If there is miracle, Eritrea has to be considered one. Given the odds Eritreans have had to overcome to give birth to a nation (fighting the full political and military might of two superpowers) and the conspiracies it has had to foil against its sovereignty since its independence, Eritrea should not exist as a nation today. Yet, it not only exists, it is thriving in spite of its adversaries and in the face of circumstances that defy logic and reason.
If one considers what Eritrea has had to put up with just in the last ten years from sanctions aimed at crippling its economy to conspiracies aimed at emptying the country of its youth and stripping it of its capability to defend itself, it is nothing short of a miracle that the country not only exists in one piece but is thriving while its Arab and African neighbors are engulfed in chaos and turmoil. This is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Eritrean people and their tendency to work hand in glove with their government to advance their country’s interests. When the chips are down, Eritreans know that they can only rely on themselves. No country has ever come to their rescue.
At 24, Eritrea has shown that despite its young age, it can look after itself and defend itself against all attempts made at its young life. There finally seems to be a recognition from some of its Western detractors that Eritrea is a country that is always going to be independent in mind and spirit. Countries and companies have now started to engage Eritrea on its own terms. Hence, the triumphant mood that prevailed this past week at Independence Day parties held by Eritrean communities across the globe. The dynamic entertainer, Helen Meles, aptly captures this triumphant mood with one of her songs “SeAre.”
For Eritrea, the worst seems to be behind. Meanwhile, Eritrea’s arch enemy, Weyane Tigray, managed to stage yet another farce for its Western audience. But will it really last another 5 years?
Received on Wed May 27 2015 - 07:30:08 EDT