Historically the Eritrean Youth has been at the fore front of the Eritrean revolution and struggle for independence. The youth has been the force that carried through the revolution whether it at its initial stages of demonstration against the colonization of our country or the long and bitter armed struggle. The youth gave their life in tens of thousands for their beloved country and chose to sacrifice for their people. Thanks to their bravery and their ultimate sacrifice, our country became one of the independent nations of the world community.

The last decade was supposed to be the time where the youth breathe fresh air, enjoy the care free attitude that comes along with being young, excel in school and enjoy the freedom to be innovative and make our country competitive economically, scientifically, and socially.

Well, we all know that was not meant to be and things have turned out to be the exact opposite of the people’s wishes and aspirations. The youth was not allowed to express their true feeling. They were taken to Wia to learn a lesson by letting them get sick and some to die. Their mothers were harassed when they try to express their concern over the fate of their children. Worst of all, they have been led to un necessary war and die in tens of thousands. Their parents have been left devastated weeping day and night. The mothers who lost their beloved young ones from the last war are almost like they are walking dead and yet PFDJ is taking provoking actions against the request of the United Nations. The rest of the youth are taking hellish risks crossing deserts and oceans or seas with many not making it. Eritrea has become a country her children cannot stand it all because of the tyranny in the country.

This writer clearly understands that one has to go where he/she feels safe, can eat and survive. Besides, every piece of information that comes from Asmara gets worse by the day. An elderly who is visiting the USA said that people have started not eating meals. He asked where can a daily laborer (commonly known by the Italian word "minewale") who can’t work something to eat. He responded to his own question saying "because the regime revoked all independent contractors’ licenses. He said that the laborer cannot afford bread (bani) and plain water right now". He stated they are paying 36 Naqfa for a kilo of onions. Another one from the UK who recently came from a visit to Asmara said those who used to insist to invite you to their house now pretend that they have not seen you and if you bump into them they will rush by and tell you that they will see you later. Given the cultural background of receiving guests and sharing, they do not want to take you to their houses because they have nothing to eat or drink for you. It is an utmost shame for them to take you as they say "to an empty house".

The above situation clearly demonstrates why our youth are taking the risk of death and suffering in trying to get out of the country. However, this writer does not see an end to the problem as long as our youth is running from the cause of the problem, the tyranny in the country known by the name of PFDJ. At some point we need to stand up and reclaim our country. The regime is cruel and merciless and will require a great care on how we go about doing it. The youth who have recently gotten out and have reached destinations where they can sound their voices should not forget their friends, brothers, and sisters. They need to speak out, demonstrate and struggle on their behalf. They need to relay the hardships they went through back home and tell the youth still in the country how running away is not a lasting solution.

The youth who demonstrated in Washington on October 30^th have started doing their part and meeting their responsibility of voicing for the voiceless brothers and sisters back home. The youth in Germany who have started to organize and form Youth Movement have started the bold step of doing something. The phenomenon of the youth working together with the seasoned political organizations is a huge step towards mobilizing our people. The energy and determination of the youth is the one that can bring down the tyranny to its knees.

Demonstrating, speaking out, and challenging the public meetings are great steps of action. However, getting organized and spearheading the struggle with a united force with the seasoned politicians is very important step if victory is to be achieved. By that The Nharnet Team invites you to start the discussion of forming a new party which was declared at the ELF-RC 6^th National Congress and join it. Talk to the youth members of the leadership. Inquire about the Youth and Women Associations represented at the Executive Committee level. Take your action one step further by being members of the new party and organizing others. Please do not stand on the fence and be part of the solution. Send us email and we will get you in touch with Office of Youth and Women Association.

Thanks for Reading

The Nharnet Team

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