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Interview with Foreign Minister Osman Saleh: Limiting national service

Münster - 60 years of war, permanent mobilization and extensive isolation by some western countries paralyzed the country of Eritrea. But since the peace agreement with Ethiopia from the summer of 2018, there are great hopes. On the verge of a private visit to Münster, our colleague Ulrich Coppel spoke to the Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh.

https://m.wn.de/Welt/Politik/4002249-In ... -begrenzen

Fridas, 18 October 2019

(Software translation, from German)


Foreign Minister Osman Saleh: "Can we not work with Germany as partners, without preconditions?" Photo: Ulrich Koppel

Q. In Germany, "fighting the causes of flight" has become a household word. What are the causes of flight, for the people who are leaving Eritrea for Europe?

Osman Saleh Many people in Africa, and not just from Eritrea, have the idea that Germany and Europe are countries where milk and honey flow. In this context, almost all of the Eritrean refugees claim the "National Service" as a reason for flight. This is true in Germany and other countries due to the "eligibility guidelines" of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which highlighted Eritrea 2009 in particular. The UNHCR guidelines provide for the automatic granting of asylum and "refugee status" to Eritreans without a valid and credible reason in so-called "subsidiary protection". However, it is true that many of the refugees did not come from Eritrea, but from neighboring countries, especially from Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan. And these people also specify Eritrea as their country of origin when they arrive in Europe. They do so because they hope for better chances of granting their asylum applications than if they reveal their actual different origins. The "eligibility guidelines" thus trigger the migration of Eritreans and people from other countries of the region who find it convenient to pretend to be Eritreans.

Q. What is the National Service?

Saleh: Following independence from Ethiopia in 1994, Eritrea introduced National Service through Proclamation No. 82 in the context of massive demobilization. It essentially generates a reserve contingent that allowed the then young nation to give up a large professional army in peacetime. So, similar to the military or civil service that existed previously in Germany and in many other countries. In normal times, the National Service is legally limited to 18 months. Of these, twelve months are usually spent on civilian and public works. But in 1998, Eritrea was again attacked by Ethiopia. In defense of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Eritrea was forced to extend the duration of the National Service. A second demobilization program, which began after the signing of the peace agreement, was suspended in the medium term after Ethiopia remained aggressive and continued to conduct hostile attacks in the border areas. This despite the fact that the border dispute was resolved by the mediation of the UN, in the so-called "Treaty of Algiers" or "peace agreement". The arbitral award was final and binding on both sides, under this contract. However, in the absence of appropriate action by the UN Security Council and virtually all Western countries against Ethiopia, which are expressly foreseen in the Algiers Agreement, Eritrea had no choice but to defend itself.

Q. After the peace agreement with Ethiopia, is there a chance to limit the national service to the statutory 18 months?

Saleh: Now that the international sanctions have fallen against our country and Ethiopia has accepted the decision of the International Boundary Commission, that is one of our main tasks! But there are obvious prerequisites for this: tens of thousands of people who have been in the national services for many years, cannot simply be told: "Thank you - Goodbye". Believe me, nothing bothers us every day more than the orderly transition from a state of permanent mobilization to normalcy. But, as I said, that's not a new thing. We have already carried out demobilization programs, several times! The first act the Eritrean government undertook after the end of the liberation war in 1991, was the massive demobilization of 65,000 EPLF freedom fighters, reducing Eritrea's defense forces to around 35,000. This was also as a visible outward sign, that Eritrea really wanted peace! Once again, this happened in 2001 with all National Service batches, up to and including the 13th round of recruiting after the second war with Ethiopia. At the time, this process was supported by the World Bank and the EU.

Q. How has Eritrea evolved, since the recent peace agreement?

Saleh: Since the peace agreement last summer, the external threat situation has clearly relaxed. Compared to all our neighbors, little Eritrea is the most stable country with organized structures. We can build on that. Job creation will be crucial, to maintain this stability. This requires, in addition to our own resources, international investors, and we promote it. We hope that Germany will support us, in our quest for a solid and sustainable partnership.

