Introduction: My interest in Eritrean issues grew during my teenage years in 2018, coinciding with the peace agreement between Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki. While I was aware of the historical conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, my understanding was limited. I became curious about the founding of the Eritrean government and our nation’s challenges.
My interest deepened as Berhane Abrehe, living on the other side of the world, announced the publication of his book and challenged President Isaias, leading to his arrest. I learned more about Berhane after his arrest and connected with his son, Efrem Berhane, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, Efrem and his younger brother initiated the translation of their father’s two-part books into English to meet the demand among diaspora Eritreans. After reading the book, I am pleased to say that it not only enlightened me about Eritrea’s internal issues but also broadened my understanding of global dynamics.
Part 1: The author begins by discussing Eritrea’s strategic location and its historical context, including European conquests, Western imperialism, and neocolonialism in Africa. This sets the stage for understanding Eritrea’s anti-Western sentiment. While some may see this as PFDJ propaganda, I find it valuable in shaping a new-generation led Eritrea’s approach to foreign relations. However, the author’s inclusion of historical events like “Europeans invading New Zealand” or “Britain invades Oceania” seems unnecessary. The scramble for Africa’s colonization already illustrates how Africans should engage with foreign powers economically and politically.
Part 2 of “Hagerey Eritrea”: Part 2 provides insights into the author’s experiences as Eritrea’s Finance Minister, detailing his interactions with the President and the management of Eritrea’s institutions. This echoes Ambassador Andeberhan Woldegiorgis’ account in “Eritrea at Crossroads,” highlighting the President’s mishandling of fiscal and economic policies. The author advocates for a transitional government, ousting the President and suggesting replacements. However, given that the book was written in 2015 and published in 2018, some of the proposed replacements are deceased, disabled, or imprisoned. This underscores the urgency of discussing Eritrea’s future post-Isaias.
Conclusion:
While the book provides a comprehensive analysis of Eritrea’s past and present, its publication date raises concerns about its relevance to current events. The need for discussions on Eritrea’s future, especially post-Isaias, is more urgent than ever. A succession plan and national reconciliation are vital, considering the unjust imprisonment of Eritrean political prisoners. The Eritrean diaspora would serve as an auxiliary during Eritrea’s transitional period, but they will be crucial for nation-building. The diaspora is rich in educated individuals from various fields who will be needed to replenish the brain drain occurring in Eritrea as many people leave the country.
Book Rating: 10/10 – A must recommend for all Eritrean youth trying to understand Eritrea’s internal issues.