, is that “aid only postpones the basic solutions to crucial development problems by tentatively ameliorating their manifestations without tackling their root causes. The structural, political, economic, etc. damage that it inflicts upon recipient countries is also enormous.” In other words, the government argues, U.N. aid does more harm than good.

Extract from the letter of the Ministry states, “….However,  national development will never be materialized if it is done by depending on grant financing from UN agencies or other (bilateral) sources. It is widely believed that aid only postpones the basic solutions to crucial development problems by tentatively ameliorating their manifestations without tackling their root causes. The structural, political, economic etc. damage that it inflicts upon recipient countries is also enormous….” (Eritrean Ministry of Finance)

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/30/eritrea-aid-shove/#ixzz1I9mxRiuG

Amanuel Biedemariam

Lately, enemies of Eritrea have umpped up their campaign to the highest pitch yet. This is a concerted campaign directed by the minority genocidal mercenary regime of Ethiopia. They are showing poorly edited documentaries with lots of holes. The Awate-gang led by the two Salhis has released a position statement on the US/UN sanctions against the people of Eritrea begging certain ex-Eritrean officials to unearth whatever evidence that could be used against Eritrea at the UN. Their desperation is evident because, firstly, if an ex-official is going to talk, wouldn’t he or she be telling on themselves? Secondly, they are begging foreign entities – the US, UN and Ethiopia to bring the change they want in Eritrea.

Clearly what this shows is, after over a decade of mischief, organizing, reorganizing, lies, deception, scheming and committing treason they have given up on Eritreans. The messages they sold ad nauseam fell on deaf ears. The question; why did those Eritreans who live in supposedly “free” societies reject them? The reason to mention them is not to give weight, attention or credence to what they represent; rather, it is to highlight how badly they failed in attracting Eritreans to their agendas and why Eritreans keep rejecting these vermin…

They made concerted effort to give the appearance of a disintegrating and embattled Eritrea. Run a deliberate misinformation campaign targeting the international community as well as good intentioned Eritreans who want to help fellow Eritreans in desperate situations. Hence, they use everything including the current Libyan, Egyptian and African refugee crisis as a cushion to make the case against Eritrea. They are pursuing their agendas in ways that are illegal and immoral. It is opportunism at it its best by abusing the vulnerabilities of the very people they are claiming to advocate for. They are using the refugees to raise money, recruiting them against the country they left behind and exploiting them by parading them on interviews at the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Moreover, and this is why all Eritreans must care to put a stop to this madness; they are inciting hate towards one ethnic group of Eritrea, the Rashaidas this time. On March 09, Meron Estefanos released an article on Asmarino.com calling it, “Bedoin Rashaida: The Human Traffickers in North-East Africa.” In it, she accused the entire ethnic group of human trafficking. And the irony is she came to that conclusion by claiming to have interviewed a handful of individuals. To talk to-and-about the plight of the people she interviewed is one thing but to target the entire Rashaida community is very dangerous. It is stereotyping, it is singling out a community and dividing it. It is a deliberate act that is designed to create tension amongst Eritreans based on Ethnic and religious lines.

This of course is not new. It is a strategy of the minority illegitimate Meles Zenawi regime in Ethiopia that aspired to always use divisive strategies by targeting Kunamas, Afar, and other ethnic groups in order to weaken Eritrea and, use mules such as Tesfakihdet Mehareeena who danced on the grave of the Eritrean martyrs on his way to paying homage to the Weyane soldiers that perished trying to kill Eritreans during the Badme war. He is the lead man playing a journalist in Ethiopia by interviewing refugees in desperate situation and politicizing their cause.

The Truth; contrary to what they want the world to believe, talk about and act upon, Eritrea is a nation that operates as one family. Those who claim to be the messiahs are trying to break apart that very fabric of that unity. That is their main aim and the only way they think that they can win. Eritreans know this and have always rejected them, unequivocally! They have no place in the lives of everyday Eritreans. They are outcasts, regionalists, jihadists and defeated lost souls that have no connection to what is happening in Eritrea. They are persona non grata and most of them can’t even prove that they are Eritreans. For example Selam Kidane who is in the forefront taking advantage went the UK at the age of 16 from Ethiopia.

