We should all be prepared for any eventuality!
By: Dr. Tesfay Aradom
May 14, 2005
The current commotion concerning the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia
is eerily reminiscent of the late 1940s and early 50s. The superpowers connived
against Eritrea through the Bevin-Sforza proposal, the “Federal Arrangements”
and a “Mutual Defense Pact” between the US and the Ethiopian Gov’t. The objectives
of these plans were, of course, to partition Eritrea and dissolve its physical
and political existence; secure strategic locations for US intelligence activities
and provide Ethiopia with weapons to contain the threat from rising Eritrean
nationalism.
If we fast-forward to 2005, a similar political scenario seems to be at play:
we observe former US Ambassadors relaying provocative subliminal messages; State
Department officials making biased comments and unsubstantiated accusations
against Eritrea which, in essence, constitute a violation of its sovereignty;
and politicians and NGO leaders, relying on “evidence” concocted by disgruntled
individuals and groups of shady characters arriving at preposterous conclusions
concerning the social and political conditions in Eritrea. Obviously, anachronistic
views are still prevalent in some corners of the world.
The goal then, just as it seems to be the case today, was to make Eritrea the
sacrificial lamb in order to gratify Ethiopia’s expansionist whims. However,
with regards to Eritrea history will not repeat itself. The objective and subjective
conditions in Eritrea are significantly different from what they were more than
half a century ago. Guided by an increasingly effective political movement and
ideological clarity, a fledgling but evolving national consciousness was gradually
transformed into a solid and psychologically, politically and socially enlightened
Eritrean nationalism. A long common struggle against discrimination and political
and social oppression perpetrated by various colonial powers and successive
Ethiopian regimes was also an important factor that contributed to the strong
sense of nationalism among Eritreans.
Following a protracted political and armed struggle and sacrifices, Eritrea
gained its independence and, as a result, has become a well deserving member
of the international community. The Eritrean people are now capable of defending
their country legally and politically and preserving its sovereignty and territorial
integrity of their nation. Eritrea has clearly demonstrated a military capability
to decisively foil an expansionist war unleashed by the weyane regime and its
supporters under the pretext of border conflict. It has also shown that it can
skillfully and successfully defend its political and legal interests in the
international arena. The EEBC’s final and binding decision illustrates such
capability notwithstanding the weyane regime’s attempts to influence the outcome
through subterfuge and display of pompous out of court disposition.
In violation of international laws and principles, the weyane regime is currently
illegally occupying sovereign Eritrean territory and, subsequently, tens of
thousands of Eritreans are unable to return to their villages and homes to resume
the livelihoods they were forced to give up. Its continues to defy international
laws by refusing to let the demarcation process move forward and is instead
engaging in provocative actions along the already delimited border. The indecisiveness
of the international community to take the necessary actions authorized by the
“Algiers Agreement” has emboldened the duplicitous weyane regime and made it
an accomplice in the regime’s plans to undermine international law. As a result,
convinced that it can do it with impunity, it is gradually derailing the peace
process in order to realize its sinister ulterior objectives.
Needless to say, the definitively delimited border is not subject to any kind
of tampering either by the weyane regime or anybody else. With the acquiescence
of the international community in general and the guarantors of the “Algiers
Agreement” in particular, this same regime continues to hold the technical aspect
of demarcation hostage. Although its final demarcation is inevitable and the
onus is on the weyane regime, credible pressure should be brought to bear by
the international community to avert unnecessary human calamity and material
devastation.
For more than half a century, the superpowers, intent on protecting their economic
and political interests have been conspiring to deny us our right to self-determination
and appeasing successive Ethiopian regimes in their quest for expansionism.
The latter, in order to realize their political goals, have committed atrocious
crimes against the Eritrean people. In every region of the country, villages
have been burnt, razed and pillaged. Women have been raped and innocent civilians
have been indiscriminately killed and tortured. In a fair and just world, one
would have justifiably expected an apology from the Ethiopian regimes and people
for all the suffering and pain they have inflicted on the Eritrean people. Contrary
to this, the weyane regime, not only is it following the footsteps of its predecessors,
but it has actually shown a propensity to engage in acts of genocide against
the Eritrean people which it views as its nemesis and the main obstacle to its
expansionist dreams.
Unfortunately given that, in these times and age, belligerence, hypocrisy and
defiance of international laws are extolled and imposed as norms to be emulated
or adopted, we as a people of a sovereign nation should not hesitate to define
and practice our own moral values and virtues within the context of our historical
and cultural experience. Similarly, we should continue to carve out our own
path towards economic, social and political development. Needless to say, we
have to stay united and do what we do best: rely primarily on our own human
and material resources and also engage in effective political and diplomatic
activities to meaningfully support the efforts of our government.
Confronted with these challenging social, political and military situations,
the Eritrean people, more than ever, have to be psychologically, spiritually
and materially prepared for any eventuality. Every Eritrean should exhibit the
determination and discipline needed to weather these difficult times. We should
be constantly vigilant against disinformation fabricated by our enemies and
psychological warfare aimed at shaking our resolve and blunting our political
keenness. Undaunted by a concerted effort to deter us from fulfilling our national
obligations, we should preserve our enviable tradition of making the necessary
material contributions towards our noble cause.
Wetru Awet N’hafash !!
Awetna nay gdn iyu!!