[DEHAI] An Irony of the Dark Continent
fuad (fuad.mc@iwaynet.net)
Thu, 29 May 1997 18:33:46 -0400
Selam to all,
I could not stop but think of the sad irony in African continent.
Right about the same time we Ertireans were celebrating the 6th anniversary
of peace, tranquility, and freedom from our respective places, across the
continent, in West Africa, namely, Sierra Leon, had a military coup detat.
I could not help but feel the bittersweet cicumstance this dark
continent finds itself in. Civilians would more likely be the ones who have
to endure all the agony and the mayhem that will inevitably result. I can
vividly remember when Dergue overthrew Haile Selassie's regime, soon after
chaos ensued. And every time that darn Amharic music came with its "yefeyyel
Watet", song through the radio wave as an interlude it automatically meant
that some official(s) would disappear and another would be replaced to only
disappear soon after with yet another "yefeyyel watet", whatever it meant.
"Awaj" as it was referred to meant time for the major shake up by the
dergue, actually, time to slaughter, time for human beings to be un
accounted for forever. I wish the people of Sierra Leon and that of Congo a
safe transition. I hope that they don't have to endure what Eritreans had
to for 30+ years.
This is the time and moment where I must reflect and assess as
objectively as possible and say THANK GOD our leaders are well meaning and
think of their people first. Indeed, I am proud of their leadership, but I
am not going to have a blind faith in them as some dehayans tend to do
either: I shall criticize them when ciriticism is called for, so as they
might use the various criticisms as a mirror to reflect upon and improve
what needs improvements. Many atimes, Eritreans think that, just because one
criticizes his/her government to mean one hates the government; in fact, it
is to provide them with ample room for improvement.
Folks, it is a blessing in the sky, relatively speaking, what our
government is doing for its people. In its proper perspective, EPFDJ's good
will far outweighs the many apparent shortcomings that it tends to exhibit,
to where on days like this, we can afford to gloss over and say we are proud
of our leaders.
Respectfully,
Beyan Negash
p.s. (1) Congrads Ghidewon, Aya Tesfai, thanks for letting us know; indeed,
that is where role models made out of, from likes of Ghidewon, keep up the
good work. While I am at it, Aya Tesfai and your family, it was a pleasure
meeting you indeed. I never thought Dehai could become a chain of
friendship. Too, Amanuel with your family, it was a pleasure meeting you,
though, it was very short. Michael Yihdeggo, oh God, I have made many
friends through this medium than I ever could have dreamed for.
(2) Ismail, Semere, Hassen, Said, I hope you enjoyed May 24th, I just
berely recuperated from the euophoria that I tend to be under during this
time. Hope we can resume the dialogue that we started.