Hence, the best way to tell the world where Eritrea is today will be by applying Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs motivational model. The first stage being the basic physiological and biological needs such as water, food etc…; the second, protection and security; the third, belongingness and love such as family; the forth, esteem as in status, reputation, achievement etc… and the fifth and last is the self actualized or stage of fulfillment.

After the war for independence, Eritrea started to rebuild its war battered nation from ZERO. There was nothing in the nation! No agricultural infrastructure to feed the people; no medical, educational and pharmaceutical infrastructures. Eritrea was empty with destroyed port facilities, no roads and social institutions. However, the most pressing issues dealt with the human calamities. Eritrean villages and villagers had ZERO-basic services and facilities. There existed a crisis of internally displaced and refugees populations that needed to be repatriated.

Eritrea did not have the luxury of time, money or resources to rely-on in order to build the nation from the ground-up. This was also complicated by the diplomatic challenges and the referendum that needed to take place. Shortly after the referendum, Eritrea unleashed a campaign to write the constitution that all Eritreans participated in formulating. Without exception, villagers and the Diaspora fully participated in the making of the ratified constitution. All these, while trying to revive the economy and build institutional infrastructures, in a short period of time; seven years to be exact. For any new-nation this would have taken decades but for the visionary experienced leaders and people of Eritrea it seemed a cakewalk compared to the struggle for independence.

Unfortunately, that was a short lived respite because the TPLF unleashed a horrific war that took the lives of thousands. That set back Eritrea in many ways too redundant to detail. The key here is the fact that Eritrea needed to reorient her priorities. The economy that relied heavily on trade with Ethiopia collapsed overnight. The international community decided to suffocate Eritrea into submission and all of a sudden the country that was gearing to demobilize ex-fighters was forced to rearm and maintain a high level of alertness. It needed to redevelop the economy independent from Ethiopia, ensure food security, maintain national security and find new markets while facing major security and political challenges. Whilst Eritreans are extremely patient, understanding of the price of freedom; the enemies were relentless and determined to agitate the nation and the youth.

What is the number one job of a president? US Presidents, be it George W. Bush or President Obama will tell you, keep the nation safe. By that standard how did president Isaias of Eritrea do? In Eritrea everything is a national security issue. Fighting diseases such as HIV, malaria, polio and measles; infant mortality, food security, education, trade, currency and maintaining the morale and focus of a nation is one aspect. Elevating the nation’s future-viability by developing infrastructure and by training indigenous expertise to sustain it is a must for continuity. However, what makes me proud to be Eritrean is the fact that Eritrea is a nation grounded on a national defense ideal and structure that is second to none!

The ethos that freed Eritrea and is sustaining it to-date could be summed up in one directive or slogan. “The masses must be aware, organize and armed.” Many may take the idea of arming literally and translate it to mean militaristic. But that is just one side of it. Arming could mean empowering technically, technologically, medically, in communications, educationally and in all fields to enable Eritreans to compete in the competitive international arena successfully.

The idea of educating the public and organizing it is nothing new in Eritrea. Eritrea’s success could largely be attributed to her abilities to continually organize around core values, events and causes that unite us. To know the fact that Eritrea could thrive, only, with the participation of all her population is a source of pride and reason that bonds Eritreans. At a moment in history when nations are failing because they failed to allow their people to organize; at a moment in history when governments around the world including the developed Western nations are fearful of their youth and marginalizing them; Eritrea is organizing Eritrean youth and encouraging them to work with global youth organizations. As we speak they are roaring in Oslo Norway.

As a result of years of organizing, constant-consistent education, years of experiences, hard work, dedication and the willingness to pay and paying the price; there is a collective direction and vision of a nation. Therefore, the idea of defending THE nation becomes the responsibility of the people. It is the responsibility of the masses to safeguard the seas, the borders, their streets and the safety and wellbeing of each other. It is their responsibility to be aware and discourage things that could weaken their nation.

