Pro-Democracy Eritreans to Gather in Bologna, Italy

Pro-Democracy Eritreans to Gather in Bologna, Italy

(July 16, 2013)  An international summit addressing core issues of Eritrea’s struggle towards democracy will take place in Bologna, Italy, from August 30 to September 1, 2013.

The Eritrean Youth Solidarity for Change (EYSC) who has initiated the effort is calling upon all individuals and groups to be part of this independent and open summit to openly discuss current issues around Eritrea’s opposition and the country’s future. “We want everyone to feel free to take part in this occasion, so we can work together on solutions.” said a member of the organisation committee that includes youth from different groups and backgrounds.

The summit will provide an opportunity for moving beyond focusing merely on organisation and debate; the aim is to work together towards more concrete outcomes that are vital to advance the struggle against dictatorship and towards the building process of democracy.

This Bologna Summit has 3 clear objectives:

1) Strengthen the Opposition Camp and Ensure its Independence from Interference
2) Empower the Younger Generation to Take a Leading Role
3) Encourage Pro-Democratic Forces inside Eritrea to take Action

History of the city of Bologna and Eritreans

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the Bologna Festival used to attract thousands of Eritreans from around the globe ready to full heartedly support the struggle lead by Eritrea’s freedom fighters inside the country against one of Africa’s most powerful armies at the time.

Today, at a time when the Eritrean pride and confidence has been shuttered, the opposition remains weak and fragmented, the silent majority silent, and there is no visible and concerted support towards pro-democratic forces inside Eritrea. It lies in our hands and is our responsibility to change that.  This Bologna Summit seeks to reclaim Bologna as a historic place of our resistance against oppression and to re-build national confidence and hope among the masses while upholding the democratic values and the independence of the grassroots, multiple organisations and groups.

Registration

Registration is now open. Interested participants can book their space at http://goo.gl/peMhw Seats can be booked online at a rate of EUR 95 until July 25 and EUR 110 thereafter, which including conference fee, 2 lunches, a dinner, coffee breaks, and entertainment on Friday evening and on Saturday evening.

Background

Eritrea under the rule of Isaias Afewerki is the most authoritarian dictatorship ranking second after North Korea. Twenty years into Eritrea’s independence, Eritrea’s one-party government is still ruling. The PFDJ led by the president, Isaias Afewerki, has driven the country into complete isolation, and has created one of the most authoritarian and impoverished states on this globe. One of the most disturbing news that emerged recently from the UN is the active involvement of Eritrea’s military officials in the global human trafficking and organ trade where young Eritrean dissidents and refugees have tragically become their main target in this horrific slaughter.
Eritrean Youth Solidarity for Change (EYSC) is a Diaspora based global youth movement, fighting for democracy and justice in the Eritrea and against the influence of the ruling party in the Diaspora.

CONTACT:

Eritrean Youth Solidarity for Change (EYSC)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/eritreanyouth
Website: www.eysc.net

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