Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

Opinion
A Lie Screamed Loud Is Still a Lie

By: Yonas Aradom

https://shabait.com/2025/04/23/a-lie-sc ... ill-a-lie/

Apr 23, 2025

An article entitled “Eritrea’s Iron Grip: A Deepening Crisis in the Horn of Africa,” dated April 19, 2025 and published in The Reporter by a certain, self-proclaimed, ‘seasoned journalist,’ represents nothing more than a package of recycled lies and mendacious narratives aimed at demonizing Eritrea to justify ulterior motives and objectives. Sadly, this has become the new vogue among newly minted and hired “geopolitical analysts” in Ethiopia.

In lieu of coherent analysis, the piece jumps erratically between sensationalized claims; blending discredited allegations with geopolitical fear-mongering.

Eritrea has endured years of such misinformation campaigns, yet the truth remains unchanged; no amount of repetition can turn baseless claims into reality.

• The worn-out accusation of portraying Eritrean’s National Service Program as “indefinite”, ignores Eritrea’s legitimate security needs in a volatile region. The indelible fact is: Ethiopia occupied sovereign Eritrean territories in violation of international law, which inevitably elicited the prolongation of the National Service. Even today, the authorities in Addis Abeba are immersed in relentless sabre-rattling to snatch ports and coastal lands in the Red Sea

by any means necessary, including military force.

In the event, to portray Eritrea’s contingent and defensive policies as “oppressive” is tenuous and purely dishonest. The National Service Program, which includes vocational training, academic programs, and nation building tasks and that is of limited 18-month duration by law in peaceful times, is otherwise a pillar of national resilience; not the caricature presented by those seeking to defame and weaken Eritrea.

• Similarly, the article dwells on false allegations of “religious persecution’’ in Eritrea. In reality, Eritrea stands as a rare example of inter-faith harmony in the Horn of Africa, where Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully and exercise their faith freely without government encumbrance or interference. This reality contrasts sharply with endemic ethnic and religious strife, which sadly remain the hallmark of other countries in the wider Horn of Africa region..

• The article blatantly distorts reality and contemporary history by depicting Eritrea, as a “regional aggressor”. The indelible truth is Eritrea has been and remains on the receiving end of aggression, particularly by successive Ethiopian regimes, who have coveted its land and maritime territories in violation of international law and established norms; including relevant AU Resolutions on the sanctity of inherited colonial boundaries.

• The report’s most cynical manipulation is its insinuation that,

Eritrea poses a threat to Israel and global trade due to military ties with Iran etc.

This deliberate and worn-out scare mongering tactic, is purportedly aimed at rallying the support of certain Western countries to Ethiopia by invoking the familiar boogeyman of “looming Iranian influence and threat” in the region.

• Eritrea’s stability, unity, and refusal to bow to foreign pressure remain inconvenient truths for its detractors. The nation’s achievements in education, healthcare, and food security, secured despite relentless sanctions and perpetual hostilities, speak louder than recycled allegations. Those peddling falsehoods should ask themselves why Eritrea, alone in the region, is not embroiled in and bedevilled by perennial civil wars, sectarian violence, and detrimental foreign interferences.

• The author’s most absurd premise is his portrayal of Ethiopia as some kind of “regional problem-solver”, uniquely capable of addressing Eritrea’s perceived “problems”. This ludicrous fantasy, which is at odds with the stark reality, exists in the convoluted imagination of the author and his ilk. Indeed, if the author was genuinely interested in probing enduring solutions to chronic problems in the Horn, he would have funneled his efforts closer to home to address the myriad and grave internal conflicts that continue to afflict Ethiopia. As it happens, the audacious premise belies his underlying malicious intentions against Eritrea.

A lie, told repeatedly, does not become truth. Eritrea will continue to defend its sovereignty, pursue its own path to development, and promote peace in the Horn of Africa; regardless of the lies spread by its arch-enemies. The world would do well to see through these distortions and recognize Eritrea for what it truly is; a nation that refuses to surrender its independence to serve foreign agendas.




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The vulture (s) are back. Booted-out by the State Department barely half-way into his six-month temporary contract, the inept Tibor Nagy is frantically scavanging for lobbyist fees and seems to have already secured advance payment from certain quarters.