One of the most beautiful things that happened to Eritrea is all the pressure they placed upon her turned out to be a blessing. It made Eritrea dig deep into the values and worked hard to grow from within. When there was no bread and the world played politics with it, the leaders of Eritrea built micro dams, gave the public incentives and encouraged them to farm collectively to boost production capabilities. They assisted by providing experts and machinery. The result was an empowered public that knows how to fish and farm. I saw a village being trained how to farm fish in the fresh waters in one of the new dams. They provided a village nets, a boat and various fishes. If there is any nation with credible claims of self reliance, it is Eritrea because that is how the independence was achieved.

Therefore, by all measures the main responsibility of a government is to ensure that the nation is secured; citizens are fed, educated and healthy. It is to ensure that the societal needs are met, that the long term interest of the nation is on target. It is to ensure that the sacrifices made are repaid; families of the martyrs are not left hanging to-dry-neglected and, their future is brighter. It is ensuring the nations wellbeing with the citizenry being the primary focus. It is to make sure that equal distribution of resources and opportunities provided to all citizens…

The Key

Over the last two months there has been a concerted effort to attach blame and attack Eritrea for Eritreans that have illegally migrated into different countries seeking refuge. The reality is, regardless of the reasons and motivation that led them to take the potentially fatal risks, the responsibility for their life lies squarely upon them. These people did not consult the government when they decided to flee. Moreover, when they fled, their primary motivation was personal. Conversely, and sadly, once they take the step every step they take after that works against the interest of Eritrea. By fleeing the country they deprived the nation of a capable youth that is highly trained. It damages the image of the country. And when they fill their asylum request, the data is used against Eritrea by the enemies of the country for political and punitive measures. These are not actions of people concerned about a nation and her future and ultimately their actions have a lasting damage to them

Sadly, when these people leave they are in effect helpless, homeless and at the mercy of their new environments. They become a charity-case and helpless domains of their host nations. Moreover, and unfortunately, in the process they have to deal with potentially deadly traffickers as is the case for many unfortunate souls and ironically, all the countries they targeted as destination turned-out more dangerous that what they left behind.

Most Eritreans in the Diaspora know what these people are going through because they themselves went through the journey at one time. They understand the anguish and have carried the burden for long by supporting each other. The difference being, in the past Eritreans did not have the luxury of groups in Israel campaigning on their behalf. They didn’t have human rights watch and various US agencies advocating for them. The largest flood of Eritrean refugees came out in the late 70s and early 80s. At that time millions were being displaced, villages were being torched and the screaming voices of Eritreans fell on deaf ears. The cries of those who passed-out from hunger-strikes in front of the Whitehouse were never reported. There is no record of marches and demonstrations in Europe and around the world by Eritrean desperate to get international attention. Thence, why, the change of attitude? Are the new refugees better Eritreans?

The reality is, before independence, Eritrea was exactly where these groups wanted it to be; under brutal dictatorships that are answerable to them. Now, Eritrea is a free nation under leaders that are attuned to the needs of Eritreans. The villages and cities they helped destroy are being developed. Most of the families that disintegrated due to the militaries they supported and regimes they propped up have resettled in communities with social services. In other words if Eritrea turns into another Somalia today, these refugees will be in the same predicament that their parents were. They will be like the Somalis; even worse like the Palestinians with no attention. That is the kind of democracy that they want to bring back for the people of Eritrea.

This raises some questions. First, do this people have any obligation to Eritrea and if so what? Secondly, what obligation does Eritrea have to them if any and why? What role can the Diaspora Eritreans play?

The fact is the government and people of Eritrea have always been responsible and generous to their fellow Eritrean. The problem is, some Eritreans are trying to politicize their plight and, by doing so, they are creating unnecessary tension amongst Eritreans. That need not be. Because it doesn’t serve the best interest of the people of Eritrea; it could only serve the interest of the enemies. The obligation Eritreans have towards these individuals is purely humanitarian and moral. That is something that needs to be clear. They also need to understand that Tesfakihdet, Chirum and the like have sided with Weyane and basically declared war on the people of Eritrea. By working with them you are becoming their soldiers. In the process you are heading into confrontation with the Diaspora that has always been the backbone of Eritrea; in a sense becoming the enemies of Eritrea.

