ظروف الإنتقال من الثروه الى الدولة (حلة إرتريا)

Abstract

Abstract This study deals with the experience of the Eritrean revolution and its transition from revolution to statehood. The study focuses on the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front ( EPLF ) experience the faction which was able to defeat the Ethiopian colonial occupation forces and assumes state power since 24 May,l991. The study presents a theoretical framework for the formation and emergence of nations in general ( Nation — Building theory ) . In this respect, the study reviews the different theories on the matter. The study devotes a considerable space for the evolution of nations and states in Africa at the end of the colonial epoch in the second half of the 20"‘ century. The study deals in some detail with the experience of two African states: Algeria and Angola and the developments and course of events that took place in them after the independence, as it deals with American experience. All this came within the context of establishing a suitable background for a better understanding of the Eritrean experience. The study traces the experience of the Eritrean revolution since its inception at the time of the emergence of political parties and associations in the nineteen forties, the advent of the Eritrean Liberation Movement ( ELM ) in Port Sudan town, the emergence of the Eritrean Liberation Front ( ELF ) and the developments that led to the rise of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front ( EPLF ) and its assumption of the leadership of the Eritrean struggle until the liberation of Eritrea. The Study of these various developments which was accompanied by the birth of Eritrean nationalism under difficult circumstances as a result of the repressive Ethiopian policies, successive years of drought, backward social reality and the Cold War climate with intricate complications. Citing all this is meant to enable us to comprehend the situation and condition evolving around the Eritrean armed struggle and the nature of this struggle. In addition, those above-cited factors contributed to the formation of the political, intellectual and ideological background of the EPLF. These factors have great impact on the orientation and behavior of the EPLF since the liberation of the country in 1991. The study covers later developments of the post independence period, up to 24May, 2003. It deals with constitutional, legal and political developments during the mentioned period. The study reviews the development of goverrnent institutions and administration such as regional administrative units. Also, the study devoted a considerable

space for reviewing economic developments in the country and the way the Eritrean govemment managed the country’s economy as well as the effectiveness of foreign aid in development. Since the army represents an important instrument for preserving the vital existence of the Eritrean state, the study dealt with the issues of security, defence and developments which has taken place in the Eritrean army. The study includes a detailed review of the foreign policy and the diplomatic activities of the Eritrean govermnent during the last 12 years as a crucial aspect of the vitality and dynamism of the system. The study, besides, reflects on the extent of the maturity and judiciousness demonstrated by the new-bom state in investing and exploiting its resources and the efficiency of technocrats in using bureaucratic mechanism to effect changes in the interest of the country. The study concludes that the rich and multifaceted Eritrean experience does not only explain the developments taking place in Eritrea, but also presents and shows many indications for understanding the process of transition in an African context.