Article

Hoping for a sign

Thu - 19 Nov Written by Esayas Isak

Eight years is a long time for me. It is considerably longer for Dawit. In those eight years that they took away from my brother, I have got so many new friends. I got myself a wonderful and caring girlfriend, with whom I am happily living now. And now, to top it all, I have got a lovely daughter. And what is more, these last eight years I have been moving and speaking freely – something that I don’t take for granted any more. And yet, I can equally say they have been the most painful years of my life; that is because I could not be with my beloved older brother. It pains me so much not having him by my side. If I am this much in pain, imagine what my brother Dawit must be feeling; this must be a complete nightmare for him.

In one of the articles that Dawit wrote in 2001, he asked, “Why does the PFDJ prefer silence?” Now I am asking the PFDJ not to be silent, and imploring it to give us a sign of hope.

Ghedli’s Immaculate Deception

Wed - 18 Nov Written by Zekre Lebona

Our ghedli organization has a fascination all of its own for many including those who oppose the regime. The believers’ simple and superficial comparison of the EPLF with the practice and behavior of other rebel organizations, that are still wrecking havoc has led them into a wrong conclusion. Unlike their cousin rebel outfits in the continent, the EPLF and the ELF had departments that on the surface appear created to protect the weak and disadvantaged demographic groups. A trick they acquired from other left oriented organizations. These departments are nothing but colorful beads, shiny trinkets, and cowries not unlike the practice of the old European explorers cum merchants who used them to swindle the natives of Africa and Asia. Our ghedli operators became so good at it that left oriented individuals and parliamentarians from the West never forgot to stop at these places in the Sahel. Their deceptive cloaks were very effective, and the litany of their deceit bottomless.

Belgium Task-Force Making the Case of Eritrea Visible:

Tue - 17 Nov Written by Petros Tesfagiorgis

They could be anyone, some may belong to any religious or ethnic denominations; they may be from this or that region in Eritrea; they may be human right activists; they may or may not be attached to any political or civic society groups. What is important is that they are individuals with noble intentions and each represents his or herself. They represent no body and they don’t have too. They are obeying to what their own conscience commands them to do. Their conscience is not to keep quiet when the people of Eritrea are subjected to extreme repression but to act in a constructive way.

At this moment in time the issue is not about personalities, the issue is who speaks loud and become the voice of the voiceless. Recently Professor Kitjel Tronvoll gave a seminar on the gross violation of Human Rights in Eritrea under the title of “The Lasting Struggle for freedom in Eritrea”. No one has asked him to do so and he doesn’t represent anybody except himself. But he championed the cause of the oppressed people of Eritrea who had known and loved them for a long time now.

However all actions require bold initiative, hard work, commitment and above all, negotiation skills and good understanding of international politics. The beauty of the Belgium Task-Force is that it has displayed such characteristics.

THE TWO SCARY WORDS FOR PFDJ: UNITY AND ORGANIZATION

Sun - 15 Nov Written by Dr Haben

PFDJ is a formidable opponent. This organization is experienced in focusing on those two words and has been doing its best, and has been spending much of its budget in making sure Eritreans do not get organized enough to form a unity that would threaten the party’s existence. PFDJ has spies and recruits in the Diaspora whose sole job is to disrupt any group that come together to form a United Eritrean groups. They are in churches and communities and they are active to ensure the agenda of each group is linked to the PFDJ’s principles. Their system, like all dictatorial systems, is based on lies and deception accentuated by bullying tactics. Anything that does not fall into their principle is attacked by name calling and by false labeling. And to accomplish its goal, PFDJ does not blink to deceive anybody any time. You can be the judge, how many times were you asked to cough-up some money in the past? Believe me we paid like there was no tomorrow. And we created a tomorrow that is ruled by tyrants. We paid them to make us victims. Sad but true. The country is “free”, but the people are not liberated. A dichotomy that is hard to explain to our children. Now, where is the money kept? PFDJ is keeping the money the same way they kept during the struggle. Bank accounts are open all over Europe and China in the name of individuals, not in the name of the Eritrean treasury. Not only have we become victims, but also we will have created a few wealthy people, once things don’t go their way.

The Brussels Conference: Who is Coming to Dinner?

