Mr Yemane – I just cannot trust you. It is hard to trust a man who was part of a system that destroyed a nation. Some of your time was worthwhile and other part was contaminated. I ay this for you failed to point a finger at yourself. Instead your finger was only pointing at others. Your hand and finger prints are all over it seems. You and only you know who’s life you took willingly or unwillingly. You need to own your own sin first before you point a finger at others. But surly, thankful for giving us the insight.
To get to my other point: Eritrea is in a deficit of a leader. Or leaders. I am shocked how Eritrea become independent given there is no leader who could come up and stand truthfully and drive a cause for Eritrea.
I have heard Andebrehan (Confused and fake and himself in crossroads), Dr. Asefaw (So weak and lost and confused), Dr. Bereket ( an opportunist), The DC group who came with their own theories to help unite all oppositions (pretenders) , and Other opposition leaders who are sitting by the side waiting for opportunity to sail in to Asmara ( aging and about to expire), and the list goes and goes…not a single one has a backbone to stand and take a punch as a true leader. Meeting after meeting and confused as to what to say and even scared to speak clearly and whoesticly when asked.
Leaders speak their own sin and then they bring the world in. Issays is really laughing from his tent every day. Not only Issayas not hiding but he is enjoying, apparently, his time under tent every day.
Assenna – these are the people Eritrea is dealing with. People who point a finger but not turn that finger at themselves and reveal their own sin and start a new chapter. You cannot trust old EPLF – they have tasted all the same water; and cannot make anything of the ELF for they have hold so much pain in their heart and in need of help themselves.
Eritrea – your hope – had all given their life for the first phase of Eritrean freedom. Others have stood and taken a punch during January 21; recently Wedi Bacaro”; and few glimmering hope through Assenna, I would add Asmarino in to that bucket and some women are your only hope Eritrea. That is it! I say – God will do it for Eritrea.
Mike,
Yemane is not hiding himself. He is speaking out in public for you and the whole world to hear and point its fingers at him in case there is a hidden fact. You can’t simply expect him to confess a crime he hasn’t committed only because he had been a member of the undeground party. I don’t know if he had to open his interview with an excuse for having served the front as every member is a potential sinner.
In the 1st place, Yemane was not even a leader who could take decisions of killings on his own. But he was in a good position to observe the things he is now sharing with us. How would we then know the facts if people like him would keep the secrets to themselves ? There’s nothing that deprives him of pointing his fingers at anyone who deserves it.
As he often states, there are many who know him and who could speak out about him or his stories. Mesfun Hagos, Adhanom and many others have spoken out to challenge Tesfay Temnawo. But to this day, there’s hardly anyone who spoke against Yemane based on his story.
In this small piece of comment alone you have pointed your fingers at almost everybody: Andebrahan, Bereket, Asefaw, the opposition, the leaders ect… except your own self.
I still don’t disagree with some of your views only because you have failed to point your fingers at yourself.
Mike,
I admire issyas ablity to communicate i think its only fair if i use his word to describe ur view as medakemi.
U blame everybody and i urge u to ask urself whats ur contribution how can u blame some 1 like yemane who was telling the painful truth in his own words he admited for u he was like sheep following issyas orders which he came to regret.
Yeman the english say better late than never and thats fitting to describe ur efforts. U spoke some truth and now u got the love of your ppl.
Thank u i am sure it was hard but u did it.
Mike,
You are a blind follower of the mad dog Isayas wedi Medhin Berad. You have Isayas syndrome. You trust those who abuse you. You have no respect for those who stand for justice, liberty, equality and Yemane is one of them
I’m confused by your comment. Where are you coming from?
Please clarify your position. I may agree with your criticism of certain individuals. But we are all responsible for change. We can’t be waiting for heroes to do it for us. Everyone must pitch in. It is the collective anger and Embiley that will provide the context for change. Then someone in the inside may tip the balance at an opportune moment.
But what you are saying above left me confused. I can’t make head or tail out of it. And please leave Yemane alone. Poor guy, he came out of his hibernation to tell you what he kept to himself for decades. He tried to breathe and you are trying to shut him up. Please have some compassion. I know when you are in war people kill. But my gut tells me that this man is not a criminal. He believed in Eritrea and still believes in Eritrea.
That is not a crime. It should be commended. That he is not cynical and still wants the best for Eritrea is admirable. For God’s sake he gave everything. He lost his lovely brothers and God knows what else.
Whether we think Ghedli was worth it or not, it is a fact of our history. We cannot turn back the wheel. Now we just have to try to make things better for those left and future generations.
