Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

This guy, was a former official at the Ethiopia embassy in Eritrea.

Go figure!





The utterly absurd document "strategy of two waters" shared by Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, says it all.





ዓለም ኣቀፍ የባህር ህግ ምንድን ነው? በግርማይ የማነ ከርያድ

[Zmeselo]

[Zmeselo]

ኣልዒልኩም ብኽብሪ ቅበርዎ

መንግስቱ ሃይለማርያም

መብራህቱ ገብረህይወት (ወዲ ረጋሒት)፣ ሓደ ካብ'ቶም ኣብ ንኡስ ዕድመኦም ናብ ሰዉራ ኤርትራ ዝተጸንበሩ ጀጋኑ እዩ።

ብትብዓቶምን ጅግንነቶምን ተመሪጾም፣ ብድሕሪ ነዊሕን ልዑል ተጻዋርነትን ዝሓትት ናይ ኮማንዶ ታዕሊም ነተን ኣብ መደበር ሓይሊ ኣየር ኣስመራ ንዝነበራ 33 ነፈርቲ ዉግእን ሄሊኮፕተራትን ኢትዮጵያ ዘዕነወ በርቃዊ ስርሒት ተሳቲፉ። እቲ እንኮ ኣብ'ቲ ስርሒት ዝተሰወአ ሕጹብ መዓንጣ ጅግና ሰማእት ድማ እዩ።

ኣብዚ ኣብ ዓመተ 1984 ዓ.ም ዝተኻየደ ስርሒት፣ "እምባየ" ብዝብል ናይ ኮድ ሽም እዩ ዝፍለጥ ነይሩ።

ወረ ናይ'ዚ በርቃዊ ስርሒት አብ ኣዲስ ኣበባ ምስ ተሰምዐ፣ መራሒ ስርዓት ደርግ ዝነበረ መንግስቱ ሃይለማርያም ኣብ ኣስመራ ብምምጻእ ነቲ ዘጋጠመ ዕንወት ብዓይኑ ተዓዚቡ።

ካብ'ቶም ኣብቲ ቦታ ዝነበሩ ላዕለዎት ወተሃደራዊያን ኣዘዝቲ ስርዓት ደርግ፣ ሓደ ወንበዴ ድማ ቀቲልና ኣለና ኢሎም ንሬሳ መብራህቱ ገብርሂወት ንመንግስቱ ሃይለማርያም ኣርእዮሞ።

መንግስቱ ሃይለማርያም ኣዝዩ ሓሪቑ፣

ይሄማ ምኑን ወንበዴ ሆነዉ!? ለኣላማዉ ሲል በጀግንነት የወደቀ ነው፣ ይልቅ ጀግንነትንና እራስን መስዋእት ማድረግ ከሱ ተማሩ፣ ኣሁን ሬሳዉን ኣንስታችሁ በወታደራዊ ኣጀብ በክብር ቅበሩት

ዝብል ትእዛዝ እዩ ሂብዎም።

ትርጉም:-

እዚ ደኣ እንታይ ወንበዴ ኮይኑ፣ ንዕላምኡ ብጅግንነት ዝወደቐ እዩ፣ ጅግንነትን ተወፋይነትን ካብኡ ተመሃሩ፣ ኣልዒልኩም ብወተሃደራዊ ዓጀብ ብኽብሪ ቅበርዎ

ዝብል ዘይተጸበይዎ ትእዛዝ ኢዩ ሂብዎም።

ሓለፍቲ ሓይሊ ኣየር ኢትዮጵያ ከምታ ዝተኣዘዝዋ፣ ንሬሳ ስዉእ ተጋዳላይ መብራህቱ ገብርሂወት ካብቲ ዝወደቖ ኣልዒሎም፣ ብኽብሪን ወተሃደራዊ ዓጀብን ቀቢሮሞ።

እቲ ዝገርም፣ መብራህቱ ገብርሂወት ኣብ ጎዳይፍ ተወሊዱ ዝዓበየን ነቲ መደበር ሓይሊ ኣየርን ከባቢኡን ከም ኣጻብዕቲ ኢዱ ዝፈልጦን ምንባሩ እዩ። እታ ዝዓበየላ መሬት ጎዳይፍ ድማ፣ ካብ ምሩጻት ሓርያ ኣትሪፋቶ።

እዚ ስርሒት ምስ ኣጋጠመ፣ ሓደ ስሙን መንነቱን ዘይተፈልጠ ተጋዳላይ ጥራይ ከምዝተሰወአ ኣብ ኣስመራ ተወርዩ። ስድራቤቱ እዉን፣ ነዚ ወረ ከም ሰቦም ሰሚዖሞ።

እሞሲ፣ ስዉኣት ጀጋኑና ብጸላእቶም እዉን ክቡራትን ሕፉራትን እዮም።

ነዚ ፍጻመ፣ ብዙሓት ላዕለዎት ኣዘዝቲ ስርዓት ደርግ ዝነበሩ ኣብ ዝጸሓፍዎም መጻሕፍቲ ከምዘለዎ ገሊጾሞ እዮም።

ዘልኣለማዊ ዝኽሪን ክብርን ንስዉኣትና!




