The Power of the Professor's Pen

Professor Tekie is one of the best writers we have. The professor of Economics, is a gifted and experienced writer. He is eloquent, and articulate. He has a blessed pen, and using his pen he has made huge contribution to the Eritrean case over the years- both during the struggle for independence and during the boarder conflict. As a result, he has earned wide recognition both at home and in the Diaspora Eritrean.
But now and then he has become the target of criticism. In August 2001 he wrote an article titled, “let’s listen to the other voices” which by many accounts, is considered as his best single influential contribution. It has served as the basis for the wide wave of public opinion that followed later on the private newspaper at that time. Not surprisingly, it brought him huge criticism from the supporters of the government. Since then, the professor has sided on the government side and abandoned the very public opinion of listening to the other voices. Instead he focused selectively on writing about the boarder issue. Given the unfairness of the international community on the issue, his articles serve the cause of our country. Nevertheless, this has also resulted in sharp criticism for the professor from the other side- those on the opposition side.
Once again, the professor is on the hot seat. Two weeks ago, he wrote another piece entitled “After Somalia, who is next?” in which he put an equation:
Ethiopia+ America + the opposition meeting in AdissAbeba = preparation for invading Eritrea.
I don’t see any problem with the article. The news that were coming from the horn of Africa and the American diplomat for Africa indicate the same sign and his article was timely. But by doing so, implicitly the professor has said what the government wanted- We have a big enemy and be patient and alert.
An Eritrean associated with EDP responded him with criticism. The professor responded the criticism. It is this response that caused the wave of counter criticism. Many writers have sharpened their pen against him.(see the link www.selfi-democracy.com).
To be franc, the professor’s selective approach is not balanced. Although a professor of Economics and member of the Eritrean constitution drafting commission, he didn’t write any thing about those problems, which are equally or more important for Eritrea at this time.
But it is not only him who writes on the side of the government. There are other professors who write only on issues which please the government only. More important the majority of other Eritrean scholars have chosen to silence them selves. To me, they are equally responsible and subject to the same level of criticism. So why is all the criticisms labeled against Professor Tekie?
In any case, it looks his pen has the power to produce waive of opinions. And if he decides to point it again on “listening the other voices”, he has the power to break the silence.