I don’t know what else to say to you brother. Just cool it off.
Adios Amigo.
Delay fithi,
To my opinion, your pen-name fits well to your fair sense of judgement. I’m saying this because most of your comments make sense to me.
You really don’t need to waste your time begging Mike to have compassion. He doesn’t seem to have it at least not right now. But keeping his drastic misjudgement on Yemane aside, the guy is expressing his deep rooted frustration on the whole ineffectivity of our intellectual politicians and the overall situation of Eritrea. A nasty situation in which most of us are gradually drawned in the course of time, so to say.
Despite all, it is unbecoming of him not have at least corrected his misplaced judgement on Yemane, whose concern on the sovereignty of Eritrea is still intact.
Unlike Mike, Yemane has given his life and youth for the country. He has a story to tell and he can damn well point his fingers at those who have brought us where we are now.
Common sense tells us that one who has blood on his hands cannot have the gall to point his fingers at others. One would keep quite and may be pray that the issue doesn’t get raised. This is also the main reason why many are so quite and so introverted when Yemane is recounting his recollections confidently. A transparency we lacked in the past and should strive to have it in the future.
If I may say so, I can tell that you are a beautiful Eritrean sister! Kissanet like you name.
I understand Mike on some level. He is angry like most of us. I just don’t like his harping on Yemane. Men Regitsiwo Kebdu Yemane Kizareb Wessinu? No one. His conscience drove him to testify. Those who have something to hide are not saying a word.
Thank you for your profound contribution. I hope you will remain active through various mediums and continue to educate. I agree your future role is above affiliation in this or that Wudib.
I have never understood the motive behind the multitude of Wudibs that have mushroomed in the last few years. It sounds like they all say similar things. Why not just speak through one, two or three organizations? If power grab in the post Isaias era is the motivation, it is a hopeless way to go about it. National salvation is the immediate issue and such petty greed has no place in the task that is facing us.
I like your advise to those who disparage Eritrean sovereignty and want to sell it to the highest bidder. These folks probably never knew Ethiopia. If they did, it is probably at a very superficial level. My advise is that they at least visit the various Ethiopian websites to learn how fragmented the so called Ethiopia is. This has nothing to do with ill wishing Ethiopians. It simply is the truth. If Ethiopians are disposed to accepting Eritreans, they would accept Tesfaye Gebreab–arguably the best writer in Amharic currently alive. He has been compared with Bealu Girma, the author of Oromay. But Tesfaye is having a hard time winning the hearts and minds of Ethiopians only because he has Eritrean parents. He was born and raised in Bisheftu. I am glad to see that the Oromo are finally opening their hearts to him.
What we need to is deal with our problems and put our house in order. Then we can have respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors. Admittedly the damage done already is daunting. But I believe future visionary Eritrean leaders will rise to the occasion to fix and mend what is broken now.
I also agree with your comment about the value of history. On this issue, I have commented in segment 19. Here, I will just say history cannot be ignored if we are going to move forward from the bleak situation we are in.
On the question of why you didn’t take out Isais when you had the opportunities, I completely empathize with your answer. Eritreans idolized this man. You would have been the eternal Judas if you did that. For many years, I was shunned by even close relatives for mild criticisms that I made of the man. It was a suffocating political climate until very recently.
You suggested the Arab Spring model for getting rid of the tyrant and his cronies. I am ambivalent about that. I believe Isaias is propping up Demhit for precisely that eventuality. Demhit will shoot the people. Demhit is similar to Gaddafi’s hired soldiers from Mali and the other neighboring countries. I pray for a low cost way of taking him out. Someone from the inside with access Kekabitso. That maybe wishful thinking but it would be the low cost way of handling the beast. On the other hand, I agree with Ammanuel that the kind of so called peace that we have is Keshashi selam. It is a catch 22!
Why did Isaias join the Ghedli? Considering the many twists and turns and hurdles of Ghedli, it is hard to imagine that he joined Ghedli purely for power. This point might be where I mildly disagree with you. He could have been killed at any point in the course of Ghedli. I am willing to concede that there might have been some idealism and even sincerity on his part early in his life. But he probably also harbored deep anger towards Eritreans. From what I heard from people who knew him as a child, he was a maladjusted kid. And kids being kids, some kids insulted him for his perceived origins. He may have had a deep Kirhinti. Unconfirmed reports also say that he failed his freshman exams at University. He may have felt humiliated and hit the wall. These factors and others may have combined in shaping the future Isaias. Once in Ghedli, initially he killed some innocents due to rivalry. He had the advantage of being one of the early Tegadelties. To maintain his power, he took out new comers that he saw as threats. Once you kill people, there is no turning back. It becomes an addiction.
