Origins and Purpose of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7)
Origins and Purpose of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7): The cultural identity of the Tigrinya people is intricately tied to the symbolism of the number seven, which plays a vital role in various aspects of their lives. In their rich religious practices, seven symbolize divine completeness, often reflected in their rituals and spiritual beliefs. For instance, during significant ceremonies, such as weddings, the number seven appears prominently, with traditions that may involve seven blessings or seven ritual participants, each representing a unique aspect of the union.
Furthermore, in the Tigrinya culture, seven is seen as a harmonious number, embodying balance and wholeness, revered in individual and communal contexts. This connection extends to folklore and proverbs, where seven often signifies a pivotal endpoint or a cycle of renewal. The deep reverence for this number not only shapes their rituals but also weaves itself into the very fabric of Tigrinya identity, forming a profound link that influences their worldview and cultural expressions.
The struggle of the Eritrean people for independence was achieved through the sacrifices and leadership of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, also known as Mahber-7. The primary mission of Mahber-7 represents a legacy that has been passed down through generations. All leaders of the Eritrean Liberal Movement have maintained strong ties and a shared sense of purpose, rooted in the heroic traditions of the Tigrinya nation, exemplified by figures such as Raesi Tesema Asmerom and Woldeab Woldemariam.
Today, the new generation continues the legacy of their predecessors—Tikue Yehdego, Kidane Kuflu, Woldeab Woldemariam, and Raesi Tesema Asmerom—fighting for their national dignity.
In the history of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), secrecy and trust have been the foundations of our success. This principle continues to guide our strategy today. By establishing strong, covert organizations within the country, we aim to effectively defeat and neutralize the fascist group PFDJ, just as we have done with previous regimes. Meanwhile, the ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) organizations operating outside the country will uphold transparency and accountability in their actions and objectives.
History of Eritrean Liberal Movement,ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7)
The Eritrean Liberal Movement, known as ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), has a rich history that dates back to the late 1950s, making it a significant entity in Eritrea’s political landscape. This movement emerged from the foundational ideals of the Eritrea for Eritreans (Liberal Progressive Party), aiming to advocate for the rights and interests of the Eritrean people. ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) is built on principles of liberalism and progressive thought, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, democratic governance, and social justice. Over the decades, it has developed a strong commitment to promoting political dialogue and fostering a sense of cultural and national identity among Eritreans.
After the assassination of Emperor Yohannes IV, the Tigrinya people were divided into two regions and left without unified leadership. As a result, the area north of the Mereb River became vulnerable to Italian colonialism, while the area south of the river fell under the control of Shoa. Following fifty years of Italian rule, Eritrea came under British military administration.
The transition from British military rule to a new era in Eritrea brought forth a pivotal question: What would the future look like for the Eritrean people once the British departed? This concern ignited extensive discussions, both within Eritrea and on the global stage, as people sought to understand the potential impact on the nation’s identity and political landscape.
In response to urgent questions about Eritrea’s future, several political parties emerged, each aiming to shape the nation according to their unique visions and philosophies. One notable group was the Liberal Progressive Party, which focused on prioritizing the interests and welfare of the Eritrean people above all else. This party advocated for progressive policies and social reforms to ensure a more inclusive and democratic future for the country.
The Liberal Progressive Party was founded in February 1947 in Adi-Keih. Its primary goal was to establish a Tigrinya state. As Tekeste Negash notes, “The Liberal Progressive Party campaigned to establish a Tigrean state (encompassing all Tigrinya-speaking people in Eritrea and Ethiopia).” To achieve this, they advocated for Eritrea and Tigray to remain under British administration for ten years, aiming to realize an independent, united Tigrinya state (Tekeste Negash, 1997, p. 46).
Unfortunately, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia instead. Raesi Tesema Asmerom (1870–1961), who opposed the federation, withdrew from politics in protest. Due to their advancing age, the remaining party leaders were also compelled to retire from political activism. However, the legendary Woldeab Woldemariam (1905–1995) persisted in his struggle for Eritrean independence.