Conclusion

Actor Richard Dreyfus once said, speaking about the US, “We are the only nation bound by ideas only. We have no common ancestry, no common religion, no common military victory or defeat, no common crime that binds us. We are bound only by the ideas of the enlightenment, reason, logic, clarity of thought, critical analysis…”

Eritrea is the exception. In addition to our common ancestry, military and other historical commonalities; we are bound by the idea of success could only be achieved through the UNITY of the Eritrean people. That unity was a result of years of hard work and conscious effort by very bright leaders that believed that masses need to be educated, organized and armed in unison. Moreover, collective experiences have bonded Eritreans in ways that have become the envy of many. That is why Eritreans are sitting in a stable nation in a region that is boiling like lava. Eritreans are calmly building the future by charting their own direction. Therefore those that want the best for Eritrea and the youth need to accept the ultimate solution lies on the success of Eritrea as a nation. As the saying goes, there is no place like home.

Fortunately, the government of Eritrea stayed ahead of the curve by empowering the public. Eritrea is the only country where true revolution evolved for over six decades. After years of hard work and sacrifices; Eritreans are turning the corner. The enemies know this is their last hurrah and have intensified their campaigns. However, due to their humble nature, Eritreans have remained quite while the enemies took shot after shot raising issue after issue in an effort to put them on the defensive. We have seen lies after lies by the likes of Amanuel Iyasu. Enough! Those who need to defend their actions are those who are committing illegal acts not those who have diligently served as a backbone of Eritrea for decades. Therefore, it is time to put them back on their rat holes.

Eritrea is on the right and doing the right things by focusing on the basic needs of the people that are trying to improve their standard of living for good. The leaders along with their people have done miracle by liberating a nation, and placing it on the platform of success. The lives of millions of Eritrean families and kids have improved by transforming their living environments. They are getting basic education in schools instead of tree shades without benches to sit on. The work is ongoing because the needs are that much great. The leaders of Eritrea are all the Tegadeltis that have given all their life to the nation, and deserve our best. They have done their part, have we? Is there anyone that has done better than them? That is where we should all focus; the people, martyrs families, kids and the youth that are in Eritrea building the nation!

Hiji-wn Awet N-Hafash

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

Amanuel Biedemariam

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Iza Halal Meriet, Ertra, there are those that are trying to cast bad spell day in and out. These are weed that need to be weeded out every time they try to grow amidst the good crop of the united people of Eritrea. It is a constant battle because if allowed, it will grow to destroy all.

Conversely, Eritreans in the Diaspora have witnessed the weed-trying to seed hate, division and disintegration of Eritrea for quite some time. Eritreans however, have been measured in their response for a number of reasons: 1) to maintain long standing friendship 2) family relations 3) the interconnectedness of the society i.e. one can go to a wedding and sit next to someone that can make you gag…etc…In addition, Eritreans were focusing on the big picture. In one hand dealing with constant scheming of the US and; on the other, dealt with constant attempt by the TPLF to undermine the independence of Eritrea whilst focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, insuring food security and developing Eritrea in every arena.

Amidst all this, the weed flailed as tools to their master in Addis. They flailed claiming to be pure, just, for justice, for equality, for democracy, freedom of press and movement.

Who are these people? Initially, they were a concoction of individuals with axe to grind and, a defeated-bunch that lost to the EPLF during the struggle for liberation. They are not nationalists and in fact, they have repeatedly sold Eritrea to the any bidder based on their narrow regionalist and jihadist agendas. Some are pedophiles and criminals that I hope will face justice one day. And after a sustained campaign based on false promises and lies, they have dislodged some youth that felt prey to it. Some are brainwashed students that abandoned their responsibilities after Eritrea sent them abroad for higher education so they can serve their people.

What do they intend to achieve? While their backgrounds and agendas are antagonistic; they are united on their hate for the government and the people of Eritrea. Therefore, their intent is to come to power or see the change they claim they want by any means necessary. For example, this new-generation that grew up in independent Eritrea cannot relate to a group of jihadists that never accepted the independence of Eritrea won by the EPLF and as such, they never voted or recognized the independence of Eritrea.