__________________

From the heart of a teenager to the soul of a true patriot, your journey has been one of selfless service, steadfast determination, and unshakable honesty. Few in this world, have given so much for their country—none with the passion and purpose you carry.

@EyassuYonas

[Zmeselo]

Financial Support to NAEWDV

@shabait



Nationals inside the country and abroad, have contributed over 800 thousand Nakfa in support of the National Association of Eritrean War Disabled Veterans.

Mr. Fesehaye Tesfamicael, Chairman of the Association, reported that members of the Swedish branch of the association, members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Germany, and the ‘Tsinat’ and ‘Awet Nhafash’ groups contributed a total of 617,619 Nakfa.

Additionally, the ‘Paltalk EPLF HIGDEF Vision Room’ group in Denmark contributed 170,452 Nakfa in support of female war-disabled veterans in Denden Camp, Asmara. Former students of the ex-Comboni School in Asmara, also contributed 23,000 Nakfa to support the Association.

At the handover ceremony conducted on 4 April, contributors of the support stated that the contributions made by nationals both inside the country and abroad reflect the honor and respect they have for the war-disabled veterans, as well as the strong bond they maintain with their homeland.





__________________








Project Afambo: Junior boarding school in the central Denkalia subzone, Southern Red Sea region.

A project in which all Eritreans living in Germany are involved, because education is the basis for the development of a nation.

Leave no one behind! @EllamellaMg

[Zmeselo]

General | Op-ed
Empowering Eritrean Women: A Viable Pathway to National Progress and Sustainable Development

By: UNDP Eritrea CO

https://shabait.com/2025/04/05/empoweri ... velopment/

Apr 5, 2025



As the world moves closer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development deadline, achieving gender equality remains a distant goal. Globally, progress has been slow, with estimates suggesting that it could take nearly 300 years to close gaps in legal protection, 140 years to achieve equal representation in leadership, and 40 years to reach parity in national parliaments.

Shockingly, one in every 10 women lives in extreme poverty, and if current trends continue, 342.4 million women and girls will still be living on less than $2.15 a day by 2030. These stark figures underscore, the urgent need for transformative action. More distressing is that, there may be a regression on some of the progress made in gender equality over the past few decades.

However, in Eritrea, the unstoppable force of women’s empowerment embodies resilience, progress, and hope.

From independence to the forefront of national development, Eritrean women have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s path. Despite the challenges, the progress in empowering Eritrean women across all sectors is not just a moral imperative— it is a strategic necessity for national progress and sustainable development. The progress should give hope and optimism for the future of gender equality in the country.



The 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) report highlights Eritrea’s progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on Gender Equality (SDG 5), alongside Quality Education (SDG 4) and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6). The report showcases Eritrea’s commitment to empowering women and girls through legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and targeted initiatives.

As the 2024 VNR shows, Eritrea has made significant progress in creating institutional and policy frameworks to support women’s rights. The 1994 Eritrea National Charter enshrines gender equality, and subsequent laws—such as bans on child marriage and FGM— reflect efforts to protect women’s rights. The country has ratified key international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, among others.

A standout highlight is the decline in the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) among girls under 15, dropping from 33.2% in 2010 to an impressive 2.3% in 2020. This progress reflects the impact of Eritrea’s legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and community engagement efforts. Despite obstacles, such as cultural norms and resource limitations, the country remains committed to overcoming these barriers.



Women in Eritrea, are increasingly participating in the economy, from agriculture to entrepreneurship. According to the 2018 National Labor Force Survey, women represent a significant portion of the formal labor force and hold a substantial share of managerial roles, reflecting their increasing influence in the workforce. This is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it should make us all proud and supportive of their achievements. Additionally, the percentage of women in administrative roles within manufacturing has risen from 37% in 2015 to 38% in 2022, reflecting gradual but steady progress.

The Land Proclamation of 1994 guarantees equal access to land for all Eritreans, regardless of gender. Expanding women’s economic opportunities is key to reducing poverty and driving inclusive growth. Continued efforts to empower women, will unlock their full potential and contribute to national development.

