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Local News
Graduation of 38th Round of National Service in Sawa

https://shabait.com/2026/07/11/graduati ... e-in-sawa/



Sawa, 11 July 2026 – The graduation ceremony of the 38th round of National Service, whose members successfully completed their 12th-grade academic education along with political and military training, was colourfully conducted today, 11 July, in Sawa.



The graduation ceremony was attended by President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, staff members of the training centre, and invited guests.

In his keynote address, President Isaias Afwerki congratulated the students, their parents, and the staff of the centre and urged the graduates, irrespective of their examination results, to pursue their academic studies through innovative initiatives.

President Isaias called on the graduates to understand the significant contribution they can make and the responsibility of initiatives place upon them for their personal development and the progress and well-being of their society and country. He also called on parents, families, and particularly the Ministry of Education to conduct regular follow-up on their future educational careers.



In his report, Col. Debesay Ghide, Commander of the National Service Training Centre, noted that members of the 38th round of National Service came from all six regions of the country. He said that they received 12th-grade academic education from August 2025 to March 2026 and military and political training from April 2026 until their graduation.



Col. Debesay also called for proper follow-up and encouragement to be provided to the graduates so that they preserve and strengthen the culture and discipline they developed during their stay in Sawa. He also commended all staff members of the training centre and other stakeholders for their contributions.

The graduation ceremony featured a rich variety of musical performances and a military parade by the graduating class.



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Local News
Mai-Nefhi College of Science Graduates 300 Students

https://shabait.com/2026/07/11/mai-nefh ... -students/



Asmara, 11 July 2026 – In its 19th commencement, Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students, 49% of whom are female students, in degree program today, 11 July.

The graduates include 54 in Biology, 70 in Chemistry, 30 in Earth Science, 59 in Mathematics, 44 in Physics, and 44 in Statistics.



Prof. Gebray Asgedom, Dean of the College, indicated that the number of graduates increased by 3% compared with 2025 and by 15% compared with 2024. He said that over the past 18 years, the College has graduated 4,441 students in diploma and first-degree programmes.

The guest of honour, Mr. Tesfay Gebreselasie, Minister of Land, Water and Environment, urged the graduates to practically enhance the knowledge they acquired through formal education in their places of assignment. He also called on them to become researchers, innovators, architects of the country’s development roadmap, and dedicated workers worthy of their historical responsibilities.

Minister Tesfay further said that the Government and the people expect the graduates to become reliable, modest, and dedicated members and frontrunners of their society, while taking pride in their history and culture.



A representative of the graduates commended all those who supported them throughout their studies and expressed their commitment to live up to the expectations of the Government and the people, who provided them with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

At the event, medals and certificates of merit were presented to outstanding students.

Local News
Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology Graduates 297 Students

https://shabait.com/2026/07/18/mai-nefh ... -students/



Asmara, 18 July 2026 – At its 19th commencement, Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology conferred first degrees and diplomas on 297 graduates, 25% of whom are female, today, 18 July.

In the first-degree program, 289 students graduated in Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mining Engineering.



In the diploma program, eight students graduated in Computer Application Technology, Computer Hardware and Networking Technology, Electronics Technology, and Mining Technology.

The guest of honor, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, Minister of Public Works, noted that the Government of Eritrea, recognizing that human resources development is a main pillar of national development, is making substantial investments in the sector. He urged the graduates to further enhance the knowledge they acquired during their college education through hard work, dedication, and creativity.



Dr. Araya Zeray, Dean of the College, noting that the graduation day marked the culmination of years characterized by rigorous discipline, relentless academic pursuit, and intellectual growth, said that the graduates’ journey is anchored in three core principles: cultivating intellectual alertness, commitment to resilient design, and service through professionalism.



A representative of the graduates expressed the graduates’ conviction to apply the knowledge they had gained in the service of their country and people.

At the event, medals of merit were presented to outstanding students.



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Local News
National Eritrean Festival 2026 Commences

https://shabait.com/2026/07/18/national ... commences/



Asmara, 18 July 2026 – The National Eritrean Festival 2026 was officially opened this morning by President Isaias Afwerki at the Expo Grounds.

