allAfrica.com: Eritrea: The Core of the Secret (Page 1 of 1)

The Eritrean people's fortitude in overcoming the myriad of trials to achieve unity and harmony is comparable to only few peoples in the history of the world.

The Eritrean people had struggled not only for independence but also to achieve an unbreakable sense of unity and oneness among all nationals. Unlike other flags in the world, which are raised mainly for the purpose of identity, the Eritrean flag has a life of its own for it is not made of mere cotton threads but that of the values of the Eritrean people's struggle.

The journey to independence and unity has not been easy, for the Eritrean people had to overcome a series of both expected and unexpected challenges thrown their way. Many had strived to deprive the Eritrean people of being owners of their hard won independence and unity through raising irrelevant and trivial issues. However, Eritrean unity continues to hold firm, for the sacrifices paid to achieve this unity are a constant reminder of what unity really means to the Eritrean people. The Eritrean people do not need anyone to remind them of the value of independence for its realization is what they had fought for and won through their own blood; hence they will always unwaveringly guard their most precious possession. Be it today or tomorrow, the Eritrean people will safeguard their independence and unity.

However, this does not mean there are not a few thorns growing among the lush fields of wheat. Even among a people as unique as the Eritreans, there are a few who might seek to advance themselves by working against the greater good of everyone. Nonetheless, the Eritrean people are not overly concerned with this, for their experience by far surpasses such hiccups.

In this spirit, the Eritrean people have not only been able to secure a country of their own by making huge sacrifices but have also acquired and developed rich experience that could be passed on for generations. Thus, regardless of the frequency or extent of challenges, the Eritrean people have not for one moment had any doubt about their unity and are well aware of the need to be alert against any anti-unity elements. It is common knowledge that even roses have thorns, though that does not diminish their beauty in any way; for even having many thorns the beauty of the rose will always stand against the sharpness of the thorns. However, there is no call for excessive concern as to the presence of such elements, for such individuals or groups have always been present among the Eritrean people.

As part of recent history, in the heart of every Eritrean there resides the eternal memory of the Eritrean martyrs. The Eritrean flag was raised before the world by those dear sons and daughters who rather than dwell on differences of religion or origin chose to look beyond current hardships to an independent Eritrea and willingly laid down their lives for it. Disregarding all questions of who came from where, these patriots forged a unity through their blood and thus laid a firm ground for the very essence and secret of the unshakeable unity of the Eritrean people.

The people of Eritrea have seen more than their share of forces that, unaware of the underlying strength and only guided by arbitrary assumptions, sought to compromise and disintegrate Eritrean independence and unity. The enemies have not properly understood what it means to be an Eritrean and perhaps this miscalculation is to the advantage of the Eritrean people. Their calculations are always off the mark because they are often based on delusional reports given by debased agents. Hence, contrary to their miscalculations, Eritrean unity blooms when expected to wither and gains strength while expected to weaken. Since the Eritrean people have a common national vision, regardless of present hardships they can always look beyond temporary problems into a brighter future and hence can overcome whatever challenges that come their way. In this spirit they make the impossible possible and chose to rely only on their resources and capabilities, thus becoming masters of their destiny. Upon seeing freedom fighters who would not only march into a raging battle as though it were a field of flowers in spring time but who would also dare to look death in the eye and smile, enemy soldiers were uncertain of whether they were fighting with ghosts or just mortals like themselves.

Human beings can by nature be traitors. Accordingly, unaware of or deliberately disregarding the history and essence of Eritrean unity, certain forces did not refrain from making big strategic mistakes. Perhaps they have forgotten that yesterday's Eritrean unity is very much intact today and will remain so tomorrow. These forces refused to recognize those who raised them from scratch and pushed them through the gates of Arat Kilo, and thus making all their dreams come true. Perhaps they have forgotten or are confused as to whom they are raising their arms against and that is why they seek to repeat the same mistake. If so, then these forces would also have forgotten that there is not any conspiracy that the Eritrean people have not faced and foiled. It would be gross stupidity to even try to threaten the Eritrean people who had forged their identity and unity through huge sacrifices; for there will come a time when the Eritrean people will be forced to say enough is enough and the result will only be the onset of war. Valiant patriots always abhor wars and it is an indication of their bravery and wisdom. However, although safely put aside in times of peace, the shields and swords of the brave are always sharpened in readiness. Even though fully engaged in development endeavors, as long as there are forces that continue to provoke war, the brave will have to keep alert for any eventuality. Thus, the Eritrean people are at a stage where they have been compelled to tackle dual challenges simultaneously: to safeguard their sovereignty and develop their nation. The core of the secret behind Eritrean unity lies in tackling both national development and defending sovereignty simultaneously for definite victory!

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