Eritrea has also made notable progress in advancing women’s representation in leadership, particularly in the judiciary. Women now hold 22% of high court judgeships, 36% of public prosecutor roles, and 37% of elected community court judgeships. Furthermore, women’s representation in regional assemblies has been sustained at 29%, with 37% of local administrators being women.



The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) and other organizations, continue to play a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and empowering women at the grassroots level. Their efforts have helped raise awareness and mobilize communities against harmful traditional practices.

To fully leverage the potential of Eritrea’s future, increased investment in women and girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is essential, as it will not only bridge gender gaps but also drive innovation and sustainable development.

Moreover, the significant contribution of women in unpaid care work, particularly in health and well-being, should be acknowledged and supported through policies that alleviate their burden and promote the equitable sharing of responsibilities. This acknowledgment should make all more empathetic and understanding of the challenges these women caregivers face in their daily lives.



In conclusion, Eritrea’s future depends on its ability to harness the potential of all its citizens, with women at the core of this progress. By investing in women’s education, health, economic opportunities, and leadership, Eritrea will unlock pathways to progress and prosperity.

The UNDP in Eritrea remains committed to supporting the State of Eritrea in its efforts to advance gender equality and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

[Zmeselo]

Today, April 5, 2025, Amanuel Biedemariam @Amanbiede unveiled his latest book, "Eritrea: The Struggle is Long, and Victory is Certain", at a special event in Asmara, celebrating Eritrean resilience and triumph.

_________________

[Zmeselo]

Tesfaldet Tekie - INSANE GOALS - 2024 - HD

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Local News
Students’ Cultural and Sports Week

https://shabait.com/2025/04/05/students ... ts-week-2/

Barentu, 05 April 2025 – A students’ cultural and sports week was organized in the Laelai Gash sub-zone.

The event included the participation of 1,100 students and 116 teachers from 52 schools. Activities featured sports competitions, general knowledge contests, educational presentations, and innovation displays.

Mr. Kaleab Berhe, head of the education office in the sub-zone, said the week, which is part of the academic program, will significantly contribute by enabling students to showcase their theoretical and practical knowledge, and to exchange experiences with peers. He also noted that the program is improving year by year, in terms of both the number of participants and increased community involvement.



Mr. Hagos Okbai, head of culture, sports, and health in the sub-zone, emphasized that the program provided an excellent platform for students to discover and nurture their talents. He called for the program’s continuation and urged the public to strengthen their participation and support for its sustainability.

[Zmeselo]

Ambassador Fessahazion Pietros met with Community leaders of Eritrean organisations in Scandinavia to promote unity and advance collective progress, highlighting a continued dedication to engaging the Eritrean diaspora in the region in national development efforts.

[Fiyameta]

This makes my blood boil!

[Zmeselo]

This makes my blood boil!

Dear Dr. Hussien:

Thank you for your thought-provoking reflections on the intertwined histories of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Your emphasis on the deep-rooted connections between the peoples of the Horn of Africa is both historically rich and culturally significant. However, certain interpretations and assumptions in your article warrant careful reconsideration, particularly in light of international law, contemporary geopolitics, and the evolving challenges of nation-building in the region.

First and foremost, it must be categorically stated that Ethiopia’s current landlocked status is not the result of any unlawful denial of access to the sea by Eritrea or any other party. Eritrea is a sovereign state recognized under international law, including by the African Union, the United Nations, and Ethiopia itself, following the 1993 referendum. The principle of territorial integrity, enshrined in the United Nations Charter (Article 2.4) and Article 4(b) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, affirms the sanctity of colonial borders post-independence, regardless of their perceived historical justice. No regional grievance, however emotionally resonant, overrides these foundational legal norms.

Your critique, though well-articulated, appears to rely on a selective historiography that romanticizes imperial Ethiopian sovereignty over Eritrean territories while underplaying the colonial and postcolonial complexities that shaped Eritrean self-determination. The historical contributions of Eritreans to Ethiopian political life, as you rightly mention, highlight shared experiences, but these do not negate the right of peoples to self-determination, a right which Eritreans exercised with overwhelming support in the 1993 referendum.

What remains unaddressed in your analysis is the continued political crisis within Ethiopia itself, particularly the systemic fragility introduced by the 1995 Constitution, which institutionalized ethnic federalism. The very toxic constitution you allude to, crafted and upheld by the ruling party at the time, has entrenched ethnic division as a governing logic, exacerbating conflict and impeding national unity. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s political approach, far from dismantling this ethno-political architecture, appears to oscillate between co-option and confrontation, depending on political expediency. This strategy not only undermines inclusive nation-building but also plays ethnic groups against one another, with devastating consequences for cohesion and peace.