Sun - 15 Nov Written by By G. Ande

The Brussels Conference has stirred a lot of emotion and commotion. By doing so, it may serve as a powerful catalyst to jump start a process that may awaken the Eritrean people from a deep slumber. It is not an overstatement to assert that the Eritrean human spirit is at its record low in history. And the sad thing is that very few people saw that coming. For the most part the Eritrean people were carried away by the euphoria that national independence brings along with it. And the ruling junta faced little or no resistance as it kept on escalating its creeping and misguided polices and punishing the very people that received it with open arms in 1991. The experience that the Eritrean people are going through under the repressive rule of the junta were narrated by the Brussels Conference invitees with a passion and glaring elucidation that perhaps rocked their audience from their chairs. I say a job well done to the participants of the conference.

Free Dawit Isaak

Fri - 13 Nov Written by Meron Estefanos

You would obviously ask yourselves, what crime did Dawit commit to face disappearance. The answer is simple: being a journalist is his only crime. That is the way business is simply done in my native country Eritrea. Please kindly take note that more than 15 colleagues of Dawit also remain disappeared in the same fashion and at the same time…and all their independent publications remain banned, a record which makes Eritrea the largest jailer of journalists in the world. But what does it mean for a nation to have its independent press shut down? What does it mean to have the nation’s independent writers disappeared?

For me, this is not only about closing one newspaper or arresting an individual unlawfully. I firmly believe that its implication goes way beyond that. It is an attempt to have any free flow of ideas and information within the society blocked, and this is so detrimental to the society that information starvation would gradually induce brain death. For me any attempt to block free flow of ideas and information within the society for such a long period of time is inhumane and tantamount to a criminal act.

The struggle to form EDPAFJF and its aftermath.

Fri - 13 Nov Written by Milkias Mihretab Yohannes

Some 120 guests who came from all over the world had gathered to from an important organization. It has been quite a while since there was a credible and strong organization representing the interests of Eritrean plumbers everywhere. Although there was an attempt to form an association of Eritrean plumbers many times, it was not successful for many reasons. That is why many put their faith and trust on this new attempt. Participants of the three day conference came from all walks of life and plumbing activity. Some are seasoned and career plumbers, others are new to the industry, and still some others work only part time as plumbers and part time in other professions.

The meeting was opened by the veteran Eritrean plumber, comrade Negash Sahlu (Wedi Barila). Wedi Barila stressed for forming a viable and formidable plumber’s association that can represent the desire and interests of Eritreans all over the world. Comrade Wedi Barila said, “Before I go on further, there are some elements who are not plumbers and I ask you to leave the room immediately”. The room was quite for some time and the participants urged Wedi Barila to name names and he points finger to two front row seated middle aged attendees. “You Markos and Basilos, you are here to spy for the Welders association, I know it. Do you think I don’t know? I even know what you are going to eat tomorrow! Thanks to sewra, the revolution, I can tell who the enemy is…….” Markos and Basilos strongly refute Comrade Wedi Barilla’s allegation and said they too had worked as plumbers some times. They said that their work as plumbers/welders during the construction of a dam in Korbaria is an evidence for their dedication to the plumbers’ cause. Even though some of the attendants of the conference tried to defend Markos and Basilos, the majority agreed that the two are not plumbers enough to partake in the meeting and urged them to leave the room.

A step in the right shoes…

Thu - 12 Nov Written by Selam Kidane

A single candle flickers, its flame barely illuminating the darkness. They never burn for more than two hours after the container door is locked: there is not enough oxygen to keep the flame alive any longer. It will go out soon. The woman behind me shifts in her sleep and her knees dig painfully into my back. I try to wriggle over to give her more room, but I am already pressed up against another sleeping body. I pull my blanket up higher and curl up as much as I can. Despite the proximity of so many people, it is freezing cold. Condensation drips from the roof and slides down my cheek, and when it moistens my lips I taste rust. The air is thick with a dirty metallic tang, the ever-present stench of the bucket in the corner, and the smell of close-pressed, unwashed bodies.

