“I don’t know Ades, if I don’t know Ades how can I know where it might be?” – Ras Isu of Eritrea
2018 was an unforgettable year for Eritrea and Ethiopia’s troubled history. Kubur President Hager Eritrea, Harbegna Tegadelai Neber Ato Isaias Afwerki Abraha and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed took to the centre stage. From a surprise “peace deal agreement” (engagement) in Asmara, to an extravagant wedding in Addis, a grand border opening and closing, a grander memorial ceremony in Gonder and the ultimate gold awards in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Aya Isu and Le’uo Abiy could not get enough. Any chance for more hugs and hand-holding. Perhaps Abiy’s sweet words softened Isu’s heart as he has promised Abiy and the entire horn to be on his best behaviour (hand on heart).
The drama continued with a mysterious assassination attempt on Eritrea’s General Sibhat Efrem to end the year. We have been spoilt rotten.
When Abiy met Abi
Back to that sweet summer. PM Abiy’s visit to Asmara was undoubtedly the Ministry of Truth’s highlight since the closure of the free press in 2001. Rumour has it Eri-TV reached its highest ratings yet, overwhelmingly exceeding Eritrea’s declining population.
And then a star was born. We were even lucky enough to watch a “Filem” called ‘Enda Wedi Afom’, headlining the First Lady and First Son. Not only did the Eritrean public finally get to see Kubur President at home but were formally introduced -Isu style- to the President-in-Line Ras Abraham Isaias Afwerki. A sneak peak of our very own Michael Corleone. Much to our surprise the nearly three-decade rumour is indeed true. Isu lives like an ordinary citizen with no luxury what-so-ever (besides his granddaughter sitting on his lap).
The highlight of the “filem” was when Ethiopia’s Dr. of love met with his new brother. The first family were so surprised by Abiy’s unexpected visit, nobody had time to dress up.
Talk of Abraham taking drama classes has been surfacing for years and he is finally taking the centre stage. Unlike Michael who had little time to prepare for the hot seat, Abraham is much more fortunate. Although not quite the natural like his father, he has shown real potential. Hanging out with the big boys, ears dropping in on Baba’s meetings and free trips abroad will help.
Title: Enda Wedi Afom
Director and Executive producer: Isu/Sebay
Cast: Saba Haile, Abraham Isaias, Granddaughter, Askalu Menkerios, Abiy Ahmed and of course Isu.
Dress code (for the first family): Strictly chosen by the Director/President himself. Hoodie, t-shirt, track suits and sandals (strictly no Air Jordans or iPads to be visible).
Let’s ignore the irony behind Isu’s gift to Abiy (a painting of a boat at sea). Tsea’tsubuk tirah!
The “Filem” continued
The “Filem” continued as EPLF’s Co-Founder, Secretary General and infamous “strategist” arrived in Ethiopia. Both Kubur President and PM Abiy wore their best smiles. So much so that Isu was unrecognisable to the Eritrean public. A new man, almost child-like, whom – thanks to Abiy- was born again.
Asmarinos were by far out-showed by Addis Ababans, who put their best performance for Ras Isu. From kal kidan to Kaba and genfo and of course more hand holding and kisses. Whatever happened to the tegadelti handshake?
Some Isu followers on the other side of the “border” were in absolute awe. Talk of boycotting the medemer parties and only wearing Abiy’s t-shirts are now spreading, “How come he has never held his hand in his heart and blown kisses at us?”
Eritrea’s President and finest engineer did us proud and was on his best behaviour yet. The newlyweds were in competition: Who can throw the most praises. Isu won of course. “Ne’sekha ikha temer’hana” (“You are the one who will lead us”). Af-werki kem shemu (mouth of gold as the meaning of his name). His sweet words were pure gold to his excited audience.
Title: Ne’sekha eba (No, you)
Director/Executive producer: Isu/Sebay
Runner and Producer: PM Abiy
Cast: Isu, Abiy, crowd
Dress code: Sharp suits, Kaba (strictly no shades, no shida and a killer smile)
Songs: JoJo, ‘Baby it’s you’
Duck Sauce – ‘It’s You’
It is said that Born again Isu showed signs of talent from a young age. In the early days in Meda, some young tegadelti and high school classmates of Isu were impressed, often referring to him as ‘Marlon Brando’ the then famous leading actor in ‘The Godfather.’ Five decades later Ras Isu has since perfected his acting skills. A true pro.
Next part
Kubur President has had a long and successful career on centre stage from Tegadelai in Shida, Wedi Afom in a Haddas Eritrea slick suit, Tefanos the Horn’s troublemaker in Khakis to Shimagele Isu the diplomat and peace-maker.
What next for 2019’s drama? And the public’s response? Only time will tell whether our Tekhalakhalai Tanki pushed it too far. But one thing is certain, Eritrea’s finest engineer’s heart-wrenching performance after five decades of persistent script-writing, directing, rehearsals and acting “against all odds” will be admired and studied closely by future students in the Arts.
As the “Filem” continues onto the next trilogy, we can expect more outstanding performances. Who knows Cinema Impero could soon be named Isu Impero.
All applause Kubur Harbegna Tegadelai Neber Ras Isu of Eritrea.
Glossary:
– Ades = Lentils, a popular staple eaten by the fighters during the struggle for independence
– Kubur = Honourable
– Harbegna = Patriot
– Neber = veteran
– Tegadalai = Fighter (who fought for independence of Eritrea)
– Le’uo = Representative
– Kal kidan = Wedding vows
– Kaba = Cape
– Meda = The field (the part of Eritrea where the fighting took place)
– Shida = Sandal
– Shimagele = Elder
– Tekhalakhalai Tanki = Defender of the tanks
Zara Tewolde-Berhan 