Aman Tekeste Weldeslasie*
Book Analysis: Part One
Released in mid-2023, ‘An African Revolution Reclaimed: Memoir of Eritrean Freedom Fighter Mesfin Hagos’ is a compelling historical account co-authored by Mesfin Hagos and Professor Awet Tewelde. Spanning approximately 450 pages across ten chapters and a conclusion, which includes the preface and introduction, the book chronicles the life journey of Mesfin Hagos, a key figure in the Eritrean revolutionary war, beginning from his formative years in the mid-1950s. The narrative unfolds over a quarter-century, dedicated to the liberation of Eritrea from colonial forces, two Ethiopian regimes, and an additional decade post-independence, culminating in his exile in 2001. In the preface, Mesfin grapples with the paradox of his identity within the EPLF military, renowned for its collective ethos. Navigating a fine line between his Tigrigna Culture, which discourages self-promotion, and the principles of the EPLF, he contemplates the sharing of his personal narrative. Mesfin, formerly a high-ranking EPLF leader turned government critic, stresses the importance of documenting the independence journey and post-independence challenges despite the uncertainty. He aims to highlight bravery, honour sacrifices of heroes, and shed light on the experiences of those unjustly imprisoned under the former liberation front, now the oppressive ruling power.
As Mesfin navigated through life, he transformed into an introspective figure—often silent yet rebellious. The early chapters depict a character molded by pivotal moments. At the age of seven, burdened by deep sadness and responsibility, he endured weeks, even months, of solitude in distant farming camps. During this challenging period, he grappled with the permanent loss of his father, shouldered the responsibility for their agricultural work, and was deprived of early formal education. Later, as a bold teenager, he embarked on a 1,300-kilometer journey into the uncharted territory of Ethiopia. Engaging in disputes with female relatives exposed him to a conservative patriarchal worldview. This period also highlighted his swift decision-making approach as he found himself at crossroads, escaping oppressive poverty while pursuing an elusive goal. With boundless energy, a hunger for knowledge, and self-dependency, he shaped himself into a purpose-driven wanderer. These diverse experiences intricately woven together significantly contribute to the unique tapestry of Mesfin’s character.
In 1967, he enlisted in the liberation war and faced a tumultuous journey. He encountered challenges such as sectarian tensions, the tragic loss of close relatives and friends within the movement—gunned down unjustly. Additionally, he embarked on a pivotal expedition to China for military training and experienced a split from the former military movement with other comrades, all within three years. Throughout his 24-year struggle for independence, he played a significant role. He led EPLF’s economic department and commanded vast military fronts as a key leader. In the mid to late 1970s, he led half of the EPLF military wing in the southern highlands. For around nine months, he administered the military wing of the entire EPLF during the strategic withdrawal and countering the enemy’s offensives in 1978-79. He served as one of the main leaders in executing the destruction of Nadew Command and its aftermath. He showcased his swift decision-making ability, particularly on May 23-24, 1991, by marching to the capital while others were indecisive. Finally, the dream was achieved—the independence of Eritrea. Yet, despite his dedication and vast experiences, he found himself estranged from the very soil he fought to liberate, culminating in his casting away in 2001.
The ‘Memoir of Eritrean Freedom Fighter Mesfin Hagos’ rises above mere historical documentation, becoming a living testimony that captures the essence of an era and the spirit of those who fought for Independence. Not only does it serve as a personal account, but it also delves into the complexities of the EPLF’s military structures, theatres, and operations, as well as their sociocultural sentiments and power dynamics. The narrative introduces well-known commanding figures, outlining their hierarchical military units and locations that spanned almost the entire struggle. For instance, in the mid-1970s, the highest military commanders of battalions in the EPLF included figures such as Berhe Tsaeda, Woldemichael Haile, Ibrahim Affa, Romodan Awliyay, Berhane Ghebregziabiher, and a few others. By early 1991, the highest-ranking commanders overseeing Corps were Mesfin Hagos, Saleh Heruy, Tekhlay Habteselassie, and Haile Samuel. Seamlessly blending personal experiences with the broader historical tapestry of the EPLF’s struggle for liberation, the author provides insights into the heroic endeavours of freedom fighters, the role of the clandestine party, the meddlesome nature of the leader, and various nagging issues. The book serves as a conduit, linking individual stories into the collective epic of a nation’s pursuit of freedom. Along the journey, it vividly recounts the killings of influential figures such as Kidane Kiflu, Mussie Tesfamichael, Abraham Tewelde, Ibrahim Affa, and others. Moreover, the narrative explores sensitive subjects and controversial incidents that unfolded during the struggle—sectarianism, civil war, draconian measures against Menka’e and Yemin, the Falul issue, and more. In a tragic turn of events, certain individuals within their own movement were ruthlessly gunned down by undercover agents, all because they had selflessly aided their comrades (38-42). Simultaneously, specific groups faced eradication at the hands of a clandestine circle simply for daring to voice their concerns (85-97). The atmosphere of constant deception and merciless public shame pushed some to the heart-wrenching choice of suicide (195). Others chose to abandon the battlefield, seeking solace away from the traumatic conditions. Shockingly, a few individuals took a drastic turn and aligned with their former enemies, collaborating to attack those who were once their comrades (174, 195). These narratives shed light on the intricate and deceptive dynamics within the clandestine party and fronts. It also reveals, through the peephole, the meddlesome role and Machiavellian manoeuvres of Isaias.
