From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Tue May 12 2009 - 09:28:44 EDT
Part two - The Bumpy Journey of Eritrean Generations for Full Ownership
of Their Destiny in Prevailing World Order
Posted by Dan. B on May 11, 2009 at 7:50pm
On the second and third days of the conference, seminars and workshops
were held. Head of Political Affairs at the People's Front for
Democracy, Mr Yemane Gebreab, who lead the conference, gave a seminar
entitled " Eritrea in the changing world". This was also a session that
provides the delegates with the opportunity to ask any questions in
regards to Eritrea's current affair and all the topics covered. The
seminar covered vast topics and detailed look on the world development
and Eritrea's past, present and future affairs; therefore the following
is a brief description of it.
In the first session, Mr Gebreab gave an over view of the world
economic, philosophical and political developments of the last two
hundred years, highlighting the turning point or historical events that
lead to success and others to failure. Mr. Gebreab started by saying:
"we are living in a changing world." And he went on to explain the need
for Eritrea and the Eritrean Diaspora to stay ahead of these changes.
Among the turning points highlighted were, the end of the cold war,
declared as the "The End of History", and described as TINA, "There Is
No Alternative" as ideological evolution had ended with the victory of
"universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of
human government." Mr Gebreab said that although victory was declared,
there was a crisis that was hidden.
Then, came the sad event of 9/11, when it was asked: "why do they hate
us? "This should have been a wakeup call and it was an opportunity as
the whole world sympathized with the US; instead a wrong conclusion
followed wrong action; "you're either with us or against us." The hidden
crisis was revealed by the financial crisis of 2008/2009, presenting
very fundamental economic and political questions.
Mr Gebreab then went on to highlight the indications of the changing
world. From the Ottoman Empire to the western domination of the world
that was institutionalized and strengthened by different methods and
stated the changes including the rise of the rest, China and India and
others to the lesser extent.
The second session of the seminar was on Eritrea and the Eritrean
Diaspora communities. Looking at Eritrea's current affairs, Mr. Gebreab
looked at the impact of the challenges of the last ten years, a war that
was followed by a 'no war and no peace' situation. Higher expenditure on
defense, economic problems such as high prices and the prolonged stay of
the youth in the army were among the impacts stated.
Following the final ruling of the border, the international community
did not pressure the Ethiopian regime to accept it, on contrary the US
went on to put economic pressure on Eritrea by stopping assistance and
loans from international sources and an attempt to stop and discourage
hard currency that Eritrea gets from remittance. There have also been
various political pressures including media hostility, an attempt to
list Eritrea on the terrorist list and bringing issues of religious
persecution and others.
Mr. Gebreab stated; not only has Eritrea survived the enormous
challenges, but it also "thrived" to some extent. Putting into three
phases, first phase - 1991 -1997, second phase 1998 till present time
that was described as era of overcoming challenges (mekete) and a third,
described as a peaceful reconstruction; Mr. Yemane gave detailed
explanation about the different phases and areas of focus in order to
bring a turning point in all aspects of the country.
Starting production and increasing productivity in agriculture, fishery,
tourism, mining and other areas. Continue with the ongoing massive
investments in education and infrastructure, and increase regional trade
with countries including the Sudan. Politically, consolidating PFDJ,
focus on youth, teachers and strengthening political institutions,
judiciary, executive, defense etc. Foreign policy - focused on close
regional cooperation.
Finally, Mr. Gebreab went on to talk about the Eritrean Diaspora
describing it as "big asset for Eritrea," and the challenges of the
current financial crisis and the changing makeup of the community,
families, those who lived for long period and the newcomers. Mr. Gebreab
equates Eritrea / Eritrean with success, and outlined the efforts needed
to make sure Eritreans as community and individuals are successful in
every way. This was followed by question and answer session that went on
for few hours.
This was an excellent two-way engagement. Mr. Yemane gave a very
educational, inspiring and enlightening seminar. There is more, his
ability to connect with young people, not only does he master different
languages, but he also understands the language, humour, and culture of
young people. A UK-born delegate said: "I could sit and listen to Yemane
for 24 hours." Mr. Yemane is playing a very crucial role in bridging
cultural and age gaps.
The next seminar topic was media, the new battle field for tarnishing
images, and manufacturing fictional stories. "Combating the Media attack
on Eritrea" was presented by Sophie Tesfamariam. This was a very
educational and detailed explanation of how the media operates and
outlined in great detail how to combat the attacks. Sophie is a very
eloquent; and a person of integrity, confident, kind yet tough, are some
of her qualities that embody everything about the strong Eritrean women,
who made so much sacrifice for Eritrea.
There were also workshops that looked at organizational development,
social development, on aims and goals of YPFDJ, general critical
assessment of the progress achieved so far etc.
There are no better words that describe the ongoing extensive effort
that are taking place both in Eritrea and Diaspora than this "The youth
are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the partners of today."
This is a statement, Sultan Seid, the chairperson of National Union of
Eritrean Youth Students (NUEYS) gave at the conference. Sultan
personifies the true value of his older generation, a very humble, and
delivers powerful points softly and eloquently.
In concluding this piece of writing with some words from the Head of
Research and Documentation, Mr. Zemheret Yohannes, delivered in the 3rd
YPFDJ conference; in which he stated the role of his generation in the
nation-building process, as having lead the long struggle for Eritrean
independence and now laying strong foundations in building a modern
state; and that of the present youth generation historic responsibility
as to ensure the development of an advanced, viable and sustainable
Eritrea.
To mention some of the many crucial factors, Mr Zemheret expressed in
this process include the need for conscious youth - consciousness rooted
in experiences and history of the country, strong national identity. The
need for the youth to have progressive ideas and build on the values of
the older generation such as being practical, have critical and open
minded outlook and unwavering stance on social justice, equality and
majority interest.
Finally, Young PFDJ Italy has proved (through the excellent and smooth
organization of a huge event) that the dedication and organization of
the older generation has indeed been successfully passed on to the
present generation.
The experiences gained and the shared memories from this conference and
the ongoing activities that are carried out in their respective
countries of residence will, no doubt, have a significant role in the
effort to build strong communities and in the nation-building process.
http://village.africanpath.com/profiles/blogs/part-two-the-bumpy-journey
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