Reason why he maliciously parrots the diatribes of RASDO, an obscure and inconsequential subversive group created and incubated by previous Ethiopian regimes decades ago.

(Expect more of the same by the ሓንጨ መንጪ League in the coming Eri-Influenza weeks - the historic weeks of Eritrea's 34th Independence Anniversary. Al Jazeera will give ample space to these subversive blogs in its website, albeit with the implausible disclaimer note, for its own ulterior objectives)

[Zmeselo]

General
Statement by H.E. Sophia Tesfamariam Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to the United Nations On the Occasion of the International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 24 April 2025, New York

https://shabait.com/2025/04/23/statemen ... e-24-apri/

Apr 23, 2025



Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

On this significant occasion of the International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, the State of Eritrea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Eritrea, a young and resilient nation that achieved its independence in 1991 after a protracted and valiant struggle, deeply understands the value of sovereignty, justice, and solidarity. Experience has taught us that global peace and sustainable development cannot be achieved without genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and collective action. These principles—so vital to our liberation and nation-building endeavors—are also the bedrock of multilateralism.

Yet, today, multilateralism is under serious threat. The growing tendency to bypass or undermine the multilateral system through unilateralism, politicization, coercive practices, and sanctions has eroded trust among nations. These actions not only diminish the relevance of multilateral diplomacy but also encroach upon the sovereign rights of states, particularly those of developing countries in the Global South.

Eritrea condemns the imposition of illicit and arbitrary unilateral coercive measures, which contravene the spirit and letter of the UN Charter. Such measures, often imposed without due process or legitimacy, inflict collective punishment on populations, hinder socioeconomic development, and obstruct the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. They are a grave affront to multilateralism, international law, and the dignity of nations.

We are witnessing a troubling pattern, where mechanisms meant to protect human rights and promote peace are increasingly weaponized to pursue narrow political objectives. These actions create mistrust, deepen polarization, and undermine the credibility of the multilateral system itself. For us, multilateralism cannot be genuine if it is selective, coercive, or used as a tool of domination.

Mr. Chair,

Despite these challenges, Eritrea remains a firm believer in principled multilateralism—one that is inclusive, representative, and rooted in mutual respect and sovereign equality of all nations. It’s active participation in multilateral platforms is a testament to its constructive engagement and its commitment to promoting the well-being of communities globally.



Eritrea, along countries of the region and partners, continues to endeavor for regional peace, cooperation, and integration in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea Basin. It is constructively engaged in fostering peace and stability in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia—nations that continue to face complex challenges. Our efforts are grounded on the belief that regional solutions, anchored in mutual respect and national ownerships, are essential for achieving lasting peace and stability. Such approach prioritizes genuine dialogue, non-interference, and solidarity among neighboring states, recognizing that sustainable peace must be driven by the people and leadership of the region themselves.

However, we must be frank: the international multilateral system remains deeply unequal. Africa continues to bear the brunt of global injustices, including from economic marginalization to environmental vulnerability. We join other African nations in calling for comprehensive reforms—particularly the UN Security Council and the international financial architecture—to correct the historical injustices and imbalances and thereby ensure that Africa, and the Global South at large, is fully represented and respected.

Multilateralism must evolve to reflect today’s multipolar realities. It must center the voices of developing nations and prioritize their aspirations. We cannot speak of ‘diplomacy and peace’ while tolerating double standards, selective accountability, and the continued marginalization of Africa and other regions.

Mr. Chair,

As we commemorate this important day, Eritrea calls on the international community to recommit to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter—sovereign equality, non-interference, peaceful coexistence, and collective responsibility. We must resist the slide into unilateralism and redouble efforts to uphold a just and equitable international order grounded on international law.

While global challenges—from climate change and food insecurity to displacement and armed conflicts—continue to grow in complexity, the solution lies not in the erosion of multilateralism, but in its revitalization. Listening to diverse voices, engaging in respectful dialogue, and above all upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter must be the cornerstone of our shared path forward.

Eritrea remains ready to work constructively with all partners to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. We believe that multilateral diplomacy rooted in shared principles and inclusivity, not pressure and bullying, is the only way to secure a better future for current and future generations.

Thank You!

[Zmeselo]

Delighted to have been invited as a panelist on catalyzing investment at the National Agricultural Conference.