I peer around, trying to work out where she is, the woman whose mind is gone. There, by the small window hacked roughly into the side of the container. I stiffen. Sometimes she blocks the opening by stuffing her blanket into it, cutting off our limited supply of fresh air. Other nights she shouts and wails, rocking the container so that none of us can sleep. She is worse now there are more of us; nineteen in a space that can only sleep eighteen. Tonight she is quiet, and it makes me uneasy. But I am so tired, and so I force my body to relax against the hard floor. Abruptly the candle snuffs out, I close my eyes…

Eritrea and the US: towards a new US policy

Thu - 12 Nov Written by Dan Connell

Eritrea’s relations with the United States were fraught from the outset—shaped and overshadowed by those with Ethiopia, almost always to Eritrea’s disadvantage. With the exception of a brief window in the 1990s, the US has seen Ethiopia as its primary strategic ally in the region and treated Eritrea as something of an afterthought to be sacrificed when its actions or interests ran counter to Ethiopia’s.

This history is well known to most Eritreans, as is European complicity in Eritrea’s many travails. Grasping this is the starting point for any effort to defuse tensions and restore trust. The arrival of a new administration in Washington and the reexamination of EU relations with both the US and Eritrea provide an opportunity for a fresh start, but any new initiatives must overcome a weighty legacy.

Elsa Chyrum, human right defender and founder of Human Rights Concern – Eritrea speaking at Brussels Conference.

The Current Human Rights Situation in Eritrea and Its Consequences

Thu - 12 Nov Written by Elsa Chyrum

Recommendations:

1. EU members of states which are signatory to the Refugee Convention should respect the UNHCR’s non-return recommendation for Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers. Those that are unwilling or unable to grant permanent asylum must at the very least award them humanitarian protection pending a more permanent solution..

2. Please help the refugees living in camps in Ethiopia and Sudan. Even though these countries have been generous hosts, being very poor themselves, there is only so much they can do.

3. Put pressure on the UNHCR to put more resources in these camps. Many of these refugees are not even provided with tents. Many live in destitution with little to eat, no medication, no housing and no education.

4. Following the example of the US, try to process the status of refugees for settlement from these camps. This way, all the tragedy we are witnessing in trying to reach their destinations can be avoided.

5. Do not reward or appease the evil behavior of the rogue regime of Isaias Afewerki. No monetary aid should be given. Any aid should be given in kind – such as food and medical supply – and monitored.

6. A lasting solution could only be achieved by severely punishing the Asmara regime. What IGAD, AU, the US and the UK have proposed regarding sanctioning Eritrea should be embraced by the EU. If they agreed to impose sanctions on the Burmese Junta and Mugabe, then why are they dragging their heels over Afewerki?

An Eritrean Refugee Marshall Plan

Wed - 11 Nov Written by Berhane G Negus

Dear leaders and members of all Eritrean Civic, Humanitarian, Political Organizations, and brothers and sisters in the Eritrean Diaspora:

It is clear that the painful situation of our refugees and our inability to help them is giving most of us sleepless nights. I appreciate and proudly salute dedicated humanitarians such as Elsa Churum, Tesfaldet Meharena, Dr Bereket H/Selassie and others who are openly doing their best to help Eritrean refugees in their difficult situations. However, and despite these and similar individuals compassionate actions, I believe we as a people have failed our refugees and we should be doing more as individuals, as organizations and as a people.

Therefore, I am appealing to you the leaders and the world wide Eritrean Diaspora to help initiate and organize Urgent Actions to save our Youth from wasting away in desperate refugee camps throughout the world. These youth are pleading with us all to do something for them - today! The appeal from the camps is so urgent and so painful, that tomorrow will literally be too late and, naturally, the day after will be a disaster for the majority of these refugees.

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Categories

Eyewitness Account

Update on Famine Situation

The conditions in Wi’a concentration/training camp in the past 7- 9 months have worsened more than any other time. Food rations were reduced further to 3 pieces of sorghum bread per person per day without any supplements such as sauce except limited ration of tea. The shortage of food is compounded by the closure of the camp for family visits which used to facilitate the supply of food from families and relatives to the prisoners/trainees. The shortage of food combined with the very poor sanitation conditions, harsh environmental conditions, fatigue resulting from training exercises and almost non-existent health facilities and health care services in the camp has lead to sustained outbreaks of meningitis, typhoid and scabies resulting in alarming mass deaths.