Finally, you have my respect Yemane for not answering sensitive issues that touch on national security. I hope to read your writings at a future date. Best of Luck.
Mr. Delai fithi ( delai hmaq)
U said, ” U learnt how fragmented z so called Ethiopia is”. Keep dreaming. U better talk about ur country which is following z step of Somalia.
Am I justifying the sad situation of my country? Please re-read what is written.
I’m just warning those disillusioned Eritreans not to look for a solution down south. Historically, nothing good has come to Eritrea from the south.
The potential fragmentation of Ethiopia is something that every thoughtful Ethiopian should be concerned about. It is public knowledge that Tigreans have distinguished themselves as the most hated by other ethnics in Ethiopia. This is not my wish or dream, it is simply the case.
Please do yourself a favor and read Ermias Legesse’s book “Yemeles Tirufatoch.” He was the ex minister d’état of communication of Ethiopia.
You guys like to infest Eritrean websites adopting Eritrean pseudonyms like Massawa etc. and try to sow discord among Eritreans. Sometimes you throw in some Eritrean proverbs to appear authentic. Most Eritreans can see through your games.
Brother Yemane,
Just say “Tegagyom Agagiyomna” the ghedli generation. We’ve also been saying “Thimbeb ala Hager” unashamedly. By ‘we’ I mean the civil population not just the tegadelitna or our “liberators”.
I had heard my peasant grand mother ask the same question again and again “ezi khulus ab mnti mntay eyu”? “ezi khulus ab mnti mntay eyu ezom dekey”? When her two youngest sons were forced to join the Jebha militia and perished in the battle of Barentu, and again she asked the same question, shortly before she passed away, when two of her grand children didn’t come back after the supposed liberation. In both occasions, I thought my illiterate grand mother didn’t understand the meaning of our “majic” revolution. Seeing where we are, I am ashamed to admit now, nor do I know where all the march (ezi kulu guya nabmintay nimbitsaH kemzinebere?) of the revolution was! My beautiful angel grandma, please find me a better liberated and less sophisticated country up in the heavens. Miss you, miss the innocent Adi/peasants life so much as well.
I think you are a genuine person in despair. I can see you miss your home and relatives. I do too. May God give us our country back and have mercy on us. But we alone can help God to do this for us. The neighbors are not going to help. On the contrary, they are gloating over our misfortune.
I am impressed by the gentleman,Yemane T/Giorgish. Thank dear Brother. Past events and crimes must be unfolded to the public. Not only must be told verbally but also it should be documented. It is important to know who was who. One striking point that caught my attention was Yemane’s let it go attitude for the unforgivable attempted killing crime by Dayan and Adiam.
Mr. Mike, it doesnot matter whether you trust him or not. This guy volunteered to share what he knows about the past and the present state of affairs to the Eritrean people.Unlike the silent ones who are hiding facts till the grave, I admire him very much.
As to the two hypocrates and reformists excluding Dr. Bekebet, are staunchly laboring in vain to cling into power to “neutralize ” their boss. Do they think the Eritrean peoples are ignorants,dude?. Time will the us the truth.
Thank you, Ato Yemane.
You are very courageous and smart person. I am glad you are alive to share your experience with Eritreans all over the world. This is indeed a commendable act!
Dear brother Yemane, thank you for what I call 3D testimony.
Brother Yemane, what you said about HAILE JEBHA, I respectfully disagree with you. I think Haile would never take such a big risk unless he had motivation. 1st I think Haile trusted you , 2nd Haile wanted you to know where about of these brave fighters and the unspeakable suffering they had to go through. Bottom line, Haile wanted you to know History,so that you pass the info to someone else. I tell you what, I am glad he told you that. Plus I always believe things happen for reason.
Chrees‼
Please write a book (in Tigrigna) before your memory fades with age.
It was the most candid interview of a Tegadali ever made.
You served your country for the second time. It was a great contribution.
We are proud of you. Thank you.
All the best.
Assena/Amanuel -wounderfull ,,You upgrade yourself to the highest degree of professional Journalist.I followed Assena for the last 3 years and i can mention 3 items as example,, A,,The Sinay tragedy ,,B,,Dejen’s Interview,,C,,Yemane’s interview…Specially in Yemane’s Interview even though your audience are different you represent all of us.In my opinion your audience can categorize in three groups:A,,Nihna Nisu,,B,,Opp but Ghedli Lovers ,,C,,Ghedli haters or anti Ghedli.,You are really an asset to the unfortunate ppl.And thanks for choosing my question .
