Month: May 2014
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Kiros Yohannes: Poet Extraordinaire
My late brother Dawit had asserted that his favorite singer, Bereket Menghisteab, is irreplaceable. Occasionally and upon the insistence of younger siblings who ganged-up on him, he had conceded grudgingly: if there is anyone who might have succeeded in attaining that same level of vocal talent and excellence, then it has to be Dawit Efem.…
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We, The People, Own It!
My 13 year old nephew once told me that all democratically elected presidents should convene a plenary session to pass a resolution that will forbid all dictators from calling themselves presidents. Oftentimes, it takes a child to let us know that “the emperor” is naked. Perhaps it is this recognition that made the prophet Isaiah…
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Why Isaias Afwerki Invalidated the 1997 Constitution
On May 24, marking the 23rd anniversary of Eritrea’s independence, President Isaias Afwerki had this to say near the conclusion of his address: “Within the framework of our tasks of nation building, the political infrastructure assumes a vital role as a vehicle to advance our overall objectives. We have gleaned important lessons and experiences from…
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Eritrea’s Political Culture & Its Outdated Tools Of Analysis
Travel back in time; turn the clock back, way back to a neighborhood where you grew up. Find that Mr. Formidable Force (FF), the individual who becomes the captain of the soccer team in which you played growing up. Picture him in your mind’s eye in how he exuded the aura of power, an absolute…
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Eritrea: UN Sanctions In Limbo
The UN Security Council-imposed sanctions on Eritrea are trapped at UNSC in a situation that an observer described as, “From quid pro quo to tit for tat.” Impact of the four year old UN-imposed sanctions against Eritrea is increasingly hampering ordinary financial transactions, tourism and travel services to and from Eritrea. These are critical sectors…
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The Politics of Eritrea’s Independence Day
As it usually does, the Eritrean regime has been preparing for this year’s independence anniversary, which is unusually grand in its scope. For over a month, the news and pre-celebration programs have been a regular stable on the government-controlled media, including the state-owned television station (Eri-TV) which has been running 24-hour coverage of the activities…
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Rule Of The Jungle And My Quest To PFDJ Mindset
PFDJ Structures: Its Hardware and Software Network Dissection, Analysis and Thinking Beyond Objective of this Article: As the title indicates, it is a piece of writings that tries to explore the hardware and software component of PFDJ regime and based on available information and my personal interpretations to those matters. Note: All writings are my…
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Fathi Osman and His New Book
Recently Fathi Osman (ፈትሒ – فتحي) published a book entitled, “Eritrea: From A Dream of Independence to the Nightmare of Dictatorship.” The book, written in Arabic, is composed of one hundred twenty-two page; Fathi has plans to translate it into English. How did Eritreans, after they sacrificed so many lives and shed so much blood…
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Hope From Pretoria
In a culture that is not strong on expressing gratitude the word “yeqenyeley” has evolved to mean, “Thank you,” but its initial use seems to be more selfish and self-serving. It is simply used to express a wish of re-using an item again and again. The more accurate, refined and noble word “temesgen” is used…
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Awate Video of the month: “A message to Bresident Obama”
On January 29, 2014 we presented to you, Awate Video of the Month: “Breaking News!” In the same spirit, today we present you another Awate Video of the Month: an Egyptian lady’s message to President Obama. In case you have a problem understanding the accent, read the text and we hope it helps you. If…
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Major General Omer Tewil Died in Prison
Gedab News learned that Major General Omer Hassen “Tewil” died in prison early this morning. His body was not given to his family by the time this news was published. Major General Tewil was arrested in connection with the Forto incident of January 21, 2013, in which several army officers stormed the Ministry of Information…
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Ethar Delivers Emergency relief To Eritrean Refugees In Yemen
Ethar Relief, a UK based humanitarian organization has delivered emergency relief to Eritrean refugees who are stranded in Yemen and sleeping in the streets. The Executive director of the British based organization, Mr. Sultan Omer, said his organization has delivered sponge mattresses and blankets for the 216 refugees. It has also set aside a budget…
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When Even Good News Is Given A Shrug
On behalf of myself and all awatistas (whether you like it or not), I would like to congratulate Nigerians and Ghanians for waking up one Monday morning (let’s assume it was Monday) and learning that they no longer belong to the dreaded “low income” country but the up-and-coming “low middle income” country. Yay! Please join…
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Eritrean Refugees Abandoned By UNHCR Are Sleeping In Yemeni Streets
Eritreans have been fleeing their homes since the mid-sixties to escape the scorched earth policy of the Ethiopian occupation that razed their villages to the ground. In 1991, Eritrea was liberated gaining formal recognition by the world community in May 25, 1993. Independence didn’t bring to Eritreans the stability or economic freedom they struggle for.…
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Negarit Reports from Memory Lane: A Fiction
Of Keren and Love Affairs, Negarit Reports from Memory Lane: A Fiction. Over the years I have captivated my readers with my reports after my travels. This report is also from my travels, but of a different kind: my travels to Memory Lane. As the twilight rays of the Kerenite sun shimmered from the horizon…
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Eritrean Opposition Officials Touring the USA
In a meeting described by some attendees “as one of its kind”, yesterday, the chairman of the Eritrean National Council for Democratic Change (ENCDC) Mr. Tseggai Yohannes and his deputy Ms. Freweini Habtemariam concluded a meeting in Dallas, Texas. Since they arrived in San Francisco, California on April 3, 2014, the two officials held public…
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Eritrean Ambassador To Nigeria Arrested In Asmara
On Tuesday April 29, 2014, plain-clothed security officers arrested Mohammed Ali Omaro, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, from the streets of Asmara. His whereabouts are still unknown, but security officers searched his house after they arrested him. Omaro is a veteran of Eritrea’s armed struggle and a co-founder of EPLF, now PFDJ, Eritrea’s ruling (and sole…