Eritrea’s engagement with Ethiopia post-2018, particularly the rapprochement between President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy, was indeed welcomed with optimism. Eritrea embraced Abiy in the hope of genuine peace and regional cooperation. That trust was broken when Abiy chose to save the TPLF, a group long seen as a permanent time bomb between Eritrea and the Amhara. The TPLF, despite its record as a source of terror in the Horn, remains armed in violation of the Pretoria DDR terms. This decision speaks volumes. Even more troubling is Abiy’s ongoing war against the Amhara people, marked by mass atrocities and systematic repression, while the TPLF remains untouched and politically shielded. Despite the fact that both Eritrea and the Amhara resistance, particularly Fano, played a critical role in preventing Ethiopia’s disintegration during the TPLF’s northern offensive, Abiy has responded not with gratitude but with hostility, by criminalizing Fano, unleashing military campaigns against Amhara civilians, and now turning his belligerent posture toward Eritrea itself.

Eritrea’s sovereignty and independence must be acknowledged not only as historical outcomes but also as legal and political realities embedded in international norms. Conflating historical unity with contemporary political claims risks reviving narratives that have already been resolved through legitimate international processes. Rather than revisiting past contentions through unilateral assertions, the region would be better served by frameworks of mutual respect, non-interference, and forward-looking cooperation.

In conclusion, no one has denied Ethiopia access to the sea. What is at stake is how that access is pursued. If Ethiopia desires economic use of Eritrean ports, the appropriate path is diplomatic negotiation within the framework of sovereign equality, not historical revisionism. Ethiopia’s prosperity and stability depend not on relitigating the past, but on reimagining a future grounded in democratic governance, regional peace, and respect for the international rule of law.

It was, in response to this article:


Ethiopia and Eritrea: A Shared History Distorted by Political Agendas
https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/44494/

[Abdisa]

Why did the TPLF invade Eritrea in 1998 if they were already using Eritrean ports for free?

[Zmeselo]

Dihil Island: A Gem in Eritrea’s Red Sea

Mussie Efriem @shabait

Dihil Island, is one of the over 360 islands strategically located along Eritrea’s Red Sea coast. These islands, nurture a vibrant life both above and below the waterline. Their largely untamed and unpolluted nature, is remarkable. Here, pristine beaches meet crystal-clear waters, offering a sanctuary for a diverse array of species to flourish undisturbed.

The terrestrial habitats of the islands, though perhaps less lush than some equatorial rainforests, support unique flora and fauna adapted to the arid coastal environment. But it is beneath the surface, that a truly captivating history unfolds. The Red Sea, renowned for its biodiversity, envelops these islands in a rich underwater world teeming with vibrant coral reefs, fascinating fish, and perhaps even the remnants of ancient shipwrecks and submerged settlements, whispering tales of maritime activity from centuries past. This confluence of a peculiar tropical climate, a haven for varied life, an untouched and unpolluted environment, and a captivating underwater history makes the Eritrean islands truly exceptional and compelling destinations, ripe for exploration and sustainable tourism.

Located 35 kilometers from Dahlak Island and 28 kilometers northeast of the mainland coastal villages, Dihil Island maintains a degree of separation from both the Dahlak archipelago’s central hub and the mainland. However, its geographic position places it relatively close to other landmasses: Dahret Island lies approximately 3 kilometers to the west, while Baradu is situated about 2.5 kilometers away to the west. To the east and south, a cluster of numerous smaller islands is scattered a few miles offshore, indicating Dihil Island is part of a larger archipelago environment.



With a size of 1,150 hectares, Dihil is geologically unique, formed from ancient fossilized coral reefs that have risen above the waterline. This distinct origin contributes to the island’s character and is likely to influence the quality of its soil and vegetation. A significant feature of the island is its centuries-old wells, which serve as the primary source of freshwater for its inhabitants. Dihil Island is home to two main villages: Dihil De’har and Dihil Al’Balad. The majority of the island’s population are from the Rashaida ethnic group, and the most commonly spoken languages are Arabic and Dahalic, reflecting the cultural and linguistic heritage of its residents.