The author reveals the personalities of key leaders in the story, along with their interactions with him. Oumaro is portrayed as both a champion of Eritrean nationalism and a formidable voice of fairness. Petros Solomon is depicted as possessing courage, decisiveness, and a strong work ethic. Ibrahim Affa’s leadership is characterised as legendary, marked by persuasive communication, and pragmatism. Romodan MohammedNur is recognized for his great revolutionary spirit and intellectual quick-wittedness but criticized for being talkative and lacking the ability to guide teams into action. Sebhat Efrem is described as an effective thinker yet criticized for indecisiveness in critical moments and a tendency to seek approval from everyone. Isaias Afwerki is acknowledged for his brilliant mind and adept task handling, yet he is portrayed as having an insecure, meddlesome, warmongering, derogatory, and detestable personality. The author also explores their relationships with him. Petros and his minions with their verbally abusive behaviours, Sebhat and his betrayal, the persistent tensions with Duru’e, Affa’s character and close friendship, Isaias with his malicious loud laughter and publicly humiliating behaviour, etc.—these instances are meticulously laid bare. Moreover, the disheartening ‘nobody cares’ silence when someone is needlessly isolated or frozen out, coupled with the painful silences observed by everyone when a member of the leadership is humiliated in their presence, further adds to the complex narrative. The author is both admiring and aggressive, sympathetic yet critical, providing a nuanced portrayal of his subjects by balancing between praise and critique.
However, if the book aims to portray the life of Mesfin Hagos (as a memoir), what methodological approach justifies the extensive narration of EPLF structures and other historical details?
Layers coexist within this book while maintaining a cohesive homogeneity. Drawing on extensive experience in the Eritrean struggle, the author vividly captures the autobiographical journey. The narrative provides profound insights into personal sacrifices, emotional dimensions, and reflections, effectively crafting a memoir. Beyond recounting Mesfin’s journey, the narrative extends to share the compelling stories of fellow comrades, illuminating the EPLF’s experiences as a military organization and its complex fabric—an ethnographic exploration. Through this literary endeavour, Mesfin Hagos and co-author Prof. Awet Tewelde embrace the methodological narrative structure of Autoethnographic memoir, delicately blending personal experiences with the broader mosaic of the EPLF’s historical and cultural landscapes, providing a powerful lens for nuanced understanding of societal phenomena. In this Autoethnographic*1 memoir, the self-narrative places the author within a rich social context, facilitating a highly personalized exploration of experiences that transcend traditional storytelling*2. This process uncovers the author’s multifaceted identities—personal, professional, relational, and socio-cultural. Therefore, ‘An African Revolution Reclaimed’ not only recounts events but also transcends them, serving as a platform to deepen the understanding of social realities and forces.
