Ras Tesemma Asberom, one of the great Eritrean leaders for independence

Ras Tesemma Asberom, one of the great Eritrean leaders for independence

On February 18, 1947 the Liberal Progressive Party (Independence and Progress Party: Eritrea for Eritreans) was established in Adi Keih. Ras Tesemma Asberom was elected President, Dejazmatch Maascio Zewede as Vice-president, and Grazmatch Seyoum Maascio as Secretary. Ras Tesemma announced in his opening speech that the goal of the Party was the creation of independent Eritrea free of any European control. He added “This country belongs to Christians and Moslems and for thousands of years we lived in harmony with respective religions and helped each other. Today we express our desire and that of our people for independence: He objected to the role of the Coptic Church in political affairs. 

Referring to the failure of Waa’la Bet Ghiorgis, he said “ The Waa’la was intended as a forum where we could resolve our differences was disrupted. This disruption was legitimized by religious leaders who intervened in public affairs”. Ibrahim Sultan and Abdul Kadir Kebire from the Muslim League (ML) attended the founding conference. One month later a branch of Party was formed in Mendefera, Seraye. The leaders were Dejac Sebahtu Yohannes (president), Atzmatch Berhe Gebre Kidan (Vice-President) and Gratazmatch Asberom Wolde Ghiorgis – Secretary. Source: Eritrean Struggle for Independence by Ruth Eyob 

When the independence Bloc was formed in Dekemhare on February 10, 1950 Ras Tesemma Asberom was elected President and Ibrahim Sultan Secretary General. The family of Ras Tesemma and the members of the Progressive Liberal Party were harassed by the unionists. There were many assassination attempts on Woldeab Woldemaraim one of the prominent leaders of the Party 

-----------------------------------------------
Picture: Courtesy of Jelal Yassin

-------