It is recorded in the annals of the United Nations Universal Declaration Of Human Rights that human beings should have the freedom of movement and choice to travel wherever they want to go to live, without being hindered or prevented from traveling.
In Ethiopia there is no freedom of movement and there is no right to travel. People live under constant fear and uncertainty. This is the tragedy that has fallen upon Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin living in Ethiopia.
The government of Meles Zenawi, a minority government led by the cliques of Tigray, has kept hundreds of thousands of Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin as hostages. Several thousands are suffering in prison cells. Many have died due to lack of proper medical attention. Several have been killed by trigger-happy Tigrean militiamen and killing squads. Thus, in Tigray and Ethiopia, there is a different style of RED TERROR directed against civilian Eritreans, different from the one used by Mengistu Hailemariam, and the "divide-and-rule" tactics used by the former Emperor, Haileselassie I.
The world community did not utter a word of rage or indignation when Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin have been deported in mass and their properties confiscated inappropriately. Especially the Organization of African Unity (OAU), whose Headquarters is in Addis Ababa, did not issue a statement of condemnation. The United Nations (UN), the European Union and many others kept silent, when the Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin have been crying for justice and the protection of their human rights.
The ungrateful and evil leaders of Tigray have violated rights of Eritreans in so many ways at so many corners. It should be recalled Amnesty International (29 January 1999 and May 21, 1999) did a good job in exposing the evil actions of the Weyanes, when it learned about the mass deportations. However, that is not enough. Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (July 1, 1998), and the U.S. Department of State (August 6, 1998) had also criticized the Tigrean authorities of the deportations. That is it! Ethiopia has not stopped terrorizing people of Eritrean origin. It still continues to do so! It is a shame that people of Eritrean origin have become targets of the inherent wicked behavior of the Weyanes of Tigray. It is unfortunate, for many years, under Ethiopian rule; Eritreans have been duped, betrayed, marginalized, terrorized, banished, imprisoned and killed. At different times in the history of the Expansion of Tigray and Ethiopia, the properties of Eritreans have been pillaged, burned, confiscated and appropriated by the different rulers and their sinecures.
It is explained to the outside world, for Public Relations purpose, by the Tigrean Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary and Democratic Forces (EPRDF) that it is because of security reasons that the hundreds of thousands of people of Eritrean origin have been deported to Eritrea and others abducted and imprisoned. Reports also indicate others have disappeared without any trace.
Eritreans living in Ethiopia have not been engaged in sabotage, larceny, terrorism or any acts of violence against the governments of Tigray and Ethiopia. In fact, Ethiopians of people of Eritrean origin, at various levels, have helped the Tigrean and Ethiopian governments stand on their feet. They have sacrificed a lot for the survival of the Weyanes. If it were not for the help of the Eritrean commandos, the leaders of the TPLF/EPRDF would not have usurped power from the hands of the Amharas.
What do we call such a callous action by a government that claims it abides by the norms and laws of the international community? This is hogwash and a travesty of justice! However, as it is said in Tigrinya:" id shenaHit SenaHit" -- the evil hands of the Weyanes will get what they deserve. There will be a consequence to their immoral acts.
It is no secret; so far the Tigrean government has deported, illegally, over 63,000 Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin. It is also well documented the leaders of the Weyane government have confiscated properties of Eritreans worth $800,000.000. It should be noted, by hook or crook, there has to be a monetary compensation for the stolen properties. Since the thief is a well know criminal and a neighbor, it is easy to proceed in court of law and demand compensation.
There are also more than 500,000 displaced civilian Eritreans, due to the border war. Hundreds of homes and villages have been burned. Several hundreds of domestic animals have been killed and slaughtered by the Weyanes.
Unconfirmed reports say there are about 150,000 Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin living throughout Tigray and Ethiopia. It is possible the numbers could be higher. The fate of these civilians of Eritrean descent is at stake. Their safety is in jeopardy.
It is not inconceivable; the desperado leaders in Meqele, Adi Grat, Tembien, Adwa and elsewhere are able to commit genocide similar to the one we have seen in Rwanda and Burundi. We know they have the propensity to do evil, because it is part of their nature and they thrive in such inhuman actions.
Recently we have learned the TPLF government has ordered all Ethiopians of Eritrean heritage, above the age of 18 years, to register in order to get residency permits. This is another ploy to target them and to confiscate their properties. Let us recount some of the silly questions the Eritreans were asked by the TPLF functionaries:
Do you have:
What do we make out of these questions? Absolutely nothing, except be amused by the xenophobic mentality of the TPLF leaders! This is a preparation to make more raids into the homes of Eritreans and rob their properties. This is highway robbery and thievery. The Weyanes are committing untold miseries and crimes against civilians of Eritrean ancestry living in Tigray and Ethiopia. We know every Ethiopian of Eritrean heritage is a suspect and a fair game for their attack.
