I saw the Arabic version of this covenant, the original version entitled “Zilzal”, posted in awate.com, February 12, 2010.
I found it very interesting and had to read it at one go. Yet I must admit here that it left me feeling high and dry, so to speak. It is not that I question the basic facts presented in the Covenant or that I doubt the positive aspirations it has for the future. Actually the similarity between the dilemma facing Muslims in Eritrea and Ethiopia is self evident whether we think of these problems in terms of socio-economic disparities or as manifested in institutionalized repression and de facto exclusion at present or in past times.
The pattern is also the same if we consider the problems of ethnic arrogance and supremacy. The difficulty which the jaberti are facing is also no exception at all. The Amharic speaking Muslims in the north, especially in Wollow are forced because of the language to accept Amhara identity. I know the politics of extermination and uprooting to which these Muslims were exposed throughout the history of the empire-state at the hands of the fanatic emperors of Abyssinia. Despite their encirclement these people are still undaunted in defending their Islamic identity as ever, which is their right. I toured their region shortly before I returned to Germany in 1995 and saw for myself how they stood to arrogance and injustice despite constant harassment and terror.
Now let me quote the Eritrean Covenant itself: ” Muslims ( in Eritrea ) never had – for as long as they could remember- equal participatory power in the affairs of the nation and opportunity, access to resources, education and political power, they had been, and continue to be, an underprivileged group”. Well, the same apply to Muslims in Ethiopia or even worse. The problems are clearly interlinked and interdependent. Yet the writers of the Covenant and Awate.com make no mention of the fact. Is this a sort of egotism in misery? If one calls for the solidarity of oppressed people within one country why not see also the necessity of a wider solidarity that cuts across borders, especially when the same factors of oppression are involved? Please learn the lessons of your own history very well. Besides, two heads are better than one.
Sure I do understand that the Eritrean democratic opposition needs a foothold somewhere in the region to be effective. As an Oromo I also know that walls have ears. Anyway I firmly believe regional and global solidarity is necessary especially when confronting the global enemies of justice and fair dealing. Be warned: TPLF is the number one enemy of equality and justice in the Horn of Africa. I speak from experience. Only pure opportunism, I think, can blind you to the facts.