Q. Germany calls for concrete improvements in the human rights situation, the development of democratic structures and the creation of legal security in Eritrea.

Saleh: It is important for me to make it clear, that all these points are just as important to us and that we are much better in direct comparison with our neighbors, given the opportunities we have. As one of the very few countries in Africa, Eritrea has achieved the World Health Organization's (WHO) "Millennium Development Goals". For example: reducing two-thirds, the maternal and child mortality since the year 2000-2015. Despite the same climatic conditions as our neighbors, we have no bottlenecks in the supply of food and clean drinking water. That's because, we've built large dams. There is compulsory education, free education to college graduation. Everyone, has access to free medical care. Are not these- human rights? I too take the respect for human rights very seriously, but I ask for fairness towards Eritrea. Can we not work on improvements with Germany, as a partner without preconditions?

Q. How can that work?

Saleh: We want to fully put into effect our constitution, which has been around for a long time but has not been fully implemented because of the war situation. We want to get people involved in civilian work and we want to achieve democratic elections, in the future. But we can only achieve all this if the economic situation in our country improves that is, through us, in partnership with international investors, large-scale civilian jobs are created. I am absolutely sure that then, many of the Diaspora Eritreans would like to return to their homeland. And that brings us back to the beginning: Since globalization, the world has become a village: Are not we all, in the same boat?

PFDJ clowns in Europe are in Hiding after the Europeans will no longer tolerate your Subersive Activities.

Why might someone support Afwerki?
I can’t really reveal any details about why I am asking this, but my question is, if you are part of the Eritrean diaspora community living in the western world, what reasons would you have to support Afwerki and the current regime? Why might someone who fled the war still, on the outside, support Afwerki? I spoke to an expert on Eritrean affairs and they told me that the regime monitors activity in the diaspora community and may threaten those who speak out against the regime. Has anyone experienced this, and is this a reason one might pretend to support Afwerki, so that they can continue to travel back to the country safely and keep loved ones there safe? Again, sorry this is very vague, but I cannot reveal personal information for safety reasons.

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level 1
Kmnubiz
6 points
·
8 months ago
·
edited 8 months ago
Why might people in the diaspora support Afewerki?

I think there are several factors:

- ideology based on propaganda spread by the regime

- fear of retaliation against oneself and/or family members in Eritrea

- Financial or other personal interests in the current regime

- pressure from pro-regime parents



Have I experienced that the regime monitors activities in the diaspora and threatens those who speak out?

Yes, this has happened to me and many of my friends and family, since we are outspoken critics of the regime. There is a network of pro-regime Eritreans that is coordinated by the Eritrean embassies and consulates. These are basically the members of youth wing of the unitary party YPFDJ (and their parents). E.g. in Europe this is lead by Sirak Bahlbi, Tedros Goitom and the like. Whenever there are opposition activities, critics get targeted by YPFDJ via social media but also via phone calls, Email etc. This often includes personal threats also against family members in Eritrea. A lot of people are silent because of this issue.



level 2
advilx
3 points
·
8 months ago
Excellent answer. Can I also add mass ignorance and denial?



level 2
Katethemfgreat
1 point
·
8 months ago
Holy [deleted]... can I message you directly?

Continue this thread



level 1
Kmnubiz
5 points
·
8 months ago
Of course it would be most interesting to hear from a pro-regime Eritrean about their motives.

I know there was one pro-regime moderator in this group called u/Lalimba. Maybe he or she wants to say something about this?

In previous discussions with supporters of the regime, I have heard the following arguments:

- it is the best option - there are no alternatives

- look at all the achievements of PFDJ, we have roads and dams and schools etc etc.

- the camel keeps marching, we just keep on going, victory to the masses!