A visit to Dihil Island, immediately reveals the central role that fishing plays in the lives and economy of its inhabitants. The island’s settlements are situated along its coastline, a testament to the community’s strong dependence on the sea. The shores are a constant hub of activity, with fishing boats regularly docking, their nets often spread out to dry or be mended, and a visual representation of the day’s labor and the anticipation of the next. The sight of children playing along the water’s edge further underscores the deep connection between the island’s residents and the surrounding sea. Dihil Island’s location within an archipelago rich in underwater resources makes it an ideal environment for fishing. The presence of numerous neighboring islands contributes to a diverse and abundant marine habitat, supporting a wide variety of fish species. This natural wealth has shaped the island’s culture and livelihoods to such an extent that fishing is not merely an occupation, but a way of life. From the youngest members of the community learning the basics of fishing to the elders who possess generations of accumulated knowledge about the sea, nearly every resident of Dihil Island is actively involved in the fishing industry; highlighting its fundamental importance to the island’s sustenance and economy.

Dihil Island’s beauty extends beyond the abundance of fish to the breathtaking underwater world that surrounds it. The island is known for its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with a mosaic of colors and forming intricate ecosystems that support a remarkable diversity of marine life. These reefs are not just visually stunning but are crucial habitats for countless species of fish, shellfishes, and other marine organisms, making the waters around Dihil Island a haven for biodiversity.

The reliance on the sea extends beyond the traditional roles, with women also actively participating in fishing activities, particularly in the shallower waters closer to the shore. Women also play a vital role in gathering shelled sea creatures, such as bivalves and gastropods, further demonstrating the community’s comprehensive engagement with the marine environment for sustenance and livelihood. This widespread participation, encompassing both fishing and the collection of shellfish, underscores the profound and multifaceted relationship between the people of Dihil Island and the rich resources of the Red Sea.



Dihil Island also supports a terrestrial ecosystem shaped by its inhabitants. Domestic animals, including sheep, goats, and pack animals are an integral part of island life. These animals graze on the grasses that flourish during the island’s limited rainy season. While the overall rainfall is scarce, the island has adapted to this aridity, supporting a unique vegetation community characterized by drought resistant shrubs and trees that have evolved to survive with minimal precipitation. Along the island’s coastline, a specialized array of salt-resistant plants thrives, forming a crucial barrier against erosion and providing essential habitat for various coastal creatures. Recognizing the importance of vegetation for both ecological stability and potential economic benefits, the Ministry of Marine Resources is actively involved in introducing and cultivating salt-resistant and drought-resistant plant species, as well as other vegetation with economic value, aiming to enhance the island’s resilience and provide additional resources for its residents. This initiative highlights a holistic approach to the island’s development, acknowledging the interconnectedness of its marine and terrestrial environments.

Dihil Island’s charm begins at its shoreline, where the fine, clear white sand creates a striking contrast with the deep blue of the Red Sea, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. However, the true magic of Dihil Island lies just beneath the surface, in its spectacular underwater realm. As you descend into the crystal-clear waters, a breathtaking landscape unfolds, dominated by vibrant coral reefs. These reefs, starting in the sun-drenched shallows, descend to depths of approximately eight meters, forming an intricate and impressive underwater mountain range.

The corals themselves are a jewel of color, fiery oranges, electric blues, soft pinks, and sunny yellows, creating a visual feast for divers. This vibrant display is not merely for show; the complex structure of the reefs provides essential habitat and a vital food source for a staggering array of marine life. Groups of brightly colored fish dart in and out of the coral branches, while larger ones patrol the edges, and shellfish scuttle along the sandy bottom. This thriving ecosystem directly contributes to the abundance of fish in the surrounding waters, making Dihil Island a particularly attractive location for fishing, both for the local community and potentially for sustainable tourism.

[Zmeselo]

Why did the TPLF invade Eritrea in 1998 if they were already using Eritrean ports for free?

The answer to your question can be summarised by one statement: the Tigray Republic agenda.

Their desire to secede from Ethiopia was first contradicted by the EPLF, reminding them that the Eritrean case is different from theirs. They cut off the relationship, but later came back hat in hand when the EPLF destroyed the Nadew ez in Afabet. Knowing they needed the EPLF militarily, they nominally accepted the EPLF suggestion of the need to liberate the whole of Ethiopia from the derg. Having taken over Menelik palace, they accepted the EPLF policy of conducting a referendum 2 years later knowing their Tigray Republic agenda cannot be realized if Eritrea doesn't become independent first. so their acceptance, was merely tactical.

Later, they decided to invade Eritrea using Ethiopian money and human resources and had they succeeded they would've placed a puppet regime in Asmara & would've declared their own independence with outlet to the sea free of charge.

This is my 2 cents on the issue and others may add more.