Most of the deaths are mainly attributed to meningitis. Meningitis has been in the camp even before three years and had killed many but it has never been in this scale before. The death rate increased from June onwards and continued at alarming rate until the camp was closed in September. After hesitating for long, the government has finally decided to close the camp as an emergency measure after many (estimated to be in hundreds) have died. It is difficult to know how many have exactly died but sources from the camp tell that initially 37 people have died in the spot without being transferred to the Gedem military hospital near Massawa. Hundreds were transferred to Gedem hospital but the majority of them have not survived indicating that the death toll is in hundreds.
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Article

Hoping for a sign

In one of the articles that Dawit wrote in 2001, he asked, “Why does the PFDJ prefer silence?” Now I am asking the PFDJ not to be silent, and imploring it to give us a sign of hope.

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Interview

Eritrean interests “well represented” at EU Meeting

European and American officials are joining hands with Diaspora Eritrean politicians and activists aimed at ending relentless human rights abuses under a ruthless dictatorship in Eritrea. The two-day conference underway in Brussels is discussing, among other things, the urgent need to coordinate EU and US policies on Eritrea and the Horn Region. The meeting is being closely watched by many governments and the world media especially because of Eritrea’s alleged involvement in terror and piracy ridden Somalia. Michael Abraha had a phone interview Saturday with Abdurahman Sayed, Executive member of Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea (CDRiE) and spokesman for the Eritrean group at the Brussels event. Michael first asked him what the criteria were to choose panelists for the conference:

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Press Release

Eritrean Journalists Thank Swedish Pen

The Association of Eritrean Journalists in Exile (AEJE) would like show its gratitude to the Swedish PEN for presenting the Tucholsky Award to our compatriot, Mr. Dawit Isaak who has been in Eritrean jail since September 23, 2001. This award is another remarkable addition to the serious of tireless efforts and achievements of Swedish human right groups and NGOs to take up the cause of freedom of expression in Eritrea in general and the case of Dawit Isaak in particular. It can be recalled that last month, Dawit Isaak had been honoured to be a finalist for European Union’s Sakharov Prize.

We exiled journalists can’t miss the symbolism of the prestigious Tucholsky Award. We acknowledge that this award not only highlights the persecution of Mr. Dawit Isaak and his fellow colleagues but it also recognizes the struggle of Eritreans for democracy and justice.

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News

Eritrea sanctions planned

A draft resolution, seen by AFP, was circulated on Wednesday by Uganda, part of a six-nation east African regional bloc that has been calling for months for sanctions to be imposed.
There will be no vote on the proposal before December to give time for experts and ambassadors from the 15 members of the UN Security Council to debate the move, diplomats said on Thursday.

The draft foresees a ban on weapons sales both into and out of Eritrea as well as freezing the funds of the "Eritrean political and military leadership" and restricting its foreign travel.

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News Analysis

ERITREA MEDIA WATCH

Eritrea’s Lingering Malnutrition

Awate.com’s Divisive Publications

The only leader who thinks it is o.k. to preside over a nation with the worst record in press freedom is Eritrea’s strongman Isayas Afewerki. He argues there is no such thing as “free press”. Of course there isn’t. But the rest of humanity agrees it is vital to have systems which enable people to freely express ideas and exchange information. “Free press” is not an absolute standard but is meant to serve as a guideline in the establishment of free and united communities. Even Denmark at the top of the list of 175 countries does not have a perfect “free press”. But it is striving towards that goal. And it is never too late for Eritrea to join the civilized world in the fight against darkness. Repression and ruthless censorship create intellectual retardation and hinder progress.

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Blood Money

UN Sanctions may affect Canada's Nevsun, foreign companies

(Reuters) Eritrea's most advanced project is Bisha, run by Canada's Nevsun Resources Ltd (NSU.TO: ??). Its 27 million tonnes of ore are believed to contain 1 million ounces of gold, 700-800 million pounds of copper and 1 billion pounds of zinc.

The momentum towards imposing sanctions on Eritrea for its alleged role in war-torn Somalia has grown in recent months. It remains unclear how they may effect foreign companies, but according to one analyst, any disruption to the burgeoning mining industry would put pressure on Asmara.

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Editorial

Asmarino Arabic Pages Starting Next Week

We are glad to inform our Arabic-speaking audience that, finally, Asmarino.com is ready to start its Arabic Pages section no later than next week.

As you might have noticed the sign “Arabic Pages – Coming Soon” has been in Asmarino.com’s front page for quite some time. We understand that “coming soon” has not been soon enough. Hopefully, you will forgive us for holding you in suspense for such a long time.

Given that our staff works on voluntary basis, it is only understandable that it took some time to find dedicated and competent individuals who will soon be entirely at your service.

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