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Isaias Afewerki is literary and figuratively a dictator. Those who believe otherwise or give a blind eye to this fact belong to the living dead.
Dictator are like serial killers; they strive for “originality” when committing their heinous crimes. And Isaias is a master trickster.
Maybe it is the strive for “originality” and façade of Isaias’s everyday act that is confusing the living dead. Add to that the deadly potion of self-interest (villa in Sembel); nepotism and a higher office (the possibility of sending ones offsprings abroad thus avoiding conscription); bestowing an additional star on their shoulder (including the availability of more girls for sex); occasional visitation to Eritrea (show and tell) and so forth, and their transformation to absolute ossification becomes complete.
These living dead are roaming amongst us everywhere: inside and outside Eritrea. But luckily, nature is taking its normal course and except for the occasional discomfort, they are becoming less and less harmful and more and more comical.
Here follows an illustration of some of Isaias’ originality (Criminal Vulgarity):
1. It was exactly 30 years ago, on Sunday October 3rd 1976, 5:00 PM, at Fshei Mrara that Isaias pulled a “flag” (he called it Arma and its installation shall start immediately) from his bag, to show the attendees of the 1st congress of the party (I was one of them). To his “amazement” (and as a matter of fact all of us too), no one bothered (or dared) to ask him whose idea it was? Who made it? Why do we need another flag? What was going to happen to the beloved Eritrean flag? Where was it manufactured (the seams were flawless and professional)? Of course, forget the question why “we” or “our people” were not involved in the process (initiation of the idea; debating the necessity for change; feasibility; consequence…). My only guess is that we the attendees have suffered a sudden and temporary amnesia due to the serious nature (shame, guilt, disgust, helplessness) of the situation. That was what the criminal trickster expected and got what he wanted. Another Experiment. Another Success !
Why was I amazed (or befuddled)? Because many heroes gave their lives for their flag (the symbol of Independence and Freedom)? Because, The-Flag-To-Be-Replaced was the property of the Whole Eritrean people. Because for People’s Property to be replaced in such manner was an Abomination (a crime of the Century is more fitting). Because the brazen act was unheard of or unseen before. Because I grew up with the beloved flag. My father was a station sergeant in charge of the official flag hoisting ceremony raised. The flag was raised each morning and lowered and folded carefully in the evening. For some reason my father used to bring the flag home every night rather than leaving it at the station. One night my father came without the flag and the sadness (solemnity) I saw in his face told me that a disaster has loomed over Eritrea. To those who remember that day it is was the Eritrean version of 9-11 in the USA.
And here is a man (a Fascist/Thief/Tormentor/Demon/Despot) who dared enough to change history single handedly and not a single protest arose from all the attendees which included the then who-is-who of the EPLF. But I have a photographic memory of how everyone felt just at looking into that piece of rag: total disgust and dhame and NO One touched it!!
The names of those present in the meeting are worth mentioning. But before that, let me make it clear that I am not blaming anyone of them because they all are victims (just like the Eritrean people) and had no part whatsoever in the intrigue and committed crime. Some of them have heroically paid their due with their lives (Mohammed Clay and Abraham Afa); others are suffering in prison, and some are denied their citizenship by the evil perpetrator. Those present were: Mesfin Hagos, Sherifo, Petros Solomon, Sibhat Efrem; Beraki Ghebreselassie, Ibrahim Afa, Stifanos Seium; Osman Redo, Aklilu Zere, Dawit Habtu, Alamin Mohamed Said; Drue and Mohamed Ali (Clay).
Of course this act was not his First or Last.
2. To prove the later let me mention the Eritrean currency, the Nakfa. Who chose the name? Who designed the currency? Who appointed the designers? Who decided where the currency should be minted?
Who else!
If our tormentor could substitute a revered rublic and national symbol on his own whim and with no opposition (even at least a criticism) what will hold him from doing the same with currency that is less important albeit its major symbolic significance?
Isn’t it true that unpunished behavior flourishes?
Actually these two examples are microscopic compared to the unimaginable mayhem and destruction he caused (and is still causing) to the Eritrean people. But again, Nature will continue minding its own course and what goes around will come around. For every crime there is punishment. |
