The last 20 years of independence have been the darkest period in the history of the Eritrean people. The economy not only stagnated but sharply declining from time to time. It is not unusual to see people dying because of hunger and malnutrition.
By Ibrahim Mohammed
June, 2011
INTRODUCTION
The last 20 years of independence have been the darkest period in the history of the Eritrean people. The economy not only stagnated but sharply declining from time to time. It is not unusual to see people dying because of hunger and malnutrition. The streets of the major cities are over flooded with beggars mostly mothers and children. Diplomatic relation went negative in the field of politics and national development and co-operations. Citizens have suffered from varieties of tortures, arbitrary arrests, disappearances and killings in their own homeland by their own countrymen. Extensive famine have stroked the entire country and aggressively taking the lives of innocent citizens. The national pride of the citizens went down to the extent of losing his/her personal confidence and hope.
The border war with Ethiopia (1998-2000) plus the unlimited and unpaid national service imposed over the young people have had a serious impact on individuals and families; these ranges from resource conflicts, separation, lose of life and property, violence and physical assault to imprisonment and killing to those who try to cross the border to the neighboring countries. Despite the shoot and kill order, people are fleeing the country in hundreds of thousands. As a result, Eritrea today has been once again baptized to be named a migrating nation.
Due to the regime’s economic policy, domestic markets dried up. Import and export is banned. The economy, if there is any, is experiencing a souring inflation from day-to-day. So today Eritrea is in a big and serious trouble, and the sources of its trouble are its internal enemies. That is the regime in power and its cliques.
Though not officially declared, the Eritrean regime is following a Marxist philosophy and experimenting Maoism in Eritrea. He is working day and night to turn Eritrea into an African North Korea with absolute power under one man rule. Thus, the regime is not only a dictator but also an absolute totalitarian.
The situation in Eritrea today has reached to the point where things cannot continue in the same way as they have been in the last 20 years. There should be change, but change cannot simply come by itself . It can only come through a united and well planned action by all citizens. We should not expect others or few individuals to bring democracy and freedom for us. The burden of democracy weighs on all of us. Unfortunately, our people in Eritrea do not have democracy to exercise their rights. They are ruled by a dictatorial regime which knows no rule of law and uses all means at its disposal to crash and eradicate any group who advocates for democracy and human rights. On the other hand we Eritreans living in Diaspora are living in a relative peace of mind and livelihood. Currently it is believed that there are over a million Eritreans living in Diaspora with quite good number of them in the developed countries. If these group of people are united and get organized under any form of organization they can contribute their part in shortening the days of the dictatorial regime and nurture a favorable atmosphere for transforming Eritrea into a just nation guided by constitution, governed by rule of law and administered by inclusive representative government that will be a reflection of its diverse ethnicity, cultural, religious, linguistic and political make up. This democratic change that we are looking for cannot come by political organizations alone. It is the work and responsibility of every citizen but in a well organized manner. One of these activist organizations is the Civil Society Organization.
WHAT IS CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION?
Civil society organizations are also known as civic society organizations (CSO) or non -governmental organizations (NGO) are critical actors in the advancement of universal values around human rights, the environment, labor standards and anti-corruption.
As with most popular academic concepts, there is no universally accepted definition of civil society. The London School of Economics (LSE) however, defines civil society as follows:
“Civil society refers to the arena of un coercive collective action
Around shared interests, purpose and values. In theory, it’s institutional
Forms are distinct from those of the state, family and market, though in
Practice the boundaries between state civil society and market are often complex,
blurred and negotiated. Civil society commonly embraces a diversity of space, actors and
Institutional forms varying in their degree of formality, autonomy and power.
Civil societies are often populated by organizations such as registered charities, development
Non-governmental organizations, community groups, women’s organizations,
Faith-based organizations, professional associations, trade unions, self-help
Groups, social movements, business associations, coalitions and advocacy groups.”
Most Eritreans in the Diaspora have formed a number of community groups, some have formed faith-based associations and recently some Eritrean educated groups have formed peace movements or advocacy groups. All these organizations are nonprofit organizations run by voluntary members.
As Eritreans we can ask what shared interests, purposes and values have brought us together to establish the advocacy groups and other civil society organizations that we have formed them recently. As Mr. Sium Tesfay put it:
“Our interest is the state of Eritrea and the people of Eritrea at home and Diaspora.
Our purpose is to find constructive ways to contribute for democratization of Eritrea.
Our values are justice, liberty, freedom, rules of law, appreciation of diversity and respect for human lives.”
We as Eritreans come together to form civil society organizations voluntarily free from any pressure of government or political opposition group to do our share, so that our interest, purpose and values find congruence in the Eritrean society and wherever they live.
The core idea of this topic lies on:
A. How to achieve democracy where it does not exist. This is the era of the dictatorial regime where we struggle for democratic change.
B. How to maintain and strengthen democracy where it does exist. This is the era of the post dictatorial regime where people work vigorously to maintain and develop democracy.
THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (THE ERA OF THE DICTATORIAL REGIME)
We Eritreans have paid over 60,000 of our precious citizens to get our independence. In addition, it took the entire population of Eritrea, both inside and outside the country to realize our nearly impossible dream. Independence had its price. Indeed democracy has even more and highly complex price. During the struggle for independence we know exactly who our enemy was and there was no question about it. That is why the whole population was united and stood firmly against the common enemy. For many of us independence was the ultimate goal. After independence, the idea of democracy was not taken as a basic human right. The absence of civil society organizations and the denial of multy party system in Eritrea helped the regime to stay in power by confusing the public through its propaganda institutions. So in the struggle for democracy, the challenges are many and complex. Democracy requires a higher degree of enlightenment, commitment, dedication and pro-active approach to bear its fruits. In this respect the solidarity of all political organizations, civil societies and other segments of our society is required in order to bring down the dictatorial regime in Eritrea. The solidarity of the civil society movements, the political opposition groups and the public at large that brought down Husni Mubarek of Egypt and Ben Ali of Tunisia can be taken as good examples to be seen.
The civil society in Diaspora shall have to struggle for the broadest and most profound agendas of the nation. The advocacy has nothing to do with power, ideology, political program or sectarian agenda. They should be driven by universal principles of human rights, individual liberty, freedom, justice etc. To accomplish these agendas, civic society organizations may have a horizontal relationship with political opposition groups. In doing so, they must protect their independence, integrity and make sure that they do not act or become a recycled mass organization at the service of political groups or parties in or out of power. They should not be guided or managed by cadres of any political organization using a dual membership. We Eritreans have good lessons that we have learned from our past experiences. We have seen how EPLF in the past has used the mass organizations to achieve its own political agenda and currently under the name of PFDJ is also doing the same thing both inside and outside the country.
Civil society organizations in Diaspora need to develop approaches and strategies that facilitate conditions for democratic change in Eritrea. Indeed, without the active engagement of educated Eritreans in Diaspora, it is difficult to expect civil societies perform their duties efficiently and effectively which is expected from them.
The Eritrean civil organizations in Diaspora must devote their time and energy for democratic change, peace and harmony and fight all forms of injustice. They need to focus on human rights violations frequently practiced by the regime in power. Using the mass media and other means of communication they must expose the brutal act of the regime, its unlawful incarceration of citizens, torture, murder, violation of property right including the land grabbing and the forced resettlement program of farmers.
MEMBERS CONTRIBUTION.
In order to achieve our goals in the struggle for democratic change, we Eritreans in Diaspora need to actively participate in any civil society organization and contribute what is expected from us.
The contributions are many and variety in kind. Not all members should contribute the same kind at the same levels. The main contributions could be summarized as follows:
The educated and experienced members may contribute with their time and intellect-promoting advocacy activities. They may approach different government and non-government organizations of their region, known personalities, write papers about Eritrea, present lectures, organize seminars or workshops for Eritreans in Diaspora. Using their connections they can also do lobbying activities.
Members of the civil organizations in addition to their membership fees they may contribute money of any amount.
Members of the civil society organizations may work as an activist in mobilizing the Eritrean public in Diaspora. This could start from family members, friends to a large community.
Civil society organizations can help in creating public awareness among all Eritreans living inside and outside the country about the existing social, political and economic problems of our people which is caused by the brutal dictatorial regime. This could be done through written documents, radio, television, internet; public lecture etc.All formal and informal gatherings such as funerals, wedings, prayers, sports and other gatherings can also be used for this purpose.
Some dedicated members may contribute with their lives by going to the risk areas of refugees such as the Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt or even penetrating inside Eritrea for various missions.
Still some individuals may contribute with a combination of the above activities or with any other activity not mentioned here.
DEVELOPING DEMOCRACY (THE ERA OF THE POST-DICTATORIAL REGIME)
Once the dictator is removed from power through well coordinated efforts by all political organizations, civil societies and the public at large, it demands that the role of the civil society itself be transformed. Instead of working in opposition to the state, groups representing civil society have to help fashion a democratic state that is responsive to popular needs and attitudes. Their task in the post- breakthrough period is neither to subvert the state nor to defend it uncritically, but to monitor its performance and insight on the accountability and transparency. Civil society must also encourage citizen activism in solving practical problems, foster tolerance and inclusiveness, and begin the difficult process of bringing social reality and respect for rights in line with the new democratic aspiration and values.
Building a democratic state is a task that civil society cannot perform alone. From a situation when it was the principal instrument for creating a democratic opening, it must now define its new role in relation to other political leaders and other government officials, judges, businessmen, teachers, bureaucrats, and many others-who are also indispensable to the establishment of a democratic system. The process of consolidation is especially difficult because the new state is inevitably an outgrowth of the previous autocratic state and must depend upon many of the same people for its administration. The emerging democratic state is also extremely fragile, prone to corruption and abuse of power, and so incapable of reversing all the failures associated with the previous regime. Under such circumstances, civil society cannot be simply an instrument for venting popular frustration and dissatisfaction. It must find a way to make democracy work, or at least to help society take meaningful, perceptible steps in the right direction.