Their first attempt was based from within Sudan. In Sudan, they felt at home for a long time. They used Sudan as a staging ground, a place to congregate from all around the globe in order to scheme against the people and government of Eritrea regularly. They plotted their sabotage, terrorist activities and disseminated their propaganda and hate messages from there. They were so confident that Sudan will always be there for them. But Sudan kicked them out as soon as it repaired its relations with the government of Eritrea. In Egypt, the government there did the same.

Their second attempt was from within the political realm of Eritrea both in-and outside Eritrea. They created a web with an element inside Eritrea that was determined to take power by creating a wedge between the people and government and was sniffed out. That was coordinated with-and-by political operatives in the West that wanted to see, at best, the reversal of the independence and, at least, a regime change in Eritrea. When that failed miserably, the campaign never abated it changed tactics and took different strategies to pursue its agendas.

The third and saddest is their last stand – Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, they have showed that they are the neighborhood dogs (Yesefer-Wishoch and ironically, one of them got bit by a dog; true story) that roam in front of Menelik Palace waiting for crumbs/stipends in the amount of 3000 Birr. Their directives came from the belly of the TPLF propaganda machine and these stooges literally read from the queue-cards of the political propaganda manuals Bereket Simon provided. In fact the Ministry of Information of Ethiopia has basically used them as the extension of the ministry and it essentially relegated its disinformation, defamation and propaganda responsibilities to them. The TPLF remained behind the curtain as much as possible. This was a deliberate strategy designed; to-not inflame Eritreans against Ethiopia. It was better for the Ministry to quote Awate and co… as they pursued their anti Eritrea propagandas. All these activities were coordinated with the US at center stage. All that failed and Eritrea kept shining regardless of their efforts. In the process, their frustration grew and their division became a laughing matter for all the spectators. It frustrated Weyane to the point that they took ownership, started to dictate and micromanage all their activities openly.

What have become evident over the last 13 years are who they are, what their intentions are, how they operate and the result of their efforts. The question is how do they measure successes? The answer to that is simple. They consider any effort that destabilizes or weakens Eritrea a success. What can weaken Eritrea? They believed and as such worked to sally the image of Eritrea, undermine the history of the struggle for liberation, they worked to weaken the bases in the Diaspora, and they tried to disrupt Eritrean events including Martyrs Day by demonstrating on the same day. They tried to create division along ethnic and religious lines but above all, they focused on Eritrean youth – amongst the many disruptive strategies they applied. Have they succeeded?

Eritreans are as united as ever. The image of Eritrea is flourishing. Eritrea is getting high mark as a new and flourishing market. Eritrea’s economic growth is projected to be number one in the world. Eritrean youth are flourishing in all sports from soccer, cycling and running. The Diaspora youth is as united as ever and organizing at a high level with YPFDJ as an umbrella. Eritreans did not abandon their festivities to the contrary they are making it bigger. The division the sellouts tried to create failed and Eritreans are flocking back to Eritrea to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our independence from all over. Eritrea is on a platform on the trajectory of success ready to take off. All the hard work, sacrifices and dedication is bearing fruit.

Can they claim any success? Yes, they have managed to confuse some youth and lead them into desperate situations. Some Eritrean youth were lead to believe that the grass is greener on the other side by the likes of Elsa Chirum and Selam Kidane and got into desperate situation in Shimelba Weyane concentration camp. These are people that are making a lot of money as advocates for refugees. They are leading many youth to their demise in the desert and rough waters of the world. For those who succeeded to pass through the arduous journeys to reach their destination, they find little respite because they are still not settled. Therefore, they suffer in the streets of Italy and other places on their way to their final destinations if they can get there. For the Chirums, Selams, and others these are recruits that they can parade as opposition.