Mr.Yemane.
Thank you again.It was very interesting story.You didn’t favorite any group,you told us the internal Mafia structure Just as someone tells to his friend..That was until part 16…Part 17 and 18 you started to give your opinion,that was only yours.May be also,as we are different we want to hear things according to our ego.
Having said that let us come to part 19.I am going to deal on my two Questions which were raised yesterday and on the Ghedli project.
1,,About the elimination of Isaias in Somalia,,,that was my question but i didn’t satisfied with your answer ..Why? Your answer was that you didn’t want to kill anyone,,,Well Mr.Yemane you were 14 years revolution-are,a devoted one ,a battle hardened captain,,secrete party member,,Intelligence officer,,wasn’t the 14 years,,the years of killings? yes to kill your enemies as fast and as much as possible? So when you abandon EPLF,Isaias was your enemy or not ? sorry but some thing is missing here.
2,,About Che Guevara factor? Thanks you answer my question positively .
3,,About the Ghedli Project,,,here i do not agree with your answer….let us see 2 out of the reasons you mentioned:
A,,About the Ethiopian constitution on religious equality and misdeeds of the Ethiopian army on our brothers in law-land Eritrea,,,,In my opinion the Ethiopian constitution could have been amended together with all Ethiopian revolutionaries instead of sectarian war ,,,About the misdeeds of the Army,,Yes it is sad ,,it should have been solved easily by discussion.,,then comes the Question what about the Ghedli massacres(Jebha’s and Shaebias’s) Example among many: the kunama burnings and killings,,the Quhayin Denbelas,the Anseba farmers massacre,etc,and the Shaebia’s countless killings in every village including in my own village with out any prove ,,”Jasus ,,Jasus “So !even though a single life is precious which one out weights ? This is not a reason to start a Separatist war.
About the Ethiopians disrespect Eritreans,,,Ow !i can say only ,,at the end of 80th i went school there,,Eritreans were the kings.example 1000 page book will not be enough .They had been respecting us more than we deserve and we re paying now the price ..The Tigrai elite are now the kings by force but we Eritreans were the kings with love.
Mike on December, while blaming Yemane for pointing a finger at others and not on himself, you are forgetting that you are pointing a finger at him. By doing this you are making yourself an innocent fellow who can correct others. Dear brother, first of all you must know that you are the one hiding behind a pen name and blaming others for every error. Who are you after all to say so? a nameless person or a no person for that matter. Be bold enough like many others and speak out what you feel not echo what PFDJ tells its puppets to do. Yemane is the only person who dared to disclose the EPLF’s (secret party) unheard and top secret ways of doing things. No tegadalay ever thought that people who were sent on a mission to liquidate (counter revolutionaries) would also be liquidated (KGB style) so that they can not disclose any secret. This is the most brutal process the Mafia leadership (I am not excluding any one from the Politbureau). In this context Yemane must be commended for his effort and determination. I think we have enriched ourselves from his naration which was very clear, to the point and presented in a very comprehensive way. By the way, nobody ever prompted Yemane to talk out and no body promised him any stipend but his conscience and his duty to the Eritrean people. I repeat that I never knew Yemane while he was in the field, but according to the information I garnered from his ex comrades, he is a an intelligent, resolute and brave person albeit could be hot tempered occasionally and this happens only when he sees injustice perpetrated. In this connection, I advise every peace loving change seeking person to avoid the pitfalls of concentrating on side issues and address the issues at hand which is the removal of the evil dictator. Our job now is to eliminate the dictator not talk about the constitution, religion, region, language etc etc. We have no mandate to talk about this issues except a legal body elected by the Eritrean people. Finally, my gratitude to Yemane for his tireless elucidation and disclosure of the diabolic secret party and wish him a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Mike December 4, 2014
Mr Yemane – I just cannot trust you. It is hard to trust a man who was part of a system that destroyed a nation. Some of your time was worthwhile and other part was contaminated. I ay this for you failed to point a finger at yourself. Instead your finger was only pointing at others. Your hand and finger prints are all over it seems. You and only you know who’s life you took willingly or unwillingly. You need to own your own sin first before you point a finger at others. But surly, thankful for giving us the insight.
To get to my other point: Eritrea is in a deficit of a leader. Or leaders. I am shocked how Eritrea become independent given there is no leader who could come up and stand truthfully and drive a cause for Eritrea.