Following are some of the main activities that a civil society organization can perform during the process of democratization.
The first and most basic role of the civil society is to limit and control the power of the state. Of course, any democracy needs a well functioning and authoritative state. But when a country is emerging from decades of dictatorship, it is also needs to find ways to check, monitor, and restrain the power of political leaders and state officials. Civil society actors should watch how state officials use their powers. They should raise public concern about any abuse of power. They should lobby for access to information laws, and rules and institutions to control corruption.
Civil society organization needs to expose the corrupt conduct of public officials and lobby for good governance reforms. Even where anti-corruption laws and bodies exist, they cannot function effectively without the active support and participation of civil society.
A well organized civil society can help in promoting political participation. Civil society organizations or NGOs can do this by educating people about their rights and obligations as democratic citizens, and encouraging them to listen to election campaigns and vote in elections. NGOs can also do help develop citizens’ skills to work with one another to solve common problems, to debate on public issues, and express their views.
Civil society organizations can help citizens to develop democratic values such as tolerance, moderation, compromise and respect for opposing points of view. Without this deeper culture of accommodation, democracy cannot be stable and show a steady growth of development. These values cannot simply be taught, but must also be experienced through practice.
Civil society organizations can also help to develop programs for democratic civic education including peace education in the schools as well. After the fall of the dictatorial regime, comprehensive reforms are needed to revise the curricula, rewrite the textbooks and at the same time orienting teachers through seminars and workshops in order to educate the young people about the crimes of the past and teach them the principles and values of democracy. This is a task that should not be left to the ministry of education alone. Civil society organizations must be involved as a constructive partner and advocate for democracy and human rights training.
Civil society is an arena for the expression of diverse interests; and one of the major role of civic society organizations is to lobby for the needs and concern of their members, say as women, students,teachers,farmers,lawyers,trade unionists, doctors..etc.Through their leaders they can present their requests or demands to the concerned government officials or even to the parliament and provincial or regional council. It is not only the resourceful and well organized groups of the society that should have their voices heard. Over time, groups that have historically been oppressed and confined to the margins of society should also be organized to assert their rights and defend their interests as well.
Civil society organizations can strengthen democracy by providing new forms of interest and solidarity that cut across old forms of tribal, linguistic, religious and other identity ties. Democracy cannot be stable if people only associate with others of the same religion or identity. When people of different religions and ethnic identities come together on the basis of their common interests as women, artists, doctors, students, workers, farmers,lawyers,human rights activists..etc civil life becomes richer, more complex and more tolerant. In this way people can develop unity and common national identity and in doing so democracy can be stable, strengthened with steady growth.
Civic society can provide a training ground for future political leaders. NGOs and other groups can help to identify and train new types of leaders who have dealt with important public issues and can be recruited to run for political office at all levels and to serve in provincial and national cabinets.
Civil society can help to inform the public about important public issues. This is not only the role of the mass media, but of NGOs which can provide forums for debating public policies and disseminating information about issues before parliament so as to influence policy makers infevour of the public.
When ever and where ever conflicts be it on local, national or international issues arise, civil society organizations can play an important role in mediating and helping to resolve conflicts.
Civil society organizations have a vital role to play in monitoring the conduct of elections. This requires a broad coalition of organizations, which is not connected to political parties or candidates, but deploys neutral monitors at all the different polling stations to ensure that the voting and vote counting is entirely free, fair, peaceful and transparent. It is very hard to have credible and fair election in a new democratic state unless civil society group play an active role in all election processes.
In a newly democratically formed state, civil society should not be in tension with the state. Because civil society is independent of the state does not mean that it must always criticize and oppose the state simply for the sake of opposition. In fact, by making the state at all levels more accountable, responsive, inclusive, effective- and hence more legitimate- a vigorous civil society strengthens citizens’ respect for the state and promote their positive engagement with it.
A democratic state cannot be in a health situation unless it is effective and legitimate, with the respect and support of its citizens. Civil society is a check, a monitor, but also a vital partner in the quest for this kind of positive relationship between the democratic state and its citizens.
CONCLUSION.
Civil society organizations cannot bring democratic change unless the majority of the citizens around them can fully participate in their organization.Understading the seriousness of the Eritrean political situation; we all have the responsibility of contributing our part being an active registered member of any civic society organization in our community. At this particular time where Eritrea is going from bad to worse, no citizen can afford to keep silent and remained indifferent. The true enemy of liberty is not only tyranny but the indifference by those who chose to keep silent in the face of the systematic destruction of the human spirit through intimidation, fear, harassment and torture as a preface to full blown authoritarianism and totalitarianism. To those who know how bad the situation in Eritrea is and yet have chosen to keep silent, we call upon you to give the civil society a chance by joining the one in your community or by establishing your own in the manner you see fit for you. What matters is that you find your voice and add your perspective on the search for solution. As Eldridge Cleaver said:”if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem”. Academic systems theory also demonstrates that everyone’s actions-and their inactions-affect everything and everyone else. Most important of all, civil society cannot develop and bring change unless members of every community get involved and contribute their part. So let us all be part of the solution.