At the opening ceremony, which featured colorful traditional dances and songs from the country’s various ethnic groups, showcasing unity in diversity, President Isaias, accompanied by senior Government and PFDJ officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as a number of nationals from inside the country and abroad, toured the various displays and was provided with briefings.



During his visit to the regional villages, President Isaias observed regional products, the expansion of social service institutions, agricultural development programs, historical and heritage materials and photographs, cultural and natural resources, innovative and creative works, as well as the resources of the Eritrean Red Sea, and was provided with briefings by the organizers.



President Isaias also visited exhibition presented by the Ministries of Defense and Information, a book fair, sculpture and painting displays, as well as bazaars organized by various institutions.

The National Festival 2026 will remain open until 26 July, featuring traditional and modern music performances, traditional villages representing the cultures and traditions of Eritrean ethnic groups, Eritrea’s agricultural and marine resources, seminars, bazaars, photo and material displays, artistic programs, innovative and creative displays, children’s programs, among others.








President Isaias Afwerki thoughtfully admiring an inspiring artwork symbolizing strength and determination at Asmara’s Expo this morning during the #FestivalEritrea2026 @GhideonMusa


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General
An Expression of Unity, Pride, and National Resilience

Bana Negusse

https://shabait.com/2026/07/17/an-expre ... esilience/

Jul 17, 2026



Festival Eritrea is just around the corner. Anticipation is building, and excitement is once again spreading across the country and among Eritrean communities worldwide. Each year, the opening of the festival signals far more than the arrival of a major cultural event; it marks the beginning of a nationwide celebration of history, identity, and community. Hosted at the Expo Grounds in Asmara, the festival transforms the capital into a vibrant gathering place where culture, tradition, and national pride come vividly to life.

Over the years, Festival Er­itrea has evolved into one of the country’s most anticipated annual events. It brings together people from every region, generation, and walk of life, offering a rich showcase of Eritrea’s cultural heritage through traditional mu­sic and dance, historical exhibi­tions, regional cuisine, artisan crafts, educational forums, and community displays. More than simply entertaining its visitors, the festival provides an oppor­tunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its achieve­ments, and strengthen the bonds that unite Eritreans both at home and abroad.

At its heart, Festival Eritrea is a celebration of continuity. It hon­ors the past, embraces the pres­ent, and inspires confidence in the future, reminding Eritreans that their shared identity is rooted not only in history but also in a continuing commitment to unity, resilience, and nation-building.

One international proverb cap­tures this spirit particularly well:

A tree without roots will fall. A people without history will per­ish.

These words reflect one of Festival Eritrea’s most enduring purposes: preserving the nation’s historical memory while passing it on to future generations.

Although Eritrea is a relatively young independent state, its his­tory stretches back thousands of years. Its civilizations, traditions, and communities have developed over centuries, creating a rich cultural legacy that continues to shape the country’s identity to­day. Festival Eritrea provides an engaging platform through which that legacy is celebrated, ex­plored, and shared with both Er­itreans and international visitors.

Across the exhibition grounds, visitors encounter historical dis­plays highlighting pivotal mo­ments in Eritrea’s national jour­ney, from the country’s long struggle for independence to exhibitions showcasing the dis­tinct contributions of its various regions and communities. These exhibits transform history from something confined to books into a living story that visitors can ex­perience firsthand.

Learning extends well beyond the exhibition halls. Festival at­tendees can browse a wide selec­tion of books covering Eritrean history, culture, and national development. At the same time, lectures, seminars, and panel discussions led by historians, academics, and cultural experts encourage thoughtful discus­sion and deeper understanding. Together, these activities ensure that the festival serves not only as entertainment but also as an important educational forum.

At a time when globalization and rapid technological change can sometimes weaken historical awareness or blur cultural iden­tity, Festival Eritrea reinforces the importance of remembering where a nation has come from. By strengthening that connection to the past, the festival helps cul­tivate a deeper sense of belonging while inspiring future generations to build upon the achievements and sacrifices of those who came before them.

