EDA: It is Time to Move on

   “The right man is the one who seizes the moment.”

                                    Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Whether it was a misfortune or a blessing in disguise, the Addis meeting resulted in a split of EDA.  While splitting usually brings shockwaves in the opposition quarters, this one should be taken as a mature step.  Many people react to differences in a negative way instead of looking at it as a healthy and competitive view which brings creativity and developments.  The mystical usage of the word unity is creating confusion and rift.  Instead, unity should be taken as a relative concept.  We are united as a nation and people but we defer in our political aspirations and beliefs.  Within our unity we inherit diversity; in religion, culture, language, and ethnicity.  EDA was never a united political organization but it was united to topple the dictator regime and build a democratic and a united nation and I believe that principle still exists unless it is taken out of context. 

EDA’s split brought two groups (aka blocks) that have more similarities.  Block one composes of ELF-RC, ENSF, and EDP.  These organizations have more similarities than differences.  Their core program is to implement a secular and constitutional government that represents all ethnic groups and nationalities in decentralized governance.  Block two is composed of seven organizations whose programs contemplate in two issues; religion and ethnic.   In the last block there are quarters who want to implement Sharia law in the land.  I believe the time has come that political maturity is here to make footage.  The two blocks can work maturely in unity to uproot PFDJ.  It is time for the two blocks to move on and work together on their commonalities.

Now that reality has hit, it is time for block one to move on with business, the business of the nation and the people.  The trios have to grasp that power is an individual or group aspiration but peace and victory is the mass’s aspiration.  So, which one should be prioritize, the mass’s request obviously.  EDA never was a productive alliance and block one have to prove to the people how they defer.  They have to augment and intensify their lobbying to the people by declaring their vision.  They have to clearly state their intent of coming together to the people plus clearly state what stake the people will have at the end of the tunnel.  Second, take actions.  Third, avoid from engaging in bankrupt politics.  And fourth, stay away from non working decisions.

In conclusion, there is a cogent reason now for many nationals to rally behind block one.  This is because the three organizations believe in secular and decentralized governance and that is what majority of Eritreans want.  They also believe in rights of all citizens, religion, and ethnic group.  But having similar programs and staying divided is the question that the Eritrean people are not swallowing.  Why wouldn’t the trio come together?  Is it the question of power, personalities, or the question of unknown reasons?  Block one owe it to the Eritrean people in addressing those issues.  Communicate with the mass clearly that way participation could improve.  Winning is the question of today and who leads is the question of tomorrow.  Are the trios ready for the opportunity?  Are they ready to seize the moment?

MISSED OPPORTUNITY IS HARD TO RECOVER!