TO THE POINT           

Isayas’s PFDJ resorts to its “Wahyo” days' strategy

 The PFDJ leadership has always used the “Wahyo” as a politico-organizational structure.  “Wahyos” have been instrumental in disseminating political, social, and economic propaganda of Isayas and his clique even after freedom.  “Wahyos” keep all PFDJ members in check. They shape PFDJ meetings by quickly supporting what was presented without any meaningful or any for that matter discussion, volunteering for contribution and intimidating any one who dares to ask sensible questions.  For the last year or so, the PFDJ had to come out in the open like the Internet to explain its propaganda and defend its indefensible actions.  This has caused Isayas and therefore his messengers unwanted and unexpected head ache – explaining contradictions, defending its policies and actions – what is that?  They are used to say and do any thing and get away with it.  This new challenge descended upon them by the modern technology that has made the world smaller is a challenge they can’t overcome.  So, Isayas’ clique has to come up with a new idea.  That new idea is the old “Wahyo” based strategy. 

The Nharnet Team has learned that they will resort to house-hold-to-house-hold campaign against all the opposition forces.  They will make their case that to normalize relations with Ethiopia “is a newly found solution” to the success of Eritrea.  They could really have said to survival of Isayas’s one-man rule if they want to tell the truth. 

Here are the main reasons why the “Wahyo” strategy is badly needed:

·        The Isayas messengers are badly defeated in the cyber dialogue and media.  General Sebhat Efrem on radio and Yemane Gebreab on the Internet failed miserably to persuade any one of their spins.

·        Their actions can only be defended by disseminating false religious, regional, and otherwise dirty politics on the phone, in the dark, one to one where there is no challenge and no explaining to do. 

·        They have started fabricating rumors to try to defame the opposition forces.  They have started using their “ilemo” phrase in their campaign as if it is the missing link for Isayas’s survival. 

What is one supposed to do under these circumstances? How does one challenge them?  Here are some suggestions:

·        Just know it so that they do not fool any one.  They will backtrack once they know you know what they are up to.

·        Ask them why they do not say what they say in public.  They are supposedly the representatives of the government.  What is there to hide – can’t they defend what they do in the public arena?

·        What is the purpose of the “Wahyo” style of campaign since we are not under the occupation of any one?  Show them you are ready to say what you say in public and in the open. After all the issues are national and the solution impacts all Eritreans.

·        Ask them what a particular region or religion has gained under Isayas’ one-man rule?  From our vantage of point, no one has benefited except few of his cronies.  It is all old tricks of “divide and rule” used by almost all colonizers and dictators.

·        Tell them that members and supporters of the opposition organizations know better than to talk about one or against the other with PFDJ members. 

Discussions are looming in the PFDJ Network that are of great concerns to the PFDJ leaders.  The recent occurrence in Addis has ignited discussions about the opposition for the first time.  The circle is getting smaller and smaller by the day.  It will require a hard work and a concerted effort to bring the ones that are leaving them to the opposition side.  All forces that are for democratic change need to keep up this pressure by increasing their efforts.

 The Nharnet Team