The American Spectator : Religious Persecution on the Horn of Africa

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Religious Persecution on the Horn of Africa

By Doug Bandow on 3.3.09 @ 6:06AM

An early challenge for the Obama Administration.

Somalia continues to implode, as Islamists gain increasing control over what remains of the impoverished, conflict-ridden nation. But it is not the only human tragedy in the region. Eritrea, which won its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after decades of war, has earned a reputation as one of the world's youngest tyrannies. It also is one of the world's worst religious persecutors.

Eritrea poses an early challenge to the Obama administration. Border disputes with Ethiopia continue to threaten to flare into combat. Moreover, U.S.-Eritrean relations deteriorated steadily during the Bush years, as Asmara banned operations by the U.S. Agency for International Development and Washington imposed an arms embargo because of Eritrea's weapons shipments to next door Somalia. Eritrean President Isaias Afeworki now has approached the Obama administration lobbying for a change in U.S. policy -- expressing his hope in his congratulatory letter to Obama on his election that the U.S. will now "advance the cause of regional peace, justice and legality" -- but Washington should make Eritrea's atrocious record of religious persecution part of any dialogue.

Not even two decades old, Eritrea has become one of "the world's most systematic human rights violators," according to the State Department. Some countries establish political tyrannies while leaving people alone in their religious beliefs, but others fear freedom of conscience in any form. Paul Marshall of the Hudson Institute explains that "The government had long used the threat of real or perceived enemies to generate popular support." That includes religious believers, even though Eritrea's population is evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. Notes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, "government spokespersons have cited Pentecostals, along with Muslim extremists, as threats to national security."

The result is a consistent assault on religious liberty. The Commission said last year: "The government of Eritrea continues to engage in systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom, and the situation appears to have deteriorated in the past year." The Institute on Religion and Public Policy reports that only four churches are recognized, "the government routinely fails to approve registrations," and "interferes in the everyday workings of registered religious groups at the highest levels." The State Department echoed that conclusion last year: "the government severely restricts freedom of religion for groups that it has not registered and infringes upon the independence of some registered groups." State added that the government "closely monitored the activities and movements of unregistered religious groups and members, including nonreligious social functions attended by members."

The list of charges is lengthy. Reports the Commission: "Current violations include arbitrary arrests and detention without charge of members of unregistered religious groups, and the torture or other ill-treatment of hundreds of persons on account of their religion, sometimes resulting in death. Other serious concerns include the prolonged ban on public religious activities by all religious groups that are not officially recognized, closure by the authorities of the places of worship of these religious groups, inordinate delays in acting on registration applications by religious groups, and the disruption of private religious and even social gatherings of members of unregistered groups."

Even as President Afeworki was writing to President-elect Obama, abuses were continuing. In early November 36-year-old Teklesenbet Gebreab Kiflom, an evangelical Christian, died in military detention from lack of medical attention. His death followed that of Azib Simon in July. She was arrested for attending a banned church, tortured in an attempt to force her to recant her faith, and refused medication for malaria for failing to recant. Compass news service reported that another Christian prisoner, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom, died at another detention camp on January 16, as a result of torture and untreated medical problems.

Muslims, too, are persecuted. Writes Marshall: "During the first few years of independence, several Muslims were detained, disappeared, or, in some cases, were extrajudicially executed." Only a variant of Sunni Islam is permitted today.

The list of victims goes on: Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims who refuse to perform military service, Christians in the military banned from practicing their faith, and Christian-owned businesses and businesses selling Christian products. Many people of faith go to jail for their beliefs. In 2005 Amnesty International published an extensive report "on widespread detentions and other human rights violations of members of at least 36 evangelical Christian churches." The Commission reports that "Eritrean security forces have disrupted private worship, conducted mass arrests of participants at religious weddings, prayer meetings, and other gatherings, and detained those arrested without charge for indefinite period of time." Stories of arrests, imprisonment, and torture have become sadly routine.

Indeed, International Christian Concern estimates that more than 2,000 Christians "are imprisoned in metal shipping containers, military barracks and prison cells." Prison alone almost qualifies as torture. Reports the Institute on Religion and Public Policy: "Prospects for these recent detainees and those held for several years are grim," as "it is not uncommon for prisoners to die from the torture and the inadequate and unsanitary conditions to which they are exposed." Explains Marshall: "Life in detention centers is extremely harsh since it occurs in some of the hottest places on earth. The Bada detention center lies in an area 70 meters below sea level and at times experiences temperatures of over 60 degrees C. In such conditions, people have died or gone insane."

The Asmara government even attempts to forcibly overturn religious belief. Explained the State Department: "There were reports that police forced some adherents of unregistered religious groups held in detention to sign statements to abandon their faith and join the Orthodox Christian Church as a precondition of their release. These individuals typically faced imprisonment and/or severe beating until they agreed to sign the document. Reports indicated that these individuals were also monitored after they signed to make sure that they did not practice or proselytize for their unregistered religion."

It comes as no surprise, then, that Eritrea routinely rates near the top of religious persecution lists. In 2004 the State Department targeted Eritrea as a "Country of Particular Concern." Open Doors recently ranked Eritrea at number nine on its watch list, up from number eleven last year. International Christian Concern also placed Eritrea at number nine in its annual Hall of Shame. According to the ICC the intensity of persecution is "high" and "increasing."

The Eritrean government's responds that such reports are "hyperbole" and "distorted and exaggerated."

There's no easy answer to the problem of religious persecution. But it should be a priority of U.S. diplomacy as a matter of basic human rights. Open Doors reports that "an estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation."

Other faiths, too, face persecution. The Institute on Religion and Public Policy offered set of recommendations to the Obama administration, explaining that "minority religious rights are a global issue: Religious liberty is not partisan, nor is it denominational. The status of Hare Krishnas in Kazakhstan, Ahmadis in Pakistan and Zoroastrians in Iran are just as important as the status of Evangelicals in each of those countries." The U.S. should stand for freedom of conscience irrespective of the faith involved.

That doesn't mean going to war to transform other societies. But it does mean exposing abuses and using the bully pulpit to educate and embarrass. And it means dedicated private efforts, especially through churches and NGOs. America also can accept more refugees from religious oppression abroad, starting with Iraq, where the Christian community has become a target of discrimination and violence.

The Obama administration faces problems big and small. Eritrea is one of the latter. Nevertheless, it poses both a significant moral if not security challenge. How President Obama responds will help set the tone for the rest of his term.

About the Author

Doug Bandow is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and the Senior Fellow in International Religious Persecution at the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is author of Beyond Good Intentions: A Biblical View of Politics (Crossway).

Letter to the Editor View all comments (58) | Leave a comment

Kantibye| 3.3.09 @ 7:59AM

Dear Doug;
As an Ertrean I commend you on the well written article. The Eritrean People more than ever need the help and effort of the free world to expose the crimes committed by this regime

C Bowen| 3.3.09 @ 10:09AM

"America also can accept more refugees from religious oppression abroad, starting with Iraq, where the Christian community has become a target of discrimination and violence."

I'll pass on the claim that "America" can accept more refugees/welfare clients, but it seems the least we can do, in the case of Iraq, is banish the folks who supported the invasion that destroyed the Iraqi Christian communities to live on the Tigris.

Crusader| 3.3.09 @ 10:54AM

Does anyone really care what's happening in Eritrea? I mean really, Eritrea? As long as they keep their butchering to each other and inside their own borders, I really don't care what they do. Give 'em some khat and let them kill each other for all I care.

Sophia Tesfamariam| 3.3.09 @ 11:38AM

The first thing the Obama Administration should do is stop financing self serving individuals and groups like Joseph Griebosky's Institute on Religion and Public Policy as they are obviously biased-they have reson to be. I don't want to get into that right now. For the many years at annual $250,000 that they were paid by the Bush Administrations State Department, they'll write and sing any tune.

All the reports that have been written about Eritrea come from mercenary groups and individuals. For example, Kevin Turner with the group calling itself Strategic World Impact was a USAID contractor who entered Eritrea pretending to be a humanitarian worker. Whiel in Eritrea he engaged in illegal activities adn was forced to leave. Dito for Voice of the Martyrs and Samaritan's Purse. All contracted with USAID.

The other thing that Obama needs to do is clean up the Faith Based Initiative program htat has provided the cover and the funds for the fundamentalist Christian groups that are wrecking havoc all over the world in carrying out the "Great Commission".

Finally, this has nothing to do with violating the rights of Evangelicals, it has everything to do with violating the security and sovereignty of Eritrea, abusing the people's trust and magnanimity and disrupting the harmonious co-existance between all religions and ethnic groups in Eritrea. Eritrea did not disturb your peace...do not disturb hers. there is nothing new in the Bible that warrants your intrusion and Eritreans so not need American missionaries to understand what the Bible says. Convert and harvest and build your mega churches in the US if you want to...leave Eritrea alone.

I suggest the author do his own research and not regurgitate reports "cut and paste" from "a flurry alerts" sent by the Christian cartel.

I am a devout practicing Roman Catholic...just so you know...

A Hernandez| 10.9.09 @ 5:12PM

"It has everything to do with violating the security and sovereignty of Eritrea"

You mean to say that when Stalin was silently sending millions of political dissidents to die in Gulags, this was an internal matter? When Hitler was busy disposing of political, racial, and other genetic undesirables it was also a matter of German sovereignty and foreigners had no right to interfere? If this is the case then why do we even have a UN Human Rights Commission or a Refugee Charter?
All humans have an inalienable right to choose their own religion. This is not just a "Western" concept it is a universal human right.
Eritrea may be a new country and its leaders may even delude themselves in believing that drastic times call for drastic measures. The truth is that Eritreans fought for independence but they now suffer in isolation. They threw off the shackles of Ethiopian subjugation and they now put on the chains of perpetual "National Service" enslavement. Their nationalistic yearnings may have birthed a new political entity, but their ex-fighter "hero" leaders have only implemented age-old tyrannical despotism.
The sad truth is that it did not have to be like this.

eritrean poet | 3.3.09 @ 1:46PM

This report is well written in that its quiet balance but I more incline to go with The Eritrean government's responds that such reports are "hyperbole" and "distorted and exaggerated because I believe that version of the statement more and support the basic principles that if religion is not control it can be a very destabilizing force in any country since it erupts such passionate beliefs

Mulugheta Mesfin| 3.3.09 @ 2:57PM

The people of Eritrea did not get their freedom/independence on a silver platter from the US or UN or anybody else but by going thru hell. Any one who works to deter Eritreans from upholding and defending their sovereignty should not be allowed to operate in Eritrea not matter what their cover.
The Eritrean gov't is a humane and fair gov't. All these lies about people being imprisoned in inhospitable areas etc do not hold water. Eritrean National Service people are working in these so called inhospitable areas erecting the young country's new infrastructure. Eritrea does not need for USAID welfare because the good Lord created us with all we need to conduct our affairs. If we need help from USAID we will ask for it but saying thanks but to no thanks to USAID should not be held against us. Eritreans will not opt to slavery in return for a few sacks of grain .May God bless Eritrea and it's Leaders. May God bless the USA!

Mulugheta| 3.3.09 @ 3:33PM

Eritrea is one of the most misunderstood countries on earth. This tiny nation has indeed a fierce stance that in many cases may sound odd to the "justice" loving communities. Yet, its principle is based on justice and liberty for all. Far from being perfect, Eritrea is struggling for its survival as a nation. In the process discretionary "freedoms" are removed in exchange of a larger goal of survival. If the West had given Eritrea a chance to exist within the legal framework that every UN member is entitled to, Eritrea will be one of the remarkable countries in fighting for justice and equality, including freedom of speech and other higher-end goals of freedom. For now however, Eritrea is struggling to meet its basic and minimum freedom that it has to secure, its very existence as a nation. As such, higher end freedom that guarantees individual freedom will have no place in Eritrea. This is very logical. You only have to take a look at how much of these "human rights" the US had to trash to fight "terrorism". Can you imagine what the US will do in regard to respecting human rights when its very existence is at risk? Eritrea is an angel compared to the US and other hypocrite countries that only respect human rights when they can afford it but conveniently trash it when they are pressured. If you want to respect human rights in Eritrea, start with the right to exist first.