In my remarks, I highlighted the critical importance of the agriculture sector, which is the primary livelihood for roughly 65–75% of the population.



I noted, that Eritrea has a unique opportunity to leapfrog to climate-smart practices that will future-proof the country.



I also shared our support on the date-palm value chain, identifying ways in which the most vulnerable can benefit and the sector can expand while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. @NashidaSattar







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Teseney-Aligider Agro-Project: Ensuring Food Security and Empowerment of Farmers

Habtom Tesfamichael, @shabait



The vast Teseney-Aligider Agricultural Project in Gash Barka, is a vital national asset operated by the Eritrean Crops and Livestock Corporation (ECLC). Located 376 km west of Asmara and covering 16,000 hectares that stretch towards the Sudanese border, the project is a testament to Eritrea’s agricultural resilience and development.

The farm’s history dates back to 1918 when a dam with a capacity of 10 million cubic meters was constructed, laying the foundation for irrigated farming in the region. By 1920, the crucial primary irrigation canal that stretches to Iket was completed through manual excavation.

Following three years of operation, the farm’s management was handed over to the Sociata Impressa Africane (SIA). Under the SIA, the enterprise focused heavily on cotton plantation. The harvested cotton, grown on 150 hectares of farms, was exported to Italy.

A new chapter began in 1963 when Baratollo, founder of Asmara Textile Factory assumed control. This era was marked by significant development in infrastructure, most notably the transition from traditional basin irrigation to a more efficient system of furrow irrigation. Cotton, remained the dominant product. Half the cotton was ginned locally in Tesseney for seed retention, while the remainder was sent to Asmara Textile Factory for further processing. Baratollo’s operations ceased in 1974, and the farm lay largely dormant until Eritrea’s independence in 1991.

Recognizing its immense potential for national development, the Government gave priority to the revival of Teseney-Aligider agroproject. In 1993, comprehensive repairs began on the canals and dams that had been neglected during the long years of the armed struggle. This commitment enabled the resumption of production, primarily cotton, that served domestic needs and generated hard currency between 1994 and 2006. Investment continued to be made and in 1998 a new textile and ginning factory was constructed on site; however, the facility suffered destruction by the TPLF in 2000 during the Eritrea-Ethiopia war.

The farm’s lifeblood remains its intricate canal system that originates from the Gash River and waters the farm, using gravity. It comprises a primary canal running the length of the farm, secondary canals that distribute water to various sections of the farm, and tertiary canals that deliver water directly into specific plots of farm. The control gates installed on each canal allow for precise water management, ensuring efficient distribution of water.

The water storage infrastructure has also evolved, significantly. The original Italian-built dam had a large capacity (reportedly 10 million cubic meters), but it relied on fuel-intensive generator pumps. The current dam has a capacity of around 8 million cubic meters and needs only gravity to fill directly from the Gash River’s floodwaters, reflecting efficiency and prudent resource management. This dam is used for irrigated farming in the extensive land below it. The ongoing renovation work on the dam underscores the commitment to maximize the exploitation of this vital resource, which has the potential to irrigate 500 additional hectares of land.

Today, Teseney-Aligider agroproject thrives under a model championing national participation and centralized support. The ECLC provides strategic oversight, manages the core infrastructure, and gives essential machinery services and technical assistance. Crucially, the cultivation itself is powered by the dedicated efforts of Eritrean farmers hailing from Aligider, Tesseney, and other places across the country.

A key government initiative has seen the successful relocation of farmers interested in agriculture to the area, providing sustainable livelihoods. Around 5,000 farmers now work on around 4,000 hectares, particularly during the productive summer farming season. This influx of activity has contributed significantly to the local economy and spurred the growth of Aligider, into a vibrant town complete with essential facilities that give social services to its residents.

The ECLC works closely with these farmers, providing them with assistance in land clearing and canal maintenance using modern excavators. While the farmers cultivate essential crops such as sorghum, maize and sesame, the ECLC also directly contributes to national food security through its own large-scale farm operations within the project area. Using drip irrigation, this section produces a variety of affordable crops, vegetables and fruits such as sorghum, maize, tomatoes, onions, peppers, pumpkins, oranges, lemons, mangoes, guavas, bananas, and cotton.

