Mahber-7 Leadership: Structure, History, and Influence

For the past eighty years, Mahber-7 has played a pivotal role in inspiring and guiding the Eritrean people, particularly the farmers and laborers who form the backbone of the nation. In the 1940s and 1950s, this influential organization was known as the Liberal Progressive Party, under the leadership of prominent figures Ras Tesema Asmerom and Weldeab Weldemariam. They sought to address social injustices and advocate for the rights of the working class- farmers and laborers- during a time of colonial dominion. 

As Eritrea’s political landscape evolved, the organization transformed into the Eritrean Liberal Movement, Mahber-7, in the 1950s and 1960s. This period was marked by leadership from notable individuals such as Tikue Yihdego, Kidane Kiflu, and Welday Gidey, who worked tirelessly to unify various factions in the struggle for independence and to promote democratic ideals. They aimed to create a platform that represented the aspirations and needs of all Eritreans. 

In the 1970s, in response to ongoing oppression and a growing sense of nationalism, the group adopted the name Independence Party (Selfi Natsnet). Under the guidance of Abraham Tewelde, in partnership with Welday Gidey, they focused on mobilizing the population for a decisive struggle against oppressive Ethiopian regimes, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and self-determination. 

These changes in identity and leadership reflect the dynamic political environment of the time, as the group shifted its strategies to better align with the needs of the Eritrean people. Despite the various names it has held—the Liberal Progressive Party, the Eritrean Liberal Movement, and the Independence Party (Selfi Natsnet)—the core vision of Mahber-7 has remained steadfast: to establish a sovereign Eritrean state and to build a democratic society where every citizen can thrive. This commitment has been the driving force behind its enduring legacy and impact in Eritrea’s revolutionary history.

The leadership of Mahber-7 is widely recognized for its distinguished qualities, including discipline, secrecy, rationality, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to its mission. These characteristics played a crucial role in uniting and mobilizing support among the Eritrean people during their struggle for independence. Through disciplined organization and strategic planning, Mahber-7 was able to navigate the complexities of the liberation movement, maintaining confidentiality to protect its objectives and members. The rational decision-making processes employed by its leaders fostered trust and loyalty among supporters, while a strong moral compass ensured that their efforts were rooted in a genuine desire for justice and freedom. Ultimately, these traits were instrumental in empowering the Eritrean people to persevere in their quest for sovereignty and self-determination.

The leadership structure of Mahber-7 was intricately compartmentalized, consisting of several interconnected cells, each made up of seven members. These cells operated independently, with each member having only a limited understanding of the activities and identities of other cells, as well as restricted knowledge of the overarching organization. This design was intentionally created to make infiltration by outside forces considerably challenging, as breaching one cell would yield minimal information about others.

However, despite the benefits of this compartmentalization, the system had a significant vulnerability. The leadership did not operate from concealed locations or maintain a low profile; instead, they were visible and engaged in activities that could attract attention. This oversight ultimately undermined the system’s effectiveness in protecting the leadership of Mahber-7 from external threats.

Mahber-7 Current Leadership Structure 

The leadership structure of Mahber-7 consists of three levels:~

1. Core Leadership(shadow Council): 

Role: Top-level decision-makers operating in secrecy.

Function: Define strategy, make high-stakes decisions, and maintain security.

Visibility: Highly confidential; identities known only within the core.

2. Operational Divisions(strategic unit):

Role: Mid-level coordinators ensuring smooth execution of plans.

Function: Translate high-level strategy into actionable steps and oversee operations.

Visibility: Operates discreetly but interacts with both core leadership and grassroots.

3. Grassroots and Influence Network(outer circles): 

 Role: Public-facing members spreading influence, recruiting, and handling logistics.

Function: Build local support, conduct outreach, and facilitate secure communication.

Visibility: Most exposed layer, ensuring widespread presence without compromising secrecy.