Forum for National Dialogue (Medrek): Challenges and Promises

Ghezae Hagos Berhe

(The article is abridged from facebook discussion.)

Recently, former diplomats of the government of Eritrea and others have formed a group called Forum for National Dialogue (FDN.) The topic is generating heated debates in the Eritrean social media circles. Here are my views.

1.At the core of any issue that every Eritrean, including many PFDJ members, agree is Eritrea is led by dictator Isaias and we need him be removed from power and be replaced by A GOVERNMENT THAT IS LEGALLY ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. Let us mull over this as the main yardstick or principle that can’t be negotiated or changed under any circumstances. A lot of contours, misunderstandings on terminologies and lack of proper explanations have exacerbated our discourse. We need to define in clearer terms, than ‘xegenti’ ‘sur-mho lewti’ etc. CORE issue is ‘power should be returned to the people of Eritrea’ immaterial of the terms and strategies as long as we understand their meanings.
2. Now Mederek. According to their objective “To work as a catalyst in bringing together pro-democracy Eritreans inside and outside the country to replace the current dictatorship in Eritrea by an equitable governance structure based on a constitution that guarantees equal rights of all citizens, their democratic freedoms and human rights, equal access to social services, and equal opportunities to develop themselves and their country.”
3. So does Medrek advocate for transfer of power to the people of Eritrea or just change Isaias and keep the status quo (if that is ever possible)? It is not fair to put words on someone or some group just to project your own version. When some unfairly attacked EYSNS on false grounds, we objected that and it is not good to extend that to others. As far their press release show, (again please read it), there is nothing in Medrek that prove they wanted to keep the status quo. They clearly rejected Isaias and called for others to join the tide of change. They may advocate for peaceful means as much as possible but didn’t say ‘by all means’ should be rejected. They said their role is to be catalyst but if that is what they want to, we hope they be good catalysts. Again, I invite serious readers and activists to read the document and how it can help the overall movement for change. Our allegiance and struggle is for the people of Eritrea and hence we need to put them first.
4. In my humble opinion, we are better served and serve our people if we see the bigger picture of what we as people want and what is possible at this time. Focusing on personalities dilutes, obfuscates the message. For example, a lot have been said about Amb. Andebrahan Weldegergish. A lot us prefer if we come forward and openly tell us what his experiences was and what he wants to accomplish. This nation belongs as much to him as to all of us. We need to commend him for deciding to join when many other previous public officials didn’t want to. Some people have questions for Ambassador Anderberhan and the answers whether satisfactory or not should be given. If we seriously believe our nation is in great peril of demise, the issues that we think are big are not as big if we want to tackle them with candor and courage. I humbly urge Amb. Andebrahn to seize the opportunity and the spotlight to expound his views and enrich our opposition with lessons we can all learn from. I also urge his friends and Medrek organizers to encourage him as in my opinion the benefits outweigh the fears and concerns.
5. Engagement is single key issue. It should be encouraged in all sides. I am very optimistic with real and honest engagement; there is nothing that is impossible. At least you respect each other’s opinion and work in the minimum common issues such as advocacy, human rights, and refugees etc.
6. Conscientious and wise activists are deeply needed in these turbulent times. My main message for now is for our compatriots at EYSNS and Medrek. If we can gloss over the seemingly different or opposing views, you can find the end product we are all asking for is the same: which is ‘power should be returned to the people of Eritrea.’

7. In the end, MedreK will be assessed and judged on its subsequent actions, not in their statements. When one calls for engagement, one doesn’t mean or imply one has to accept everything said or believe it. You can reject it altogether if you will; but isn’t much wiser and more beneficial to reach out to groups; learn from their lessons; share their concerns; bring forth your concerns; find points of convergence; narrow points of divergences; and see if there is any area you can work together.

Please note that apart from the general goodwill we extend (or should extend) to any Eritrean who wants to give his/her two cents to the tidal wave of history of fighting the Isaias regime, some of us actually notice groups such as Medrek do have a potential to register tangible results especially in lobbying which I think is one of the opposition’s biggest weaknesses. The reason we are saying let us give them a chance is not merely to appear nice or moderate or because we are docile (let the records speak for themselves, if need be) but because we believe they can help in areas mentioned below and other areas that I am not aware of. Hence, in the hope of enriching the discourse, I would like to forward my brotherly recommendations for Medrek. My recommendations in a nutshell are the following. Medrek:-

1. Need to use the spotlight to engage the opposition public using pal talks, facebook and Eritrean opposition media. It is proper to be open to public questions and comments as what you are aspiring to do is of matter of grave, national importance that will affect all of us as citizens. Granted some people have serious concerns and grievances but as the overriding objective is to save the nation from imminent peril, the issues and controversies will pale in comparison to what we have in common. Candor and courage compels you to open your doors. I encourage them repeatedly to be available for public forums.

1. Engage with civic and political groups and activists who have special focus in lobbying the international community, the UN, USA and the EU to put pressure on the Isaias regime on the grounds of gross violations of human rights and/or human trafficking.

1. There are swaths of areas of international laws and national laws that the Isaias regime has been routinely violating and that we need legal experts and lobbyists to challenge them using legal instruments at their disposal.

1. Use your expertise, networks, resources and connections to expose the Isaias regime in international media and forums.

1. Give special focus and attention to the plight of Eritrean refugees in neighboring countries, Northern Africa and Israel. Eritrean refugees are suffering and languishing and they need well-seasoned politicians and activists to advocate on their behalf.

1. It bears repeating experienced lobbying is desperately needed. We hope to see Mederek put its legal/diplomatic expertise, experiences and resources to bridge the gap with a view to step up international pressure and sanctions on the Isaias regime.

1. I urge you not to be fazed by controversies as it is not about groups or persons. Eritrean people have been subjected to unprecedented degree of persecution and atrocities and our nation is facing risk of total annihilation. We need to save it before it is too late. We need to act..now.

Finally, as Martin L. King said “we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” We owe it to ourselves, to our history, to our people and to our nation to learn to live together. The bells of history are tolling for all of us to save our endeared nation from a certain demise, a nation we have paid untold sacrifices for that you personally can bear witness of. Let us save it..together.