Mereja.Forum

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Kenyatta, is on the same page:





The traitor chegaru, were the Somalis of yesteryear. Gen Philippos then, bidding farewell to new tplf trainees:

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Thread by AMB. Beyene Russom



No words, needed!

Tete-a-tete, in a perfect setting and environment. Results, are obvious.

Pres. Isaias, Pres. Ruto and teams. Diplomacy, at its best!

Agreements for the betterment of the livelihood of the region's peoples, being signed. The first harvest of the peace in the making.

Hearty smiles are inner expressions, do not lie.

Happy leaders, ending fruitful discussion.

A brief light-hearted moment, with President Ruto.



President Isaias Afweki was warmly welcomed with a bouquet of flowers in the meeting with his people, at the residence of the ambassador of Eritrea.

Our Eritrean students doing their Masters and PhDs in Nairobi, enjoying a moment with their President.

With our young, graduate, sons and daughters.




Committee of the Eritrean community in Kenya, invited the advance team of PIA & enjoyed their last evening together in Nairobi, before their departure to Asmara the next day. I happily joined them and danced.







Chaired a meeting of African ambassadors & heads of Mission to Kenya with Dr J. Khan, DG of UN Counter-terrorism today DG's explanation on the subject, was lengthy & rich in content. The diplomats questions & contributions were also interesting, many & lively. @BeyeneRussom

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The state of Eritrea will play detailed roles in the coming period through the IGAD Organization's platform in working on uniting the African class through an influential regional coalition, its results will be shown in the coming period.

Muhammad Osman

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NEWS
Highlighting Recent Eritrea-Kenya Engagement

By: Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

https://shidamedia.com/eritrio-kenya/

February 10, 2023



Earlier this week, President Isaias Afwerki traveled to Kenya to meet with President William Ruto, following up on the latter’s visit to Eritrea late last year. During the two-day working trip to Nairobi, President Isaias, accompanied by a high-level delegation, held extensive talks with his counterpart and other Kenyan government officials.To conclude the trip, the two leaders held a short press conference and a joint communiqué was signed by FM Osman and Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. While the press briefing and joint communiqué offered numerous significant points, a few interesting ones are highlighted below.

Mutual respect

The two leaders demonstrated their mutual respect, on several occasions. In comments directed to President Isaias, President Ruto stated:

Your wisdom in making sure we build a more harmonious region, speaks for itself. I look forward to working together.

Similarly, President Isaias praised his counterpart, encouraging him to,

Keep it up,

and declaring,

Kenya is my second home, and Eritrea is your second home.

President Ruto also thanked President Isaias for his

gracious support of Kenya,

during its campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

This was extremely positive and highly welcome, particularly within the context of a region that has historically been characterized by– and frustratingly held back through – bitter rivalry, animosity, and hostility. Mutual respect is a key building block to cultivating trust and developing tight-knit, enduring relationships. Greater cooperation and a strong, effective partnership between Kenya and Eritrea, with mutual respect and understanding at its fundamental core, will not only greatly benefit the peoples of the two nations, but also have a positive and multifaceted impact across the Greater Horn of Africa.

Establishment of Kenyan embassy in Asmara and abolishment of visas for citizens

It was announced that Kenya would soon open an embassy in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, and that the two countries have abolished visa requirements for their citizens, effective immediately (9 February 2023).

The establishment of a Kenyan embassy in Eritrea, is a noteworthy milestone. Not only is it a reflection of the two countries’ rapidly growing bilateral ties, it also represents the underlying commitment that both states share to deepening their relationship and strengthening long-term cooperation across various spheres (e.g., political, economic, commercial, people-to-people, cultural, etc.). To consider just one dimension, a large body of scholarly work has demonstrated how the establishment of embassies and foreign diplomatic posts can have a significant and positive effect on increasing bilateral trade, facilitating investment flows, and deepening commercial or other engagements.