However, that is not the end of it. The majority of these refugees are denied asylum and entry into these countries and they are being deported to… guess where? You guessed it, Ethiopia. That serves all involved namely Ethiopia, Chirum, Selam and ilk very well in many ways. Ethiopia gets to take back her own refugees as Eritreans; make money from the UN on their name and, looks humanitarian whilst, reassuring others to take the fatal risk by saying, we will be there if all fails. The traffickers, Elsa Chirum and Selam Kidane make outlandish cash shuttling, and encouraging youth into oblivion and use it as a PR tool against Eritrea. Moreover, the religious, nongovernmental organizations use-it to leverage their demonizing campaigns. Most importantly, they are developing human trafficking industry in Eritrea and the region. It is a win-win situation for all involved except for the displaced youth and their families. Unfortunately, these are families that paid for it and as such provided the incentives. Importantly, Eritrea loses the youth that is supposed to buttress the future of a nation.

The Key

All the activities mentioned above are illegal. However, due to the antagonistic position the US/West is taking against the people and government of Eritrea; these people feel empowered and emboldened to say and do many things. They have said and done illegal things in violation of the rights of others. This was true when Eritreans campaigned to organize the demonstrations against the UNjust US/UN sanctions on Eritrea. Some were threatened; if they demonstrated they will forfeit their residence status in the US thus, interfered with their right-to-assemble legally. Their threats have become a little too pronounced over the years.

Moreover, these people are illegal as Eritreans. They have abrogated their responsibilities in Eritrea when they abandoned their schools at Mai-Nefhi Technical School. Ironically these are students that got deferments from their national services because they were deemed important-foundation and they were being sent to all these Ministries in order to bolster institutional capacities of the nation. Some are students that were sent to other countries to learn and contribute but instead they were brainwashed-ardent enemies of Eritrea in the name of change, amongst others…

These people are encouraging and doing anything trying to incite anarchy. What they don’t know and understand is, in the US, they cannot congregate anywhere without a license. Yet, they break and encourage breaking any and all legal norms in Eritrea. If as Americans, they abrogate their responsibilities from the army A) they will lose all their rights to vote in addition to other punitive measures B) if they abandon post and flee to other countries, they will be considered fugitives and the countries that accept them will probably lose relations with the US. Yet, they feel empowered to commit felony and act as they wish against a small country in Africa.

Conclusion

It has become fashionable and tolerable to undermine the laws and rights of other nations and their citizens in the name of democracy, freedom of press and justice. While all that is a cover to loot by destabilizing solid governance; it is creating a great deal of disruption in the lives of millions unfortunately. Militant few are allowed to make outlandish demands on governments undermining sovereignty all around the globe.

The beauty however, lies in the fact that Eritreans in and out of Eritrea are determined to fight all their agendas. Eritreans have been and remain weary and conscious about these individuals and groups that are tools of the destabilization efforts of the West and the TPLF. Eritreans remain united on their efforts to rebuild and maintain the freedom that was not handed to them on a silver platter but with dear blood of many pure souls. Eritreans are determined to see the camel march to the success they charted not dictated by others.

The other beauty lies in the fact that the Government of Eritrea is committed to developing the human resources of the nation at the highest level. Eritrea knows more than any riches it can unearth it is the people of Eritrea that are the greatest resources of the nation. The bases for that is educations and educating the youth in particular. As a result Eritrea is endowed by smart youth capable to defend the nation from any threat, be it psychological or physical. Understanding the fact that Eritrean youth is a target, Eritrea has developed a forgiving attitude for those who crossed borders illegally by giving them amnesty if they chose to return.

As the saying goes, “no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interest” and as such the US interest in Eritrea can change overnight. It is also inevitable that Ethiopia’s relation with Eritrea will change. That is a historic reality! That means the human traffickers, Chirum, Selam and Tesfaldet Mahareena will be out of business for good. That is what happened in Sudan and it is a future reality in Ethiopia and elsewhere. They will be weeded out as they did everywhere else!

That is why Eritreans everywhere must realize that no one can take ownership of our issues and exploit it, at least not for long. The Chirums of today are the criminals of tomorrow. Human trafficking is a series crime. So far they have the best of both worlds. In one hand, they encourage the youth to flee and in the other, they advocate as humanitarian activists after they put them into dire situations in the Sinai, Egypt or Libya.