While history provides the festival with its foundation, its celebration of Eritrea’s remark­able diversity gives the event its unmistakable vitality. A walk through the festival grounds re­veals the extraordinary breadth of Eritrean society: families from every administrative re­gion, members of the country’s many ethnolinguistic communi­ties, followers of different faiths, young and old, urban and rural residents, and Eritreans returning from abroad to reconnect with their homeland.

Despite these many differences, the atmosphere is defined by warmth, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Conversations begin effortlessly, friendships are renewed, traditional songs fill the air, and visitors participate in celebrations that transcend regional or cultural distinctions. The festival demonstrates in a tangible way that Eritrea’s diversity is not a source of division but one of its greatest strengths.

For members of the Eritrean diaspora, the festival carries particularly deep meaning. Many travel home specifically to attend, using the occasion to reconnect with family, renew friendships, and strengthen their ties to the country of their birth or heritage. For younger Eritreans raised abroad, Festival Eritrea offers an invaluable opportunity to experience firsthand the languages, customs, music, cuisine, and traditions that have shaped their national identity. In this way, the festival serves as an important cultural bridge between generations and across continents, helping preserve Eritrean heritage wherever its people may live.



Across the world, diversity has the potential to enrich societies by bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and traditions. When nurtured within a culture of equality and mutual respect, it encourages creativity, resilience, and social cohesion. History also reminds us, how­ever, that diversity can become a source of conflict where exclu­sion, discrimination, or inequal­ity are allowed to flourish.

Notably, Eritrea’s approach has been to pursue national unity while recognizing and respecting its cultural plurality. Since inde­pendence, considerable empha­sis has been placed on building an inclusive society in which all citizens can contribute to national development regardless of eth­nicity, religion, language, gender, economic status, or physical abil­ity.

This commitment is reflected through laws, public policies, and social initiatives that seek to discourage discrimination while expanding access to essential services and opportunities. These efforts are supported by long­standing cultural values that em­phasize solidarity, cooperation, and mutual responsibility.

Over the past three decades, Eritrea has also introduced nu­merous initiatives designed to support groups facing greater social or economic challenges, including women, children, people with disabilities, pastoral communities, low-income house­holds, and residents of remote areas. The broader objective has been to reduce disparities while encouraging more balanced na­tional development.

Among these initiatives, access to healthcare and education has remained a central priority. Essential healthcare services are provided free of charge, while individuals living with chronic illnesses receive ongoing medical care and treatment. Likewise, education is offered free from the primary through tertiary levels, complemented by adult education and literacy programs that expand educational opportunities throughout the country. The continued use of mother-tongue instruction in early education further reinforces both inclusion and respect for Eritrea’s linguistic diversity.

Another notable example of community-focused development is the Minimum Integrated Household Agricultural Package (MIHAP), introduced in 2007. Designed primarily for rural households – many headed by women – the program combines livestock, poultry, beekeeping, fruit trees, vegetable cultivation, and ongoing technical assistance into a single integrated support package. By strengthening household food production and creating sustainable sources of income, MIHAP has helped improve livelihoods while contributing to broader rural development.

Collectively, these initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to social inclusion and equitable development. They also help explain why Festival Eritrea resonates so strongly with the public: the festival celebrates not only cultural diversity but also the shared national vision that seeks to ensure every citizen has a place within Eritrea’s future.

If history provides the festival with its intellectual heart, then its food, craftsmanship, music, and entrepreneurial spirit provide its unmistakable soul. Beyond its historical exhibitions and educational programs, Festival Eritrea offers visitors the opportunity to experience the living traditions that continue to define everyday Eritrean life. Throughout the festival grounds, food stalls representing the country’s various communities prepare an impressive variety of traditional dishes using regional ingredients and cooking methods refined over generations. Whether enjoying familiar favorites or discovering new flavors, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary diversity that mirrors Eritrea’s broader cultural landscape.