[- formerly: we are threatened by Ethiopia; fell away recently]

But I don't find these convincing really. I suspect that the Higdefs are not being honest why they support the regime. I would suspect it is financial interest and/or fear. Eritrea is not the only dictatorship, and in every autocratic regime people tend to arrange themselves with the powers that be.



level 2
Katethemfgreat
1 point
·
8 months ago
I have heard the argument that it is the only option and there are no alternatives before, but I agree with you, I feel as though this isn’t really an honest answer. Now that there is peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia part of the argument for the regime is pretty much null, so maybe that will chip away at their supporters, but I haven’t seen that yet.



level 2
mooseloose123
1 point
·
4 months ago
Propaganda at its finest slandering a country based on delusional idiotic Digital Weyane smh disgusting idiots at there core Agames Weyane



level 1
tht_pod
2 points
·
8 months ago
From my understanding I've heard that ppl with families who are living "lavish" or "comfy" don't want to ruin it for their families back home. So fear would be one reason for it. Also delusion being another reason. Because people are scared to speak up they make it seem to their families in the western that all is fine but I know friends parents who were pro government until they went back home and saw how the living conditions really were.



level 2
Katethemfgreat
1 point
·
8 months ago
Ok the part about how upper class families don’t want to ruin it for their families back home definitely adds to my understanding of the situation. Thanks



level 1
OmnipresentSammy
2 points
·
7 months ago
Born/raised in the U.S., I grew up learning of the many struggles and sacrifices that the generation before mine had to endure. We’re a young identity & sovereignty that’s the product of separatism, self-determination, conflict, and trauma. I’d dare even say we’ve faced a soft genocide.

I returned from Asmara a month ago, and from what I can see there’s development projects occurring and many soon to come. The years of unjust sanctions, international diplomatic policies meant to bring instability & a failed state, as well as regional hostilities had been the story of our identity for almost 10yrs. It’s not even been a year since relations have rapidly bettered.

The PFDJ is IMO top 5 most organized political parties in Africa with respect to equality, democracy, and sustainable development. Tribalism is nonexistent. Women have businesses, opportunities, their own national union, and are respected soldiers. Zero religious tensions. Food is distributed to the poor. Yeah it’s the only political party, but honestly you get more [deleted] done like that.

Now to your question, not a single Eritrean can deny that if it wasn’t for the many martyrs and veterans, we’d be a regional state of Ethiopia today. President Isaias Afwerki(P.I.A) is one of the founding fathers of my identity, regardless of the folk stories you think you know in regards to his appointment. On the topics involving external matters, nation building, and unity/culture, I admire P.I.A. On internal matters, he’s done good & bad, but nobody is perfect. Of course I want the best for Eritrea, but the geopolitical dynamics in that entire region requires a strong leader, and for now P.I.A is maintaining the status quo while diffusing conflicts, making investment deals, and focused on regional economic integration. I’m personally/professionally invested in Eritrea, even after the many tearful stories I’ve heard. If I could be neutral, I would. But I gotta play ball for the long-term game....Wakanda forever

P.S.- on the spectrum of political rulers, P.I.A is more of a benevolent dictator than a greedy tyrant. But his emergency powers will expire very soon and the constitution will be implemented.



level 1
chsn93
1 point
·
8 months ago
Afwerki is one of the most underappreciated political figures in history. He stands by a philosophy of independence and self-sufficiency and refuses to sell his country to any outsiders. Contrary to beliefs of dictatorship, Eritrea identifies as a democratic nation, just not the western version. A new president has yet to be elected, however many officials in Eritrean government are actually appointed or “elected”. People who oppose the Eritrean government desire great things for the country, even the same things as the people who are pro-government, however the ones that oppose tend to be naive to how global politics work. A new country like 25 year old Eritrea needs time to stabilize and develop after being destroyed during the war. Pushing for elections too soon makes the country susceptible to outside influence and media propaganda which is a huge tool in neo-colonialism in Africa (yes the Europeans and Americans still have their hands in Africa and don’t try to deny it)



level 2
Kmnubiz
2 points
·
8 months ago
First of all, it is great to have a supporter of the regime in this discussion.

Please allow me to repsond to your points:

Afwerki is one of the most underappreciated political figures in history.

