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If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, it is a duck" |
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By Semere T. Habtemariam -
May 14, 2002
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The events that have transpired since May 6, 1998 have aroused vigorous discussions amongst Eritreans. Most are too deeply involved to view the situation without any emotional bias. One can hardly expect not to be charged with bias in a controversy where objectivity is notoriously absent. The charge of bias and all sorts of labeling, name-calling and bad-mouthing should not, however, detract and discourage us from trying to look at the events with somber eyes. We simply can't afford it, and we owe it to ourselves. The Awate team has invited all of us to do some somber reflection and the time seems ripe. This task, however, needs to be approached with some fear and caution, not only due to the emotional impact of the topic and the complexity of the issues, but due to the draconian and monstrous actions taken by the Eritrean government. A government that seemed not long ago; an oasis of hope in a continent beset by innumerable disasters, and petty and imbecile dictators who place self-interest ahead of national interest. African leaders that have effectively installed the carriage in front of the horse and brilliantly spoke about the coming economic booms as the result of their five, ten and recently, twenty years economic plans. I'm sure most of you have heard, His Excellency, Ambassador Girma Asmerom, deliver his amusing lecture about Eritrea's twenty years tourism plan. What a vision, a stillborn vision. Let's first place the horse in front of the carriage. Now, some people have not come to grips with the fact that President Isaias is a dictator and have accused those of us who have come to grips with it of personal hatred against the dictator. Let me say from the onset that I don't harbor any personal hatred towards Prez. Isaias or his family, but I absolutely abhor what he stands for and where he has led and where he is leading the country. I'm deeply concerned by the irremediable damage he is causing the country, and I speak up to perhaps help in the possibility of salvaging what this man has not already abused and violated. Whether Prez. Isaias is a dictator or not, I say in the proverbial words of a former US senator, "if it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it is a duck." In my previous articles, I've clearly stated that DIA is beyond redemption and the chances for his atonement are slim to none. He is utterly incapable of change, and his fate, unfortunately, will not be much different from the many dictators that the continent had the misfortune of having. He is trapped by the worst tyranny of personal ambition, dogma and intransigent personality. This is not a prescient tale, but the gritty realities of post May 1998 and September 2001 are momentarily writing their sequel. Stay tuned. The debut is soon. For the sake of an argument, let's assume that by some act of miracle, DIA would change and embark on a genuine democratization process of Eritrea. He is, after all, in a more privileged position to do more for democracy than any other Eritrean. Since true loyalty is to principles and not to personalities or organizations, I would be the first to rally behind the democratic efforts. This, of course, does not mean, that I would forget and forgive the miserable failures of the leadership and heinous crimes committed against our people and exonerate those responsible. DIA and his inner circle must be held accountable. It is not love and hatred of personalities, but self-respect and personal integrity that motivates people like me. I personally don't have any particular affinity for the people in the opposition camp, but they seem to advocate the principles that are dear to my heart, and for that I don't have any moral qualms to identify with them. Prior to the events of September 2001, my attitude towards the opposition was mistakenly "Ashas mwut ynaFq" (roughly translated as 'a fool yearns for the dead'). Many years ago, a dehai-er, I'm proud to call a friend, Beyan Negash, accurately predicted that for a meaningful opposition to emerge, a split within the EPLF/EPDJ is necessary and essential. His prophetic words have come true. EPLF-DP is born and Eritrea has a better chance at democracy now than it ever had before. There was a complimentary line of thought from the reconciliation corner to the afore-mentioned prophecy. There was one particular lone voice in the wilderness that vehemently advocated reconciliation. That lone voice came from the desert, Q8, in the name of Salih Qadi. The aftermath of September 2001 has ushered us into new challenges and opportunities and dramatically changed the political landscape of Eritrea. Little by little a democratic avalanche has been set in motion, an avalanche that is still sliding, and one that would intensify soon as it gathers more masses. The opposition groups might have different ideologies, but they have, de facto, established democracy as their lingua franca. This is promising and I hope it becomes contagious and spread all over. In his column, written to Generation Hope, Dr. Kemal has taken the opposition to task on the basis of the old adage that charity begins at home. Although, his litany of questions were good, his argument was guilty of "betrey habuni: zhmqo aleni". The opposition or the regime in Asmara can never guarantee democracy in Eritrea. The people get what they deserve. If the people are protective of their basic liberties, democracy would prevail and flourish in Eritrea. The opposition can only be instrumental in expediting regime change, but it is up to you and me, normal citizens, who can ensure democratic governance. The first and most important question on your list of questions should have been what you and I are doing to promote democracy. I, for one, have chosen to be member of a civic organization that aspires to promote democracy and human rights in Eritrea and whether the current regime is deposed and another installed, my eyes would always remain vigilant. The stakes are too high and we need to diversify our investments. We can't let the opposition and the government to be the only players. Democracy is by the people, from the people and to the people. In the words of Shakespeare each and every one of us has a role to play, and let's all play our respective role |
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