Recently it is reported from inside Ethiopia, people of Eritrean parentage are being asked to move out of their homes. Where are they going to go, to concentration camps? Why now? This is another ploy designed by the leaders of the Weyane clique to take over and to loot the homes and properties of these innocent people.
This has to stop! Something needs to be done! The world community should not watch, with its arms folded, and let innocent civilians bleed, suffer, their properties looted and their human rights get violated for the simple reason of their ancestry! Ethiopia should be told in unequivocal words that its actions against the people of Eritrean origin must stop! There will be a price to be paid for such wanton banditry!
Since the unfortunate border war of May 6, 1998 began, the Weyane government has systematically stripped most of the Ethiopians of Eritrean origin and Eritreans of their human dignity and property. Many have been dismissed from their jobs. Others have been forced to sell their properties at a lower price, so that the functionaries of the TPLF could benefit from the sale.
Many businesses belonging to people of Eritrean origin have been closed and their licenses revoked. Thus, many innocent civilians of Eritrean descent have become jobless and homeless, as well as penniless. What the Weyanes want is to see Eritreans begging for food in the streets of Addis Ababa and other cities in Tigray and Ethiopia. This scene may satisfy their sadistic nature and even make them boast of inflicting a psychological wound upon the proud and dignified Eritreans. We have also learned some Tigreans and Amhara chauvinists are scoffing at the unfortunate situation of the Eritreans. This is the lowest moment of Eritreans in Ethiopia.
The Government of Meles Zenawi has declared, "It does not like the color of the eyes of the Eritreans". According to the xenophobic Tigrean leaders, every Eritrean is a security risk to the Government of Tigray and Ethiopia. Even infants, elderly people, nuns, priests, sick and disabled Eritreans are a threat to the survival of the Governments in Meqele and Addis Ababa. This is the absurd of the absurdities of a twisted logic of a crooked mind operated by the Leaders of the TPLF and EPRDF, which is a coalition of the cliques of Tigray and the remnants of the Amhara ruling party.
Eritreans living in Ethiopia have not been a security risk of any kind. In fact, Eritreans have been a blessing to Tigray and Ethiopia for many years. It is a fact that Eritrean industriousness and skills have helped Tigray and Ethiopia to make changes in their outlook for modernity and progress. It should be accepted as undeniable facts of life that it was Eritrean engineers, mechanics, doctors, artisans, teachers, truckers, businessmen and other professionals who have contributed to the metropolitan outlook of Addis Ababa and many other cities across Tigray and Ethiopia.
The unfortunate border conflict has taught Eritreans invaluable lessons. Tigrean leaders are not to be trusted. They are liars and cheaters. They are ungrateful. They are the Judas of modern day.
This writer has heard many disheartening personal stories and moments of betrayal perpetrated by the Tigrean leaders upon civilian Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin, when he visited Eritrea in the spring of 1999. It is sad to hear small, deported children, exhibit open anger and hostility towards the leaders of the TPLF. Adults as well as small children vividly remember what had happened to them before, during and after they were arrested and deported by the functionaries of the wicked TPLF leaders.
The border issue will be resolved in due time. However, the scar that is left upon Eritreans will take time to heal. Families have been separated. Marriages broken and new wounds inflicted. The Tigrean leaders should have considered the historical connection of the two peoples, before any negative actions were taken. There are family relations that should have been considered. But, to the blind eyes of the leaders of the minority government of Ethiopia, the future was not clearly seen. Jealousy, envy, a need to have access to the sea and the damaged inferiority complex they have are pushing them to the edge of self-destruction. It is unfortunate the engine of self-destruction is running faster on the tracks of the Tigrean railway line. The passengers will fall a sudden fall and many of them will run for their life and there will not be a rescue squad available to save them.
Whether Badme goes to Tigray or not, whether Zalambessa goes to Eritrea or not, whether Bure belongs to Ethiopia or not, whether the carnage of Tserona will be repeated or not, the bottom line is, the two peoples will live together as neighbors. Why create so much hatred and animosity among the people? What is the benefit? There is no absolute value in sowing disharmony and enmity!
