Eritreans in the diaspora are looking at ways they can use media to help the voiceless in their home country — who don’t have a right to free speech or free press.
Written by Tarik Gebrehiwet
“Portraits of Resilience” by Hanibal Michael paying tribute to Eritrean journalists imprisoned since 2001 photo taken by the author
Upon arriving at Cal State University Los Angeles where this year’s ERISAT symposium was held, there are portraits of journalists on display. These are entitled Portraits of Resilience and the artwork is by Hanibal Michael. None of the journalists have been seen or heard from since their arrest in September 2001.
The mass arrest is referred to by many as “the end of free press” in Eritrea.
Questions were asked but still no answers on missing journalists and when they will come home.
The country has countless cases of missing citizens. People who spoke out against the government or were connected to someone who did.
A government that has been nicknamed the North Korea of Africa and is ranked number two on The Global Slavery Index.
Vanessa Tsehaye, a human rights activist and campaigner was one of the event’s speakers. Her uncle Seyoum Tsehaye was one of the journalists imprisoned in 2001. She asked the questions: “Why is our movement not more successful? And what can we do to change that?”
Some of the reasons she answers: are an inability to relate and disconnect. Keynote Speech by Vanesa Tsehaye https://youtu.be/DClFyday2NI?si=g4L5AJg4JeDcpK8M
She broke down the reasons why we are disconnected from the suffering of Eritreans in Eritrea — in a way I have never heard it said. She explained many Diaspora Africans are disconnected from Africans living on the continent because they see themselves as superior. Living in Western Societies comes with elevated status and cultural capital.
For many Eritreans especially those who were born and raised in Europe, the U.S., or Canada — there is an inability to relate due to a lack of shared experiences.
We don’t care as much about people we can’t relate to.
Many of the day’s speakers and attendees have been personally affected by the events that happened in Eritrea in 2001. They have family members who are currently imprisoned, at least to the best of their knowledge. The reality is that they do not know their whereabouts and haven’t for the past 22 years.
Amanuel Adhanom softly strums the strings of the krar (East African instrument), in traditional white pants, white shirt, and hat. He sings songs that express longing and loss. https://youtu.be/_qBn0oK_GBM?si=ry3qMf57b7S2TTjY
“Yi hasib oowe indye, yi chinek biaha, anta bial sire kemay ke aleka? anta betew haway aday iha dibelka, hizbay iha dibelka”
“I think about, I am sad about you, great man, how are you? Hey imprisoned brother, you said my country, you said my land” (my translation); a song about, Bitewded Abraha, an Eritrean freedom fighter in illegal detention since October 1991.
Robel Asrat, the younger brother of journalist Amanuel Asrat spoke to the crowd in a touching speech. He told us about the suffering that he and his family have endured as a result of the arrest of his brother. He painted a picture of a family devastated by the cruel actions of a dictatorship that sees little value in human life. He said, if this is how I feel then you can imagine how my parents feel. Speech by Robel Asrat https://youtu.be/YC4ys6zIkOg?si=CggI5JphCtQ4Q2aA
An Eritrean woman, Genet Berhane took to the stage and gave an emotional recount of her experience dealing with the disappearance of her brother, Yosef Berhane 18 years ago.
When they are imprisoned so are we! (My translation), she said through tears.
The panel discussions covered several topics, some of which were bridging the cultural information gap and ethical journalism vs irresponsible journalism. They spoke about the obligation of journalists to report the truth. Panel 1-The role of Media in Democratic Transition https://youtu.be/XsS1Vq8TTVo?si=ROdZQckw7aDZtyqz
Mary Asefaw one of the panelists, spoke about closing the generation gap and the importance of older generations mentoring the youth she said, we can’t wait for a leader we need to create them (my translation).
The second panel was on the role of political parties in democratic transition, where representatives of various diaspora-based Eritrean political parties participated. Panel 2- The Role of Political Parties in Democratic Transition https://youtu.be/uVqEI_yl4bo?si=LMrQNnqnv7hgMZAz
The movement to make change in Eritrea is growing but there is still a long way to go. The wounds of the people haven’t healed and cannot heal until there are changes made through ethical journalism, accountability, and a standard for the truth. The media can be used to make a positive change and help those who need it most.
This was the second-ever ERISAT-hosted symposium on September 30, 2023. The event was at the University Union Theater at California State University Los Angeles. This all-day event was attended by participants from around the world and across the United States. Our Keynote speaker, Vanessa Tsehaye, the founder of “One Day Seyoum,” traveled from the UK while Robel Asrat another speaker traveled from the DMV area. The event was both in English and Tigrinya and broadcasted Live via ERISAT’s Facebook, and YouTube. It was broadcasted to Eritrea via Satellite. www.erisat.org