Mark Itch| 3.3.09 @ 5:25PM

THE ERITREAN GOVERNAMENT SAYS:
-The Eritrean people don’t need any food help from anybody…….while food spoils in the warehouses.
-The orthodox church is the right church, ….the patriarch Antonios has been put under house arrest!
-The catholic church is legal in Eritrea…….all foreign catholic missionary are kick out little by little even when possessing legal permits. “Their” building taken away from them like they where never theirs, like hospitals, nursery for abandon or orphan babies which otherwise none would take care of them, schools, institution of care ..shall I say the names and the people involved?
-The youth are defending the national security in the army and are our treasure future……the government have issue a shoot to kill the hundreds of youth that are leaving the country weekly or monthly because they cannot take it any more.
-We have our right of self determination infringed by American spies (probably true)……then why people get beaten up in other independent countries of the world by Eritrean government “agents” (how they are allowed to stay in these countries is a question?) because they ask for implementation of the Eritrean constitution and to be free and not be harassed, fined huge fines, imprisoned, bullied etc.
-Constitution, this word is never mentioned by the Eritrean government press,….. but the right of the Somali, right of the Sudanese, right of the Djiboutian (I beg your pardon, that is not to be said!) have been regularly mentioned!(not that it was wrong, but does it not lack of a little balance?)
-Eritrean need to pull their belt and eat less………why then the president, that is so concern drive, to say the least, a BMW? What is wrong with an Indian Tata, or Lada or Chinese car? Is he discriminating?
-We don’t need foreign construction companies (not a bad idea) …..but who owns the construction companies in Eritrea (can you please give their name or rank…ooophs I shouldn’t say that!) that build poor construction and get a lot of foreign money for them which you could built many more and much better buildings instead?
-This government has liberated the country………excuse me from what? ….You are shouting your youth on the back, torturing Eritrean people for their faith & beating them with such hate and anger that makes you wonder if there is something wrong with you and that the reason is more then what you say, shall we make a list? Old man and old women are put in jail because they cannot pay a huge fine because their sons and daughter run away from the country! You killed very efficient and country loving Eritrean businessman because they where a threat to you, not the country! And the many more abuses like Who gets paid in your government 1000’s of $ for allowing people escaping the country? Are you also making money on the youth you want to kill on the back? Or maybe you are so disunited and at the end of your regimes day’s that you don’t even know that you might have such double side loyalist? Many best and loyal man of the revolution which fought for independence…..where are they…Out of the country that they Liberated (sorry, I shouldn’t say that!) …So, I don’t understand, what you liberated?
Please explain….but you will not, & never will!
-And who is this catholic, Mr Mulugheta, that is so patriotically defend the government? It looks to me, after this, that you are an agent of the government!
-And who is this Crusader (of the wrong kind) which is saying who cares for Eritrea anyway? A self loving person?
-And what about this Eritrean poet is he writing? By blinding his eyes to reality? The tragedies of the Poor people of Eritrea like Omer did for the Greek?
-Dear Mr.Kantybye I can see, if I may say, that you have a “heart” for your people and rightly so. Thank God there people that think on this way instead of good rhetoric of political non-sense and pure and simple hard heartedness or shallow living toward a nation that has been struggling to find peace, freedom and a well deserve identity in the world, and now has instead a crazy merciless poor men that lost is goal in life, the one to help liberate his people and instead became just like the other uncaring oppressors, Mr so called president! So what is the answer? It must be more the mere politics and ideals & I think an option which I only heard from you Mr Kantybye, is right into the heart of man; whether you value life or not., love or not, where we think we are created for a source of good or where we like to be just like animals, dog eat dog! I think we should be the first! What about you! (regarding nationality, race, religions) Just as a human being?
I am wondering when you hear Eritrean soldiers at the border waiting to kill young Eritrean “kids” to escape the country and then letting them die languishing in the ground?? What kind of people are these? What did they fight a 30 year old war for? It is all anti government Propaganda, you may say! But can you escape the voice of your conscience?

Ryan| 3.3.09 @ 7:24PM

Don't point the finger at the US, where any theorized removal of freedom is supposed. We STILL have a near absolute freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. You can always have freedom as your "goal" and never reach it out of some excuse for practicality.

Your problem is that you see freedom as an end, not as the means. Freedom - when matched with responsibility and justice - is the MEANS toward what you are supposedly looking for.

Let your people have such. Anything less is NOTHING but tyranny. And pointing fingers at other countries does not absolve he who points.

Dawit Eliffe| 3.3.09 @ 8:45PM

Doug Bandow's report on religeon freedom in Eritrea is nothing but a mad dog's howling at best and is not worth it wasting a precious time.Truely, if Doug Bandow is a person of untainted faith and derstanding regarding what a religeon is and its devine fruition,by now Doug would have achieved "the purl of great price" "man know thy self".
History repeats it self.The US administration's failure to govern the affairs of the nation and the interest and security of its citizens by democratic principles and rule of laws results in the disappearance of trillions of dollars of the nation's tax payers wealth.
Corporate democracy ,can not guarantee the safety of a society,but acts as a wagon for robbery.
When an administration of a nation is infiltrated by self serving "judas iscariots "their only occupation remains in manufacturing traps against the upright one.
Nowness is always with Eitrea and momentous day is on our side.Yes,again it is appropriate to remind those whose memory is short or in hirbenation .
Remember the 52nd United States Secretary of State John Foster Dulles?
In office
January 26, 1953 – April 22, 1959
The utterance of Mr.Dulles at the UN "Even though from justice of view the Eritrean aspiration is for a Nationhood is justifiable,but to protect the interest of the free world in the Red Sea Basin we have decided to fedarate Eritrea with our ally Ethiopia".
US admnistration has no a moral ground nor a historical virtue to act holy than thou to say the list on the affairs of ERITREA.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Eritreans know their inherent Companion the LORD with in.
To creat distarbances in a market places penefits to none but robbers! Is n't it Doug?

Dawit Eliffe| 3.3.09 @ 8:49PM

Dawit Eliffe| 3.3.09 @ 8:45PM
Doug Bandow's report on religeon freedom in Eritrea is nothing but a mad dog's howling at best and is not worth it wasting a precious time.Truely, if Doug Bandow is a person of untainted faith and understanding regarding what a religeon is and its devine fruition,by now Doug would have achieved "the pearl of great price" "man know thy self".
History repeats it self.The US administration's failure to govern the affairs of the nation and the interest and security of its citizens by democratic principles and rule of laws results in the disappearance of trillions of dollars of the nation's tax payers wealth.
Corporate democracy ,can not guarantee the safety of a society,but acts as a wagon for robbery.
When an administration of a nation is infiltrated by self serving "judas iscariots "their only occupation remains in manufacturing traps against the upright one.
Nowness is always with Eitrea and momentous day is on our side.Yes,again it is appropriate to remind those whose memory is short or in hirbenation .
Remember the 52nd United States Secretary of State John Foster Dulles?
In office
January 26, 1953 – April 22, 1959
The utterance of Mr.Dulles at the UN "Even though from justice of view the Eritrean aspiration is for a Nationhood is justifiable,but to protect the interest of the free world in the Red Sea Basin we have decided to fedarate Eritrea with our ally Ethiopia".
US admnistration has no a moral ground nor a historical virtue to act holy than thou to say the list on the affairs of ERITREA.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Eritreans know their inherent Companion the LORD with in.
To creat distarbances in a market places penefits to none but robbers! Is n't it Doug?

Ryan| 3.3.09 @ 9:18PM

Your problems aren't ours. If you want them fixed, free your people. Period. Blaming others, playing the victim, never solves problems.

Every time it is done in Africa, it is done by tyrants and despots. It only makes you look more guilty.

change america foreign policy | 3.3.09 @ 9:38PM

okay Ryan I hear some people saying don’t blame the usa for Eritrea’s problems and playing the victim listen man you are in are business okay we are just reacting according do you think we say Americas name just for fun hell no you’re the world’s leading power but it’s you how interfere with us by putting us on a embargo list and human rights list and have a base called africom in east Africa you also help other countries attacking our security like Ethiopia try stop all these things first and leave east Africa and then see if Eritreans ever mention America again we won’t full stop so basically nobodies playing the victim just blame the usa foreign policy under George bush and we will wait and see what obama does

Emmanuel| 3.4.09 @ 12:19AM

Shame to those who are spending sleepless nights to demonize and isolate this precious land we call Eritrea and its hospitable people. Thanks to the advancements in cyberweb technology, people have means of checking genuine news, stories on the ground and don't have to dwell on garbage story like this one. US under Bush adminsitration unilatteraly invaded Iraq through a flasified "intelligence" and inflicted unnecessary human sufferings. The so called Weapons of Mass Destruction claimed to have been possessed by Sadam were no where to be found. I could give you a number of other examples of nagative consequences as a result of false informations spread by some self-centered, religious extremists, "human right" groups who cash-in on the misfortune of poor people around the world.

Belay | 3.4.09 @ 6:29AM

You considered living with Ethiopia as a slavery. But very soon you found yourselves in a more bitter situation. What have you gotten from the freedom struggle you say you waged for almsost 3 decades? Or are you still waiting for a more bitter lesson that can show how hypocratic you were when you chose to say that Ethiopia is a colonizer. We Ethiopians very well know that deciet and pride can not get anyone anywhere. I wish you come to your senses and think of your future.

godaif| 3.4.09 @ 10:34AM

who is invading Nations....like Iraq...Afganistan....Guantanamo prisners who are radical "Muslims". You better touch first your nose .religion inEritrea is secular.

Netsereab| 3.4.09 @ 11:14AM

Since there is a Genocide being committed by the Christian-led Ethiopian government in the Ogaden, the Somali region that Ethiopia annexed, and the majority of the people are Muslim, does that not constitute "religous persecution?"

How does Eritrea's law-adhering principled stance on the "border dispute" pose a challenge to the Obama administration? Is it not Eritrea's UNDISPUTED land, as per the Algiers Peace Agreement, being militarily occupied by the US-financed Ethiopian government? A bias entity has no right trying to police the world. And as such, Eritrea is in no obligation in kneeling down to pressure from agents of such entities.

It is the old crusader/invader/occupier/colonizer/hegemonic FOREIGN POLICIES ARE THE REAL CHALLENGE TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION!

As an Eritrean-American, it saddens me to know that the State Department chooses allies based, not on principles but, on how much money/control/power it can gain.

m-yo| 3.4.09 @ 11:18AM

I am an Eritrean who live in England, and all I can say to the Western Writers is first remove the log from your eyes to see the spec in the eyes of the Eritrean government. You can twist any thing you want however atleast 95% of we eritreans believe Eritrea is save with the present government of Eritrea. If I were American I worry about my self.