As well, the mutual waiver of visa requirements for citizens should help to increase the number of visitors traveling to each country and boost the two countries’ travel and tourism sectors. Eritrea has rich biodiversity, an abundance of unique socio-cultural and historical sites, untouched and unspoiled islands, and favorable climate, combined with general peace, relative security, and a population that is extremely warm and welcoming. Kenya, meanwhile, is globally renowned for its scenic landscapes, breathtaking mountain highlands and Great Rift Valley, vast wildlife reserves, and spectacular coastline.

While a broad array of factors can impact international travel (e.g., general economic conditions, currency exchange rates, bilateral relations, etc.), reducing the inconvenience, time, and costs that are generally associated with visa application processes can help to increase the number of travelers. In turn, this can play a positive role in creating jobs across a variety of interlinked sectors, supporting economic growth, raising foreign exchange revenue, and promoting sustainable development.

Eritrea’s critical contribution to peace and security in Somalia

During the press briefing, President Ruto expressed his appreciation to President Isaias for Eritrea’s contribution in training Somali troops and promoting regional security.

Although it holds a rich history, the past several decades in Somalia have unfortunately been characterized by a tragic cycle of prolonged civil war, chaos, insecurity, and terror. Throughout, however, the country’s resilient people have continued to seek peace and worked to improve the situation of the country, with recent times involving renewed efforts to form a credible government and establish a professional, competent national defense and security force.

Over the past few years, Eritrea and Somalia have made efforts to strengthen bonds, establish genuine cooperation, and tackle mutual challenges, rooted in a shared vision of a region that is safe, at peace, and prosperous. One dimension of the two countries’ growing solidarity and multifaceted cooperative framework has been within defense and security; upon the expressed will, desire, and request of the government in Somalia, Eritrea has trained Somali troops.

While these developments have disappointingly, but perhaps not surprisingly, led to disinformation and elicited a loud chorus of extremely hypocritical condemnation from a number of Western voices, the Somali trainees are expected to positively contribute to peace and security in Somalia (and the wider region). It is also worth noting that on several occasions, Somali officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have thanked Eritrea for its partnership and commended the quality of training delivered, while Somalis in the country and around the world have continued to express their appreciation and gratitude for Eritrea’s support.

Eritrea to reactivate membership in Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

Among the major developments of the trip was, the announcement that Eritrea will reactivate its membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). It was also reiterated, that the country is ready to play a part in revitalizing the Horn of Africa’s regional organization.

Created in 1996 to supersede the earlier Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development, IGAD has largely failed to achieve its lofty mandate or objectives and only scratched the surface of its vast true potential. Rather than embodying a genuine regional bloc undergirded by the cooperation and trust of its member states, it became a platform for toxic rivalry and mistrust. IGAD was repeatedly instrumentalized to attack some member states and achieve politicized aims, ultimately doing little to genuinely promote peace, cooperation, security, or sustainable development across the region.

Eritrea suspended its membership in IGAD in 2007, in the wake of TPLF-led Ethiopia’s illegal invasion of Somalia and the failure of the regional body to condemn the acts of aggression against a member state (which not only violated international law but also IGAD’s own charter, principles, and prior resolutions). When Eritrea subsequently went on to attempt to resume its participation in the bloc, its efforts were repeatedly blocked by TPLF-led Ethiopia, which had monopolized the presumably “rotating” chairmanship of IGAD (again violating fundamental tenets of the bloc’s charter) and sought to use the organization as a mechanism to pursue its narrow interests throughout the region.

Looking forward, a truly reformed, revitalized, and cooperative IGAD would be a tremendous boon for the region. In addition to assisting to effectively prevent or mediate conflict and improving regional peace, stability, and security, it would help to coordinate collective solutions to various mutual challenges (e.g., hunger, climate change, etc.) and promote economic interdependence and development. As well, with high and growing interest in the Horn from an array of established and rising regional and global powers, a stronger, more unified IGAD would allow the region an opportunity to more effectively leverage or bargain its diverse advantages and achieve outcomes that better meet the interests of the region.

