Amiche - Theo Mesmer

In this true story of a world ravaged by man-made calamities and supernatural forces, my family stood as a beacon of resilience and hope. Born into an Eritrean family during amid turmoil of war for independence from Ethiopia, my childhood was a tapestry woven with threads of joy, adventure, sorrow, and triumph against uncontrollable forces. My parents, burdened with the weight of protecting their children from the jaws of one of the world's most brutal conflict, instilled in me a slant and unspoken fight against the oppressive grip of socialism.

Nicknamed Amiche, after AMCE, the Automotive Manufacturing Company of Ethiopia, an Italian truck assembly factory located at the heart of Addis Ababa, the name symbolises the unbreakable spirit and strength that characterised Eritreans born and raised in Ethiopia,. Like their machine counterparts, the Amiche community bore the ultimate weight of the country's dark history through war and conflict that tore the region since the 70s and continues to impact Eritreans who live in present day Ethiopia.

The tale of my family is a poignant narrative that transcends mere survival in the face of adversity. It is a story of resilience and unity, of holding on to the core values and traditions that defined our familial and cultural heritage. Through the lens of our struggles, the essence of familial bonds emerged as the beacon of hope in a world often engulfed in darkness. 

Amidst the backdrop of my father's long imprisonments, assassination attempts, and the harrowing realities of living under repressive regimes in the last three decades, my family's journey epitomised the resilience of the human spirit. Moments of joy and laughter intertwined with the raw human suffering that marked our existence, painting a vivid tapestry of the human experience in its most unfiltered and poignant form. Through the trials and tribulations that tested our resolve, my family rose from the ashes of despair, several times embodying the indomitable spirit that defined our heritage. Our story became a testament to the enduring power of love, unity, and the unbreakable bond that held us together through the darkest of times. In a world where uncertainty loomed large, our tale stood as a beacon of hope in a sea of despair, a symbol of the strength of the human will. 

Amidst the unimaginable chaos, my father emerges as the unsung hero - a gentle and incredibly generous scholar, state official and humanitarian who selflessly sacrificed his own life for the greater good of the world. His bravery and compassion became a guiding light for my family and others as we navigated through the harsh realities of our war-torn homeland. 

As I grew into a young man, I carried the legacy of my parent's selflessness in my heart. Fueled by a desire to make a difference in a world marred by natural and man-made calamities, Utilising my multifaceted talents and rare life opportunities I helped my family navigate through the tides. At a very young age, I embarked on a journey of adventure, responsibility, discovery and redemption. I delved into the mysteries of the vices that haunted our world, uncovering secrets long hidden beneath the surface of international diplomatic corridors, a world that lived unnoticed by others. As my family battled against the dark forces of politics, betrayal, conflict, friendship and money, my spirit remained unbroken, fueled by the love and sacrifices of my family.