A farewell and tributary note carrying gratitude, admiration and respect for our late Foreign Minister H.E. Ali Seid Abdalla

By: Abeba Isahac

Someone once wrote to the effect that, the passing away of certain individual persons denotes the burning to the ground of a library. Indeed, when the life of a person such as that of our late Foreign Minister, H. E. Ali Seid Abdalla, as has been witnessed, attested to, and confirmed by all those who knew him best, as a tirelessly selfless dedicated visionary and faithful patriot, is snatched away so suddenly, and so soon, with so much that had still to be done, left undone, leaving one only to imagine and to question, what jf, and to wonder at what might have been, it does feel as though, a one of a kind, unique mind, has turned to ashes, beyond retrieve. And it is for that ultimate loss and the wonder of, what might have been, to the unfinished, interrupted work, that we regret and mourn over. Nevertheless, because God has decided to call him, to end his share of mission on this earth, it is beyond us and out of our hands, except to let him go in peace, and to honour his memory by making sure that his works continue.

Logically speaking, after someone has passed three quarters of his life fighting for, and ultimately successfully arriving at his goal, delivering to his people their rights to be free and independent, a well earned and deserved retirement would have been in order. But the works of purposeful persons, especially that of one who dedicates his life for one big cause, is never finished, especially when the hopes of a whole nation, to bring the job to fruition, lies in his hands and in those of others like him, who, since their youth, had dedicated their lives to liberate their people and country from the bondage of foreign entities, and to make sure that their freedom and the sovereignty of the country is maintained, preserved, and always protected and respected.

What better than to live a life full of purpose, especially when it is dedicated to one’s country and one’s people; and what a way to leave this earth without having been seen in two different forms, be it physically, or in conviction, but while still faithful to the original noble cause, aspiring and dreaming for Eritrea’s success, no matter what, and ready to face the agenda of another day with optimism, courage and confidence. The harm done is to the country and to all those left behind who will have to cope, pick up the pieces, and continue his good works.

Losing one of her dedicated children, such as H.E. Ali Seid Abdalla, is a loss Eritrea can ill afford. Nevertheless, we have to be thankful for the fact that he was one of our own, and a true son of Eritrea who will always be remembered and honoured, along with those who sacrificed and gave all that they had, for people and country. We are also thankful and grateful that we had him for as long as it was allowed us.

May God rest and receive his soul, and may he also bring consolation to his family. My condolences and heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, and I pray that they may always find solace, comfort and strength in his honourable legacy.

With the solid and immovable cornerstone and pillars that Eritrea has been founded and built on by her forefathers, and with the renewed revival and renaissance being performed by her brave and dedicated liberators and pioneer leaders cum nation builders and protectors, she can never fall, but will stand tall and proud to always prevail over her enemies.

September 7, 2005