Prospects of the Ride Ahead

Prospects of the Ride Ahead

Not many people predicted that PFDJ would face significant shakeups in 2013 both from inside and outside of Eritrea and yet the year proved to be a real game changer – including the Forto revolt which was led by Wedi Ali, the rise of a strong and vibrant youth led movement in exile (EYSNS), massive demonstrations in many cities of the world, raiding of several PFDJ embassies, unity seminars featuring Wedi Vacaro, defections of key regime personalities, big blows to PFDJ’s propaganda machine, … and more.

Going into 2014, one must ask what to expect from the most promising organizations and their advances. Certainly the youth led grassroots movement - EYSNS, also known as SMERRRRRR is best positioned to contribute significantly toward removing the regime in Eritrea and restoring peace with neighboring countries. We should expect this from EYSNS simply because this movement has already made few steps in that direction with unwavering adherence to its principles. Its unifying ideas and approaches are attracting and energizing young Eritreans to join the movement. This movement is also getting ready to transform itself into a highly effective and full-fledged movement with even more unity and collaboration initiatives to materialize.

Although EYSNS has a long way to go, currently it is the largest, most diverse and fastest growing Eritrean movement and its firm presence has already taken root. Starting with a unity of 32 youth organizations in July of 2012, this movement has now become a highly organized network for over 50 youth organizations that united to form one movement with hundreds of members in many countries, Ethiopian universities and refugee camps. In less than a year and half, this vibrant movement has already grown to have over 80 chapters worldwide and its network is spreading like wildfire. It is also taking part in most activities organized by Eritrean change seekers, boosting the dynamism of activities and contributing significantly for better results.

Since the above achievements will offer better prospects for EYSNS to further strengthen itself, in 2014 we should expect more from this movement. The ride ahead may get bumpy at times but through continuous and focused actions, identifying new opportunities and priorities, evaluating conditions and developing effective strategies the movement is expected to take its activities to the next level and to play a leading role in the fight against PFDJ. Delivering on these plans will continue to require strong and visionary leadership, sustained commitment and greater public support. For EYSNS, the goal is not just about exposing the crimes of PFDJ or raising public awareness. It’s also about battling PFDJ from all directions and using different approaches to fulfill the necessities for complete change, to mobilize ordinary Eritreans of different backgrounds to own the movement, and to re-build trust between the peoples of Eritrea and its neighbors for peaceful and friendly coexistence. To have a just and prosperous Eritrea in peace with itself and its neighbors, fostering greater collaboration with other Eritrean movements and creating ties with neighboring countries will be critical as always.

Obviously, PFDJ is weakening and the support it previously enjoyed is in great decline. However, the sufferings of Eritreans have increased to unprecedented levels. What Eritreans and the world community at large need to realize is that the desperate flee of Eritreans from their homeland, water shortages, electric blackouts, food rationing and hospital closings are only signs for humanitarian catastrophe that will most likely devastate Eritrea even further. In view of the possibility that such an unfortunate event may occur, a united Eritrean movement working with a sense of urgency and in collaboration with governments and global agencies is crucial. Our failures to act quickly and diligently may create a situation much worse than what we have seen to date, obliging us to watch our worst nightmare unfolding from a distance. It may be hard to make a sense of such a catastrophe happening soon but it is even harder to think why it wouldn’t. Going into 2014, Eritrean organizations should reevaluate their approaches, work for the best outcome and prepare for the worst. The year 2014 should also be a year many Eritreans question their involvement and assess their contributions in rescuing their nation from the grips of tyranny and chaotic future. In a situation like this it is just morally wrong for people to watch from the sidelines and not to involve in serious activities more often.

As a final note, Eritreans all over the world are calling for a united movement that will be strong enough to challenge PFDJ in all fronts and to restore Eritrean dignity. Therefore, Eritrean justice seekers shouldn’t be caught in a vicious cycle of splitting organizations that have more board members and executives than ordinary members. “Euqub” like organizations that constantly multiply to become even smaller groupings might produce results which satisfy the ego, but has little to do with the change Eritreans are seeking. Organizations with usually less than five active members to ignore a call for unity, instead to hope for “Unity in Action” to carry them forward is only a myth and counterproductive when multiplicity of organizations is causing unnecessary competition, infighting, mistrust and paralysis. An organization’s readiness for unity with other organizations that have similar goals and objectives, its ability to mobilize many Eritreans, impact of its actions and its vision for the future should be yardstick by which people evaluate effectiveness of organizations and measurement from that yardstick should be the basis for people’s support. Even EYSNS, an organization that has made great progress in 2013 will still need to be evaluated accordingly so that it will press forward, make bigger moves and strive to achieve higher goals.

Happy New Year!

Tomas Solomon

12/30/2013