Unity by any other name is still unity.  We have been calling for "reconciliation", consolidation," and convergence for four years now. Two weeks ago, we witnessed the first substantial coming together of five Eritrean opposition organizations: ELF-NC, ERDF, RSADO, DMLEK and EPM.   We are happy they did. No unity is bad unity.   Less than a week ago, we heard that three other organizations-EDP, ELF and ELF-RC-have reached a common understanding.  We are happy that they did.  Today we heard (Eritreana.com's interview with Mr. Osman Abubaker) that four other organizations-two from within and two from outside the Alliance-have reached a common understanding.  We are happy that they did.  All these moves are welcome and we congratulate the organizations for heeding the calls of the people and taking measures that will take us towards final unity.

Of course, substantial as they are, all these measures are the beginning and the same energy and effort that was required to put them together will be needed to sustain them.  Here are some suggestions to the organizations and to the people that, we hope, will be helpful in that regard:

1.        Solidify Agreements

Whether it is called a treaty, a contract or an agreement, a document does not seem to have finality unless it is signed by an authorized representative.  We welcome the efforts of the �Four Plus One� group and the seriousness with which they pursued a signature from all involved.  We welcome the clarification to the absence of a signature from one of the "Four Plus One" participants. We regret that there are two MDP documents circulating: one announcing its merger with EDP, another disowning such document.  We look forward to the EDP, ELF and ELF-RC signing a formal document solidifying their agreement.

2.     Developing A Positive Attitude

It can be said that unity had eluded us for so long not because we lacked the right aptitude but because we lacked the right attitude.   In terms of practicing the science and the art of politics, Eritrean politicians are some of the most experienced in the world�s political stage�30 years and counting, for many of them.   What we are lacking is the right spirit.    

When the �Four Plus One� agreement was announced, some welcomed it openly, some asked for details, still others expressed their anger.  We do not believe there is a divine formula for unity.  It is not like mixing paint, and we don�t have to wonder what happens when you mix this one with the other, which one loses its essence and which one changes.  In the political arena, unity happens when two or more participants decide to do it.     

The people have a right to ask questions and the organizations have the duty to provide them.  However, we do not think it is helpful for one political organization, which was not a party to the treaty, to ask �comprehensive exam� type of questions simply as a means of raising doubts in the minds of the people.   Whether they were speaking for themselves or their organizations, we think Mr. Mohammed Nur and Mr. Osman Abubaker�s comments hit the right note. Regretfully, ELF-RC�s Mr. Mengestab Asmerom and ENA�s Mr. Mohammed Taher Shengeb hit the wrong note.  Mr. Tedla Bairu, who had every reason to be disappointed because he was not extended a courteous pre-notification, had the right and measured response.   

3.     Keep Our Eyes On The Ball

The end game will require a large bloc of the opposition confronting the PFDJ.  This means that, at some date in the future, all the blocs being formed now will have to reach a joint agreement to co-ordinate their activities, form joint committees and task forces.  In short, they will have to work together.  It is not helpful to accuse each other of crimes that will make future attempts at unification difficult if not impossible.

A certain level of accusation and counter-accusation is to be taken as part of the process.  Politicians are people and people�s personalities may clash.  There may be genuine and deeply held beliefs that make working with another difficult. But there are some accusations that are below the belt and should be stopped immediately.

The Isaias-wing of PFDJ accused its former colleagues (the G-15) of all sorts of crimes.  Given that the PFDJ ran like a private and secret club, we the outsiders had no way of knowing which accusations were true and which were false.  One of the accusations was that the G-15 colluded with Meles Zenawi; that they were ready to betray the nation, to overthrow Isaias and assume the mantle of power.   Additionally, they exhibited signs of regionalism. When the Secretary of the Party, Mohammed Alamin, disclosed in an interview with Hadas Ertra that the PFDJ was willing to forgive the G-15 for their crimes of treason if only they would exercise self-criticism, we were certain that the accusation is not true.  How is it that the accusations surface simultaneously when they express their disagreement with the way the boss is running the organization?  And is the penalty for treason self-criticism?

