Eritrean opposition groups agree to form full alliance
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
January 22, 2008 (MEKELLE) — Eleven Eritrean opposition organizations which have been politically divided for nearly a year long have pushed a new agreement to form a full coalition, the Eritrean democratic alliance (EDA), after 5days meeting in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa last week.
The alliance which was originally established last year had been splitted in to 2 voting blocs after differences occur in modifying charter and deciding proportional representation in leadership.
The leader of the Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Eritrean (Kunama) Mr. Qernelious Osman, who has been attending the meeting, said “EDA has reached in to full agreement for a full alliance with two more new opposition groups, namely Eritrean people’s movement (EPM) and Islamic Congress Party joining the alliance, raising the total member groups of the alliance to 13.”
“Four opposition groups which stayed out, has re-joined the alliance” Qernelious said.
Failure for a full consensus, among member groups of the alliance, had sent a negative signal to supporters and to the people of Eritrea in general, Qernelious agrees.
“It was a dangerous and negative political event which caused confusion and mistrust among Eritrean opposition parties” he told Sudan Tribune.
The alliance has agreed to hold general congress on March 30, 2008 for a final agreement on the sensitive and controversial issues of power sharing and Islamic rules which arise from some opposition groups.
The formation of the large alliance is a big blow to Eritrean regime says another leader for Eritrean federal democratic front, Bashir Ishaq.
“The alliance among Eritrean opposition groups will shorten the life of the power –thirst Isayas led dictatorial government of Eritrea” Bashir said. He added “It will further kill the sprit of the regime which strongly believes as there are no any Eritrean opposition groups.”
According to the officials of the alliance, EDA has reformed its policy opening its doors of membership to any other Eritrean organizations willing to join.
EDA has been under intense pressures from grass roots of the different groups and from supporter’s world wide following the difference within the alliance
Following the agreement, delegations of the alliance were met and congratulated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and US assistance secretary of state Jandaye Frazier and from other international rights and religions freedom groups.
Besides the two newly admitted, the members of the opposition EDA are :Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Eritrean (Kunama) led by Qernelios Osman, Eritrean Democratic Party led by Mesfin Hagos, Eritrean Federal Democratic Movement led by Beshir Ishaq, Eritrean Islamic Islah Movement led by Khelil Amer, Eritrean Liberation Front led by Hussein Khelifa, Eritrean Liberation Front–Revolutionary Council led by Weldeyesus Ammar, Eritrean Nahda Party led by Nur Idris, Eritrean National Salvation Front led by Abdella Adem, Eritrean Popular Congress led by Taher Shengeb, Eritrean Popular Democratic Front led by Tewelde Gebreselasse, Red Sea Affar Democratic Organization led by Ibrahim Harun.
(ST)