Time for Eritrean Rose revolution?

One of the charges leveled against those who left the country opposing the regime in Asmara this days is “Deserters”. The irony of this is that thy have a case against those who left the country but are failing to do so to those hundreds if not thousands of Journalists, Politicians, Religious leaders and Civilians alike languishing in prison cells across the country.

But the question is do they have a right to level a case against individuals who breach certain law although the very fact that in our case the above mentioned citizens did or did not has yet to be proven?. The answer is simple, NO!. A self emposed government do not have the mandate of the people to be in the place where it is now. Any government has to legally claim power from the people to do so. The current government in Eritrea however, has neither the legal claim nor the blessing of the Eritrean population no matter whatever reasons they might try to give to their current situation. As a result, this makes it illegal for all its laws and regulations. Anybody, be it a government or otherwise who lucks a constitutional mandate has no right to execute laws and argue their legality. The authorities in Asmara may try to give definitions for their stay in power but, border conflict and internal unrest are simply public relations exercises and are brought to take precedence over the real issue.

Healthy governance always finds a room for critics that adds vitality to a system. A strong democracy is the one that survives in a diversified opinion and under a constant shadow of a check and balance. This are the basic values upon which democracy sets its foundation. But this is so un-comprehendeble to the rulers in Asmara that the very mention of democracy deems one UN-patriotic and is subjected to abuse and castigation.

The fact is for the past thirty years the leaders were and are living in the dynasty of decision making with “i know it all” mentality that it is hard for them to change. This is however flagging their support from even the very people they lead both inside and out side the country.

They feel comfortable only with a state owned media that hyperbolate non existent achievements. They have no room for a little criticism. Real facts cause them anguish, that is why they ordered a crack down on the privet press.

President Issayas once said that he detests being questioned. He said that being opposed makes him determined in his ideas and beliefs and he never gives up. Putt it in other way, he is saying that “don´t question me, if you ever do I will come down crashing on you and you will be sorry you ever did” which of course he did!. He ordered all those who dared criticize him to be put in jailed without charge. He loves to be surrounded by “yes” people, that is just his innate nature.

But I say, being determined and never giving up may well have served us during the armed struggle Mr. President, but now it is time to give a little space to the rule of law because we are in the cities not in the jangles like we used to be.

Wake up Mr. President!, your trial and error approach to every problem is costing us a lot and upsetting the once smoothly running social equilibrium. We have embarked on this road which leads to no where and the Eritrean people have had enough.

The Eritrean people can not raise guns and go to the wilderness again, they know the cost. Besides, who is going to fight against who?. Brother against brother?....NO!. Eritreans know better than raise a gun and after all, this is not a choice easier, but they are showing their dissatisfaction with you in many ways.

One good example of this is the speed by which the ruling party's popularity plummet among the Eritrean population. The worship of heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle are long gone and the ruling party is hated by even those who fought side by side with them during the thirty years of armed struggle. It shames one to see EPLF, the once who enjoyed a strong support of the people has given birth to the most loathed PFDJ, which is functioning one of the worst machine of dictatorship in Africa. EPLF to PFDJ, beloved to despised.

Acknowledging failure and admit defeat leading the way to peace and reconciliation is a wise thing to do. But, history tells us the current regime in Asmara will not turn back from its sins. It will keep on going as long as its legs will carry it down the road of destruction applying autocratic methods such as scare tactics and hegemony.

Thus the time may be has come for the people of Eritrea to peacefully rise against the dictatorial regime in Asmara. This peaceful uprise which we have witnessed in many countries in the world recently is still being actively pursued by peace loving, violence hating citizens of many Nations in the world. The Rose, Orange and now the Rose-white colors of revolution are echoing from the streets of freedom loving people of Georgia, Ukraine and Lebanon respectively. Maybe time has also come for this revolution to keep on burning all the way to the streets of Asmara.

Biniam Berhane.

Dec. 3/2004.