PROMISE MADE; PROMISE KEPT.

  By Asfaha Wolde Michael

In the subsequent paragraphs, I will attempt to take a glimpse on how the ELF-RC rose from being a weakened organization to its formidable status. This said however, I want to make it absolutely clear that I am not into the game of wdbei, wdbka that reminds us the days of the virulent diatribe that paralyzed the opposition. Rather, it is a simple observation of how this organization survived the natural and man-made catastrophes it sustained when the organization split in to two and later the loss of its energetic chairman, martyr Seyuom Oqba Michael.

When Seyuom suddenly passed away, rest his soul in peace, the pledge of his comrades to him was “ we will never let you down.” And so, despite the murky atmosphere and the uncertainty on the horizon, the new leadership rolled its sleeves; picked up the pieces after its hero; and went to work right away to take on the unfinished business. At this point, the selection of Woldeyesus Ammar as the chairman was widely praised within and outside the organization. This gave a new energy and spirit to the already determined group. Added to this was the volunteering of some members of the executive to join the struggle on full time basis like many before them. One cannot thank them and their families enough for their sacrifices. After a brief period, the chairman led a delegation to the Sudan and launched a multi dimensional campaign. Among others, it included introducing the new leadership to the representatives and members of the organization in Sudan; meeting with various leaders of the opposition; and of course conducting diplomatic activities with the country’s officials. Among the duties mentioned above, opening dialogue with the fragmented opposition on how to at least work closely was high on the agenda of the delegation. This is because RC is convinced more than ever that unifying forces and resources is the way to go.

Following the footsteps of the leadership and in many instances taking their own initiatives, members produced concrete results that catapulted the morale of the organization. When the leadership made the pledge, it was with full confidence that the membership would accept the challenge. Indeed, members did not sit by and watch. Instead, they rose to the occasion of the hour and volunteered to share the burden of fulfilling the promise. Primarily, they took aim on two fronts. These were (a) the ailing financial conditions of the organization (b) the necessity of bringing new members on board. On both fronts a remarkable success was achieved, particularly in North America. More emphasis should be made on the generous contributions made by all or most of the members who, without a doubt, went deep into their pockets. Therefore, one can say with certainty that these donations have alleviated the budgetary concerns of the organization at least for a short while. This was not a one- time shot by any means. Members will be there any time the organization needed them. This is not it.

The organization used the pledge as a staging ground and kept moving forward at full scale from bottom up and visa-versa. This combined effort coupled with the harmony and clear vision of the leadership has finally begun to bear fruits. Within a period of less than a year or to be more exact, between March and August 2006, this seemingly small organization was capable of holding four costly events in different continents each of which was very important in its own right. For instance, the 7^th U.S congress of Chicago (3/18-3/19,2006) was not only recorded as one of the most successful gatherings, it also attracted new members to join the family of ELF-RC. This is not to say that people who watched the congress simply became members the next day. There are people behind the scene who make things happen and seek no recognition or accolades for their hard work. As the reader may be aware, changing the venue of the 6^th national congress on its final days from Khartoum to Addis Ababa was not an easy task. It took resilience to put everything in place for the congress to kick off as originally scheduled. What was different with this congress was not only the larger size of the participants; it was the youth presence that gave a ray of hope to the graying population of the opposition in general. Yes hot issues were raised in the congress. Delegates debated each other with passion not with anger or bitterness. At the end of the day each and every issue was resolved democratically. Quite unusual in the past, I might add. If I would sum up the congress in one word, it would be “maturity.” Therefore, maturity was the hallmark of the 6^th national congress of the ELF-RC.

Any festival or congress makes a financial and physical dent to its sponsors. So does the Frankfurt festival every year. Thanks to the members who would rather compromise their own needs in order to pick up any tabs of the organization. Thus all events hit the desired targets. Since its inception, the event has been serving the celebrants very well.  The Frankfurt 21^st festival of August 2006 was a reflection of the two brilliant congresses that preceded it. This festival was unique from the past ones for the following reasons. (1) It attracted a bigger crowd. (2) A number of opposition leaders and/or representatives were at hand. (3) More young and educated attended and some of them gave elevating seminars. They should be encouraged to do it every year. Like in this festival, the opposition was significantly represented at the 6^th national congress. We can safely conclude from this that the opposition is beginning to value the long overdue inter-relationship. Another less advertised but a notable event was the Seattle festival that was held on the 19^th of August 2006. It is a yearly event sponsored by the Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA) a none- profit organization. Special recognition goes to those who carry heavier burden than their share to make the festival a success every year like this year.

So, the bottom line of this article is to point out how this organization, ELF-RC that is, has been steadily growing and maturing. This is attributed none other than to the firmly committed membership and its visionary leadership that shy no burden or responsibility. Therefore, I can proudly testify that the promise made has been kept. It is moving on the right track. Even though this organization is spear heading the rest of the opposition in matters of unity, because unity is a precondition to victory, I call upon the leadership to keep going the extra mile, as it often does, for the sake of bringing the splinter groups together. Short of that, we can use all the bells and whistles we have; the system back home will not listen.

I closing, let me use this occasion to commend the three organizations that came out - united from their congress in Addis Ababa now known as ENSF. Hats off for them for a job well done.

Glory to our martyrs

Victory to the just struggle