Some stories evoke deep emotional impact. Mesfin endures not only the misery of workplace tension within the leadership but also finds solace in a love cut short by a tragic war incident. Losing his partner in a bombing overwhelms him with sadness and a profound sense of isolation, intensifying the emotional weight amid challenging circumstances. In three years, the agony of sorrow follows him. He carries the weight of deep disappointment for falling short in supporting his strong, proud mother. Regret consumes him for not being there by her side before her departure (in 1988). Later the sorrow intensifies as he mourns her absence, wishing she had lived to witness the struggle’s eventual victory—the very reason he could not be present for her throughout three decades. Mesfin found himself on the brink of death four times, escaping not through skill but rather relying on fate. Pages 42, 155, 247, and 382 detail how he miraculously evaded unforeseen and perilous situations. Despite his survival, the same cannot be said for his dear friends and colleagues. Mesfin stands among the numerous Eritreans who devoted their youth to a noble cause, enduring the loss of soldiers under his commands, close friends, close relatives, and his life companion in the struggle. His personal narrative serves as a poignant reflection, encapsulating the collective misery, grief, sorrow, trauma, isolation, and survivor’s guilt shared by fellow freedom fighters.
As mentioned earlier, Mesfin avoided near-death experiences through the interference of luck. This triggers contemplation of the ‘chaos theory’, where small events can lead to significant outcomes, suggesting that seemingly unrelated incidents can have enormous effects. Such as the vegetable vendor sparking the 2011 Arab Spring or the miscommunication by an East German official leading to ‘The Fall of the Berlin Wall 1989.’ Reflecting on these incidents, one cannot help but contemplate the ripple effect:
What if Kidane Kiflu had not been gunned down by the ELF clandestine squad? What might have been the symbolic last straw (the ultimatum) that could possibly have shattered the integrity of ELF, shaking the foundation of the revolution and causing a split among the Christian highlanders from the ELF? Could Mesfin have chosen to part ways with the organization? If not for the murder of Kidane Kiflu, could the intense rage have occurred, resulting in the unplanned alliance that emerged between those from the Highlands, the Red Sea, and Maria in Sudan—the group recognized as PLF1 of Danakil?
Now, let’s explore more “what if” scenarios:
What if Mesfin had accepted Kidane Kiflu’s lunch invitation on the day he was murdered? What if Mesfin had been killed alongside Kidane and Wolday? Who would have rejected Isaias’s infamous February 1991 proposal suggesting federating Eritrea with Ethiopia?
What if Osman Saleh Sabbe had been gunned down by ELF leadership in 1969-70 during their fierce disagreements and power struggle? Would EPLF have existed at all?
What if Tsegai Tekhle (Tsegai Keshi) hadn’t hit Mussie Tesfamichael, the Menka’e group leader? What if then Menka’e’s demands had been solved diplomatically? Could this historical shift have prevented Isaias, or EPLF for that matter, from becoming a dictator?
What if Mesfin had killed Isaias in 1984 when contemplating that idea? Could Mesfin, Affa, Ukbe, Petros, Berhane, and others have led the EPLF to liberate Eritrea? Or would Isaias loyalists have broken the backbone of the EPLF upon learning of the incident? It is challenging to predict the outcome or the ripple effect in our struggle if these variables were considered, but the ‘what if’ scenarios underscore their undeniable significance in shaping the big picture. The author discusses the importance of these seemingly insignificant occurrences, either as a participant or witness.
Mesfin’s firsthand account offers a distinctive viewpoint on various events, providing a glimpse into his thoughts and character. It enables us to witness the entirety of his human condition and experience—physical and psychological pain, grief and sorrow, isolation and trauma, struggles and heart’s contradictions, adversities and resoluteness, horrors of war and indomitable spirit, vulnerabilities and personal growth, and other human aspects—beyond the familiar public persona. Moreover, serving as a valuable reference, the book has the potential to bridge gaps in Eritrean revolutionary literature, creating opportunities for in-depth discussions and further research on the addressed subjects.
In the forthcoming sections of this analysis, we will explore aspects such as the book’s argument coherence, historical accuracy, author’s tone and fallibility of memory, scrutiny of Isaias’s power manipulations, comparisons with other works, and an in-depth look at the book’s limitations.
*1. The term ‘Autoethnography’ was borrowed from Prof. Ghirmay Negash during his book discussion on the YouTube channel Mosaic Bahli in Dec 2023.
*2. Chang, Heewon. “Autoethnography As Method.” 2016.
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Aman Tekeste is a Toronto-based Eritrean writer who graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Asmara. In 2020, he published two volumes of the ‘Encyclopaedia Eritreana: Dictionary of Eritrean Biography’ in the Tigrigna language. Alongside these biographical works, Aman also writes reviews and memoirs. He can be contacted at aman.tekeste33@gmail.com
