Voice of Assenna Upcoming Radio Programme: Review of 2011- Featured Panellists: Dr. Bereket Habte Selassie, Dr. Assefaw Tekeste and Dr. Angsom Atsbaha
Dr. Bereket Habte Selassie is a leading scholar on African law and government. He is William E. Leuchtenburg Professor of African and Afro-American Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also instructs
Dr. Bereket Habte Selassie is a leading scholar on African law and government. He is William E. Leuchtenburg Professor of African and Afro-American Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also instructs at the University of North Carolina School of Law. After Eritrea gained independence, Dr. Bereket served as the constitutional commission chair and was the principal author of Eritrea’s constitution. He has also served as senior advisor on constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Iraq, among others. Bereket Habte Selassie is an activist for reform in Eritrea and supporter of Pan-Africanism.
Dr. Assefaw Tekeste served as Head of Medical Services for the EPLF, which led the country’s thirty-year war for independence from Ethiopia. He was Head of Civilian Health Services for Eritrea and a key architect in rebuilding the national health care system after the country’s liberation in 1991. He has been a Research Fellow in the School of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley and has earned a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree for his study of corruption and its effect on health care in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Assefaw Tekeste is an activist for reform and democratic change in Eritrea.
Dr. Angsom Atsbaha is an assistant professor of Political Science, History, and the Sociology of Race and Ethnic Relations. He is assistant chairman of the Department of Social Science, chairman of the Global Studies Initiative Core Group, deputy chairman of the Truman College Council, and member of the Faculty Council. Dr. Anghesom Atsbaha received the 2010 Kathy Osterman Award from the Chicago Mayor for Superior Public Service. In 2008, he also received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for his work in outreach and mentoring diverse adult students. Dr. Anghesom Atsbaha is an activist for democratic change in Eritrea.
Freeprisoners December 30, 2011
i think the Eritrea diaspora and the justice freedom seeker all, the oppostion in general. Dr Bereket and Dr Habteslasie …etc worked hard to create set law and order in Eritrea before HGDF deny them. They create the constitution which is very good and can be improved with generation and circumstance.
The above dearest persons need an awared by the people of Eritrea especially the people of Eritrea in diaspora. Because the above deserve recognition and support financially. Due to of HGDF deniel, they have not received the support they deserve. We need to respect them and help them before the pass away. We need to learn from them before they become unable to do things. Its very important that the above persons be pleased at least by the diaspora people of Eritrea.
I know you might say this time is not, but we must whilist they are in life.
this is good for our name.
They worked hard and they deserve something by the people.
Azaria December 30, 2011
The constitution, with all its flaws can not be enforced as “people’s constitution.” If any political force came to enforce this document without rectifying its flaws, God forbid the young generation will live in a restless society that does not respect the rights of minorities, and instead of inviting the Eritrean refugees will indeed raise army to fight for their rights. Just I am signaling a red light before we think using the shelved document. I am also aware about the group who are advocating for this document who are hateful to our minorities. Keep in mind that after 20 years, the despot admit that there is nothing done regarding development, and now here the highlanders will attempt to enforce this document as instrument to suppress the rights of the minorities. I can’t forget what someone has said in his article “we are going to rule you and you are going to be ruled.” Think about the entire society before any one start to prescribe any kind of solution. The chief author of the document understand clearly its flaws. It is not a unifying document where 50% section of our society rejected it.
demisse December 30, 2011
Azaria…. you talk about minority right. Between the lines I read the infectious article #39 of the Woyanne constitution. “Nations and nationalities of illiterate people who still plough with ox’s and load with donkeys demanding heir rights to secede”…. I can’t comprehend them…. without the clever elite lurking behind them.
sol December 30, 2011
Mr. Azaria
As you have mentioned there might be flows in 1996 drafted Eritrean constitution as any other constitution but in any sort of democracy there is always room for amending new ones and improving the existing based on public debate and experience.But criticizing the whole document as benefiting one group is unacceptable and used as delaying it.We should bear in mind if individual right is respected ,it would be easier also to protect group rights but before going into details we should have a document to address all issues, this document is not only rules but also a road map for the future.Above all protecting individual right such as the freedom of speech,freedom of believe , freedom to get information finally ensures group right.Finally it would be a blessing to put our input towards democracy and justice .
Azaria December 31, 2011
Dear sol,
If we know the document has flaws (a) why do we need to start it with its flaws. What we need is correct its flaws and then enforce it (b) if it is enforced with its flaws, it is very difficult to amend it, because in any constitutional amendment you need a high % (at least 75%) of the legislative body to vote for its amendment. In an Eritrean reality it is unlikely to happen because the highlanders are taking as their document. The lowlanders knew it clearly the intentions of the highlanders. What makes it buffleing is some are arguing for specific rights. They have the audacity to tell us that we need only individual right. It is absurd. We need all rights be it individual or group rights. Those who argue for individual right only have hidden agenda behind their arguments and that is clear to our minorities.