Ryan| 3.4.09 @ 12:23PM

I often find that "judge not" and "log from own eye" quotes are stated by the more guilty party.

tesfamariam| 3.4.09 @ 12:29PM

Doug, I don't believe you are a religious person. You are making a living by fabricating stories. I have lived enough in the united states to know people like you, will say or do anything for money. You should have concern for colored people here who are suffering so much. How can anybody trust you that you will have concern for people living far away (15,000 KM) which is absurde.
You don't even say anything about religion perscution in Saudi arabia, (source of oil), who cares as far as interest is fulfiled.
No one buys your story. Is it not an embarassment a country which talks about religion freedom, having over 7 million people in jail. please come to a sense.
Leave my country alone. We Eritreans know better for our people. This character assasination of our governmnet is not going any where. These rhetoric is empty.

tesfamariam| 3.4.09 @ 1:57PM

Ryan, you are ignorant. Nobody said there is no freedom in US.
Investigate and read what the US did to other countries in the name of Freedom and Religion with neo cons, my country, Eritrea, is a victim of these consipracy.
So don't get stupid for something you don't know.
Read, read and read to have knowledge out of your boundry.
You look like those who said, is there a sky in Africa or people sleep on top of trees? I strongly advice you to learn our history and you will come to a sense.

markitch| 3.4.09 @ 2:56PM

FOR THE GOOD TALKERS:
Eritrea: No One Breathes Easy As Dictator's Grip Remains Tight
4 March 2009
An exile who recently visited home describes how terror rules the land of Maoist dictator Isaias Afewerki and his ruling party that has a high-minded name, the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice.Anyone who questions the regime must be silenced by any means: detention without trial, torture or execution, the exile, who declines to be named, fearing his family will be targeted, writes in the March issue of New People, a magazine of the Comboni Missionaries."I have lived under several colonizers (the Italians, British and Ethiopians), but the most repressive and cruelest regime is the incumbent government," a respected elder told the writer. "And these are our sons and daughters for whom we waited for 30 years to bring us freedom! My son, is this freedom?"The country, which became independent in 1991 after a bitter secessionist war with Ethiopia, is facing a serious food crisis orchestrated by the government to subjugate the people, the writer reports. There is no food in markets. People are expected to live on meager government rations."People can't sell the products of their fields, except to the government. Government agents search from house to house looking for extra food that the families may have in their stores."All business and industrial activity is under state monopoly. International trade has been paralyzed. A fuel crisis has crippled the transport sector. People queue for hours to get a seat in a bus, while others sleep at stations to get a ticket.Parliament has not convened since 2000. Because the nation's professionals and intellectuals have fled, are detained or ignored, public offices are run by barely literate officers whose job is to implement orders from the presidency.Military training is compulsory for all. Upon completion, young people remain as reserve soldiers and are deployed to national service where they are paid a pittance."I was shaken to find out that my niece, who is doing national service at one of the biggest hotels in Asmara, is given USD 20 per month and the rest of her salary is taken by the government. If this is not slavery, what is it then?"There are unconfirmed reports, according to the writer, that Afewerki is beginning to face some opposition from certain members of his cabinet and the military. But his stranglehold on the nation remains tight as ever.

Mesfun| 3.4.09 @ 4:34PM

Sopia Tesfamariam this lady needs to go to Eritrea and live there. This lady doesnot have a clue about eritreanism Eritrea is an Excoti hobby for her.

Mohamed andu| 3.4.09 @ 4:38PM

Sopia blames the USA CIA for Evrything going in Eritrea never blames the despot who is sleeping on top of his comrades remaining.Sopia do you think isayas cares about your tantrum.Get real leave it ot love it the great country of USA. Buld a villa and live in Sahel where your despot butchered heroes

Tesfamariam| 3.4.09 @ 7:22PM

Mesfun, Mohamed and Markich.
I find it difficult to believe that you guys are Eritrean. Let me ask you guys, if you have a common sense, why don't you say something the rule of law to be implemneted, the EEBC verdict. That is the core issue regarding our country. When the survival of our country treatened, you talk Isayase is doing this and that. Please if you are real Eritrean which I have a seriouse doubt, you would not cry for these stupid and nonsense statements.
Please leave alone, Sophia Tesfamariam. you coward you don't have the knowledge to challenge this bright woman who is sacrifying her time and energy for our country.
Get life, no one cares for Eritrea except Eritreans.

HopeMonger| 3.4.09 @ 11:36PM

Gone are the days when Bible wielding self-serving colonial powers could exploit Africans' minds and resources using their false gospels with total impunity.

Gone are the days when Africans could easily be fooled into closing their eyes to pray while the white man robs them blind.

Gone are the days when self-serving political powers could employ religion as a wedge to divide Africans across religion, tribal, ethnic, linguistic and cultural lines.

The new nation of Eritrea is a beacon of hope for the African continent and she is showing Africans life does exist outside the IMF, UN and the World Bank. Self-reliance babe !

God bless Eritrea.

Mark Itch| 3.5.09 @ 4:02AM

FACT: The great nation of Eritrea is a beautiful mosaic of nine ethnic nationalities whose population is evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, a model of cultural and religious Harmony based on historical and deep rooted traditions of religious tolerance and cultural harmony??? (of course there are very humble & peace loving and remarkable people in Eritrea, but look who is running & treating this humble peace loving and christian people now?)
Eritrea: No One Breathes Easy As Dictator's Grip Remains Tight
4 March 2009
An exile who recently visited home describes how terror rules the land of Maoist dictator Isaias Afewerki and his ruling party that has a high-minded name, the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice.Anyone who questions the regime must be silenced by any means: detention without trial, torture or execution, the exile, who declines to be named, fearing his family will be targeted, writes in the March issue of New People, a magazine of the Comboni Missionaries."I have lived under several colonizers (the Italians, British and Ethiopians), but the most repressive and cruelest regime is the incumbent government," a respected elder told the writer. "And these are our sons and daughters for whom we waited for 30 years to bring us freedom! My son, is this freedom?"The country, which became independent in 1991 after a bitter secessionist war with Ethiopia, is facing a serious food crisis orchestrated by the government to subjugate the people, the writer reports. There is no food in markets. People are expected to live on meager government rations."People can't sell the products of their fields, except to the government. Government agents search from house to house looking for extra food that the families may have in their stores."All business and industrial activity is under state monopoly. International trade has been paralyzed. A fuel crisis has crippled the transport sector. People queue for hours to get a seat in a bus, while others sleep at stations to get a ticket.Parliament has not convened since 2000. Because the nation's professionals and intellectuals have fled, are detained or ignored, public offices are run by barely literate officers whose job is to implement orders from the presidency.Military training is compulsory for all. Upon completion, young people remain as reserve soldiers and are deployed to national service where they are paid a pittance."I was shaken to find out that my niece, who is doing national service at one of the biggest hotels in Asmara, is given USD 20 per month and the rest of her salary is taken by the government. If this is not slavery, what is it then?"There are unconfirmed reports, according to the writer, that Afewerki is beginning to face some opposition from certain members of his cabinet and the military. But his stranglehold on the nation remains tight as ever.

Haile Meles| 3.5.09 @ 7:51AM

This is all bias Western propoganda,because Eritrea is not going to knell down for the Western NGO. We want to be Indipendent without your NGO ( take this and do what we tell you only.)
No, No , No . thank you.

Johannes| 3.5.09 @ 3:53PM

The deep problem of Eritrea's situation of tyranny and oppression is evident and favored by the denial that so clearly show in the above comments. Eritreans are in grave denial because they have been waiting 30 years to get what they dreamed of, and anyting they are fed tastes to them like angels' food....There is no constitution, no justice system, no free press....why? Becuase that is the only way for the marxist government to keep people blind. The scores of young ones who flee through the Sahara and die on a little raft on their way to Sicily are not running away from paradise, but they fleeing pure hell. Who wants to build a road with their bare hands in the scorching sun for FREE? Slavery continues in Eritrea just as the rest of the problems. Thanks to the stubborness of the regime, today no one can drive a car in Eritrea, because a gallon of petrol will cost you a month's salary.
It is time that someone helps the sweet Eritreans to open their eyes and stand for they trampled rights.
There are Jehovah's Witnesses who are over 70 years old and who are imprisoned in dangerous conditions for their simple attempt to share their faith. SOMEBODY STOP THE MADNESS!
Greeting from Holland.

Habteab | 3.5.09 @ 6:07PM

Doug how much money have you taken to write this garbage from the religious zealots. the following is what Harper's clumnist and Internation human rights Lawyer Scott Horton Said "we may not have realized it at the time, but in the period from late 2001 to January 19, 2009 this country was a dictatorship. The constitutional rights we learned about in high school civics were suspended". You can find this on MSNBC Rachel Maddow show.

What you are telling us is you are better Catholic than the Pope. You are no better Christian than me or any other religous person. Who made you an expert on Eritrean politics.

The days of Cato Institute are over. It is the time for liberal thinktanks. Go feed the famine striken people in other countries and you make sure you pray for them.

Mulugheta Mesfin| 3.7.09 @ 2:41AM

Johannes you need to open your eyes. You need to watch Eri-TV to discover the truth. Young Eritreans are building the roads not with bare hands but with the help of state of the art dozers and earthmovers. Johannes can you say "Caterpillar", made in the USA, no less.
People like you confuse your siblings in Eritrea(assuming you are Eritrean) and send them money to come to the West. Do you think that will solve our problem. No the West have all these good stuff because they worked for it and we should all work to build Eritrea. Blaming one of the most effective and efficient gov't of the world for the growing pains of your homeland is utter folly on your part.
Jehovah Witness don't recognize the Eritrean gov't, so they can't have any rights from a country/gov't that they don't recognize. Duties and rights go hand in hand.
Eritrea is not yet the heaven that we want it to be but it is not the hell that you want to make it. Eritrea will succeed because with hard work and patience all things are possible. Eritrea can do and it is doing. Take note Johannes.
God bless Eritrea; its tireless and just President; its invincible Defence Forces;And its patient and God fearing people!!!
May God bless the USA!!!

D. Gabriel| 3.7.09 @ 9:30AM

Abramoff scandal
Bandow resigned from Cato on December 15, 2005, after admitting he accepted payments from Abramoff — in return for publishing articles favorable to Abramoff's clients over a period of approximately ten years. He has referred to these activities as "a lapse of judgment," saying that he accepted payments for "between 12 and 24 articles" over a period of years. He stepped down after BusinessWeek Online contacted the Cato Institute to probe news of possible payments. He typically received on the order of $2000 per article.[3]

Copley News Service, which carried Doug Bandow's syndicated column, suspended him immediately after the payola news became public. National Society of Newspaper Columnists President Suzette Martinez Standring said his action "isn't a lapse in judgment, it’s soul-selling. With so much practice at tweaking copy for others, I’m sure the advertising industry will welcome him." [4]

Steve Clemons, publisher of the blog The Washington Note, has referred to Doug Bandow as his friend and stated that he would be happy to have him guest blog again, but later withdrew that statement. He said that Bandow's resignation was sufficient penalty for his transgressions, and that the larger problem is the corruption of think tanks. [5]

Peter Ferrara, a senior policy adviser at the Institute for Policy Innovation, also took money from Abramoff to write favorable op-ed pieces. "I do that all the time. I've done that in the past, and I'll do it in the future," he explained.[6]

On December 28, 2005, Chuck Muth, president and CEO of Citizen Outreach, announced that Bandow was joining the think tank as vice president of policy. Although Muth noted that he and Bandow did not "agree 100 percent" on every issue, he expressed admiration for his new colleague's reasoning "based on objective thought and not emotion." "He's able to justify any public policy issue from a limited government standpoint in the best tradition of our Founding Fathers," he said.[7]
In the real tradition of the WILD WEST, this guy is a hired gun ready to shoot anybody, even his parents for a handfull of dollars. He is the 21st Century version of Elmer Gantry, who carried a revolver inside a BIBLE. The word "payola" means illegal practice of payment of which this Bandow is an expert.

m-yo| 3.7.09 @ 10:14AM

I think the poor Americans are still thinking they are the super power in the world. They haven't realised that George Bush gambled that away. Well I have some down to earth news for you, now you are only left with trillions of debt to pay and until you clear those you will be inslaved by China and Russia for a long time. If there are any Eritreans who are thinking to apply American citizenship, I'd think twice, afterall who needs this much weight of debit on their shoulder

mg| 3.7.09 @ 10:54AM

They all are journalist/writers hired for a mission to do. so there is no surprise here anymore.

Mark Itch| 3.8.09 @ 3:32PM

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For those that keep speaking well of the present Eritrean governament:
From the American Chonicles
March 07, 2009
Eritrea: Too many enemies, too few friends.
Michael Abraha

Michael Abraha: How would you describe the current Eritrean political situation?

TW: Eritrea is internationally isolated at present; it is without friends. Eritrea is a failed, dictatorial state without genuine administration. Ideologically, and politically, the government is aligned with extremists. The regime´s intervention in Somalia and its growing relations with Iran may help it to remain in power, but in the long-run, the move will backfire and further isolate the country.

MA: Why are Eritreans so patient then if the government is not serving their interest?

TW: The interests of the government and that of the people stand at opposite ends. The people want the government to be removed and they want democracy and justice to reign. On the other hand, the government strives to prolong the life of its authoritarian system. My assessment is that the people have exhausted their patience while the regime is close to collapsing.

MA: Observes say Eritrean economy is in horrible shape. How do you assess the situation.?

