Eritrea: New Ideas for Revolutionary Change
   
  By Woldu Mikael
   
  On Saturday, May 10, 2008, this writer attended as an observer a small but highly ideological and ambitious Eritrean workshop in Oakland, California. The meeting, sponsored by the newly formed Eritrean Joint Party Formation Commission, focused on how best to serve the needs of the Eritrean people. The event took place in one of the old parts of north Oakland at an African American center frequently used by local civil rights activists.
   
  The workshop was led by a panel of Eritrean Americans who once fought for Eritrea�s war of independence from Ethiopia. The discussion centered on the objective realities in Eritrea and the long-awaited dissolution of the opposition group, the Eritrean Liberation Front - Revolutionary Council. The front is now to become a broad-based political party spearheading fundamental changes in economic and political structures, cultural values, leadership and policies of Eritrean society.
   
  The panelists, representing the Commission as well as workshop participants pledged to fight for ideals that unite young and old and others with different backgrounds and political persuasions and spur them to revolutionary action. Commission Member and workshop chair, Ms. Asghedet Mehreteab emphasized that any democratic change should start with personal change in our way of thinking and living. Asghedet added that in the end it was the Eritrean people who would be choosing their leaders.
   
  Commission Member and panelist, Mr. Fessehaye Hagos, elaborated on the need for the ELF-RC to transform itself into a mass-based party with a clear vision to bring economic, social and political changes in Eritrea. 
   
  Another panelist and Commission Member, Mr. Laine Kahsay, spoke of the importance to get out of the bunker mentality of our past independence struggle and rise to the challenges of building a new, open and free Eritrean society. Laine, who is former �Sagem� member, said the on-going party formation enhanced the programs of the 13-member Eritrean Democratic Alliance.
   
  The Oakland meeting agreed to mobilize and encourage other Eritreans to conduct more workshops and grassroots study group sessions in the future in the US West Coast. 
   
  As stipulated in its draft political platform, the new party will aim to establish a decentralized and secular system of government which promotes free market economy and ensures human and democratic rights with full participation of all sectors of society including women and the youth.
   
  The new party is expected to be launched under a new name in the summer during party congress.   
   
  For more information on the new party formation, see
  http://www.nharnet.com/Archives/Party_Formation/Party_Formation_Page.htm