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7th
Congress of ELF-RC in the
USA
Part 3
In part three, I told you about the
agenda items that were discussed and some of the resolutions and
recommendations that were agreed upon. In this part three, I would like
to share with the mood and the environment under which the congress was
held. The morale seemed was high. Every one seemed comfortable with
the direction of the organization and there were not any complaints
about the handling and quality of the leadership. Every discussion
evolved that how delegates need to move the organization forward and
keep the promise of our martyrs and our hero Seyoum. In a way, there
were not major issues or concerns to be resolved. The unity of the
organization is solid and the talk was how to make ELF-RC stronger and
efficient and in the same light enhance and improve the cohesion of the
opposition. It also involved how to upgrade the EDA to make it
effective and correct the weaknesses of its charter so that it can enjoy
wider endorsement.
The non-voting delegates from Canada
added an energizing and humorous flavor to the discussion. Tuku Tesfai
Beraki especially was direct, humorous, frank and made his points with
simplicity and easy to understand analogies. He has been a great
addition to the ELF-RC family and his input was welcomed by the
delegates. He was equally impressed by what he experienced and stated
that his morale was uplifted. The others were equally welcome and their
contribution very important. I am sure all delegates join me in
thanking them for their participation and contribution.
After a marathon of series
discussions from sun-rise to sun-set, it was time to head to the
designated public meeting and party place. The Chicago Branch worked
hard to prepare the food and drink that every one seemed to enjoy whole
heartedly. We saw many sympathizers working as hard and participate in
the hosting of delegates. After the hearty meal, it was time for the
public meeting.
The designated place was full to its
capacity. But, in a city where a significant number of Eritreans live,
I would have expected more attendees. But, the fear of retaliation from
PFDJ was a factor that prevented many from attending. The sad fact is
that those who do not attend because of this fear do understand that
they are giving up their right to express their opinion and attend any
meeting they wish. I am confident they would have come to either
endorse or challeng the decisions, the vision and the goals of the
organization should it have been of their free choice. One may ask as
to why PFDJ does not want them to participate in the meetings. The
answer is rather straight and simple. The propaganda that it feeds them
is false and is sure that their arguments would crumble in the
discussion and so the safe bet for PFDJ is prevent one from attending
the meeting. PFDJ is also afraid that they will learn the truth as to
the stand of ELF-RC on national and sovereignty issues contrary to the
defamatory PFDJ lies and therefore change their stance accordingly.
Amanuel Habte (nick named Mengistu),
and Habtemariam Kifle (both members of the legislative body RC and USA
administration) gave remarks on the state of our country and the need
attendees of the public meeting and others to join the opposition so
that the change to wards a democratic government can be expedited. He
remarked about EDA and the role of ELF-RC in it. He said that EDA is a
reflection of the multi party system of the future Eritrea under a
constitutional democracy.
The discussion was frank and open
exchange on both sides with some in the audience pointing out the
weakness the opposition organizations display by not working cohesively
together and the speakers pointing out that weaknesses can be corrected
and the opposition can be enhanced better by their participation and
contribution rather than by standing on the sideline and criticizing
what is being done by members of the organizations. I appreciate those
who came to the meeting because it is a display of interest and care in
the affairs of their people. The meeting concluded by paying tribute to
our martyrs and it was time for the party.
The musicians were ready and waiting
patiently for the meeting to conclude. The musicians were Asmelash
Kiflemariam, a former member of the well known Battalion 107 who is a
war veteran handicap who continues to champion democracy tirelessly. He
is a principled democrat and one of the bedrocks of ELF-RC. I happen to
know him from the seventies both before and after he gave his leg for
independence. The other singer was Beraki Musie, who joined the
liberation army when he was very young. He is young with a very mature
heart who has dedicated himself for change and democracy. These are
fellows that have chosen to stand on the side of their people rather
than making a buck for themselves. I urge the opposition camp to engage
them in their festivities and celebrations. My thanks goes too Semere
Gherezgiher, a guest singer from Toronto for his participation and
warming up our congress by his presence.
The night was a night to remember.
Delegates were energized and were having great time despite the day long
discussion. Guests equally had good time. The closing time was
extended and the audience did not want the party to end. The party
ended around 2:00 am in the
morning. Most took a shuttle back to the hotel and those staying at
members’ residences headed to their respective destination.
Delegates were summoned to the
meeting hall at the hotel at 9:00 am
to finish the rest of agenda and elect a new leadership.
Thank you for reading and see you in
part four
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