I have heard Andebrehan (Confused and fake and himself in crossroads), Dr. Asefaw (So weak and lost and confused), Dr. Bereket ( an opportunist), The DC group who came with their own theories to help unite all oppositions (pretenders) , and Other opposition leaders who are sitting by the side waiting for opportunity to sail in to Asmara ( aging and about to expire), and the list goes and goes…not a single one has a backbone to stand and take a punch as a true leader. Meeting after meeting and confused as to what to say and even scared to speak clearly and whoesticly when asked.
Leaders speak their own sin and then they bring the world in. Issays is really laughing from his tent every day. Not only Issayas not hiding but he is enjoying, apparently, his time under tent every day.
Assenna – these are the people Eritrea is dealing with. People who point a finger but not turn that finger at themselves and reveal their own sin and start a new chapter. You cannot trust old EPLF – they have tasted all the same water; and cannot make anything of the ELF for they have hold so much pain in their heart and in need of help themselves.
Eritrea – your hope – had all given their life for the first phase of Eritrean freedom. Others have stood and taken a punch during January 21; recently Wedi Bacaro”; and few glimmering hope through Assenna, I would add Asmarino in to that bucket and some women are your only hope Eritrea. That is it! I say – God will do it for Eritrea.
What a travesty – God help Eritrea.
Kissanet December 5, 2014
Mike,
Yemane is not hiding himself. He is speaking out in public for you and the whole world to hear and point its fingers at him in case there is a hidden fact. You can’t simply expect him to confess a crime he hasn’t committed only because he had been a member of the undeground party. I don’t know if he had to open his interview with an excuse for having served the front as every member is a potential sinner.
In the 1st place, Yemane was not even a leader who could take decisions of killings on his own. But he was in a good position to observe the things he is now sharing with us. How would we then know the facts if people like him would keep the secrets to themselves ? There’s nothing that deprives him of pointing his fingers at anyone who deserves it.
As he often states, there are many who know him and who could speak out about him or his stories. Mesfun Hagos, Adhanom and many others have spoken out to challenge Tesfay Temnawo. But to this day, there’s hardly anyone who spoke against Yemane based on his story.
In this small piece of comment alone you have pointed your fingers at almost everybody: Andebrahan, Bereket, Asefaw, the opposition, the leaders ect… except your own self.
I still don’t disagree with some of your views only because you have failed to point your fingers at yourself.
quiky December 5, 2014
Mike,
I admire issyas ablity to communicate i think its only fair if i use his word to describe ur view as medakemi.
U blame everybody and i urge u to ask urself whats ur contribution how can u blame some 1 like yemane who was telling the painful truth in his own words he admited for u he was like sheep following issyas orders which he came to regret.
Yeman the english say better late than never and thats fitting to describe ur efforts. U spoke some truth and now u got the love of your ppl.
Thank u i am sure it was hard but u did it.
AHMED SALEH !!! December 5, 2014
Mike
Look yourself at the mirror and ask to find an answer for the question ;
What have I done to contribute my share for our country ?
Senayit December 5, 2014
Mike,
You are a blind follower of the mad dog Isayas wedi Medhin Berad. You have Isayas syndrome. You trust those who abuse you. You have no respect for those who stand for justice, liberty, equality and Yemane is one of them
delai fithi December 5, 2014
Mike,
I’m confused by your comment. Where are you coming from?
Please clarify your position. I may agree with your criticism of certain individuals. But we are all responsible for change. We can’t be waiting for heroes to do it for us. Everyone must pitch in. It is the collective anger and Embiley that will provide the context for change. Then someone in the inside may tip the balance at an opportune moment.
But what you are saying above left me confused. I can’t make head or tail out of it. And please leave Yemane alone. Poor guy, he came out of his hibernation to tell you what he kept to himself for decades. He tried to breathe and you are trying to shut him up. Please have some compassion. I know when you are in war people kill. But my gut tells me that this man is not a criminal. He believed in Eritrea and still believes in Eritrea.
That is not a crime. It should be commended. That he is not cynical and still wants the best for Eritrea is admirable. For God’s sake he gave everything. He lost his lovely brothers and God knows what else.
Whether we think Ghedli was worth it or not, it is a fact of our history. We cannot turn back the wheel. Now we just have to try to make things better for those left and future generations.
I don’t know what else to say to you brother. Just cool it off.
Adios Amigo.
Kissanet December 6, 2014
Delay fithi,
To my opinion, your pen-name fits well to your fair sense of judgement. I’m saying this because most of your comments make sense to me.