Eritreans also must realize it will be a disservice to the families of the martyrs and those who have lost limbs to be side tracked by the propaganda of the Chirums. There are a lot of needs in Eritrea that need much more attention. And ultimately, the issues of the youth will be determined by the success of Eritrea. The difference is the Chirums are not interested on the success of Eritrea and they will always bet on the failures and supposed weakness. Therefore we need to discard, eliminate and WEED OUT all those who try to destabilize Eritrea, divide her people and distract Eritreans from focusing on Eritrea’s development programs. After all, it will be a shame to follow the agendas of those that have unbelted their pants after witnessing the heroes of Fenkil!

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

Shabait, Massawa, 12 February 2011 – The official commemoration of the 21st anniversary of Operation Fenkil was today conducted in the port city of Massawa in patriotic spirit. The commemoration took place in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, Army commanders, senior government and PFDJ officials, invited guests as well as thousands of nationals.

In a speech he delivered on the occasion, President Isaias congratulated the Eritrean people and friends in connection with Operation Fenkil anniversary. He underlined that the annual commemoration of the great event in a colorful manner represents a special moment in which the nation takes due consolation and strength.

The President further explained that the port city not only paved the way for total liberation but would also become the hub of investment for national development, as well as regional and international trade and investment.

President Isaias went on to underscore that Fenkil occupies a special place in the history of Eritrean patriotism, and that the nation stands on higher ground for coping with future challenges as it has already acquired valuable experience and capacity. In this connection, he stressed the need for remaining vigilant and reinforce resolve for still more gratifying accomplishments.

(See full text of the President’s speech for details)

Also speaking on the occasion, the Administrator of the Northern Red Sea region, Ms. Tsegereda Woldegergish, noted that this year’s commemoration is special as it is being held on the 20th anniversary of Independence and the charting of future action programs. She further indicated that the tasks undertaken to promote social justice have borne fruitful outcome.

Likewise, in a speech he delivered on behalf of the regional holidays coordinating committee, the PFDJ Secretary in the region, Mr. Hamid Haji, stated that Operation Fenkil constitutes a historic even that amply demonstrated the heroism and steadfastness of the Eritrean people under the dynamic leadership of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF).

Various artistic and cultural shows were staged at the official commemorative event that transmitted live through ERI-TV and Dimtsi Hafash. Moreover, the signing performance presented by the renowned Sudanese artist, Hamed Areyah, added color to the event.

Shabait – It was 21 years ago that historical annals recorded the astounding military exploits of February 1990: Operation Fenkil. Deemed to be one of the world’s military feats for its remarkability of military strategy, scale and thunderbolt tactics, Operation Fenkil is a great event of which Eritrean generations should forever take due pride and commemorate.

As such, the day has become an integral part of the Eritrean people’s culture where thousands would make the pilgrimage to the port city of Massawa every year.

This great national occasion is being commemorated under the banner theme “Fenkil: Apiary of Eritrean Independence!” In the wake of ultimate liberation, Operation Fenkil served as a springboard spurring the stage towards full independence.

The operation, further than uprooting the vital lifeline of colonization, spawned the country’s full independence while at the same time heralding the inevitable demise of enemy forces.

Fenkil was an operation born out of years of standoff with the enemy as the large-scale military assault was a very significant and strategic one for which Eritrean freedom fighters had already sacrificed a great deal of perseverance and time. Thus, Operation Fenkil was a cumulative result of ten years long standoff of Eritrean fighters in Nakfa, the northeastern Sahel front, Barka and elsewhere in the nation, to which colonial Ethiopia and the superpowers behind ultimately succumbed.

The Eritrean people, who wrested independence through such heroic feats, is once again engaged with redoubled endeavors in the national development drive so as to heal the scars inflicted during the struggle for independence. Equal to the heroic exploits of war, the Eritrean people is performing miracles and exemplary feats of development, thereby winning broader acclaim. Massawa is a city that stands witness to both facts stated above. Hence, the city that indisputably became the catalyst for full independence will also prove to be the spur of speedy economic growth. Happy 21st Liberation Day Anniversary of our port city. Congratulations to the Eritrean people, whose history of heroism and valor is beyond measure. Glory to the gallant patriots who performed the historic exploits. Glory to the martyrs of Operation Fenkil.