This is of course highly subjective and I would certainly disagree. I would claim that his role in struggle was overrated and that there is a personality cult around his persona which completely ignores that he has and still is killing and torturing other Eritreans because he considers them his political enemies.

He stands by a philosophy of independence and self-sufficiency and refuses to sell his country to any outsiders.

I would argue that the concept of "self-sufficiency" is just doublespeak for "isolation". It means that he does not allow for transparency and accountability. That is why foreign aid / human rights organizations do not get access to the country. That is why noone is allowed to visit the prison system. At the same time, Eritreas economy is completely reliant on 2% tax, other diaspora contributions, and income from foreign mining operations (mostly Chinese and Candian), financial support from Emirates, etc. So it is quite a stretch to claim that the country is "self-sufficient" or that the country is not sold to outsiders.

Contrary to beliefs of dictatorship, Eritrea identifies as a democratic nation, just not the western version. A new president has yet to be elected, however many officials in Eritrean government are actually appointed or “elected”.

Eritrea is not a person that can identify as anything. The Eritrean regime is a dictatorship because it fulfills the definition of a dictatorship (see: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictatorship) not because anyone claims or feels this. In fact, the people of Eritrea adopted a democractic constitution after independence but the current regime does not want to implemnt this constitution since over 25 years! You can read the constitution here: http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/doc ... nglish.pdf. It requires national elections and does not allow for torture and unjust imprisonement among other things. That is the reason why PFDJ does not implement it. They want to stay in power forever. Also being "elected" means that you can apply for the job and then there is an open transparent free election process not something that happens behind closed doors in a party committee.

the ones that oppose tend to be naive to how global politics work.

Quite a bold statement for someone who thinks that PFDJ officials are "elected". But what exactly do you want to say by this? Dictatorship is OK and necessary? I would disagree. In fact, I think most supporters of the regime are naive to believe government propaganda and repeat it in public.

A new country like 25 year old Eritrea needs time to stabilize and develop after being destroyed during the war. Pushing for elections too soon makes the country susceptible to outside influence and media propaganda which is a huge tool in neo-colonialism in Africa (yes the Europeans and Americans still have their hands in Africa and don’t try to deny it)

This is complete PFDJ propaganda. 25 years are a long time. Also, you don't make progress by putting your heads in the sand like PFDJ. We need to fight corruption now. We need to free political prisoners now. We need to end national service now. And we need freedom of speech and free press. Currently all media is controlled by PFDJ and all problems and critical voices are suppressed. That is why we make no progress. We need a culture where we speak openly about our problems and solve it, not society based on conspiracy theories, fears and threats!

Continue this thread



level 2
Katethemfgreat
1 point
·
8 months ago
I definitely see where you are coming from- and I agree to an extent. Yes, the western world still interferes with Africa and a country does need to stabilize. But how do you reconcile the extreme corruption of the regime with ideas of democracy and freedom? When I say extreme corruption, I am speaking about things like the state-run media and the being the most censored country in the world, the indefinite conscription, the torture and killing of some dissenters, threats and fear control, etc. Also, I would not consider appointed officials to be elected. Eritrea has no independent civil organizations, legislature, or independent judiciary, or anything that would indicate democracy. Afwerki was trained by Maoist officials in communist China and many of his political strategies reflect this. Because of this I am curious to hear what your definition of democracy is. Eritrea is one of the top countries of origin for political and economic refugees in the world and I think that speaks volumes for how living under the regime is. I am not trying to attack your viewpoint, I am just curious about what you think of these issues.

Finally Digital Weyane, you admitted that you are Not Eritrean! But 6 million Eritreans can't
All Be Woyane because they Disagree with PIA!

Digital Weyane wrote: ↑

19 Oct 2019, 00:07

There are 6 million Eritreans of Woyane-Persuasion in Eritrea and in the Diaspora, PFDJ must clean this immediately. PIA is the only Eritrean!

Eritrea’s written laws, justice & elections predates Italian colonialism.