Mereja.Forum

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Respecting Eritrean National Symbols

By Mikal Tesfay

https://shabait.com/2021/05/19/respecti ... l-symbols/

HISTORY & CULTURE

May 19, 2021



National symbols unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of a nation’s people, values, goals, or history. They are often used as a rallying point and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the people of a nation. Eritrea has national symbols, that unite its citizens at home and abroad and represent it in the world. The three national symbols of Eritrea are the national flag, the national emblem and the national anthem.

It was exactly 6.P.M three days ago, when I reached around the 6th police station. Aside from me, many people were walking up and down the street. That moment, I heard a whistle. I stood straight at attention and gazed at the flag with deep respect and delight, while the beautiful colors waved in the gentle breeze at dusk. Those who were driving also stopped, and got off their cars.

A national flag is a human-made fabric, that symbolizes a country. The Eritrean national flag, is a symbol of the country’s history and its future. It comprises of two triangles in blue and green with a red triangle pointing away from the hoist side. In the center of the red triangle are golden olive branches. The olive branches, which were adapted from the 1952 Eritrean flag, represent peace. The green color in the flag stands for the agriculture and livestock of the country, the blue represents the bounty of the Red Sea, and the red stands for the bloodshed in the struggle with the 30 leaves in the wreath representing the thirty years spent in the armed struggle.

Eritrean freedom fighters sacrificed their lives, to accomplish their mission in the struggle for independence. There were over 65,000 martyrs and tens of thousands of disabled fighters, during the 30 years’ war for independence. Moreover, thousands of civilians were killed. We have to show respect and express gratitude to all patriots who fought and continue to fight, for peace and development.

When I was around six years old, my oldest aunt, a freedom fighter, used to tell me stories about the armed struggle in a way I could understand. A part of the stories that involved the role a camel played during the armed struggle grabbed my attention, and there is one particular incident that I can never forget. It was, in 1982. The Derg army was preparing for the biggest offensive, since the beginning of the armed struggle. Its goal was to destroy the independence struggle, once and for all. The freedom fighters, with the help of their people, started to take actions. Everyone was contributing as an Eritrean.

The peasants used their camels to transport ammunition. My aunt and other fighters were moving to the frontline, accompanied by three camels. But on their way the camel that was leading the caravan stepped on a landmine, which killed the two camels and injured the third one. The third camel lost its eye and was badly injured. Nevertheless, it completed the journey and reached the front line.



The national emblem of Eritrea, the camel, was adopted on the second anniversary of Eritrea’s independence, 24 May 1993. The camel was a reliable means of transportation, during the armed struggle. Since camels can carry heavy loads and travel long distances enduring thirst and hunger, the freedom fighters used them to transport ammunition, food supplies and wounded fighters. They were the best and most loyal servants of the Eritrean patriots, for 30 years.

Another national symbol of a nation is: the national anthem. A national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition that evokes and praises the history, tradition, and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation’s government as the official national song or by convention through use by the people.



“Ertra, Ertra, Ertra” the national anthem of Eritrea holds a deep rooted history of the era, before and after the 30 years of armed struggle.

The lyrics of the Eritrean national anthem were written by Solomon Tsehaye Beraki, and the music composed by Isaac Abraham Meharezghi and Aron Tekie Tesfatsion. A Certain etiquette is supposed to be observed, when the national anthem is playing and when a flag is raised and lowered. It usually involves military honors, standing up straight, removing headwear, etc.

The national anthem is played at national holidays and festivals. It is also sung at schools, during the flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies. Aside from that, radio and television stations play the national anthem when they sign in in the morning and when they sign off at night. Every word stated in the anthem is either about the past or the future. The three mentioned above are the main symbols that represent not only Eritrea, but also the sacrifice made for its independence.



May – A month of Dignity

By Simon Weldemichael

https://shabait.com/2021/05/19/may-a-month-of-dignity/

GENERAL

May 19, 2021



The year 1991 was a watershed, in the history of Eritrea and Ethiopia. After a hundred years of foreign rule, the people of Eritrea, under the leadership of the EPLF, became victorious. After thirty years of armed struggle, Eritrean freedom fighters defeated the military government of Ethiopia and entered Asmara on May 24, 1991. When the EPLF drove out the Derg, it also won the mandate to rejuvenate Eritrea. At long last, the great, courageous and industrious people of Eritrea have stood up with pride and dignity.

