Whenever there is oppression there is always resistance. This resistance can stand for the right of religion or nationality. As a matter of fact, some Eritrean opposition organizations or movements were born in a form of religion or nationality. The cause for this kind of resistance is certainly the injustice and undemocratic nature of the regime in our country. But fortunately these organizations have adjusted their initial style and forms of struggle. Even some of them changed their names and corrected their programmes.To my knowledge the issue of sheria law was settled in the charter of the ENA and moreover the leaders of the new alliance discussed this issue in Khartoum. Our people can use sheria in their daily lives individually according to our tradition such as in marriage and divorce matters. This means the state and religion are separated. It has nothing to do with the national constitution. The same, the Democratic movement of the Kunama and the Democratic Organization of the Afar Red Sea adjusted the principle of secession of nationalities in the common program of the five merging organizations.

Where is the threat and concern of these issues? According to his interview, reposted on Meskerem.net, Mr. Shengeb insisted on the issue of sheria law associating it with the constitution of Eritrea of tomorrow. I don’t know how far true this statement is, because, I could not read the Arabic version. Nor could I blame Meskerem.net of publishing this interview if it is true at all. But I think Mr. Shengeb should give clarification on this issue and the seven-man committee of the Eritrean Democratic Alliance has to publish the amended charter to the public too.

However, it must be clear for every Eritrean that our country cannot and shall not use (implement) sheria law in its constitution, for four reasons:

Eritrea is a nation of two religious people: Christians and Moslems

Nor Eritrea can use two constitutions, one in ‘Metaht’ and the other in ‘Kebessa’

To leave this issue unresolved in the amended charter is to preserve serious problem for the future

This will weaken the new Eritrean opposition alliance nationally and internationally

Equally, the principle of secession of nationalities is not applicable in Eritrea. Which nationalities can be seceded ? The Sahos? Bilen? Kunamas? No. But YES for the equality of nationalities. Religious, cultural, educational and economic equalities of nations and nationalities should be clearly stated in the constitution which in return helps the integration of the nation.

Dear readers, I read an article "Misconceptions reward terrorism" written by Jonathan Riches from Arizona Daily Wildcat, posted in Meskerem.net. The writer put Eritrea in the 5^th position next to Somalia concerning international Islamic terrorism. It is sad to read such subjective judgment because of their Islamic names. I wrote the writer a short message telling him that the concerned Eritrean organizations have even never thrown a bomb to any public order during their struggle for democracy. The regime in Eritrea uses these organizations blaming them being terrorists as a cover up for its crime. Eritrea at this time is to be blamed not for having Islamic fundamentalism but rather for dictatorship.

Adhanom Fitiwi

If any comments: fitiwi@planet.nl