TW: Hunger and starvation are spreading. Not only have prices of basic necessities such as food items gone astronomically high, but they are also not available. As a result, the government is confiscating meager food grains harvested by farmers. The regime itself is under tremendous strain. The ruling PFDJ is itself broke. Its survival now depends on future extraction of gold at Bisha, after which it hopes to reinforce and further tighten its grip on the population.

MA: Many Eritreans have chosen to flee their homeland instead of staying on and directly challenge the government; your comment on this.

TW: For a long time now, an average of 400 to 500 people have been defecting to refugee camps in neighboring countries. This is happening without stop even though the government has introduced directives allowing troops to shoot and kill anyone trying to cross the borders. Early this month 4 teenagers attempting to flee were shot at close range and their bodies were on display for hours until the bereaved parents were ordered to pick them up.

The people fleeing are those disenchanted by the harsh realities. They are angry and bitter because they have been denied their rights, and cannot lead peaceful life. By fleeing, the people are denouncing the system in action. In so doing the people are demonstrating their disgust. This is human nature. People confront an enemy if they have the power. If not, they retreat until they are strong. Our people are now in a state of retreat. This in itself is a revolutionary step. In the end this exodus will become a force for change. The time is not that far away.

MA: What are the short and long-term plans of the new Eritrean People´s Party (EPP), and what has its impact been so far on Eritrean politics?

TW: EPP´s long term plan is to build a democratic, multiparty system in Eritrea where the people will be able to enjoy freedom. To achieve this we need to have an inclusive party. Although more and more people are getting disillusioned with the government, not enough are participating in opposition activities. So we want to introduce change in the opposition camp and bring people together where they would be more effective and fully engaged in the task of transforming Eritrea.

MA: Your party, EPP, and the Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) are in the process of merging. What do you hope to achieve under a unified leadership.

TW: It should be remembered that blood was shed between the two major organizations, namely, the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and the Eritrean People´s Liberation Front (EPLF). Both EDP and EPP originate from these former liberation movements. The merger hopes to heal the wounds of the civil war of the 70´ and 80´s, thereby contributing to the unity of our people. We admit errors were committed in that the strife was about grabbing power disregarding the wishes and interests of our people. The merger is also hoped to help create a necessary precondition for the demise of dictatorship and establishment of democratic Eritrea.

Mark Itch| 3.8.09 @ 3:35PM

For those that keep speaking well of the present Eritrean governament:
From the American Chonicles
March 07, 2009
Eritrea: Too many enemies, too few friends.
Michael Abraha

Michael Abraha: How would you describe the current Eritrean political situation?

MA: Why are Eritreans so patient then if the government is not serving their interest?

MA: Observes say Eritrean economy is in horrible shape. How do you assess the situation.?

MA: Many Eritreans have chosen to flee their homeland instead of staying on and directly challenge the government; your comment on this.

MA: What are the short and long-term plans of the new Eritrean People´s Party (EPP), and what has its impact been so far on Eritrean politics?

MA: Your party, EPP, and the Eritrean Democratic Party (EDP) are in the process of merging. What do you hope to achieve under a unified leadership.

Mark Itch| 3.8.09 @ 3:42PM

Mulugheta Mesfin!!
Who is paying you to say this, minimising the mistreatrments of the eritrean people. By saying this you are like those that are perpretating such attricities. Shame on you! Or you are, as I said before, a governament agent and then you are a real persecutor of the poor Eritrean people:

H.Solomon | 3.9.09 @ 12:25AM

Mr. Doug Bandow if you want to write a credible story about Eritrea then take a short trip to the country and experience Eritrea for yourself instead of cut and paste articles of lies from various sources. In less than 20 years of independence Eritrea has achieved more than most African countries that are celebrating their 50+ years of independence and much more than those who claimed "3000 years of independence".

The U.N and superpowers of 1950s denied Eritrea idependence by claiming it can not stand economically by itself! Well eritrea again proved them wrong it acheived its independence through a bitter strugle of 30 years of armed strugle. It has withstood all conspirancies since 1998 when border war was fabricated to recolonize it, painting Eritrea a land of religious persecution led by NGO's and Pseduo Christians who are guilty of one of the Ten Commandment "Though not Lie". Eritreans always believed on the truth, because they know only the truth make them free. Eritreans religion and culture are one, they conduct their everyday lives acording to the teachings of the great prophets of the true religions, unlike other parts of the world relgion praciced one day a of the the week. Eritreans trust in one true God and that why they stood among the nations of the world, despite many enemies and few friends. Eritreans believe they can do anything and everything by trusting in God.That is the history of Eritrea. For the new American Obama adminstration Eritrea is not a challenge but an opportunity to forge a new U.S. policy to Africa that will lead to prosperity to all, because Eritrea is a nation that always believed that Yes We Can! contrary to others who sit and beg. African salvation for peace and prosperity is being layed out in Eritrea and it is in the interest of all who are concerned for peace and security of our planet to join the Eritreans. Eritrea though poor in material wealth compared to many it is wealthy nation in its culture and the rest of the world can learn and benefit from tiny Eritrea's wealth of cultures forged for centuries, tested in good and bad times.

Chris Walters| 3.9.09 @ 1:21PM

I have been to Eritrea for short term medical mission work every fall for the last three years. I have spent most of that time in Asmara working at Halibet hospital. I have not heard of the type of persecution mention in this article. I spend time with many of my friends families there in their homes and they all attend church and seem to be to do so easily. I have attended the catholic church in Asmara myself although I am a protestant. How many of the people posting these strong comments have ever been to Eritrea? I admit things there are far from perfect but I have been impressed by the spirit of the people there. Despite a lack of resources and little help from the outside world they are working very hard to improve things there. It seems as though there has been a focus on water resource manangement recently and the building of resevoirs to help survive the periodic droughts. The Chinese have built new hospitals in Asmara and in Ghinda. In my travels there I have not seen anything attibuted to our government except the remains of the old CIA listening post. I hope the new administration can see the opportunities for outreach in Eritrea without expecting anything in return. I have the utmost respect for the Eritrean people who are working very hard to build their nation. I am not not unaware of the political situation there but do not feel the people should be punished for the shortcomings of a new nation. I am sure that after the American revolution the Torries had many complaints. I look forward to my return next fall

war-say| 3.9.09 @ 5:41PM

To mulugheta and those who defend the deeds of eritrean government
it is so easy to support the eritrean leadership and show no eritreanism. we have indeed fought a long independence war against the ethio regimes , what u dont realy understand is that we are certainly neither liberated nor live under any kind of freedom and justice. because all what the former leaders did in eritrea in amahric, is the current leadership doing in tigrigna.
what i want to say we eritreans have a long way to go in order to feel the freedom that we enjoying by leaving the country and find our heaven in western countries.
if you guys answer the folowing Qs with YES, then there is no way you can support the eri leadership unless you dont realy care about the faith and the future of our belover eritrean people.
have you ever been to eritrea since the year 2000?
did you have family live in eritrea and have any contact with them?
do u have eritrean friends around you?
do you follow what is realy going on in ur country eritrea?
do u realy feel the pain and the bitterness the eritrean youth is experiancing?
dont you realy have any family member jailed for no reason?
do u understand tigrigna or any other eritrean language?
do u feel bad when the harsh part or our history repeats itself?
do u realy care when eritrean people is denied any kind of freedom it deserves while u are enjoying all kind of freedon without even fighting for it
dont you realy know how many eritreans are leaving their nation to get their freedom in usa , what they couldnt get in their OWN country?

Habteab| 3.10.09 @ 12:03AM

Pople are not only defending the government of Eritrea, they die to protect the government of Eritrea. Stop lieing and read what the good doc has writen about the country. Are there challenges? hek yes, the children of Eritrea are working hard to correct them. Are there many milestone developments achieved? Oh'yes. With malaria almost distroyed, measles and polio eradicated, more than 80% of the country geting clean water, every child in the country going to school, access to primary medical treatment within walking distance, thousands of children getting free college education, on, and on, and on, and on. I think many of you woke up from a coma just now. keep on sleeping.

Mark Itch| 3.10.09 @ 11:51AM

Chris Walters are you eritrean? At one point you said: "In my travels there I have not seen anything attibuted to "our" government.."
Do we have to understand that you are Eritrean?
I think it is very commendable that you go and give your services for the "people" but if you are eritrean why not move in Eritrea indefenately and work full time there, they need you! Why staying abroad in the West where there are millions of doctors, nurses, engeneers etc?
I see that you made quite a remark of the Chinease hospitals in Asmara and Ghinda which I think it is good but I found a bit surprising that you don't know of the many other hospitals that have been closed or stopped complately by the eritrean governament beacuse they where owed by the chatholic church or because they where "not needed" even though finaced by individual or medical groups abroad, so the governamnet said, like the one that was in front of the old president home that was not allowed to be complated because of "security". Security of what? What about the people!
I think it will do a lot of good to go and live there and live the people's life and see what they really go through. Indeed the eritrean people are very admirable for their patience and long suffering and THEY DO NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN by their own countryman. You talk about water project and others, indeed but at what expense of the poor young and old people ( I do not see or hear yet of any governament ministers or even the president joining them in the works once in the while! Mao did it and he even made his ministers do that regularly so they wouldn't forget !) But we need to hear more about the People, how they are cared for not just about "acheavements".
I think it will do you good, if I may say, to go and live in Eritrea.
Unless you are also part of the governament and use these things as propaganda!
If I may say Eritrea needs people that "do" care for the people in Words and in Deeds and to help them live a better life! And if they see that something is wrong that they can speak up otherwise they are phoney! This is "Not" to cause hatread but to appeal the honest people to speak up for the poor! And continue to speak up!
Without fear if it is the truth.

H.Solomon| 3.10.09 @ 4:53PM

Mr. Mark I don’t know what is itching you about Eritrean poor plight of religious freedom. There can not be any one to care about Eritrean poor people more than those who are leading the country .They have risked and sacrifice their lives to the betterment of their people. Dr Chris Walter did not claim he was an Eritrean. My reading indicates he is 100% American who wrote what he saw and experienced in Eritrea. You tried to refute his observation of Chinese built hospital he saw in the country. You claim 100s of hospital closed but you do not identify a single hospital that was closed. I am an ETHIOPIAN by birth but I am 100% supporter of the Eritrean people and government.

Long before Eritrea achieved its independence in 70s, one of African leader from Tanzania visited the liberated area under EPLF. After he saw the underground factories, and healthcare provided in the liberated areas he declared that “I have seen the future Africa, and it is working.” This he declaed this a time when the world dismissed the Eritrean people strugle for independenc as futile attempt aginst governments armed and supported by the Supper Powers.

Mr. Itch visit Eritrea and write what you saw, do not write that the sky is falling in Eritrea without any evidence. Belive me those who support and those who oppose the government may have an ax to grind. The EPP and others are people who are desperately to take state power and they would say anything including wishing wars and famine to the Eritrean people as long as that would lead to acheive their objectives. Mr. Mark if you are truly want to help Eritrean people then work for peace in the region and be a tool for those who want for wars and ignorance in our region.

chris Walters| 3.11.09 @ 8:34AM

To Mark Itch
Brother you made me almost spill my coffee this morning when I read your post. Thanks I needed that. I am an American as I assume you are. I am sorry my reference to "our government " was not clear I meant the United States. I actually agree with you on some things. I am considering moving to Eritrea semi full time in a few years when my children are older and on their own. My colleague and dear friend Dr.Keith Goss and I are trying to establish a limb deformity center there staffed by us and former surgery residents we have helped train. We currently go twice a year but soon hope to have physicians in Asmara much more often and ultimately full time. I admire people like Dr.Haile Mezghebe (Howard University trauma surgeon) and others who are on unpaid leave from their positions here in the U.S. for 1-2 years serving Gods people in Eritrea and more importantly helping train physicians there. Physicians for Peace in Norfolk Virginia has many volunteers in Eritrea and throughout the world doing service in areas of need. If you would like to help support their work check out the website www.physiciansforpeace.org. I agree Mark that talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. I am done talking, I hope to see you in Asmara.
Chris

Mark Itch| 3.11.09 @ 11:30AM

Dear Chriss
if I may say I think you are a man of great integrity
and of deep values. I am sure you are doing and great job and will do even a greater one. If you don't mind me saying your humility is very convicting!
If I can I will be happy to meet you in Asmara, are you working there under the organization "physiciansforpeace"?
Cafe Moderno for a capuccino or bun will do?
Wishing you all the best!