In 1991, the colonial rule was terminated and Eritreans established an independent and sovereign country and a government of their own. The people of Eritrea have become masters of their own country, and hold their future in their own hands. The national charter of Eritrea adopted at the third congress of the EPLF in February 1994 states that,

achieving national independence and sovereignty is the conclusion of an important chapter in the history of the people of Eritrea, yet at the same time, the beginning of a new chapter.

May 24, 1991 marks the beginning of a new national life of the State of Eritrea that is now 30 years old. Thirty years might be quite many for a person’s age, but it is a mere speck in the life of a nation. Thirty years ago the people of Eritrea were a colonized people subjected to humiliation, indignity, uncertainty, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, rape, pillage and all sorts of oppression. They were not treated as people, that deserve rights and dignity.

The people of Eritrea were suffering and being humiliated, under successive foreign occupations. For hundred years since the formation of Eritrea (1890-1991), Eritreans were under the Italian, British and Ethiopian rule. In those years of humiliation, Eritreans never ceased to struggle against racial segregation, colonization and dehumanization perpetuated by the colonizers.



The armed struggle for independence was long, bitter and costly, but it constitutes a glorious chapter in the rich pages of the Eritrean history. The valiant and successful struggle of the Eritrean people, ultimately, led to the restoration of dignity and rebirth of Eritrea. The struggle for independence today enjoys the respect, admiration and affection of all Eritreans. It continues to serve as the symbol of indomitability in adversity, of courage when confronted by danger, of dignity and resolve when threatened with defeat, and of magnanimity and generosity in victory.

Thanks to independence every Eritrean today has secured the right to life, property and happiness. We are enjoying the right to be treated in a manner befitting human dignity with access to free education and health care, and our personal lives and property protected. Every year we celebrate the good that has been achieved over the decades since independence and we know exactly the areas where we still need to make progress.

The post-independence period, has not been as smooth as envisioned. The TPLF regime unleashed a new war against Eritrea barely seven years after liberation, under the pretext of border dispute. The vicious war that raged for two long years, inculcated much loss of life and huge economic devastation. The TPLF’s subsequent malicious policy of adversity and flagrant violation of international law, further impeded Eritrea’ steady progress on national building and economic growth in all its dimensions. These formidable obstacles notwithstanding, substantial achievements have been made in education, health-care, and other essential sectors.

Every people want to be treated with dignity and know, whether or not they are being treated with the dignity they believe they deserve. The dignity of the Eritrean people has been acknowledged and respected by the international community, after the de facto and de jure declaration of independence. Indeed, national independence emboldens the worthiness, nobleness and honor of the people.



The heroes and heroines of the Eritrean revolution, fathers and mothers of this nation, were wise. Our forefathers’ resolve to destroy the yoke of colonialism and humiliation, is what gave birth to an independent Eritrea. The thirty years of struggle, was for dignity. In other words, the struggle demanded not only the ousting of colonizers but demands respect. The claim of human dignity, is that simply being human makes one worthy or deserving of respect. May 24, 1991 opens a new window of opportunity and gives Eritreans a means to realize their potential. The victory of 1991, reinforced the national effort to rid Eritrea of the humiliation it had suffered at the hands of colonizers and to restore it to a position of dignity and greatness.

Eritreans understand the dangers of sticking to the past. After the suffering they had undergone in the struggle for independence, they sought to look to the future rather than stay stuck in the past. They consciously chose to forgive, but not to forget. Forgiveness, is a door to peace and development. The people and leadership of Eritrea have never hesitated to live in peace, with their former colonizers. They did not allow the acid of hatred and vengeance, to corrode their souls and poison their hearts. While celebrating our independence, we extend our mercy and forgiveness and have opened a new chapter of construction. With the signing of a peace and friendship agreement with Ethiopia in July 2018, Eritrea has established new relationships to restore our belief in good neighborliness.

Eritreans have gained powerful lifetime experiences, that help transform them to be able to use their fullest potential. The strength of the people has been demonstrated, by their will to never surrender their dignity.

What independence must now mean to us in practical terms is the continuation of the revolutionary process, that yielded it. Eritrea is currently preparing to celebrate the 30th anniversary of independence under the theme “Resilient– As Ever”, ceremoniously. While celebrating, we are also mindful of the sacrifices paid for our dignity.