You really don’t need to waste your time begging Mike to have compassion. He doesn’t seem to have it at least not right now. But keeping his drastic misjudgement on Yemane aside, the guy is expressing his deep rooted frustration on the whole ineffectivity of our intellectual politicians and the overall situation of Eritrea. A nasty situation in which most of us are gradually drawned in the course of time, so to say.
Despite all, it is unbecoming of him not have at least corrected his misplaced judgement on Yemane, whose concern on the sovereignty of Eritrea is still intact.
Unlike Mike, Yemane has given his life and youth for the country. He has a story to tell and he can damn well point his fingers at those who have brought us where we are now.
Common sense tells us that one who has blood on his hands cannot have the gall to point his fingers at others. One would keep quite and may be pray that the issue doesn’t get raised. This is also the main reason why many are so quite and so introverted when Yemane is recounting his recollections confidently. A transparency we lacked in the past and should strive to have it in the future.
delai fithi December 6, 2014
If I may say so, I can tell that you are a beautiful Eritrean sister! Kissanet like you name.
I understand Mike on some level. He is angry like most of us. I just don’t like his harping on Yemane. Men Regitsiwo Kebdu Yemane Kizareb Wessinu? No one. His conscience drove him to testify. Those who have something to hide are not saying a word.
delai fithi December 4, 2014
Yemane,
Thank you for your profound contribution. I hope you will remain active through various mediums and continue to educate. I agree your future role is above affiliation in this or that Wudib.
I have never understood the motive behind the multitude of Wudibs that have mushroomed in the last few years. It sounds like they all say similar things. Why not just speak through one, two or three organizations? If power grab in the post Isaias era is the motivation, it is a hopeless way to go about it. National salvation is the immediate issue and such petty greed has no place in the task that is facing us.
I like your advise to those who disparage Eritrean sovereignty and want to sell it to the highest bidder. These folks probably never knew Ethiopia. If they did, it is probably at a very superficial level. My advise is that they at least visit the various Ethiopian websites to learn how fragmented the so called Ethiopia is. This has nothing to do with ill wishing Ethiopians. It simply is the truth. If Ethiopians are disposed to accepting Eritreans, they would accept Tesfaye Gebreab–arguably the best writer in Amharic currently alive. He has been compared with Bealu Girma, the author of Oromay. But Tesfaye is having a hard time winning the hearts and minds of Ethiopians only because he has Eritrean parents. He was born and raised in Bisheftu. I am glad to see that the Oromo are finally opening their hearts to him.
What we need to is deal with our problems and put our house in order. Then we can have respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors. Admittedly the damage done already is daunting. But I believe future visionary Eritrean leaders will rise to the occasion to fix and mend what is broken now.
I also agree with your comment about the value of history. On this issue, I have commented in segment 19. Here, I will just say history cannot be ignored if we are going to move forward from the bleak situation we are in.
On the question of why you didn’t take out Isais when you had the opportunities, I completely empathize with your answer. Eritreans idolized this man. You would have been the eternal Judas if you did that. For many years, I was shunned by even close relatives for mild criticisms that I made of the man. It was a suffocating political climate until very recently.
You suggested the Arab Spring model for getting rid of the tyrant and his cronies. I am ambivalent about that. I believe Isaias is propping up Demhit for precisely that eventuality. Demhit will shoot the people. Demhit is similar to Gaddafi’s hired soldiers from Mali and the other neighboring countries. I pray for a low cost way of taking him out. Someone from the inside with access Kekabitso. That maybe wishful thinking but it would be the low cost way of handling the beast. On the other hand, I agree with Ammanuel that the kind of so called peace that we have is Keshashi selam. It is a catch 22!
Why did Isaias join the Ghedli? Considering the many twists and turns and hurdles of Ghedli, it is hard to imagine that he joined Ghedli purely for power. This point might be where I mildly disagree with you. He could have been killed at any point in the course of Ghedli. I am willing to concede that there might have been some idealism and even sincerity on his part early in his life. But he probably also harbored deep anger towards Eritreans. From what I heard from people who knew him as a child, he was a maladjusted kid. And kids being kids, some kids insulted him for his perceived origins. He may have had a deep Kirhinti. Unconfirmed reports also say that he failed his freshman exams at University. He may have felt humiliated and hit the wall. These factors and others may have combined in shaping the future Isaias. Once in Ghedli, initially he killed some innocents due to rivalry. He had the advantage of being one of the early Tegadelties. To maintain his power, he took out new comers that he saw as threats. Once you kill people, there is no turning back. It becomes an addiction.
Finally, you have my respect Yemane for not answering sensitive issues that touch on national security. I hope to read your writings at a future date. Best of Luck.