Mr. T December 30, 2011
We need change: a real change that guarantees liberty to everyone. We need change that guarantees the indivisibility of our nation. We need change without the interference of the barbaric woyane. We also need change of our current thinking that has single handedly caused brought us to our current situation and prolonged our people’s sufferings. There is no doubt that these three gentlemen are greatly admired by many Eritreans. However, Dr. Berket’s credibility has been seriously eroded in recent times. He seems to have lost vision. He made history when he had led Eritreans of all walks of life to write the Constitution. Then to the dismay of Eritrea’s heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives, and to the utter disgust of living Eritreans at home or abroad, he made the following comment:
I wish to see the unity of Eritrea and Ethiopia before I die.”
It is amazing! The guy that Eritreans had trusted so much even to write their constitution is after all an Ethiopian royal loyalist. Never the less, I am still eagerly looking forward to hear the Doctors interview. (Mr. T = Tsahaye)
Mr. T December 30, 2011
Please ignore the word “caused”.
Halewlew December 30, 2011
We may agree or disagree at times, however, we need to show a lot of respect to our elders, shimagle, teachers and intellectuals, such as Dr Bereket and his friends.
Happy new year
Halewlew December 30, 2011
Dear Radio asena,
Can you have a program in early 2012 about the top five songs of the year from the view of the Eritrean opposition ?
I have few suggestions, can you let others post their own too.
1. ade merhawi, by temesgen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMJ2tQYg7Ck
2. tezareb, by senay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_cHiXoDqSc
3. nay hasot sheqaTi, by temesgen tesfamicael
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA1B6LKFphY&list=FLg1CcGfgx_KXOqFgBqf0UWw&index=38&feature=plpp_video
k December 30, 2011
Selam Tsehaye (Mr T)
pt1
I see the merchant of lies is still blocking you, or he needs all the space to himself to spew his lies. You see falsehood is like cotton, a small weight but exacts gigantic space.
Anyhow, the point you raise makes a lot of sense, as it would be ridiculous to expect the current state of affairs (politically speaking in most part) to continue as is. What puzzles me most is why the sold out opposition continue to stand in the way of genuine civil and political discourse among Eritreans. Most people who have the stature, know how and network to get things done seem to bury their head in the sand for ‘fear’ of being perceived as one of those ‘tragic Oossub’ as you call them. It is my sense of things that Eritrea has an undeclared state of emergency (for various considerations) in the face of of the sadistic woyane’s obstruction of the course of justice (EEBC). This results in suspention of constitutional governance, and acts of national security undertakings. In view of the proceeding conjuncture, what should the starting point of this necessary ‘change’ to get rolling?
Happy new year!
Asgedet December 30, 2011
Karl Marx once wrote, “Philosophers may have interpreted the world, the point is however to change it.” The said individuals (The guests) with an impressive academic credentials have time and time again dissected the Eritrean political anatomy for everybody to see. But again, they haven’t been able either to mobilize the masses under a common cause or take the lead at the forefront to challenge Isaias as he seems to paralyze all of them where their hard earned erudition is rendered a naught. The relentless effort by the host (Amanuel) by all means should be commended and applauded but for all practical purposes, could the guests reach out to the majority of the Eritrean people and connect with them with a common language as opposed to a lofty and a too abstract concepts where the majority of the Eritrean people are unable to comprehend. Again, what is it that we expect the guests to tell us anything different than we already know? Or is it the fact that they have some sort of academic appellation which gives them a free reign to the absolute truth? If they are to take us for a free ride with their run down and archaic ideas, it is not worth the effort to invite them as guests simply because, what the Eritrean people need at the very moment is a tangible solution that would help them free from the predicament they are in not elite individuals who are keen on remaining relevant as their ego is beyond limit.
Tefeno January 1, 2012
Selam Asgedet,
Excellent analysis! We have been listening to Issays is a Dictator, PFDJ regime is cruel, so on and so forth …. for the past 15 years, to the point some of the writers have recently got tired of it and veered off to over-analyzing PFDJ functionaries’ voices, mustaches and what have you”:-)
What Eritrea needs is folks with practical ideas how to mobilize the youth inside Eritrea, especially the military to demand change.
As for for inviting academics, we Eritreans sometimes have extreme adulation to folks who possess advanced degrees. Yes, Education is essential but common sense and most importantly decency and good heart for justice is also very important.
Finally, politicians in any country usually like to use big (Adgi Zeteskeymo) words to sound more learned (ego boost) and to confuse the average person. every co For example, a typical PFDJ Tigriyana is full of words like ‘medere’ ‘mekhete’ ‘Dihre Bayta’ , … words the average Abraha or Abrehet in Asmara or rarely uses:-)
Peace.