Similarly, some opposition organizations are accusing their former colleagues of grave crimes.  They accuse them of receiving their orders from Meles Zenawi; that they are only too willing to compromise the interests of Eritrea for the sake of power.  Now, how is it that those who are making the accusations were begging these same �regionalist traitors� to stay within their organization only months ago?  How is it that people with decades of service to the nation are transformed into traitors and sectarians the minute they decide to leave their organization?  And what does that say about the individuals flocking to their support: are they, too, traitors and sectarians?  And, most importantly, how will one ever work with another once one has accused the other of treason?

We can�t understand how an organization plans to unite with individuals and organizations that it accuses of grave crimes.  Genuine unity requires genuine change of heart and extension of goodwill. There is a discipline that should be adhered to.

4.     Beware of the Boomerang

When it comes to freedom of expression, we are as close as one gets to being an absolutist.  People should have the right to voice their opinions.  Thanks to the proliferation of Eritrean websites, Eritreans now have opportunities they didn�t have before: their thoughts and expressions can be published in a variety of outlets.

However, we believe that once a media organ describes itself as an official outlet of an organization, it should carry the added responsibility of publishing and broadcasting views that advance the political party�s mission. The official websites of the Eritrean political organizations�ELF-RC�s nharnet.com; ELF-NC�s adal61.com; EDP�s eritrea1.org and the Alliance�s eri-alliance.com�should not be the playgrounds of those whose only objective is to attack other opposition organizations and personalities.  We know people may see this differently, so here is an example to make our point. EDP�s Eritrea1.org is hosting an article that announces the organization�s common understanding with ELF-RC and ELF.  Simultaneously, it is hosting an article authored by a self-described �average Eritrean� [see footnotes] which, among other things, derides all opposition groups except the EDP and then promises, �Once PIA is removed, and hopefully Mesfin Hagos and the gang are reinstalled, we will turn our guns at them right from the beginning.  But everything comes in due time.�  Leaving aside our concerns about who this anything-but-average Eritrean is, how does an organization advance unity and harmony while simultaneously hosting an article promising civil war �in due time�?

5.  The People Need To Do Their Part

Now that we are asking for unity, and some organizations are yielding, we have to do our share. Those who brought about the liberty of the Eritrean land should not be burdened, once again, with single-handedly bringing about the liberty of the Eritrean people.   The days of bystanders should be left behind. People should get involved and be active. There is no slave in this struggle on whose shoulder the struggle should be dropped. This is about a nation and the whole nation should rise up and stand in unison against injustice and tyranny. We should keep away from helping the tyranny in our country for selfish reasons. Our conscience should hurt when we submit to the regime simply to buy a plot of land or because we want a cheap vacation in Eritrea. We all miss our country. We all miss our people and if selfishness were the driving force, we would all become slaves in our own country. We need to wage the selfless struggle that many of our present leaders have waged for decades. We should heed the example of those who died in foreign lands simply because they refused to bow to injustice. We are no better than them.

We the people must support the organizations in any conceivable role and level. This includes financial contribution, membership drives, PR and lobbying, community services and advising the organizations, each with his capacity.  Those who fear �external influence� have the obligation to provide the organizations the needed support so they can be truly free from �external influence.� 

We the people must also play our role in sustaining the unity that is emerging: instead of polarizing them, we must bring them together.  Instead of using wedge issues, we must find common ground.  We must pacify the situation without losing focus on those who keep putting obstacles on our way. Lets pressure all the organizations to unite. NO UNITY IS BAD UNITY.

Things are crystallizing, and, with every successful unification, the days of hope are emerging.  All these unity steps are a dagger at the heart of PFDJ.  Whoever thought the Eritrean struggle was for anything else but dignity and liberty was wrong. Whoever thought the independence of Eritrea was booty for a narrow ruling class was also wrong. Eritrea can accommodate all its children equally, with fairness, or cease being a nation. The choice was long made and assurances for that were paid in blood and sweat. Those who lose hope would think otherwise, but it was not in vain.

Our nation will pass through the hurdles and regain its self-confidence. It will move on with vigor and vitality. The injustice of the PFDJ will pass. In its place, a just, fair and democratic system will be established. One day, Eritrea will be a respectable member of the world community and a peaceful nation in its neighborhood. How do we know? It is the dream of many Eritreans; and Eritreans have a peculiar way of making dreams come true.

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Footnote: Awate thanks the Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) for its expeditious actions in removing the destructive mentioned article from its website, Eritrea1.org.