In the Memory of Lionel,

 

by Amanuel Mehereteab: November 2, 2013

Lionel has a noble human heart and was always keen to support any one who wants to excel in education. Lionel stood for the cause of Eritrea from the time he knew the situation in Eritrea. He had visited the frontline and has witnessed the development activities and wrote and advocated for the cause of Eritrea. Even during the strategic retreat when every one believed the Eritrean struggle is dead and only history he stood for our cause with few individuals. Lionel was instrumental in changing me from freedom fighter to scholar and had left his footprints in my life. I had lost a mentor, a friend and indeed it is a great lose for Eritrea. As my supervisor I had learned a great deal during our numerous sessions and is helping me in my day-to-day activity. During the armed struggle era he was always saying “he sees light at the end of the tunnel and Eritrea will gain its independence irrespective the time it takes.” He had seen the independence of Eritrea but was not fortunate enough to see the liberation of Eritrean people.

Eritrea has lost real friend who always speaks his mind and never shy away from telling you the bitter reality. Lionel has always a soft spot for the people of Eritrea and always stood up with the cause of Eritrea. After 2001 he was disillusioned like every body when things started going wrong. In the few occasions we meet his first question is “what had we missed during the armed struggle? What went wrong? Why is Eritrea sliding back-words? What happened to the noble idea you fought? The people of Eritrea deserve better”. A true friend is like a mirror and reflects on what is not working and boldly tells you what you do not want to listen. To date I fail to grasp why we are in the predicament we are in. For fact one thing is sure “With out good governance any post-conflict transition period goes terribly wrong and Eritrean case is not different. During the dark era Lionel was always optimistic and used to argue that Eritrea is still young and sun will one more rise again. Do not give-up. Thus for all of us it is a wake up call and time to reflect critically to understand the crisis we are in and find solution for solution can come from the people.

Lionel may you rest in peace and eternal life. Lionel life in promoting the cause of forgotten and marginalized groups has been exemplary, your knowledge legacy and friendship will never fade from our hearts and minds. May the Almighty bless your soul and my deepest condolence to those families who are closest to you and all the friends who are shedding great tears. I also pray that God console your wife Margaret and I want to tell her that the whole peace loving people of Eritrea stand by your side and grief for our lose because we had lost a lion who stood for our noble cause and still was advocating for the well-being of the Eritrean people. Lionel will always remain with us for he is our sense of inspiration.

Amanuel Mehreteab
Senior peace building advisor
amanuel.mehreteab@gmail.com

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