Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA525
2008-10-30 10:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
ISAIAS AND PFDJ OFFICIAL MEET WITH PUBLIC DISSENT
how-toVZCZCXRO8993 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHAE #0525 3041007 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 301007Z OCT 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9982 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAII/IA WASHDC RQEQDIA/DIA WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHRMDAB/COMUSNAVCENT
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000525
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2018
TAGS: SOCI PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS AND PFDJ OFFICIAL MEET WITH PUBLIC DISSENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000525
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2018
TAGS: SOCI PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS AND PFDJ OFFICIAL MEET WITH PUBLIC DISSENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: Both President Isaias Afwerki and the ruling
party's political chief Yemane Ghebreab faced strong dissent
during their respective meetings with the Eritrean populace,
contrary to glowing reviews plastered across the state-owned
media outlets. An unusually feisty expatriate crowd in
Washington, D.C. challenged Yemane on GSE policies, while
Isaias took heat from ex-fighters outside Asmara. END
SUMMARY.
2. (C) On September 7, Yemane Ghebreab led a Washington
meeting of about 100 expatriates, emphasizing Eritrea's
"lasting peace and security," according to Eritrea's
government-controlled newspapers and website. Although the
Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) version provided a
typically sugary account of the meeting, three AmCits who
attended the meeting recently reported that most individuals
there expressed dissatisfaction with the GSE and openly
questioned Yemane about the government's policies. The
attendees asked particularly harsh questions about the GSE's
denial of food shortages. Yemane reportedly could not answer
the questions and said only he would return to Asmara for the
answers.
3. (C) President Isaias Afwerki supposedly met with similar
dissent from Eritreans in Debub region, immediately south of
Asmara, during an October 10 visit. While the state-owned
media reported the visit as a resounding success, this is far
from the truth, according to the three Amcits. They said
audience members challenged Isaias on his policies and
accused him of hiding the truth regarding tQeQfood shortageQ.Q
These accusations came from older members of the crowd, one
of whom allegedly told the President that he is unafraid to
speak out about the government's policies.
4. (C) Comment: If true, these reports provide glimpses into
the opinions of two populations who can most afford to speak
out: the diaspora in the United States, which is relatively
protected, and aging fighters throughout Eritrea whose
patriotism is difficult to question. End Comment.
MCMULLEN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2018
TAGS: SOCI PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS AND PFDJ OFFICIAL MEET WITH PUBLIC DISSENT
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: Both President Isaias Afwerki and the ruling
party's political chief Yemane Ghebreab faced strong dissent
during their respective meetings with the Eritrean populace,
contrary to glowing reviews plastered across the state-owned
media outlets. An unusually feisty expatriate crowd in
Washington, D.C. challenged Yemane on GSE policies, while
Isaias took heat from ex-fighters outside Asmara. END
SUMMARY.
2. (C) On September 7, Yemane Ghebreab led a Washington
meeting of about 100 expatriates, emphasizing Eritrea's
"lasting peace and security," according to Eritrea's
government-controlled newspapers and website. Although the
Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) version provided a
typically sugary account of the meeting, three AmCits who
attended the meeting recently reported that most individuals
there expressed dissatisfaction with the GSE and openly
questioned Yemane about the government's policies. The
attendees asked particularly harsh questions about the GSE's
denial of food shortages. Yemane reportedly could not answer
the questions and said only he would return to Asmara for the
answers.
3. (C) President Isaias Afwerki supposedly met with similar
dissent from Eritreans in Debub region, immediately south of
Asmara, during an October 10 visit. While the state-owned
media reported the visit as a resounding success, this is far
from the truth, according to the three Amcits. They said
audience members challenged Isaias on his policies and
accused him of hiding the truth regarding tQeQfood shortageQ.Q
These accusations came from older members of the crowd, one
of whom allegedly told the President that he is unafraid to
speak out about the government's policies.
4. (C) Comment: If true, these reports provide glimpses into
the opinions of two populations who can most afford to speak
out: the diaspora in the United States, which is relatively
protected, and aging fighters throughout Eritrea whose
patriotism is difficult to question. End Comment.
MCMULLEN