The border dispute should be resolved in a peaceful way. Isaias Afewerki, the President of Eritrea, or the George Washington of Modern Eritrea, should not be considered as the enemy of Tigray or Ethiopia. Isaias and other PFDJ leaders will not live forever. They are mortal human beings. At the present time, they are the symbol of Eritrean independence and unity. The leaders of the TPLF/EPRDF need to accept this reality. They also need to accept the fact that all Nationalist Eritreans support the territorial integrity, independence and unity of Eritrea. A wedge will not to be created in this solid wall of national unity. Nevertheless, the Weyanes should not hope for the hopeless situation to give them some sense of satisfaction. The Quislings and Prostitutes who are dreaming to come to power by replacing the PFDJ will not succeed. The Yohannes Zermariams, the Tesfazion Medhanies and their likes will not divide the unity of Eritrea and Eritreans of all walks of life.
Eritrean intellectuals are not represented by the images of Yohannes and Tesfazion or others who claim to represent the interests of the various factions of the former Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). The era of armed struggle is over in Eritrea. Eritrea is a sovereign country. It is a recognized state and a member of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity. This fact is not reversible. It is as simple as 1+1=2.
The Weyanes need to accept the Technical Arrangements devised by the OAU, UN, Algeria and the United States of America. A peaceful solution to the conflict and to the current crisis hinges on the acceptance of the plan. Prevarication or asking for excuses will not lead the TPLF and EPRDF anywhere. There is no bride price to be paid or any dowry to be given.
Military power is not a solution. Sophisticated and high tech modern weapons will not solve the border conflict. Demarcation and delimitation, based on colonial treaties and agreements, will do the tricks. Eritreans do accept Eritrea was an Italian colony and it was shaped by that process. It is a given fact all countries in Africa have been under European colonialism for so many years and the Berlin Conference of 1884/1885 marked their boundaries. The OAU, whether out of prudence or farsightedness, accepted the colonial boundaries as sacrosanct in 1964 in its Cairo Declaration. Thus, colonial treaties and agreements do apply to the boundaries between Eritrea and Ethiopia. There is no deviation from this reality.
There is no continental gulf that separates the two peoples, except geographical boundaries. That has to be accepted like any other international boundaries.
The leaders of the TPLF and EPRDF must come to their senses to realize Eritrea is independent. There is no ifs or buts about it. The RED SEA belongs to Eritrea and not to TIGRAY or Ethiopia! It is the 3.5 million Eritreans who won the RED SEA, not the 65 million Ethiopians.
The dream of Greater Tigray should not blindfold the Weyane leaders and lead them to commit a catastrophe upon themselves and upon the poor people of Tigray and consequently upon the people of Ethiopia. The Republic of Tigray, if that is what they want to call it, must learn how to live within its confines. Eritrea will not allow any piece of its land to be taken away by force. The new Map of 1997, issued by the Republic of Tigray, which incorporates some of Eritrean lands, must be rescinded.
Peace is a prerequisite to development. Eritrea and Ethiopia need peace to reconstruct their shattered economies. They need peace to develop their backward infrastructure. They need money to build schools, clinics, hospitals, factories, roads and power lines to the rural areas. The hungry and displaced need to be fed and be sheltered.
Thus, it is time for all Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin who want to leave Ethiopia and Tigray and be allowed to leave. They know Ethiopia is not a safe place for them. It does not respect them. It has made life difficult for them. Ethiopian leaders need to realize the pending plagues upon their head. They should learn from the mistakes made by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Moses' call to the Pharaoh of Egypt was: "Let my people go"!
Home is sweet home for all Eritreans! Let the world community speak out. Let there be an orderly evacuation plan to let all those Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin who want to get out of Tigray and all corners of Ethiopia get out safely and with all of their property.
It has to be clearly understood, if any thing happens to these innocent civilians living in Tigray or Ethiopia, the TPLF/EPRDF governments will be seized by any legal standards and will be responsible for any negative actions they take.
Still, there is one big and unsettled issue. We need to put on notice the leaders of the TPLF/EPRDF that the 63,000 or more deported Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin will be compensated for their looted and confiscated properties. This will not be presented as a precondition for peace, but as a process of justice being served and robbery not being rewarded.
It is more blessed to live in Eritrea than in Ethiopia. Eritreans are needed at home in Eritrea. With the skills and professions they have, they can be a blessing to Eritrea.
It is a known fact the ones who were deported last year, 1998, have been a blessing in disguise to Eritrea. The leaders of the TPLF/EPRDF thought the infrastructure of Eritrea could not absorb the deportees and thus a rebellion could start to topple the Asmara government. What a false dream! Most of the deportees, who have had highly needed skills, were able to fill positions that were left vacant when the veteran workers went to the battlefronts to fight Tigrean aggression.
Thus, if Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin are allowed to leave Ethiopia, they can help in the reconstruction and development process. Eritrea needs its people. It is ready to embrace them and accept them with open arms. Therefore, the leaders of the Weyane regime need to be prudent and visionary to let Eritreans who want to leave leave! This is the call of all peace- loving Eritreans! The call is simple. Let them go!