UPDF captain jailed 50 years over kidnap, murder of Eritrean businessman

The High Court in Kampala has sentenced to 50 years, a UPDF captain convicted of masterminding the kidnap and killing of an Eritrean businessman.

By KENNETH KAZIBWE

https://nilepost.co.ug/2021/05/17/updf- ... sinessman/

May 18, 2021



Daniel Michael Weldu, a resident of Muyenga and owned businesses in Uganda and South Sudan was abducted from Kololo, a leafy Kampala suburb on October 27, 2016 and the body was later found burnt at the Uganda-Kenya border in Busia.

Capt Bumali Mangeni was convicted together with two civilians, including Benon Duncan Lumu and Andrew Kisitu.

On Monday afternoon, Justine Flavia Anglin Ssennoga said the three convicts deserved a sentence that would ensure the trio serves as an example to other would be offenders.

The commission of the offences was meticulously premeditated and executed. All the convicts acted in furtherance of an unlawful purpose and each one played a part in the commission of the offences as they failed to dissociate themselves from the heinous acts.

Justice Ssenoga said.

The judge said the trio carried out the mission immaculately, that they were able to kidnap the Eritrean businessman from Kololo, forced him to withdraw money from his bank account that they stole and later killed him, before burning the body kill evidence.

The deceased was kidnapped, threatened to be charged with made up offences, sedated into unconsciousness, robbed and was eventually murdered for the sole purpose of stealing money that he had on his accounts. The kidnap was as a result of fraud and his death was not accidental, but deliberately occasioned in furtherance of unlawful purpose.

The body of the deceased was set ablaze, with an apparent intention of causing disguise about the cause of death and to hide the identity of the deceased.

The court said that the trio spent a lot of time planning their mission, until their pulled it off meticulously.

The judge said it is appalling that the convicts didn’t find it into their hearts to be remorseful and give a second chance for life, to the Eritrean businessman.

The offence negatively impacted on the victim’s family, relatives and friends and the public at large. Such offences cause a lot of concern, for security and safety of people in society. Because of commission of such offences, people are not free to enjoys fruits of the honest labours. The sentences are meant to send out a strong message to the public and other would be offenders, that crime doesn’t pay and will not be tolerated by anyone.

she said.


The trio before court. (PHOTO/Courtesy KENNETH KAZIBWE)

The judge consequently sentenced each of the three convicts to 50 years imprisonment for kidnap with intent to murder, 30 years for aggravated robbery and 50 years for murder of the businessman.

She also ordered that they pay shs200 million to the deceased’s family in compensation, but also refund the money they robbed from the deceased.

The sentences to run concurrently and the period spent on remand, should be deducted,

she said.


The mastermind! The murdered Eritrean businessman, except for his precious life, was robbed to the amount of €2 Million.

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The well-oiled, digital weyane, misinfo. process/network.

After Barcelona has shown interest - Real Sociedad is now ready to give Alexander Isak a new improved deal/contract.


Celebrating, one of his latest goals

Alexander Isak has had a nice week, in his backpack.

This weekend he became a two-goal scorer for his Real Sociedad, and on Tuesday he was selected as the number 1 striker for the Swedish national team in the upcoming Europeans Championship Games.

As if that was not enough, he has recently been placed in Barcelona by various Spanish news sources.

But Real Sociedad doesn't want to let go of their gold nugget, so easily. That's why, the club must now act. According to Diario Vasco, https://real-sociedad.diariovasco.com/a ... 08-nt.html the club wants to offer Isak a new & improved contract. (kaching!).

Alex's current contract expires, in 2024. This season, Isak has banged in 16 goals & 3 assists

The listing also means, that Isak is Real Sociedad's best goal scorer in a single league season since Antoine Griezmann played for the club.


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What We Provide, We Provide Well!

EriTel, recently, unveiled plans to expand services. Aim is connecting the people of Eritrea, and building a prosperous and digitally connected nation! #EritreaShinesAt30
EriTel

ENTA: working to improve quality of teaching

By Mussie Efrem

https://shabait.com/2021/05/19/enta-wor ... -teaching/

NATION BUILDING

May 19, 2021



The Eritrean National Teachers’ Association’s (ENTA) main aim is to defend the rights and dignities of its members and preserve their privileges. It strives to create opportunities for the professional development of its members and assists them by giving, among other things, 20,000 Nfa for the family of a deceased member, financial support for members’ health care and loan for newly married couples.

