[Editor:   This article was contributed by "Lt Kidane" who has become a regular contributor to Awate.com.  Recently, another Eritrean from Asmara, using the name "meseta Kidane" has also started contributing.  We thank both for their courage in exposing the PFDJ while writing from the "belly of the beast.' All notes inside brackets [ ] are translations/clarifications provided by Awate.] 

The PFDJ is notorious for many things that went bad in this tiny nation of 3.5 million people.

While we were in the field everything was going like a clock work because everyone one was doing not what was expected of him, but more than sometimes to an unbelievable degree.

The adrenalin at that time was working to the highest level that sometimes you don't know what to say. The root cause of this is, in spite of the limited democracy even then each and everyone had an aim, the liberation of the nation, that he should fulfill what ever may be the price.

The lesson that every one learned then was, "the aim of our struggle is not only the independence of the nation, but also the liberation of our people from exploitation. What is the use of kicking out the enemy if he is to be replaced by domestic exploiters and dictators.

Alas! after the liberation of the land there was a systematic and slow motion procedure that made the people and the fighters to be passive, self centered with opportunistic tendency.

Prior to liberation, talking about rank or post was unheard of. Except a handful of elements nobody ever asked for a nice or high post. After 1996, starting from generals to the corporal people are still grumbling that the rank they are given is below what they deserve. This is usually connected with economics. The lower your rank the lower your salary and still the lower social status you have.

This is the current reality in Eritrea. But lets forget the people who at least have a rank, a car, a beautiful house etc. There are countless fighters who don't have any means of livelihood whatsoever. These people are useless for the PFDJ, and it never cares about them.

Of course for domestic purpose there are a sample of them that come in the news. Thirty  demobilized fighters were trained in such and such field etc. Of course after finishing course nobody remembers them and they should search work by themselves. These majority have accepted their fate. They know that the liberation of Eritrea is not relevant to them, they only fought and liberated the land so that the PFDJ and its stooges can play and dance without any hindrance. As long all they are doing fine everything is OK.

Forgotten is the principle of Justice, equality, progress, peace and democracy. If you have written Democracy and justice on all the sign posts of PFDJ offices in all Asmara and the towns of Eritrea it is enough. And this people are justified to claim so:

�The Eritrean people have been forced to learn in Amharic, now thanks to PFDJ they are proudly learning in Tigrigna and reading Haddas Eritra. They have been prevented from going out of the towns to the countryside during the colonial period, but now so that they should not be exploited by the Europeans they are living peacefully in their country and serving it diligently. They were being ruled by the Amharas before but now they are being (administered) by their valiant brothers and sisters. And whatever their brothers do however wrong it may be is to the advantage of the people. The Warsay Yeka'alo campaign is a glittering example. That is why every neighboring nation including America is so envious about our country.�

People in Eritrea these days are following the tactic of "wei adom hidegelom wey delayom ghiberelom." [Do as they tell you, or leave their country.] Even PFDJ cadres tell you that �such and such policies are doomed to fail, we told them so but they refused to listen.�

Most people usually laugh when they read or hear the pretentious character of PFDJ mass media. After all they don't know how to use it. It is simply naked and full of outright lies. While there are crucial issues that are of high priority to the masses, the mass media talks of trivial things. Especially Haddas eritrea is read for the Sports news, kabzn kabtn and world news at the back. The Sunday issue is sold in great numbers because it never writes about Isaias� trips, dams or rahyatat etc. The day the Eastern Sudan peace deal was signed all its contents were concerning the ceremony and nobody bought it.  I mean a large number was returned to the distributors. People may be late in reacting but they are smarter than their oppressive leaders.

It is therefore high time that we should be aware for every action of the PFDJ thugs. Especially those who live in the diaspora have a greater responsibility in combating the oppressive regime. In fact, it has injured you more than we who are living here. "Nabra nabra qedemna" [we are used to it] but you have been forbidden to continue the construction of your houses and you have no right whatsoever to do any business unless you pay 2% from your declared amount. This is in spite of all your contribution to the liberation of the country. You should say enough is enough. The Washington DC march is a fine example.