All opposition in San Diego.

Eritrean Democratic Alliance Deserves Broad Support!

 “Nihnan Mengistinan” Campaign Cannot Stop The Will of the People!

Recently we have seen reversal of old positions, reconciliation of differences, and round table debates among various political opposition groups, which culminated in transferring the old Eritrean national alliance (ENA) to a new Eritrean democratic alliance (EDA). This is an umbrella organization of almost all opposition organizations destined to end the monstrous dictatorial system in Eritrea. It is clear from our experience that small organizations indulge so much in the internal, some times personal, uncontrollable spin of disputes ending in breakups. With that history in mind, the opposition leaders, and the Eritrean people need to declare victory on the outcome of the long awaited process of unity. Finally the bondage became national interest ahead of everything else. Congratulations. 

We are optimistically waiting to see the published version of the agreement.   From the interview excerpts we encountered so far, the new charter can not by any standard be worse than the previous one because of the input, considerations and demands submitted by the new and old dissatisfied members. Even if the charter remains to be the same, there are plenty of reasons why the Eritrean people and the opposition should celebrate over the formation of the new alliance. Some of the reasons are as follows:

1. Better structured central and executive branches of organization.

2. More defined and independence from various pressures.

3. Wide spectrum diversity of ethnic and religious compositions.

4. Amalgamation of the two long-lived differences between ELF and EPLF cultures.

5. People’s effective pressure and “last chance ultimatum” considered.

6. The democratic numeric representation of the majority and minority organizations fulfilled.

7. The convergence and mergers of small organization in to new compact sizes accomplished.

8. The replacement of walkouts by consensus building and reservation marking processes achieved.

The common dream of building a constitution that encompasses all Eritrean people remains viable. For decades the Eritrean people vowed for democracy and accepted a secular constitution in 1951, and both ELF, EPLF and other political movements in the 1970’s  reflected no religious doctrine in any of their programs. Time after time, we proved to the world that we could peacefully coexist as citizens of one nation under one supreme law, respecting each other’s cultures and religions.

In the past five years, there was mutual understanding of each group’s positions and organizations, emphasized on their commonalties rather than their differences. We have a long way to go in the process of nation building, but we are close to dismantling our main obstacle; the dictatorial system: an enemy to all, consuming all our resources and destroying young lives. To establish an umbrella organization by overcoming the wedges dividing us along regional, ethnic, religious sects of life is an extraordinary accomplishment. The overwhelming support of the unity by both Christians and Moslems proves the common aspirations of our people and the readiness to embrace a representative authority of national government.

Since the formation of the old alliance, the negative forces did all they can to divert attention to less significant issues and undermine the efforts of forming a new and more democratic alliance, an organization with readiness to follow universal rule of law, which declared peaceful resolution and dialogue with its worst enemy. It is hypocritical to call for unity and convergence, and then to campaign against it when the mission is accomplished.  This is just the beginning, and EDA has to deliver more in the future. We believe that we are fortunate enough to come with such an organization before an impending crisis in Eritrea. It is not easy to manage a situation like the one in Iraq, if civil conflict suddenly arises with out any transitional authority. We have more challenges ahead of us, and the following actions will be indicators of good governance and leadership behaviors in the weeks and months to come.

1.     To win the hearts and minds of our people by reaching and directly addressing the need and urgency for national unity and reconciliation.

2.     Emphasize on transparency, accountability and personal responsibility, and reaffirm the transfer of power to the very owners-the people.

3.     Convening a national conference in due time to broaden the political spectrum of the alliance.

4.     The central or legislative body should remain as stationary as possible to plan and work harmoniously from close proximity and a head- quarter.

5.     Avoid running all over the world, wasting time and money telling the people things that they already know.

6.     Operate through the united opposition committees in the cities who in the past proved to work harmoniously by assigning specific tasks to specific cities. E.g. Media center in Frankfort, Financial center in London, and cultural center in Khartoum or Addis Ababa etc.

7.     Stay close and monitor the deteriorating security and military situation at home.

8.     Effective communication with the people, between offices, and the leaders.

9.     Conduct extensive united diplomatic lobbying campaign to win regional and international support of governments and NGO’S.

In the end, the formation of the Eritrean Democratic Alliance (EDA) is a result of a long and painstaking struggle and by far the best Achievement in the past 12 years of resistance against pfdj. The leaders of the representative organizations were pragmatic, and responded responsibly to the demands of our people. EDA is an institution of change and a transitional government in the making. At this historical juncture, any group raising side issues to down play and undermine the role of this assembly is inexcusably evil. It is every Eritrean’s legitimate right to question and demand explanations, clarifications and better performance and accountability but to spread outright lies and unfounded information is wrong. This concerted effort is a disservice to our people and the nation, and is intended to create an environment of suspicion and hopelessness among our citizens. The “Nihnan Mengistnan”(we and our government) campaign has no place in the opposition and we stand united against all forms of conspiracy, and we will prevail!   

Victory to our people!

All members of the opposition in San Diego, including the

Eritrean Liberation Front

Eritrean Liberation Front Revolutionary Council

Eritrean Democratic Party

Eritrean Peoples movement

People’s Democratic Front for the Liberation of Eritrea and

Independent Citizens