Mark Itch| 3.11.09 @ 12:06PM

Hello Mr H. Solomon
Na geze gena' (i don't know if I spell it correcrtly but it supposed to be Amharic! Or you speak Oromo? ethipia is a big country.)
What a wonderful testimony you have, so it can work!That that the problem is not of which race you are that counts but what is "inside of you" that makes the difference. You say you are an Ethiopian and yet you don't have any problem to support Eritrea and the Eritrean people right to be free! (or you only support the governament?) So if it works for you it can work for anyone else and Peace can finally be at last in this region, don't you think?
So if it is not the race the obstacle that can be overcome what is it that is causing such unhealthy constant tension and threat of war between the 2 countries? (Is the people or the governaments?)
If we talk of acheavements I think obtaining PACE at any cost will be the best! Don't you think? More then just buiding bridges, hospitals, water conservation and then start another war to ruin everything again, without counting the real loss of life: your young people? What is really more important? What do you think is the answer for the solution to obtain lasting Pace? I think are the values that you have inside of you (or what do you have to change) that will lead you to it at any cost!

Chris Walters| 3.11.09 @ 12:24PM

Mark Itch
Yes I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with Physicians For Peace. I will be in Asmara again in late October / early November 09. Coffee or Enjira is fine with me. I can be found at Halibet hospital working with one of the finest physicians I have had the pleasure of knowing. He is Dr.Semere and I think he is one of the hardest working and most dedicated men I have ever met. God bless the people of Eritrea!
Chris Walters
PS: I am done

EVERYBODY MUST READ THIS| 3.12.09 @ 12:17PM

ERITREA: Challenges and Threats Posed by New Religious Movements

Sophia Tesfamariam

March 11, 2009

The story is long, so bear with me…it will take a while...but in the end, I hope that we would have learned from the mistakes of the last 8 years and most importantly, that the incoming Obama Administration will not commit the same blunders that have wrecked havoc in the lives of millions in Africa.

Much has been said and written about religion in Eritrea and various accusations have been hurled at the Government and people of Eritrea over the last 8 years. I believe it is time once again to re-visit the issue of "religious freedom" in Eritrea and how this "wedge issue" was hatched and why Eritrea was targeted. While the regime in Ethiopia may have contributed, by way of lies and disinformation, to the campaign to demonize the Eritrean leadership, the scope of the agendas seem to be much larger than anything the aid-dependent minority regime could ever muster on its own. A beggar regime whose national budget is donor subsidized and whose people are dependent on food aid, and whose institutions of government are externally funded and run, neither has the financial or intellectual capacity, to launch or sustain such a campaign.

It was also a campaign that the so-called Eritrean opposition (a dubious association of like-minded defectors, disgruntled diplomats, pedophiles, rapists, self-professed "intellectuals and professionals" and an assortment of scandalous opportunists), who I have baptized as Eritrea´s Quislings League (EQL), could never organize or lead without directives. After overcoming almost three decades of betrayals and untold suffering, the neocolonialists should have been hard pressed to find a single Eritrean Chalabi …but as we have seen in the last decade, Eritrea too has her share of treasonous children and scholars-for-hire… Instead of defending the dreams and aspirations of the Eritrean people, they set out to advance that of others. The EQL sert out to betray the trust of the Eritrean people.

Serving as puppets for the minority regime in Ethiopia; they undermined, ridiculed and sullied every Eritrean institution. They left no stone unturned to isolate Eritrea and deny Eritrea and its people the right to development. They burned the midnight oil churning out "analysis", "reports", "lists" etc. to malign Eritrea, its people and its leadership. Even the historical Eritrean Orthodox Church was challenged and its members rebuked. As we will see later, the Eritrean Orthodox Church was long targeted and the EQL, instead of defending the rights of the Church, worked in tandem with its enemies to distort its history and its foundation. Today, we see a member of the EQL is parading "In Chains for Christ"-how fitting for someone who have been unable to unchain himself from mental slavery…this from a man who had the audacity to preach to others about African decolonization.

So, if it not the minority regime in Ethiopia and if not the EQL, then who was running the show? Well, suffice it to say that it too was an equally dubious alliance of fundamentally different and even ideologically opposed religious and political factions. One was the coalition of evangelical Christians (also known as the New Christian Right) and other was the aggressive political ideologues commonly known as the Neoconservatives. Despite their many ideological, cultural, and socioeconomic differences, these two factions found common ground in Bush White House and they, like Machiavelli back then, recognized the power of religion as a potent political tool. The cartel used civil religion to justify, promote and effectuate its political goals. They introduced us to a new brand of politics coined "Political Fundamentalism" -which has been defined as the "strategic manipulation of religious beliefs, narratives, and sentiments for political gain at home and for aggressive militarism overseas". I will henceforth refer to them as the cartel.

Jeffrey Goldberg of the New York Times wrote about the cartel and its agenda in the 21 December 1997 article "Washington Discovers Christian Persecution". According to Goldberg, the cartel included:

"...Reaganite conservatives, labor activists, veterans of the Soviet Jewry movement and, most important, evangelical Christians. These unlikely partners are united by their desire to "remoralize" American foreign policy…Midwifed by a handful of veteran organizers, this is an issue manufactured in the mile-square section of Washington that produces the most priceless of political commodities: the wedge issue. It is a process of political manufacturing that Washington seems to have perfected the taking of a simple, transparently righteous issue and turning into a political football..."

The Bush Administration´s Faith Based Initiative buoyed their coffers and offered them further access to nations big and small around the globe.

With a variety of mercenaries in tow, the cartel, which controlled the purse and the agenda, launched a massive disinformation and vilification campaign against the State of Eritrea. Eritrea´s Chalabis, expert information launderers that they have become, were eager to peddle countless lies and exaggerations about Eritrea´s history, economy, and its leadership and people-especially the Eritrean Diaspora. After jumping on the "democracy" and "human rights" bandwagons in the early years, the confused and disoriented EQL lined up to push the "religious freedom in Eritrea" wagon, while the cartel rode high. They figured it would be the most divisive issue, and the one that could help them achieve their ultimate goals. In these circles, treason and deceit are commonplace and there was plenty of that. Eritreans endured an incessant barrage of distortions, fabrications and insults from self-righteous individuals and groups.

The cartel which enjoyed unprecedented access and power in the Bush Administration, is seeking to do the same with the new Barack Obama Administration. With individuals strategically placed in key Washington institutions such as Freedom House, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Institute on Religion and Public Policy, Open Doors, World Wide Evangelicals, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and in the United States Congress, the "network" managed to pass legislations during the Bush era, that would most probably not see the light of day in an Obama Administration…that does not mean that they will not try… and some already have.

It is that access, influence and power that enabled cartel groupies like Joseph Griebosky of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy and Dick Army, Meles Zenawi´s lobbyist, to provide the minority regime in Ethiopia, the political and diplomatic shield it needed as it violated international law, committed international crimes in Somalia, and committed genocides in the Gambela, Ogaden and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. The cartel and its "network" bombarded Congress with faxes, emails and letters to prevent lawmakers from taking action against the lawless and belligerent regime. When US lawmakers introduced HR-2003, known as the Ethiopian Democracy and Human Rights Bill, it was Joseph Griebosky that wrote to the United States Congress to kill the Bill. Here is what he wrote:

"...Ethiopia has made outstanding progress in democratic development, human rights, religious freedom, political and civil rights. Despite this improvement, the House of Representatives wishes to impose its own timeline and its own standards on Ethiopia's advance… H.R.2003 is a threat to American political and security interests in the Horn of Africa and in Africa as a whole and only serves to alienate yet another ally with a sticks-but-no-carrots approach to foreign policy…It is imperative that the United States Senate reexamines the merits of H.R. 2003 as currently drafted and amend the bill to provide the appropriate democratic tools and capacity-building agenda, before it causes undue harm to American interests..."

Not surprisingly, Meles Zenawi is not the first brutal dictator that the cartel has defended; their hands are soaked with the blood of thousands of innocent people all over the world. Throughout the Cold War years, these groups have been responsible for helping to get these dictators into power and then provided the diplomatic and political shield and support to stay in power. Some examples of such dictators who enjoyed the cartel´s support are Mohammed Suharto of Indonesia, the most brutal and corrupt of the 20th century, Haiti´s Papa Doc Duvalier, Guatemala´s General Rios Montt, Siad Biarre of Somalia.

In the 1980´s, using language similar to that used by Griebosky to defend Meles Zenawi, the American televangelist Pat Robertson defended the atrocities committed by General Rios Montt of Guatemala. Nikolas Kozloff on 18 September 2005 warned of Pat Robertson´s duplicity and hypocrisy. He wrote:

"...Rios Montt conducted a scorched earth policy. His forces massacred as many as 15,000 Indians. Whole villages were leveled and the army set up "Civilian Self-Defense Patrols" which forced 900,000 villagers to "voluntarily" aid police in tracking down suspects. Rios Montt created "model" villages, similar to concentration camps, which housed Indian refugees. However, when 40,000 survivors sought safety in Mexico, Guatemalan helicopters machine gunned the camps…Amnesty International noted that extra judicial killings carried out the by the military "were done in terrible ways: people of all ages were not only shot to death, they were burned alive, hacked to death, disemboweled, drowned, beheaded. Small children were smashed against rocks or bayoneted to death."…Far from denouncing such practices, Robertson rushed to defend Rios Montt. "Little by little the miracle began to unfold," he wrote of the regime. "The country was stabilized. Democratic processes, never a reality in Guatemala, began to be put into place. Most damning of all, even as Rios Montt was carrying out the extermination of the Mayan population, Robertson held a fundraising telethon for the Guatemalan military..."

But Rios is not the only dictator that has won the support of Robertson and the cartel. Mobuto Sese Seko also benefited from his close friendship with Pat Robertson. He then, like Meles Zenawi today, was portrayed by Robertson as a "loyal US ally" in the war against international communism. He also emerged as Mobutu's close friend, and probably his most valuable asset in a deceptive campaign to maintain his stature with some ruling circles in the United States. Robertson was "wined-and-dined" by Mobutu on the dictator's presidential yacht, and entertained at his lavish estates. Robertson was rewarded handsomely for his political support and shield. He received extensive lumber and mining concessions along the upper Zaire River and operated a 50,000 acre farm in Zaire (now Congo).

Pat Robertson is not the only member of the cartel that has provided diplomatic and political, shield and support for vicious and criminal regimes that have committed historical crimes against humanity. No one should forget the support given by Jerry Falwell for the apartheid regime in South Africa. In the 1980s, the leaders of the unashamedly pro-free market economics and anti formal religion cartel had invested heavily in apartheid South Africa. Believing that the African liberation struggles would bring an end to their free reign over the territories, they demonized the liberation struggle and its leaders. Many were forced into exile, many more were killed. Back then it was "the fight against communism", that served as a pretext for their "unholy" alliances. They said that South Africa was "the Kremlin's Playground" and that its leaders were "Marxist". Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naudé, and Allan Boesak were portrayed as dangerous "foes" and Nelson Mandela was labeled a "terrorist".

Ted Haggard, one of the nation's most influential conservative "Christian" leaders and a staunch ally of the Bush administration, who in a recent letter to his congregation confessed that he was "a deceiver and a liar" and cited "sexual immorality" as the reason for resigning from his position as President of the National Association of Evangelicals and as pastor of his Colorado mega-church (14,000-member congregation), once claimed that Jesus wants a free market economy.

No to be outdone, Billy Graham, a renowned Evangelical Christian and spiritual adviser to multiple U.S. presidents was against communism and supportive of U.S. Cold War policy, including the Vietnam War. But his political views did not stop him from having a very close relationship with the late North Korean dictator Kim Il-sung. Graham said that Il-Sung was a "different kind of communist" and that he was "one of the great fighters for freedom in his country against the Japanese." There is a saying in Tigrinya that goes something like this-kit bel´o zideleKa aba gumbah, zagra tiblo…

Déjà vu!