Traditional coffee ceremonies and communal dining further enrich the experience, demonstrating how hospitality remains one of the enduring hallmarks of Eritrean society.

The festival also provides an important platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, farmers, cooperatives, and small businesses. Exhibitors showcase handmade textiles, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, woven goods, agricultural products, and decorative art that reflect both creativity and cultural continuity. For many participants, Festival Eritrea offers an invaluable opportunity to introduce their products to thousands of visitors, expand their customer base, establish new business relationships, and generate additional income. In doing so, the festival not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also supports local enterprise and contributes to economic activity within the community.

Many government institutions, development programs, educational organizations, and private enterprises also participate through informational exhibitions that highlight ongoing projects, technological advances, and investment opportunities. These displays demonstrate that the festival is not solely a celebration of culture and history but also a showcase of Eritrea’s continuing social and economic development.

Together, these experiences illustrate that culture is not confined to museums or commemorative events. Rather, it is expressed through the food people prepare, the crafts they create, the businesses they build, the knowledge they share, and the traditions they pass from one generation to the next.

Ultimately, Festival Eritrea is far more than an annual gathering. It is a powerful expression of the country’s character and an enduring symbol of the values that continue to shape its national journey. By bringing together history, culture, education, entrepreneurship, and community, the festival creates a unique space where Eritreans celebrate both the diversity that enriches their society and the shared identity that binds them together.

Opinion
Foundations That Endure: Building Tomorrow on a Legacy of Sacrifice

By Sesin Seyoum

https://redseabeacon.com/foundations-th ... sacrifice/

July 17, 2026

Traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to Istanbul, then continuing on to Eritrea after a few hours of transit, brings with it a unique sense of serenity. Long before the aircraft touches down, there is already a quiet anticipation of arriving home; in a country where its culture naturally puts the mind at ease.

It might sound like a cliche, but from the moment you land at Asmara International Airport, you are welcomed by the bright smiles and genuine warmth of the airport staff. It is a simple yet meaningful introduction to the country. Eritrea’s unhurried pace, natural surroundings, and organic way of life create an atmosphere that feels authentic and refreshing. It is authentic because there is a sense of realness in the air; an honesty that can be felt, not manufactured. There is calmness that cannot be manufactured; it is simply part of everyday life, and that is what makes Eritrea and the people so beautiful.

Perhaps the most beautiful feeling of all is the sense of security that accompanies you, whether walking through the streets of Asmara or traveling across the country including the remote countryside. That feeling of safety allows people to live with confidence and peace of mind. It serves as a reminder that peace is not merely an aspiration but the fundamental foundation upon which a society builds its existence, its daily life, and its future.

I always base my arguments on the fact that Eritrea has built a strong and peaceful foundation on which to shape and support the future. The sacrifices, courage, resilience, and determination of its people laid the cornerstone for a nation that values sovereignty, stability, and self-reliance. This foundation was not built overnight. It was built through decades of perseverance, unity, and sacrifice by generations who believed that freedom was worth every hardship. Their legacy is more than a historical achievement, but it is the bedrock upon which Eritrea continues to stand.

Home is home. It is not something you abandon. When it is cracked, you mend it. When it stands strong, you celebrate it. You do not surrender it to pessimism, and you protect it from harm. Because this home is built through care, strengthened by unity, and preserved by the commitment of those who call it their own and gave their lives and limbs.

After seven hopeful years of independence, Eritrea’s journey of rebuilding was disrupted by neocolonial forces who sought to undermine its progress. And they recruited regional and local servants to fulfill their ill work. Those dangerously turbulent years not only derailed the nation’s path but also pushed Eritrea to the edge of a cliff. Yet, through immense courage, determination, and unimaginable sacrifice, the Eritrean people persevered, stood firm, and pulled their nation back to safety. Their endurance became a testament to the strength of a people committed to protecting their hard-won independence and securing a future built on stability.