The association was established in 1958 at today’s Adulis Secondary School in Asmara with a small number of members, and Ms. Gihdey Kinfe, a teacher, was elected as its first chairperson. According to Mr. Simon Mehari, chair of the association, the association was established because at the time a universal permission to establish trade unions was granted by the federal government and teachers’ associations were common in neighboring countries.


Mr. Simon Mehari

Although the association’s freedom and independence was undermined by the Ethiopian regime following Eritrea’s annexation, the teachers remained united; especially because most of them were Eritrean. Like their fellow Eritreans, many were active in the national struggle for independence, which was demonstrated by their joining en masse the armed struggle.

The association was able to enjoy freedom when Eritrea became independent on 24th May, 1991. On 11th July 1991, the Eritrean Teachers’ Association was reborn as an independent association.

Eritrea’s National Policy of Education sees the provision of basic education, both as a human right and a tool that raises the overall awareness of citizens. Anchored in this principle, the Government has since independence been building schools and developing teachers to make education accessible all over the country. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of teachers, to meet the needs of the growing number of students. The association that had a few members when it was established in the 1950, had 6007 members in 1994. There are now 19,673 teachers in the country, who are all members of the association. Mr. Simon said the association has chapters all over the country, that convene every three years to elect the leadership.

In an effort to empower adults who did not have any schooling, the association stared a literacy program soon after Eritrea’s independence targeting freedom fighters based in different towns. For instance, many volunteer teachers engaged in teaching in their summer holiday of 1992. The association also taught disabled fighters at Denden Camp for one year, in the academic year of 1992-1993. In addition to teaching, it gives financial support for different causes; including support for disabled fighters and families of martyrs and material support to schools.

The association works cooperatively with national associations; such as the National Union of Eritrean Women, National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, National workers Confederation of Eritrea and trade associations such as the Physicians’ Association and the Chemical Society. Moreover, in the last 30 years, it has widened its network through interaction with national and international organizations. It became a member of the International Teachers Association in 1996, and a member of the African Teachers Association.

The ultimate goal of the teachers’ association is to build an educated generation. To make this a reality, Mr. Simon said, teachers should continue to play their critical role by teaching and leading by example. He also called on teachers, to help strengthen the association and avail themselves of its services.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Awards, event.

Today’s event is therefore, a reinforcement of our collective partnership to walk this journey and accompany the country in its aspiration of a net-zero carbon future for Eritrea.

@wakiaga @UNDPAfrica @UNDPClimate @COP26




I hosted the inaugural Eritrean Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Awards today, with UNDP and Eritrean Ministry of Mines and Energy. Renewabl Energy is key, to Decarbonising the global economy.
@UKAmb_Walker: @UkambW

Zmeselo wrote: ↑

19 May 2021, 04:30

Listen to Abyi, people. But above all, elect him!

ህግደፍ እንዲህም ይል ነበር

Awetash (eden),

Shaebia also carried TPLF on its tanks to Addis. We are not responsible if like the AGAMES, Abiy turned into a turn-coat. In any case, both TPLF and Abiy served their purpose. Abiy was very instrumental in breaking the back of TPLF. Togray is now on the verge of a destructive civil war as war-lords vie for control of whatever remains. As for Abiy, how much time do you give him before he fades into the sunset?

eden wrote: ↑

08 Nov 2023, 00:45

Zmeselo wrote: ↑

19 May 2021, 04:30

Listen to Abyi, people. But above all, elect him!

ህግደፍ እንዲህም ይል ነበር

I'm crossing my fingers that the new Zemso 2.0 is more savvy than the old one.

Wedi negus. Inferiority complex to the nth degree!

Zmeselo wrote: ↑

19 May 2021, 04:30

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Listen to Abyi, people. But above all, elect him!

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almaze wrote: ↑

08 Nov 2023, 01:01

I'm crossing my fingers that the new Zemso 2.0 is more savvy than the old one.

I won't show their dead bodies again, just to teach dngay ras Gehanem a lesson:

eden wrote: ↑

14 Jan 2025, 19:57

Zmeselo wrote: ↑

19 May 2021, 04:30

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Listen to Abyi, people. But above all, elect him!

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almaze wrote: ↑

08 Nov 2023, 01:01

I'm crossing my fingers that the new Zemso 2.0 is more savvy than the old one.