Today we see the cartel and its mercenaries employing pretty much the same propaganda techniques to demonize the Government of Eritrea and its leadership. Damning pictures and words have been replayed in thousands of missionary sites by the cartel for over 5 years. Pat Robertson´s 700 Club and the many hundreds of radio programs such as Compassion Radio, and hundreds of website have disseminated un-Christian propaganda. These lies have been regurgitated by young and old Americans; some of these people do not even know where Eritrea is, but chose to propagate the lies and deceptions, forgetting God´s commandments that clearly say, "thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor" and "thou shall not lie´. Toeing the line is a group of cheap imitators who insist on being "In Chains for Christ". These individuals and groups call on prayers for others when it is obvious that it is them who need prayer and salvation the most.

There are individuals and groups that have been obsessed with Eritrea, as if it were their final quest. One of them is Glenn Penner. This man who insists on challenging this author about Eritrea, as if he would know Eritrea better than I would, is typical of the patronizing and condescending lot. For a man who has never visited Eritrea, knows absolutely nothing about Eritrea´s long and deep religious history, or about Eritrea´s cultures and or about the people, and could care less, has gone out of his way to pen the most outrageous and false articles on Eritrea. For people like him, the end justifies the means. In some he has even attempted to provoke this author (rather childishly, I might add). But he, like all the other peddlers of Christian persecution news, knows that without the deceptions and the lies, there would be no sensational gut wrenching stories to tell. No stories, no funds… "Spreading the Gospel" is not going to earn them the $45 million dollars a year that "persecution of Christians" rakes in...

This member Voice of the Martyrs (VoM) maliciously labeled the Government of Eritrea "Communist" and falsely claimed that "the Eritrean security was trained by the East German Stasi, who were experts at recruiting informers from within religious groups" . Had he known anything about Eritrea´s long and heroic struggle for independence, he would have known that the East German´s never supported the Eritrean peoples struggle and never trained any members of the Eritrean People´s Liberation Front (EPLF). Glenn Penner knowingly misled his readers. Instead of doing his homework, he chose to "cut and paste" unsubstantiated reports from dubious sources such as Release Eritrea. For people like him, it is the sound bites that he chases, not the truth. The fundamentalist and evangelical groups, such as VoM, preyed on the sympathies and kindness of the American public while and fleeced it of millions in donations and contributions, solicited on behalf of the "persecuted".

But he is not the only person at VoM that has fabricated lies and distorted the truth to hoodwink his readers and hide VoM´s lawlessness. Todd Nettleton is another member of that NGO who has engaged in the most vicious campaign designed to distort Eritrea´s image. He is one of the many individuals and groups missionaries who have abused Eritrea´s visa regulations and entered the country under false pretexts citing tourism or business (English teacher) as reasons and then extending their stay repeatedly to carry on missionary and proselytizing activities.

Unfortunately, Eritrea is not his sole victim; there have been many other nations that have been violated by this wayward "missionary". He justifies his illegal entry into sovereign nations and his lawless activities by saying that he is doing it for the good of the "converts"…he traverses the globe and tells us that if people are not introduced to the Gospel, "the alternative is that they will go to hell". The alternative is that there will not be conflicts and violence and therefore no persecution stories for his group to peddle. For Nettleton and his group, its not just Moslems that are targeted, but as we shall see later, it is the established churches, such as the Eritrean Orthodox Church in Eritrea and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Ethiopia, that are prime for "harvest".

Then there is the audacious Kevin Turner, a USAID subcontractor that entered Eritrea pretending to be a "humanitarian" worker, who had no qualms insulting the people and government of Eritrea, while he was still in Eritrea. Probably felt that his USAID credentials gave him free reign in Eritrea, as it did in Sudan where he has been "converting Moslems" for over 14 years. Turner of Strategic World Impact (SWI) tells an unlikely tale about a dream in which Jesus Christ told him that there were 9 hot spots in the world that he needed to go to and do God´s work. By coincidence, they also nicely aligned with those countries that are of strategic political and economic interest to the cartel leaders.

Feeding on the fear of Islam and the Islam phobic atmosphere in the United States, he sent numerous reports from Eritrea accusing the President of Eritrea, H.E. Isaias Afwerki, a Christian, of trying to "Islamize" the nation. He falsely and malicious propagated the false accusation of Christians being imprisoned "in the middle of nowhere in 40-foot shipping containers" which are "very hot during the day and freezing cold at night". For Turner and his ilk, the nastier the tale, the better the response from the gullible that he and the cartel sought to deceive. These modern day missionaries are no different than their forefathers…the apple does not fall too far away from the tree…

The scandal ridden-cartel that brought us the illegal detentions of Guantanamo Bay, the prisoner torture and abuse of Abu Ghraib, extraordinary renditions and secret prisons all over the world, including Ethiopia, and the fake National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) sponsored multi colored and scented revolutions such as: Orange Revolution in Ukraine, Rose Revolution in Georgia, Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, Purple Revolution in Iraq, Saffron Revolution in Myanmar (Burma) and fake elections such as the 2005 elections in Ethiopia and the bloody Kenyan election of 2007, did not have the moral or legal authority or integrity or credibility, to preach to Eritrea about anything, least of all religious freedom.

What triggered the aggressive militancy of the "political fundamentalists"? Yash Tandon of the South Center in his 1996 paper on Africa´s development wrote:

"...The collapse of the Soviet-style Communism obscures a deep crisis facing Western powers. Other forces are emerging to challenge them. One is fundamentalism. The West had a clear answer to Soviet communism, but has no answer to Islamic fundamentalism where the issues go beyond the development paradigm. Against Islamic fundamentalism, the West offers its own forms of Christian fundamentalism..."

During the last ten to fifteen years, there has been a bewildering explosion of new religious movements (NRMs) in Africa. We have all heard about the massive open-air rallies, crusades, revival gatherings, miracle centers, healing ministries and so on. While there are many African Christian churches that have been established by Africans themselves, it hardly explains how the number of churches in Africa grew from about 5000 churches in 1968 to the tens of thousands today. The headlines are filled with stories of this phenomenon. Here are a few examples:

"...Authorities in Cameroon are seeking to control the surging numbers of Pentecostal churches in the country… Distinguishable by the loud music which emanates during services, the churches are found in the most densely-populated areas… concerned officials in the South West Cameroon governor's office, together with police, have stepped in and begun closing down some of the churches - even though Cameroon is a secular state with freedom of worship..." (BBC 24 April 2007)

"...There has been a boom in the number of new Pentecostal churches in Nigeria in recent years… Almost half the disciples are foreigners… Many Pentecostal churches have set up schools and universities, often focusing on business skills..."(BBC in pictures)

"...The Registrar General is overwhelmed by increasing demand for the registration of churches … the department is facing difficulties in processing 6,740 pending applications by various religious groupings…about 60 applications are filed every month. Already, there are 8, 520 registered churches…The AG [Attorney General] cautioned that some of the groups masquerading as churches were illegal outfits established to cash in on freely flowing money in the evangelical world…There is an astronomical increase in the application for the registration of religious societies, some of them turning out to be either wolves and sheepish or formed purely for financial gain, and take advantage of the unsuspecting public..."(East African Standard 4 September 2007)

Allow me to present some recent stories that will show some of the problems that developing countries are facing because of these modern day missionaries and their illegal, aggressive proselytizing and conversion schemes:

Groups of Ethiopian Christians were reportedly still hiding in churches Thursday, January 18, after one believer was killed, Christian homes burned and several believers were threatened with execution for converting from Islam.

Violence has engulfed some predominantly Moslem villages in Nigeria, where Nigerian Moslems are protesting the visit of German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.

The recent Hindu attacks on Christians in the east and south of the country where churches homes and schools belonging to Christians were burned down and 22 people were killed and thousands forced to camps is yet another example. In this case, Christians in the area were "forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity". The report cited a rise in "prosperity and status" that accompanies conversion to Christianity as being the underlying reason.

In March 2008, the Jordanian government deported an unspecified number of expatriates for "carrying out Christian missionary activities under the guise of charity work". Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized and is also home to several tombs of the Prophet Mohammed's companions and Mount Nebo, and where according to biblical tradition God showed Moses the Promised Land, is a popular destination for Christian, Muslim and Jewish pilgrims alike who revere Moses.

On 6 April 2007, the Times of India report said: "…police had questioned 26 American tourists on a visit to the city after residents of a slum in Baghlingampally complained that the foreigners were trying to convert the locals… a group of 53 foreigners had come to India on tourist visas. Of them, 26 came to the city led by a schoolteacher from California …the villagers complained that the foreigners were trying to convert the locals… the tourists were propagating their religion by luring people with gifts like chocolates and sweets… The tourists are reported to belong to a group, Youth Wing Mission and went to the slum in vehicles provided by Bethel Gospel church…"

Not to single out Kenya, but this statistics on Kenya is interesting and a wake up call for Africans. In "Keeping Kenya Christian" posted on 18 February 2008 , the Economist reported:

"...Missionaries are not the only ones interested in keeping Kenya Christian: the international community also enlists Christ to further Kenya's stability. Colonial governments funded missionaries to ease tribal tensions. Western governments support them to battle the spread of Muslim extremists. The US government counts hundreds of international Christian groups as development partners. Of the 9,000 Americans in Kenya, two-thirds are missionaries and their families..."

Imagine the fit the bigoted self-righteous cartel would have if 6000 Moslem Kenyan Missionaries came to live in their midst, to convert their children, wives, husbands, fathers and mothers to Islam and convert their Mega Churches to Mega Mosques or as they are doing in Africa, break them up into many "house Mosques" or "Islamic cells". Yet, when countries introduce laws to protect their people´s peace and security from the cartel and the aggressive militancy that is engaged in religious expansion, "harvesting believers", creating "underground churches" and "Christian cells", they are labeled "draconian", "anti-Religious Freedom" etc. etc. These groups go out of their way to provoke governments, but are the first to cry "foul" when governments act. What hypocrites!

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana´s first president warned of these groups over 4 decades ago, as he recognized the entry of various "missions" that were established by the neocolonialists to maintain control over the economies of the newly independent African states:

"...Perhaps one of the most insidious methods of the neo-colonialists is evangelism. Following the liberation movement there has been a veritable riptide of religious sects, the overwhelming majority of them American. Typical of these are Jehovah´s Witnesses who recently created trouble in certain developing countries by busily teaching their citizens not to salute the new national flags. ´Religion´ was too thin to smother the outcry that arose against this activity, and a temporary lull followed. But the number of evangelists continues to grow..."

To its Bretton Woods "structural adjustments programs", the cartel now added the Bible belt´s "spiritual adjustment programs" to maintain its economic stranglehold on Africa and its vast mineral, oil and other natural resources.

According to the modern day missionaries, they have a mandate to make disciples in all nations and fundamentalists and evangelicals launched "The Joshua Project"- to take the Gospel to as many "un-reached" people in the world as possible. The countries have been chosen and put into a neat rectangular area that Luis Bush (no relations to George Bush) says is the most important area that missionaries should focus on. Bush describes it and its importance:

"...It is a belt that extends from West Africa across Asia, between 10 degrees north to 40 degrees north of the equator… 97 percent of the 3 billion people who live in the 55 most un-evangelized countries live in the 10/40 Window… it is the heart of Islam… Adherents to the Islamic religion are growing, as is suggested by the increased numbers pilgrimaging to Mecca. Yet at the same time, it is reported that many Muslims–having studied the Koran in great depth–have discovered in the process that the highest prophet described in the Koran is Jesus Christ and not Muhammad… just as Eastern Europe recognized that the atheistic ideology of Communism could not stand the test of time, so also the "eyes" and the "hearts" of the Muslims will be opened to the truth… it's where the three main religious blocs are located. There is the Muslim bloc with 706 million … There is the Hindu bloc with 717 million people … And there is the Buddhist bloc with 153 million..."

By the time George Bush came to the White House, the Project was already at its height in places such as India, Burma and in African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cameroon. In Eritrea, the Afar, Beja, Bilen, Kunama, and Saho were considered the "un-reached" and missionaries eyed the newly independent nation.