Selam December 5, 2014
Mr. Delai fithi ( delai hmaq)
U said, ” U learnt how fragmented z so called Ethiopia is”. Keep dreaming. U better talk about ur country which is following z step of Somalia.
delai fithi December 5, 2014
Selam On,
Am I justifying the sad situation of my country? Please re-read what is written.
I’m just warning those disillusioned Eritreans not to look for a solution down south. Historically, nothing good has come to Eritrea from the south.
The potential fragmentation of Ethiopia is something that every thoughtful Ethiopian should be concerned about. It is public knowledge that Tigreans have distinguished themselves as the most hated by other ethnics in Ethiopia. This is not my wish or dream, it is simply the case.
Please do yourself a favor and read Ermias Legesse’s book “Yemeles Tirufatoch.” He was the ex minister d’état of communication of Ethiopia.
You guys like to infest Eritrean websites adopting Eritrean pseudonyms like Massawa etc. and try to sow discord among Eritreans. Sometimes you throw in some Eritrean proverbs to appear authentic. Most Eritreans can see through your games.
Samrawi G/hiwet December 4, 2014
Brother Yemane,
Just say “Tegagyom Agagiyomna” the ghedli generation. We’ve also been saying “Thimbeb ala Hager” unashamedly. By ‘we’ I mean the civil population not just the tegadelitna or our “liberators”.
I had heard my peasant grand mother ask the same question again and again “ezi khulus ab mnti mntay eyu”? “ezi khulus ab mnti mntay eyu ezom dekey”? When her two youngest sons were forced to join the Jebha militia and perished in the battle of Barentu, and again she asked the same question, shortly before she passed away, when two of her grand children didn’t come back after the supposed liberation. In both occasions, I thought my illiterate grand mother didn’t understand the meaning of our “majic” revolution. Seeing where we are, I am ashamed to admit now, nor do I know where all the march (ezi kulu guya nabmintay nimbitsaH kemzinebere?) of the revolution was! My beautiful angel grandma, please find me a better liberated and less sophisticated country up in the heavens. Miss you, miss the innocent Adi/peasants life so much as well.
delai fithi December 5, 2014
Samrawi,
I think you are a genuine person in despair. I can see you miss your home and relatives. I do too. May God give us our country back and have mercy on us. But we alone can help God to do this for us. The neighbors are not going to help. On the contrary, they are gloating over our misfortune.
Justis Seeker December 5, 2014
Thank you Yemane for this informative and educational interview. Please keep educating young Eritreans.
I was very disappoint at Dr. Asefaw’s comment last week in Sweden, trying to discourage people from talking the history of Ghedli.
oromay December 5, 2014
I am impressed by the gentleman,Yemane T/Giorgish. Thank dear Brother. Past events and crimes must be unfolded to the public. Not only must be told verbally but also it should be documented. It is important to know who was who. One striking point that caught my attention was Yemane’s let it go attitude for the unforgivable attempted killing crime by Dayan and Adiam.
Mr. Mike, it doesnot matter whether you trust him or not. This guy volunteered to share what he knows about the past and the present state of affairs to the Eritrean people.Unlike the silent ones who are hiding facts till the grave, I admire him very much.
As to the two hypocrates and reformists excluding Dr. Bekebet, are staunchly laboring in vain to cling into power to “neutralize ” their boss. Do they think the Eritrean peoples are ignorants,dude?. Time will the us the truth.
MightyEmbasoyra December 5, 2014
Thank you, Ato Yemane.
You are very courageous and smart person. I am glad you are alive to share your experience with Eritreans all over the world. This is indeed a commendable act!
HAILE JUBHA December 5, 2014
Dear brother Yemane, thank you for what I call 3D testimony.
Brother Yemane, what you said about HAILE JEBHA, I respectfully disagree with you. I think Haile would never take such a big risk unless he had motivation. 1st I think Haile trusted you , 2nd Haile wanted you to know where about of these brave fighters and the unspeakable suffering they had to go through. Bottom line, Haile wanted you to know History,so that you pass the info to someone else. I tell you what, I am glad he told you that. Plus I always believe things happen for reason.
Chrees‼
Barole Mohamed December 5, 2014
Thank you brother Yemane.
Please write a book (in Tigrigna) before your memory fades with age.
It was the most candid interview of a Tegadali ever made.
You served your country for the second time. It was a great contribution.
We are proud of you. Thank you.
All the best.