Demonstrating an integrated and holistic approach to agriculture, the project incorporates thriving dairy cattle operations, providing dairy products. Furthermore, Teseney-Aligider agro-project produces animal feed for its livestock at that location and other ECLC-managed dairy centers nationwide, contributing to the broader national livestock strategy.

Drawing water primarily from the Gash River’s seasonal floods that come from the highlands and supplemented reliably by the dam during low-flow periods, the project benefits from vast tracts of fertile land. This resource has allowed farmers to successfully produce crops that are commonly grows in the area such as maize, onions and potatoes, and experiment with new ones such as wheat and sunflowers.



While challenges, such as consistent power availability required for energy intensive agro-processing ventures like the planned large-scale banana plantation, are being addressed within the national development framework, the focus remains to be maximizing productivity. The land designated for the banana project, pending the resolution of power constraints, is currently being productively utilized for sorghum and other essential crops, ensuring no land lies fallow.

The Teseney-Aligider agro-project stands as a powerful demonstration of the nation’s unwavering commitment to achieving agricultural self-sufficiency, pursuing sustainable development, and ensuring the empowerment and prosperity of its people.




_______________






Along the banks of the Setit River, farmers in Omhajer zone are cultivating vegetables and fruits to keep up with rising demand.

ኣብ ንኡስ ዞባ ጎልጅ - ምምሕዳር ከባቢ ኦምሓጀር ኣብ ገማግም ሩባ ሰቲት ኣሕምልትን ፍረታትን ዘልምዑ ሓረስቶት፡ ምህርቶም ብምዕባይ ጠለባት ከባቢኦም ንምምላእ ይሰርሑ ከምዘለዉ ገሊጾም።

[Zmeselo]

Negash Teklit, Eritrea's former National professional football player and manager has been elected to lead the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a commissioner for the Under-20 competition.

ኣቶ ነጋሽ ተኽሊት፡ ገዲም ሃገራዊ ፕሮፈሽናል ተጻዋታይ ፣ ኣብ ውድድራት ኩዕሶ እግሪ ኣፍሪቃ ትሕቲ 20 ዓመት ኮሚሽነር ኮይኑ ክመርሕ ብካፍ (CAF) ተመሪጹ።





_____________________

[Fiyameta]

Those peddling falsehoods should ask themselves why Eritrea, alone in the region, is not embroiled in and bedevilled by perennial civil wars, sectarian violence, and detrimental foreign interferences.

[sesame]

I love Ambassador Sofia Tesfamariam's undressing of Tibor Nagy. She is renowned for her incisive style. Her analytical take of political issues is unmatched.

Adding her thoughts on Minister Yemane's post on X about "The vulture(s) are back" https://x.com/hawelti/status/1915398876481147114

Tibor Nagy’s relentless disdain for betrays not an informed geopolitical position, but a deep internal disquiet. His fixation on Eritrea, particularly its leadership, reveals less about the country itself and more about his own discomfort with nations that refuse to bow to external pressure. Eritrea’s commitment to sovereignty, self-reliance, and principled resistance is the very antithesis of everything Nagy has tried, and failed, to undermine throughout his career.

I am no psychiatrist, but Nagy’s constant attacks on Eritrea and President Isaias Afwerki are not expressions of diplomacy; they are manifestations of personal resentment. Eritreans, a gallant and dignified people, stand tall in the face of adversity, unmoved by sanctions, slander, or sabotage. Their freedom was not gifted but earned, their unity not imposed but chosen. These are virtues that small men find threatening. Eritrea’s legacy, forged in blood and unwavering resilience, cannot be erased by those who traffic in bitterness and historical revisionism.

These insecurities were most visible during Nagy’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia from 1999 to 2002, during the height of the Eritrea-Ethiopia War. At that critical moment, he harbored a quiet ambition—to see Eritrea kneel: politically isolated, economically weakened, and diplomatically erased. His alignment with the kleptocratic minority TPLF regime was not incidental. It was deliberate. Their inferiority complex was the perfect match for his white savior superiority. Together, they mistook Eritrea’s principled stance for stubbornness and its silence for weakness.