Eritrea (pre-independence and post independence) has also seen an explosion of NRMs with roots in Ethiopia or in the West. The variety of these groups include the Church of the Living God- out of the Medhane Alem (Sunday School Ministries) revival groups within the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Dubre Bethel Church , Faith of Christ Church, Hallelujah Church / Hallelujah Pentecostal Church, Kale Hiwot (Word of Life- Baptist church affiliated to the SIM, formerly the Sudan Interior Mission), Mensfesawyan, Mullu Wongel (Full Gospel), Meserete Kristos (Christ is the Foundation-Menonite), Mehrete Eyesus Evangelical Church, Berhane Hiwot Church of Eritrea, Philadelphia Church of Eritrea, New Covenant Church, Rhema (from Ethiopia) etc. etc. the missionary groups were just as many. At one point there were 36 groups…

In the entire history of Eritrea, the only "religious conflict" happened during the British Administration, when individuals in that Administration deliberately and maliciously sought to bring conflict amongst Christians and Moslems in Eritrea. Astier Almedom describes one such incident, a very bloody incident, in her paper "Re-reading the Short and Long-Rigged History of Eritrea 1941–1952 : Back to the Future?"

"...on Wednesday 28 August 1946, the day of Eid (Feast at the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan) a fight broke out in Abba Shaul, the poorest part of the Eritrean quarters of Asmara, in which one Sudanese man died and a few others were injured. As soon as the news of the death reached their barracks, about 70 Sudanese soldiers "careered murderously through Asmara´s native quarter armed with weapons ransacked from the armoury"…Predominantly Christian residential areas were targeted and those who did not wear a turban or an amulet or had the Coptic cross tattooed on their foreheads (as was common among Orthodox Christian women) were dragged out of their homes, lined up, and executed on the streets of Asmara. Ullendorff (1988) noted that this happened between 5 and 6 pm, and that he and his wife had heard the sound of "heavy machine-gun fire, loud and prolonged. As soon as we realized that something pretty serious was happening we went to the Senior Officer´s Mess, less than five minutes´ walk from the Hamasien Hotel the Massacre which lasted about two hours claimed the lives of 46, leaving about 70 wounded; of which 3 of the dead and 13 of the wounded were Sudanese [possibly victims of ´friendly fire´, as there were no records of Eritreans firing back]..."

In addition, during Eritrea´s 30-year long struggle for independence, Christians and Moslems lived and fought together to liberate Eritrea. Even though there were efforts to disrupt and divide the people between ethnic and religious lines, these efforts were immediately recognized and thwarted.

So what is the problem today? For that, I think it is easier to take a look at how these new churches are being established and what their goals are. We will take a look at one of the churches that was established in the early 40s and one that was formed in the 60s. I chose these two because the missionaries involved with these two churches have written extensively about them, making it easy for me to illustrate the problem. Just because the churches were established way before Eritrea´s independence doesn´t mean that they are good for Eritrea, or that they ever had the best interests of the people of Eritrea, as one shameless Eritrean scholar-for-rent suggested in one of his recent posts.

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH

For example, in Africa, the Assemblies of God (AG) had over 245 missionaries in 50 countries. There are 49585 Assemblies of God churches and preaching centers, 48448 national and lay ministers, 232 Bible schools and 11964 Bible school students established in Africa. This mission operates all over Africa and is primarily responsible for the huge number of "churches" mushrooming all over Africa. Here are the staggering numbers :

The Burkina Faso fellowship formed in 1944 and is the largest church in the nation of the 6,000-plus churches and preaching points in that country. Besides emphasizing home missions to the nation´s 58 distinct tribal groups, the Fellowship has sent and supported missionaries to Niger, Senegal, Mali, Benin, Guinea, and Belgium.

In Tanzania the focus is on reaching the nation´s 160 cultural groups and 120 tribes. Its concerted church planting strategy and cross-cultural home missions training have been significant in the fellowship´s growth. In 1980, TAG consisted of 275 churches and preaching points. Today that number has mushroomed to more than 3,200 with at least 100 churches in Dar es Salaam, the capital. Nearly 500,000 adult believers attend AG churches each week.

First introduced to Kenya in 1921 and today nearly 3,200 churches and preaching points have been planted around the nation.

In Nigeria the church´s growth is said to grow at approximately 400 churches yearly. There are more than 10,000 churches and preaching points, and the Nigerian church is the largest AG fellowship in Africa. The Nigerian AG has been instrumental in the development of the Pentecostal church in Niger.

Let us take a look at AG in Eritrea.

Jerry Falley and Maxine Falley are two American missionaries with the Assemblies of God who have written about their "adventure" in Eritrea. In their story they tell how Eritrea was chosen by these American missionaries:

"...A month earlier, Eritrea had been recognized by the United Nations as the newest African Republic. Following 30 years of guerrilla warfare, it appeared the society would be fertile soil for church planting. Since the Assemblies of God had not yet entered Eritrea, Ethiopia or Sudan, I asked to survey those three countries. My Area Director agreed… God threw a curve ball and turned me toward the horn of Africa… On my flight from Nairobi, Kenya to Eritrea, I spent one week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which was a wonderful introduction to the horn of Africa…Staying at a missions´ guesthouse, I met a man who had just come from Eritrea. He kindly recommended a hotel in Asmara and gave me the telephone number of Kuflu Meskel, chairman of the Board of Elders at the Full Gospel Church and a mathematics professor at Asmara University..."

Soon both Jerry and Maxine Falley were in Eritrea. They say that their primary mission was to work with the un-reached populations-the Afar, Beja, and Rashaida they also knew that without a national link, they could not do what they wanted to do. They established a link with the Full Gospel Church in Eritrea through correspondence, a visit and then by providing for the Church. Falley wrote that the mission had provided half $4500 of the $9000 needed to buy a large tent that was sent to Eritrea for the Church´s use. The balance of $4500 was raised by the local Church members. Falley wrote that the check for payment for the tent was brought from Asmara by an Eritrean American. Falley also writes about the Church in Eritrea and its needs.

Falley says the Chairman of the Full Gospel Church told him:

"...We need training. Training that goes beyond a formal Bible school and teaches us how to share the gospel with other cultures, especially the groups in the lowlands of Eritrea..."

Two months later, the School of Leadership Training was birthed. A shipping container in the church yard served as a classroom and 21 Eritrean students enrolled for the opening class of the School of Leadership Training.

According to Falley:

"...Full Gospel Church of Eritrea was birthed in 1965 as several born-again believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Bible studies grew into a young church… Then under 18 years of Communist rule and persecution, they met covertly and emerged in free Eritrea numbering about 250 believers…Six years later with a congregation of near 2,000 believers, a training program was being initiated. Senior pastors Habtom and Twelode were among the students..."

In 26 years, from 1965-1991 the Church managed to get only 250 members and yet, after independence, within 6 years, they managed to get 1750 new members… a whopping 700% increase…

MEHRETE YESUS EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (MYEPCE)

The book FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: A Brief History of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, by D.G. Hart and John Muether, chronicles the establishment of the OP church in Eritrea. It also contains information on the missionaries in Eritrea. MYEPCE Church was initially established in the early 40s by the American missionary Clarence Duff :

Duff decided to go to Eritrea in 1943, which at the time was under British Military Administration. He was joined the following year by the Rev. Charles E. Stanton and, in 1945, by Mrs. Duff, Mrs. Stanton and the Rev. and Mrs. Francis E. Mahaffy. Three stations were established, in Ghinda, in Arafali and in Assab. Duff wrote about the challenges he faced in Eritrea. The work was far different from his previous experiences. He called Eritrea a "hot, barren, rocky, Mohammedan field". According to the book, Duff saw the need for many workers and, in effect, two missions:

"...one to the Ethiopic Coptic [Orthodox] Church and another to the Muslims…The mission needed long periods of laborious plowing before it began to reap any significant fruit. Several different languages had to be learned and relationships of trust had to be established. Several times the mission was frustrated by painful defections of individuals who had made what seemed were genuine professions of faith. The persecution and ostracism faced by new converts were harsh. Ten years would pass before the mission would realize the spiritual harvest of new believers…The emerging church had to be strengthened through a program of Christian education, thus heeding Christ's command in the Great Commission to make disciples. The translation and publishing of solid Christian literature was always a priority in the mission. Francis Mahaffy translated portions of the New Testament into the Saho language and produced over a dozen booklets and tracts in that language. Working among the Coptics, Herbert Bird worked on Bible and catechism translation into the Tigrinya language..."

In 1974 two OPC missionary nurses, Anna Strikwerda and Debbie Dortzbach were kidnapped by members of the Eritrean Liberation Front from the Mehreta Yesus Hospital in Ghinda. Anna Strikwerda was shot and killed and Debbie Dortzbach was held for 26 days and released unharmed on Saturday 22 June 1974. This is how OPC tells the story:

"...At noon, Monday, May 27, four armed men of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) invaded our Compassion of Jesus Hospital in Ghinda, Eritrea Province, Ethiopia, and took two of our missionary nurses away with them—Miss Anna Strikwerda, who had served at the hospital since 1966, and Mrs. Karl (Deborah) Dortzbach, who was nearing the end of a one-year term of service. Within minutes Miss Strikwerda had been cold-bloodedly murdered, and within two hours Mrs. Dortzbach had been flown off in a helicopter to a mountain hideout… On Tuesday, the day after the attack, Anna was buried in the presence of many, many people (estimates range up to 2,000) at a service conducted by Mr. Steltzer and participated in by elders of the congregation. She was buried in the garden of the hospital..."

The mission continued for about eighteen months but they decided to suspend their work in 1976 when Osman Adem, a "convert" in the hospital, was seized and never seen alive again. Immediately, the mission and the hospital closed, ending thirty-two years of service. The remaining missionaries returned to the United States. OPC returned to Eritrea in 1992, after Eritrea´s independence. Don and Jeanette Taws, who served from 1958 to 1961, returned to Eritrea for three years to reestablish the mission. The church sent Charles and Rhonda Telfer and Steve and Jane Miller and the Church was re-established in 1995. OPC said:

"...August 1995 saw the reopening of the Mehreta Yesus Family Care Center, at which Dr. Grietje S. Rietkerk and Lois Ooms work. In Asmara, Steve and Jane Miller, Dirk Kievit, and Charles and Rhonda Telfer are busily involved in all aspects of establishing and strengthening the indigenous church..."

Lois Ohm worked in Eritrea for nearly two years training traditional birth attendants and community health workers as well as presenting the gospel to Muslim women. Ohm no longer works in Eritrea but is still in Africa. Rietkerk has retired and Steve Miller is back in the USA.

Almost all the faith based groups in Eritrea had similar missions. For instance SIM says:

"...By faith, we see SIM enlarging the kingdom of God in Eritrea by making disciples, developing quality leaders in SIM-staffed Bible schools, building up strong house churches, and reaching unreached people groups. The Tigre, Bilen, Saho, Nara, Kunama, Rashaida, Beja, and Afar are predominantly Muslim peoples and need to hear of God's compelling love for them..."

According to SIM, the Kale Heywet Church (SIM-related) has planted 11 new churches in 5 years and sent 21 evangelists to "non-Christian and nominally Christian areas of the country ".

Obviously, these groups had no problems "planting churches. If these are legitimate religious groups, why not register them instead of encouraging them to operate "underground"?

Allow me to quickly address the issue of the Jehovah Witnesses (JH) in Eritrea as that is another issue that is repeatedly misrepresented by the cartel and the self serving EQL. What the cartel and the EQL conveniently forget to tell their readers is that in the United States, members of the JH have been jailed for refusing to be drafted, during the war. Children were expelled for not pledging allegiance to the flag etc. etc. and parents were jailed for truancy. There is a long and sordid list of court cases filed against and by the JH that show that Americans were not as tolerant of JH as is being claimed today. Between 1933 and 1951 there were 18,866 arrests of American Witnesses and about 1500 cases of mob violence against them. There is a case about JH members being forced to drink castor oil, a strong laxative, to cause their humiliation and degradation. They were labeled "fifth columnists" and more. Attitudes towards JH have not changed; just dampened by an inordinate amount of legislation.