Abnet Tesfai January 2, 2012
Tefeno
Happy new year to you and all Eritreans!!!!
part 1
in your comment you said:-
‘What Eritrea needs is folks with practical ideas how to mobilize the youth inside Eritrea, especially the military to demand change.’
really what is important is action not stay talking and doing nothing for the change you want to achieve….. the great question is how can you organize the youth and the military inside Eritrea to bring the desired change?
1. Military
the organization of the military is not as it seems. it organized say in divisions or fronts what ever you like. but the military should have a central command with transparency to every respective leader either he is in general level,major general, l/general,colonel… etc. do you think Sibhat as a general of the country to command the Eritrean defense force. sibhat is figure head simply named as a general. what philipos does never centralized from the general office, what wuchu does has no any to do with sibhat.
Abnet Tesfai January 2, 2012
part 2
all these examples i am taking is to clarify with in my limited capacity what our military looks like. that is to say our generals or military leaders are not in a position to trust each other and discuss about the Eritrean people dark and miserable situations and about the already kidnapped Eritrean liberty by isayas. most of them they are sick of the current situation of the country and the people. because they know that they are as general a lion with out teeth and nail; meaning they have the name but no power.
this tactic and strategy was purposely developed by issayas to achieve his desire of dictatorship. he has developed hidden linkage with the lower and middle military commanders violating the regular channel of command. all activities and intentions, rumors,complains, daily follow ups of the units and individuals in all levels are reported with out knowledge of the higher officers by these unknown instrument/ middle and lower officers/ to issaias. the most trustworthy generals are philipos and wuchu. but both of them are two extremes. the former is shrewd whereas the second guiltless. others remained calm, clueless, fearful, suspicious and mistrusting each
other.
Abnet Tesfai January 2, 2012
part 3
therefore, in this structure of an army it can be difficult to bring the change via the current military in Eritrea unless the very few confidants turned their face against him or some miracles could happen.as i have said it issayas is smart and mischievous guy that when every body had trust in him he was working hard early from the armed struggle, before and after the war of Ethio-Eritrea to enjoy everlasting power.
2. the youth
one of the best home work of issyas after the war between the two countries was ,after jailing the higher officers and journalists, to design any means to halt any force that can threaten his power in the short and long run. he declared the warsay ykalo campagn alone with out consulting any body. the typical purpose of the campaign was to keep the youth out of the cities and stay in the military for indefinite time paralyze is mind and his futurity fearing the questions which can be normally expected after any aftermath of the war, the case of the G-15 or the journalists and the implementation of the constitution which is headache to wedi afie….. etc. after staying in the everlasting national service most of the militarily and technically experienced and educated Eritreans started to flee their country. still the drainage is continuing.
Abnet Tesfai January 2, 2012
part 4
even the children in the junior and high school are thinking how to flee the country. they are physical in Eritrea but mentally out of the country.
therefore if the well experienced, well trained in all activities and sectors of the country stayed away, if the very young are dreaming to leave the country, if issayas’s puppies continue to imprison any Eritrean who they suspects to be against the issyas’s system, how can we expect that an organized pressure will topple issayas now. the mistake was when we were leaving our country instead of staying and take some initiatives to oppose dictatorship.
anyway…. kinbil bele ember aytekawen….. hiji keman abzelena nhalu bkiniena bhaki neta b issayas techewiya dela natsinet nab ed hisbi Eritrea ab zhatsere ghizie nkitmiles abrtina kinsrih alena.
VICTORY TO ERITREANS WHO ARE PRO-JUSTICE.
kozami January 2, 2012
Tesfit
Kinbil bele ember aytekhaewen…do belka, grum zereba! Since the GoE has declared formal amnesty for you to return, I guess you could go back now and “oppose” as you have us think of you had you gotten the chance. Just an idea..
Abnet Tesfai January 2, 2012
kozami
there is prerequisite to go back home your mafia dictator order us to come only if we have money, he wanted to steal our money.
kiserkeni zreakiwos kimelsely neaymno….. your dictator promised, cheated, lied, kidnapped, killed Eritrean for more than 20 years.
No one is foolish… we will stay for short time. just follow situations in the near future after the dictator joins his friend ghadafi in hell, we Eritrean will go back to our sweet country with freedom, prosperity with loving each other and we will rebuild our country as a promise to our martyrs.
kozami January 2, 2012
Tesfit
One hair can’t make the difference between being bald and not being bald. But then if you remove one hair at a time, will you never become bald? Should one tolerate intolerance if intolerance would destroy the possibility of tolerance? Hegel (paraphrased) said “We learn from history that we do not learn from history”