But Eritrea did not bend. It refused to yield to geopolitical bullying or regional puppeteering. It remained, as ever, guided by clarity of purpose and fidelity to its people. That refusal to conform, to betray its values for aid, applause, or alignment, is what continues to haunt Nagy. His bitterness today is not that of a strategist but of a man whose playbook failed to shake the resolve of a sovereign nation.

No wonder there was no place for Tibor Nagy and his ilk in the Trump Administration. His approach, rooted in paternalism, condescension, and Cold War hangovers, had no place in a shifting world that began to question the very assumptions that shaped men like him. As U.S. policy sought to break from some of its most interventionist impulses, Nagy’s outdated playbook and stale narratives became irrelevant. His failure to adapt rendered him obsolete, a figure relegated to shouting from the sidelines, joining the chorus of former operatives and analysts turned pundits.

And now, as EriFluenza season returns, the time of year when all anti-Eritrean elements scramble for attention on social media, desperate to stay relevant, Nagy, too, clambers back into the spotlight. Their symptoms are all too familiar: recycled talking points, performative outrage, and a compulsive need to speak over Eritreans rather than engage with them. But the world is changing. Eritrea’s voice is no longer whispered through proxies. It is heard clearly, and it speaks with conviction.

Contrary to popular belief, America respects those who respect themselves. It has never had much use for quislings, those who sell out their own people for the illusion of proximity to power. In the long arc of U.S. engagement, history favors the resolute over the compliant. Eritrea, in choosing dignity over dependency, has shown that respect is not begged for, it is commanded.

Today, as the global order shifts toward multipolarity and renewed emphasis on national sovereignty, figures like Nagy are increasingly sidelined. There is no room in the new era of diplomacy for those who view Africa through a lens of domination and patronage. His relevance has waned, eclipsed by a generation that refuses to apologize for defending their dignity.

For Tibor Nagy, hate has become his only crutch, a hollow prop he leans on to remain part of conversations that have long outgrown him. His attacks on Eritrea are not critiques, they are projections. He mistakes Eritrea’s strength for arrogance because he cannot comprehend dignity that does not derive from subservience.

Eritrea, meanwhile, stands firm, not with crutches, but with clarity. Its people did not inherit freedom; they fought for it. They do not need validation from those who never understood them. Eritrea’s path is not for the faint-hearted, and certainly not for those whose only legacy is complaint, not courage.

President Donald Trump is cleaning house and rightfully so. African nations deserve high-level, skilled, and respectful diplomatic engagement, just like any other region. Africa should not be treated as a place where junior or less competent diplomats are sent to "cut their teeth" or practice diplomacy, as if the stakes and people involved are somehow less important.

[Deqi-Arawit]

But Eritrea did not bend. It refused to yield to geopolitical bullying or regional puppeteering. It remained, as ever, guided by clarity of purpose and fidelity to its people. That refusal to conform, to betray its values for aid, applause, or alignment, is what continues to haunt Nagy. His bitterness today is not that of a strategist but of a man whose playbook failed to shake the resolve of a sovereign nation.

Mechem!

The Skunis of Wedi Medhin Berad are devoid of any intelligence or common sense.
All the Americans and other western countries need to do is wait until the Eritrean dictator kick the bucket and the country will fall and become a playground of many actors including the Muslim brotherhood and factions which are under the wing of any hostile government of the territorial integrity and sovereignity of Eritrea.......I know the low IQ skunis will reply that the dictator knows what he is doing and we shouldn't voice any opinion different from his, but guess what Bi@@itches? The dictator is out of idea, he is stuck in 1970-1980 policy where he see Cold War, the Soviet Union and America irritate his mind. He is going to stay in AdI Halo waiting until the angel of death to come to get him and in the mean time, he is just like a pregnant woman waiting for the birth of her child and likewise, the dictator is just waiting and doing nothing until he is snatched.

If you look at it, All the Sacrifices of 30 years struggle was in Vain, If independent is the way Eritrea is faring, why sacrifices so much, countries in Africa which sacrifices nothing are enjoying the fruit of independence more than the people who sacrificed everything.

btw, could the skunis tell us, What clarity or purpose is guiding Eritrea? Is it to stabilize Ethiopia?

Donakur Reesi Hamham

[Odie]

Is there no Editorial to press release to Ze-meslo’s hefty press release?

Welcome Dek-arawit with your rebuttal