Teclay December 5, 2014
Assena/Amanuel -wounderfull ,,You upgrade yourself to the highest degree of professional Journalist.I followed Assena for the last 3 years and i can mention 3 items as example,, A,,The Sinay tragedy ,,B,,Dejen’s Interview,,C,,Yemane’s interview…Specially in Yemane’s Interview even though your audience are different you represent all of us.In my opinion your audience can categorize in three groups:A,,Nihna Nisu,,B,,Opp but Ghedli Lovers ,,C,,Ghedli haters or anti Ghedli.,You are really an asset to the unfortunate ppl.And thanks for choosing my question .
Mr.Yemane.
Thank you again.It was very interesting story.You didn’t favorite any group,you told us the internal Mafia structure Just as someone tells to his friend..That was until part 16…Part 17 and 18 you started to give your opinion,that was only yours.May be also,as we are different we want to hear things according to our ego.
Having said that let us come to part 19.I am going to deal on my two Questions which were raised yesterday and on the Ghedli project.
1,,About the elimination of Isaias in Somalia,,,that was my question but i didn’t satisfied with your answer ..Why? Your answer was that you didn’t want to kill anyone,,,Well Mr.Yemane you were 14 years revolution-are,a devoted one ,a battle hardened captain,,secrete party member,,Intelligence officer,,wasn’t the 14 years,,the years of killings? yes to kill your enemies as fast and as much as possible? So when you abandon EPLF,Isaias was your enemy or not ? sorry but some thing is missing here.
2,,About Che Guevara factor? Thanks you answer my question positively .
3,,About the Ghedli Project,,,here i do not agree with your answer….let us see 2 out of the reasons you mentioned:
A,,About the Ethiopian constitution on religious equality and misdeeds of the Ethiopian army on our brothers in law-land Eritrea,,,,In my opinion the Ethiopian constitution could have been amended together with all Ethiopian revolutionaries instead of sectarian war ,,,About the misdeeds of the Army,,Yes it is sad ,,it should have been solved easily by discussion.,,then comes the Question what about the Ghedli massacres(Jebha’s and Shaebias’s) Example among many: the kunama burnings and killings,,the Quhayin Denbelas,the Anseba farmers massacre,etc,and the Shaebia’s countless killings in every village including in my own village with out any prove ,,”Jasus ,,Jasus “So !even though a single life is precious which one out weights ? This is not a reason to start a Separatist war.
About the Ethiopians disrespect Eritreans,,,Ow !i can say only ,,at the end of 80th i went school there,,Eritreans were the kings.example 1000 page book will not be enough .They had been respecting us more than we deserve and we re paying now the price ..The Tigrai elite are now the kings by force but we Eritreans were the kings with love.
Mr.Yemane i wish you all the best.
Wedebbat December 6, 2014
“About the misdeeds of the [Ethiopian] Army,,Yes it is sad ,,it should have been solved easily by discussion.,”
Teclay
Discuss with whom !!!!
You ran out of excuses for Ethiopian crimes.
Stefanos Temolso December 5, 2014
Mike on December, while blaming Yemane for pointing a finger at others and not on himself, you are forgetting that you are pointing a finger at him. By doing this you are making yourself an innocent fellow who can correct others. Dear brother, first of all you must know that you are the one hiding behind a pen name and blaming others for every error. Who are you after all to say so? a nameless person or a no person for that matter. Be bold enough like many others and speak out what you feel not echo what PFDJ tells its puppets to do. Yemane is the only person who dared to disclose the EPLF’s (secret party) unheard and top secret ways of doing things. No tegadalay ever thought that people who were sent on a mission to liquidate (counter revolutionaries) would also be liquidated (KGB style) so that they can not disclose any secret. This is the most brutal process the Mafia leadership (I am not excluding any one from the Politbureau). In this context Yemane must be commended for his effort and determination. I think we have enriched ourselves from his naration which was very clear, to the point and presented in a very comprehensive way. By the way, nobody ever prompted Yemane to talk out and no body promised him any stipend but his conscience and his duty to the Eritrean people. I repeat that I never knew Yemane while he was in the field, but according to the information I garnered from his ex comrades, he is a an intelligent, resolute and brave person albeit could be hot tempered occasionally and this happens only when he sees injustice perpetrated. In this connection, I advise every peace loving change seeking person to avoid the pitfalls of concentrating on side issues and address the issues at hand which is the removal of the evil dictator. Our job now is to eliminate the dictator not talk about the constitution, religion, region, language etc etc. We have no mandate to talk about this issues except a legal body elected by the Eritrean people. Finally, my gratitude to Yemane for his tireless elucidation and disclosure of the diabolic secret party and wish him a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!!!