During the tumultuous years between 1947 and 1953, Woldeab encountered numerous formidable challenges in his efforts within Eritrea, marked by a series of seven assassination attempts against him. These life-threatening events underscored the intense opposition he faced in his endeavors. By 1955, as the atmosphere of danger intensified and his safety remained in jeopardy, Woldeab decided to leave Eritrea and seek refuge in exile. This choice was a testament to the persistent threats surrounding him and highlighted the perilous political climate of the time.
After the exile of Woldeab Woldemariam, the Liberal Progressive Party was replaced by the Eritrean Liberal Movement, known as ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), in the late 1950s. Tikue Yihdego (1938–1971) played a key role in organizing and mobilizing peaceful demonstrations in Asmara by forming secret organizations to advance his ancestors’ cause. In his book “ካብ ሪቕ ሕፍንቲ,” Tekie Beyene states that Tikue Yihdego’s physical presence and political awareness allowed him to be recognized and trusted as a leader (Tekie Beyene, 2009). However, his activities soon drew the attention of the Ethiopian security forces. Consequently, arrests and beatings of Tikue and other members of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) increased, with authorities closely monitoring Tikue’s actions in Asmara.
Despite the challenges, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) continued to grow under the leadership of Kidane Kiflu (1941–1970) and the patriot, Woldeab Woldemariam. Woldeab, who had been in exile in Cairo since 1959, served as the representative and leader of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) (Tom Killion, 1998).
In the following events, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) expanded its operations to Addis Ababa, where Kidane Kiflu took on the role of the primary organizer and leader. Kidane had a significant influence, utilizing letter-writing and establishing secret cells throughout the Ethiopian capital. However, increased arrests of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) members by Ethiopian security forces compelled Kidane to flee Addis Ababa for Kassala, Sudan. He worked in collaboration with Woldeab Woldemariam and Welday Gidey until his death in March 1970. In the following year, Tikue Yehdego was martyred while en route to the battlefield. Both leaders of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) were ultimately killed as part of the Qiyad-al-Amma conspiracy.
Before the martyrdom of Kidane Kiflu and Welday Gidey, members of Mahber-7, Welday Gidey, and Abraham Tewelde founded the Independence Party, known as Selfie Nasnet, which began its operations in Eritrea. As President Isaias Afewerki noted in “ንሕናን ዕላማናን” (Nh’nan Elamanan), all of its members were ethnic Tigreans. Additionally, many patriots and members of Mahber-7 eventually joined the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF).
When Woldeab Woldemariam faced isolation from Eritrean Muslims in Cairo, he continued to serve as the representative and leader of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) (Emnetu Tesfay, 2015). He made significant progress through collaboration with Tikue and Kidane; however, their martyrdom left the full burden of leadership on his shoulders. At that time, the cells of ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7) were led by Tigrinya nationalist leaders such as Tekie Beyene, who established strong secret cells known as ሓፋሽ ውድባት in Addis Ababa and Asmara.
Despite losing his sons and comrades, Woldeab Woldemariam continued his struggle for Eritrean independence, remaining dedicated to the cause until Eritrea achieved independence.
When Eritrea declared its sovereignty, the patriot Woldeab Woldemariam proudly proclaimed on behalf of all the heroes:
“The people of Eritrea have crowned themselves with their strength. Woe to anyone who dares to touch this crown, for they will pay a heavy price.”
The heroic fathers and leaders of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), such as Tekie Beyene, were also determined to make Eritrea great and as prosperous as Singapore. However, the sovereignty of the State of Eritrea secured through the immense sacrifices of patriotic fathers and Eritrean farmers has fallen into the hands of the fascist group PFDJ. This group, which rose to power on the foundation of Tigrinya nationalism, deliberately excluded the members and leaders of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), who were renowned for their dedication and hard work.
They have tried to erase the history and contributions of these patriotic figures and the history of the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), from public memory. Instead, they chose to emphasize and glorify the history of Shifta Idris Awate and jihadist Sheikh Ibrahim Sultan. Nevertheless, the history of these patriotic forefathers cannot be erased. Recognizing this, the Eritrean Liberal Movement, ማሕበር-7 (Mahber-7), has reorganized itself and is actively striving to achieve its unfulfilled goals.