The Jehovah Witnesses came to Eritrea in the 1940s. While most of the established religious groups in Eritrea have complied with the various laws, there are some, like the Jehovah Witnesses who have rejected the laws and refused to abide by them. The JH refuse to participate in military service. Main issues which cause criticism of JH in Eritrea and in many other countries across the globe include failed prophecies, blood transfusions, and nationalism. In Eritrea the issue that has brought criticism of JH is their refusal to recognize the Government of Eritrea and refusal to abide by its laws. They also refuse to carry Eritrean identity cards. JH believe that "they owed allegiance to no person, flags, or nation; they owed allegiance only to Jehovah," therefore, they do not vote, salute the flag, or participate in military duty.

The JH refused to participate in the 1993 Eritrean referendum and when the Proclamation on National Service No. 82/1995 of 23 October 1995 which made national service compulsory for all Eritreans between the ages of 18-40 was published, the JH refused to participate in military service. In Eritrea, as in all other countries, a member of any religious group who breaks the law will be punished as any other individual, and cannot invoke obedience to a religious precept as a cause for impunity. No one is punished for the sole fact of belonging to a religious group, as the cartel wants us to believe. A Jehovah´s Witness can be punished if he refuses to do military service in countries where this service is compulsory and no conscientious objection is allowed, although refusing military service is required by his religion.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN ERITREA

Every person has the freedom to practice any religion and manifest such practice, but no one has the right to forcible or coercively convert another person. Eritrea´s religious and ethnic harmony and culture of tolerance and respect has been well established. In its April 1995 country profile on Eritrea, the US State Department´s Office of Asylum Affairs acknowledged the peaceful coexistence and religious harmony in Eritrea. It said:

"...There is now religious freedom throughout Eritrea, and all denominations and faiths are permitted to practice. There is no state religion, and no religion is supported over another. The government is carefully balanced to reflect the virtually even composition of the population between Muslims and Christians and is sensitive to outside efforts to influence this even division..."

In May 2002, the Government of Eritrea once again called on all religious groups to comply with Proclamation No. 73/1995 and took action against those that did not comply. According to the US State Department the Mehrete Yesus Presbyterian Church, Faith Mission Church, Seventh-day Adventists, and Baha'i Faith each submitted a complete registration application. The Kalehiwot, Full Gospel, Meserte Kristos, Tinsai, and Philadelphia churches submitted registration packages that did not include individual member names, while the Rhema Church and others groups reportedly submitted blank registration forms. Yet, the western media and the cartel deliberately and maliciously misrepresented that as being some sort of "persecution of Christians". They are not victims of "religious persecution"; they are victims of the cartel and their mercenaries who have used them to advance other illicit and dangerous agendas using religious freedom as a pretext.

It is very important to understand what religious freedom is, and that it includes in it the freedom not to have one's religion targeted for destruction. For those who have forgotten Eritrea´s struggle to preserve Eritrea´s cultures, traditions and ethnic and are propagating the cartel´s agenda to disrupt the peaceful coexistence in Eritrea, the destruction wrought in India, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and other countries ought to serve as reminders.

New Religious Movements (NRMs) have existed throughout history, but the visibility, extent, and variety of have increased dramatically in the last decade. From the United States to Europe, Asia and Africa, nations that have been concerned about the mushrooming of the various NRMs and have instituted some forms of legislation to deal with them. While some registration processes are short, there are some that take years for completion. In African countries where the origins and intentions of a particular group are so hard to determine, especially if they are foreign influenced, the bureaucracy may take years. For instance, in Equatorial Guinea, the Assemblies of God group registered in 1987, but it was not until 1993 that it received official recognition.

The actions taken by Eritrea were misrepresented by the cartel and its mercenaries as being harsh, but as we will see, even the most "democratic" and "liberal" European states have opted for additional legislation or something close to that to handle this growing problem. It would take another seating to address the long and ugly history of religious persecution in the United States

Austria

In Austria the Bundesstelle für Sektenfragen was created by a federal law in 1998. The law defines a sect as a community referring to religious or philosophical beliefs that can endanger the life or the health of persons, their property, or financial autonomy; the free development of human personality; the integrity of family life; and the free mental and physical development of children…The task of the Bundesstelle is to provide "documentation and information about dangers that can emerge from programmes or activities" of these sects.

Czech Republic

The 2002 law on Religious Freedom and the Position of Churches and Religious Associations created a two-tiered system of registration for religious organizations. To register at the first (lower) tier, a religious group must have at least 300 adult members permanently residing in the country. To register at the second tier, a religious group must have membership, with the requisite signatures, equal to at least 0.1 percent of the country's population (approximately ten thousand persons).

Denmark

The 2002 Guidelines for approval of religious organizations requires religious groups to submit the following items: a written text of the religion's central traditions, descriptions of its most important rituals, a copy of the rules and regulations of the organization, a copy of the organizational structure, and an audited financial statement, as well as background information about the religion's leadership and each member with a permanent address in the country. Additionally, the organization must "not teach or perform actions inconsistent with public morality or order."

Angola

The Government requires religious groups to petition for legal status with the Ministries of Justice and Culture. Legal status gives religious groups the right to act as juridical persons in the court system, secures their standing as officially registered religious groups, and allows them to construct schools and churches. Groups must provide general background information and have at least 100,000 adult adherents to qualify for registration.

Benin

Persons who wish to form a religious group must register with the Ministry of the Interior. Registration requirements are the same for all religious groups. Religious groups are free from taxation.

Botswana

All organizations, including religious groups, must register with the Government. To register, a group must submit its constitution to the Registrar of Societies section of the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs. Any person who holds an official position in, manages, or assists in the management of an unregistered organization is liable to a fine of up to $166 (Pula 1,000) and/or up to 7 years in prison. Any member of an unregistered society is liable to penalties including fines up to $83 (Pula 500) and/or up to 3 years in prison.

Cameroon

It is illegal for a religious group to operate without official recognition. To register, a religious denomination must legally qualify as a religious congregation. The definition includes "any group of natural persons or corporate bodies whose vocation is divine worship" or "any group of persons living in community in accordance with a religious doctrine." The President generally follows the recommendation of the Minister and grants authorization by a presidential decree.

Djibouti

All religious groups are required to register in this predominantly Muslim country.

Malawi

Religious groups must register with the Government by submitting documentation to the Ministry of Justice detailing the structure and mission of the organization along with a nominal fee. Once approved, a religious group registers formally with the Registrar General's Office.

Tanzania

The Government requires religious organizations to register with the Registrar of Societies at the Ministry of Home Affairs on the mainland and with the Chief Government Registrar on Zanzibar. Religious organizations must have at least 10 followers to register, provide a written Constitution, resumes of their leaders, and a letter of recommendation from their district commissioner.

Uganda

All new nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including religious organizations, must register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs' NGO Board. Foreign missionary groups, like foreign NGOs, must register with the Government.

Zambia

Governmental controls require the registration of religious groups. To be eligible for registration, groups must have a unique name; possess a constitution consistent with the country's laws; and display compatibility with the peace, welfare, and good order of the country. Unregistered religious groups are not allowed to operate. Violators can face a fine and imprisonment for up to 7 years.

Hopefully, the Obama Administration will put an end to this impunity by the cartel and its mercenaries and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. The American public should stop giving their hard earned monies to this self serving cartel and think twice before condemning other people´s cultures and traditions. It is about time that the public wake up and see the cartel for what they are…abusive, self centered, greedy and most importantly-UNCHRISTIAN!

"…The missionary wants to put an end to pluralism, choice and freedom of religion. He wants one religion, his own, for everyone and will sacrifice his life to that cause. True freedom of religion should involve freedom from conversion…" (David Frawley)

The rule of law must prevail over the law of the jungle!

sham| 3.12.09 @ 1:35PM

Sofi,
If you are a devoted Catholic, then , please stop by in Kidane-Mihret/Keren Lalai and barentu and talk to the Bishps and ge tan idea.They are practically under house arrest and they cannot do any thing--all their projects are frozen.They asked to buikld the best shcools --including the best catholic Univ in Afirca any where in eritea and under any name- to serve the people of Eritrea, the best Dams,and health Centers, etc.. but they were rejected and threatened even..Be fair Sofi.God bless you.

H.Solomon| 3.12.09 @ 3:13PM

Good Day Mr. Mark Itch
I could not figure it out the Amharic saying you wrote, Amharic is my native language, perhaps if you tell me what it meant to you I could figure it out.
You hit it right on the nail, YES! Peace at any cost. I am a long time observer of the conflicts in our region starting in the 70s when Ethiopian University Students debated the idea of Self Determination in Ethiopian Empire. Since then I have found it Eritreans to be on the right side of our history. In Amharic we have a proverb ‘Ewnet merar nat, frewa gin tafatch new’ which means ‘the truth is bitter but its fruit is sweet’. Eritreans stood on the truth for years and were able to harvest their independence in 1991 and in 1993 through internationally supervised referendum; 98.9% voted for independence. Who am I to stand against the free wills of Eritrean people?
You indicated Ethiopia is big country and you are right and that may be the reason why it needs to break itself into smaller manageable states rather than being managed by a single tribe that thinks the country as its corporation and loot the wealth of the nations. Many African countries have written rosy constitutions with freedom of speeches etc . Why write a constitution if you don’t follow it? Why run election if you do not honor the election result? At least the Eritrean government is honest it does not give false hope to its people through false promises. You seem also to suggest the Eritreans build roads and bridges and go to war with their neighbors to ruin every thing without regard to the lives of the people who would die in war. Again Mr. Mark you are a victim of international false propaganda against the Eritrean people and government. Find the truth and you will discover who the real aggressors in the region are.
The government of Ethiopia fabricated a border crisis and invaded and is occupying Eritrean territory. It invaded Somalia and in two years of occupation created havocs to the country. So Mr. Mark I have no problem supporting Eritrean people and government, always have good intention for Ethiopia, despite successive Ethiopian government s ill intentions towards Eritrean people and their governments.
Now back to the issue of peace in the region. You see Mr. Mark we the people in the horn of Africa, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea have lived for thousands of years as good neighbors. We are cousins and have blood and flesh relation. We share a lot of things in common languages, culture religions etc. across national or tribal boundaries. But since the start of colonization in our region by foreign powers who desired to control our resources instigate animosity between neighbors, using religion or political divisions and supplying arms to one group against the other. The Turkish Ottoman Empire ignited a religious conflict between Christians and Moslems followed by Europeans colonial powers who started the current conflicts. In the last 100 years that we experienced such animosity among the various nationalities, tribes or clans in the region. We are sharing man made and natural disaster across the region. Various Ethiopian leaders starting with King Yohanis IV and Menelik II have collided with foreign powers and have subjected the region into endless wars. But if we think in terms of our thousands of years of peaceful coexistent, these few years of conflicts is like a drop in a full bucket of water. Yes we will come out of these troubled waters and peace and prosperity will back to our region, and Eritrea is paving the road and it is the only hope to our region. The plight of poor Ethiopian children who are shuffled from one war to another because Ethiopian leaders ignited wars inside or outside the country will have an end to it. Sooner or later the children of Ethiopia and the world will realize the truth and peace loving people like Mr. Chris Walter could help to educate the rest of the world the truth about our people and region. Many are blinded like you by cheap false propaganda by those few, who are dreaming to exploit the region for ever, but ‘only the truth will survive and that is the lesson from Eritrea spreading in our region. We will have many smaller Free states in the region like Eritrea and we shall form a united states of the horn of Africa and beyond. This little lamp in Eritrea will shine throughout Africa and there will be no more Dark Continent of Africa it will be known as the Sunshine Continent of Africa. As written in the good old book “Seek the Kingdom of God (Peace) and all other things will be added to you.” Yes again Peace at any cost. Amen!

kim| 3.23.09 @ 6:34PM

people in all religons has been persecuted because of there religons, and we need to help them out there

Free Eritrea| 5.6.09 @ 4:45AM

Please help Eritrea!!! It is a giant prison! Where every day people are abused and denied there basic human right.Children as young as 15 yr old join the army, rape and abuse of women in the army.The list goes on, please please please lets make a difference for Eritrea and free her from the devil Isaias Afewerki.

omar| 5.14.09 @ 6:54AM

i am sorry everyone talk about the christinit in eritre sice
the musilm moste dissimised in eritrea.

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