It is clear that there are a number of challenges at global level at the present. Such challenges mainly influence African countries though they are not major actors in the world trade. The climate change and its consequences on agricultural production, the exploitation of natural resources, the changing lifestyle, migration etc. are the major causes for the challenges the world faces.
Along with the increase of years of independence, what we had expected before might contrast to what is on the ground. There were so many of us who believed that every challenge we had would immediately be overcome following Independence Day. There were also those who predicted the challenges that could emerge following independence.
But, can independence by itself solve everything overnight? It is clear that since Eritrea’s independence was long awaited and cost us precious lives; achieving independence was the central aim. What followed, therefore, became unexpected phenomenon for many.
We overcame the biggest battle and challenges—our dream came true. But what is next? What makes a country a country is its geographical unity, its economic power, its united citizens, its fortunes, its national and regional stability…. When we put Eritrea within such measurements, except for the unexploited economic resources, it had a devastated infrastructure, ineffective management, limited education and training institutions…so, the country started to count its years of independence from scratch in a world of challenges.
Despite such major shortcomings, Eritrea launched an independent strategy of rehabilitation. So, those who expected an overnight prosperity following independence from a war torn country realised that it is only through hard work and perseverance that we could make independence dreams practical.
Independence alone is not a solution by itself. Let alone for a newly liberated country, even those with decades of independence still couldn’t solve their entire domestic problems. But, we believe that what we have done so far, despite all the challenges we have been through---natural, external as well as internal---we are in a more promising stage. Even the dominant governments of the world, those countries who exploit the resources of others, are unable to rescue themselves from economic challenges.
Eighteen years of independence are not enough for a nation to prosper when the challenges are many and complicated. Although we have spent most of the independence years fighting external conspiracy, what we have accomplished, considering our vision is considerable. But, still we know that we have a long way to go in order to reach the desired goal.
Eritrea’s independence became a reality because of public support for the revolutionary war. Similarly, nation building requires organization, unity and cooperation.
Some people were seen to stop their contribution saying that independence was the end goal. But, it is clear that the revolution was not just for that end; the EPLF had already programs of what Eritrea should look like after the end of the armed struggle and what kind of challenges could arise. And now here is the biggest challenge of post-independence: building a prosperous nation! It is the responsibility of everyone.
Independence is a step in the long march for total liberation. Indeed, independence is one of the biggest national achievements! It has been 18 years since we took that step. Where are we heading now? Liberation is the everlasting destiny of human beings and nations. So, taking an independent political choice for nation building in every aspect is what the PFDJ and the Government believe in. Ensuring food security, facing external opposition, developing accountability and sense of responsibility, strengthening national unity and helping each other are what have always to consider.
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