Those disruptive forces have since been partly eliminated, allowing Eritrea to refocus on its long-term national priorities. I say partly eliminated, because some disruptions still linger. Eritrea’s commitment to self-reliance across many sectors has, in the view of some observers, contributed to ongoing external pressures and disagreements. At the same time, Eritrea is in a considerably stronger position today than it was 20 years ago, with greater resilience and a firmer foundation from which to address future challenges.

Today, the country seeks to play an increasingly significant role in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing stability, sovereignty, regional cooperation, and strategic importance. With the critical coastline Eritrea owns along one of the world’s most vital maritime shipping corridors, the nation acts as an anchor of stability. By championing regional solutions to regional challenges, it advocates for a Horn of Africa that is defined by mutual respect and cooperation rather than external geopolitical rivalry. In the face of many distractions, the resilience shown by the Eritrean people through years of hardship has laid the foundation for renewed confidence and a stronger presence in the region.

It is obvious that a secure foundation is not an end in itself, but it is the platform from which future generations can build. Every investment in peace and national unity strengthens the base of education, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, innovation, and expands the opportunities available to those who will inherit the country. This quiet but vital work of water harvest expansion networks across our arid landscapes and the construction of micro dams ensuring food security, and the installing of healthcare centers to the most remote villages proving that self-reliance is practical and genuine daily practice, not just a political concept.

Every nation encounters challenges, whether they arise from within or beyond its borders. Economic constraints, regional tensions, political disagreements, climate pressures, and shifts in the global economy can all affect the pace of national development. Eritrea is no exception.

Have there been external factors that have contributed to economic and political difficulties? Certainly. Have there been individuals whose actions have fallen short of the country’s interests? Yes. The critical question, however, is not whether challenges exist, but whether the nation has a stable foundation, strong enough to address them. A peaceful, secure, and resilient foundation provides the stability needed to confront external pressures, correct internal shortcomings, and pursue long-term progress. While obstacles may arise from both outside and within, a strong foundation gives a nation the capacity to deal with them thoughtfully and move forward with confidence.

The true measure of a nation’s strength is not the absence of challenges but its ability to overcome them while remaining faithful to its principles and vision. Eritrea’s foundation provides the opportunity to confront difficulties, adapt to changing circumstances, and continue building a future rooted in stability, dignity, and self-reliance. Peace creates an environment in which institutions can mature, communities can prosper, and long-term planning can take precedence over short term crises.

Economic constraints, regional tensions, political disagreements, climate pressures, and shifts in the global economy can all affect the pace of national development. In the face of persistent geopolitical double standards and unfair isolation, the resilience of the economy has relied heavily on the equitable distribution of resources and the sheer willpower of the population.

The strongest legacy one generation can leave to the next is a peaceful nation with firm foundations. Protecting that peace, strengthening national unity, and continuing to invest in the country’s human and physical development will ensure that future generations inherit not only the freedom won through sacrifice, but also the opportunity to build an even stronger and more prosperous Eritrea.

Nations are not measured solely by the speed of their progress, but by the strength of the foundations upon which that progress is built. Eritrea’s greatest achievement is not only the attainment of independence, but the establishment of a sovereign, peaceful, and resilient foundation capable of supporting generations to come.

The courage of those who came before transformed aspiration into reality, leaving behind a nation with most valuable assets are stability, unity, and independence.
The responsibility of every generation is to build upon that legacy. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the condition that allows education to flourish, infrastructure to expand, institutions to strengthen, and communities to prosper. It provides the space for thoughtful planning, productive work, and long-term national development.

The responsibility of every generation is to build upon that legacy. Today’s youth, armed with higher education and technical skills, are tasked with transitioning Eritrea from a phase of safeguarding its existence to one of accelerating its modernization, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past yield the innovations of tomorrow.

One thing is certain: Eritrea’s security ultimately rests in the commitment of its people. Across generations, many Eritreans, despite hardships, have regarded the protection of their nation’s sovereignty and continued existence as a shared responsibility. That collective sense of duty has long been viewed as one of the country’s enduring strengths. It has reinforced the foundation upon which peace and stability can be maintained, creating conditions that support future development and national progress.