Another important dimension of Eritrea’s renewing its membership in IGAD is that it serves as even further evidence that the longstanding attempts to isolate Eritrea – which were primarily led by some Western states and their regional proxy, the TPLF – are failing. Instead of being isolated, Eritrea continues to establish and deepen ties with a growing number of partners, large and small, both from within the region and across the world.

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Fenkil Operation Facts! On Feb. 10, 1990 Massawa was liberated & returned to its owners after 433 years of successive colonization & occupation by Turkey (1557-1865), Egypt (1865-1885), Italy (1885-1941), British Mil Admin (1941-1952) & Ethiopia (1952-1990).

On the night of February 8, 1990 EPLF forces launched a surprise attack on Ethiopian army to liberate the Port City of Massawa. A year earlier, EPLF built up its naval capabilities consisting of a small fleet of gun boats.
Map credit, Tom Cooper.

EPLF forces that launched the Offensive from She'eb, demolished the 6th Division’s headquarters within 3 hrs and its deputy commander was captured. EPLF forces destroyed the 21st, 83rd, 112th, and 113th Brigades within five hours.

EPLA smashed the 3rd, 27th, 29th Mechaized Brigades, 4th Tanks Brig, 18th Infantry Div. and additional 2 Mechanize Brig's and cut the Asmara-Massawa road at Gahtelay. Rescue forces dispatched from Asmara & Forto were beaten, at Dogali and Ghindae.

EPLF deployed 13,500 freedom fighters, 45 tanks, 100 MM artillery, 31 heavy artillery (130, 122 & 85 mm), 4 BM 21 rockets, 20 anti-aircraft & anti-tank, more than 10 speed boats. The Derg had 25k soldiers, including 3k strong naval force, 150 tanks, 70 heavy artillery, 30 small & big warships, several fighter jets, more 100 artilleries, several anti-tank missiles. One EPLF tank, was fighting against 3.3 Derg tanks. Fenkil Operation, saw one of the largest tank to tank battles in the world.

While the EPLF army divisions in Eritrea were in full preparation for the Operation, the 70th division of the EPLF meanwhile was conducting operations inside Ethiopia-Asosa-around 1800 km far from Eritrea, as a maneuvering tactic.

The EPLF launched the coordinated attack to take over Massawa across 200 Kms of defense lines stretching from the western periphery of Keren southwards to Ras Kobae, 40 Kms north of Massawa. The Operation covered 1560 km2.


In the attack on Ethiopian Naval Base, EPLA land forces & speedboats fired salvos of artillery & mortar shells, about 200 shells a minute. EPLA sent in to the 2 captured Ethiopian tanks shooting to the rear as a disguise, causing damage & confusion.

Operation Fenkil, took 59 hours to complete. The Operation involved a strong combination of ground troops, naval troops, & the mechanized front. The operation resulted in the surrender of 20,000 Ethiopian soldiers, including generals.

After the Derg/Ethiopia was defeated in the Fenkil Operation, it bombed Massawa, killed hundreds of civilians and destroyed the historic city.

After the liberation of Massawa, the Ethiopian/Derg Gov't unsuccessfully launched Operations, "Massawa", “ዘመቻ ምጽዋዕ”, March 1-3, 1990, "Revenge", “ዘመቻ ደም-መላሽ” "March 12", "Admonish”, “ዘመቻ ገስጥ” March 29 to April 1, “Save”, “ዘመቻ ኣድን” April 6-10, “Overrun”, “ዘመቻ በጥስ” 19-23 April, “Battle of Eastern Escarpment”, “ውግእ ሰሜናዊ-ባሕሪ” April 19-27, “Alula Operation”, “ዘመቻ ኣሉላ” was foiled before execution because EPLF launched attacks in Debub Region.

While 1100 freedom fighters were martyred in Fenkil Operation, 3000 freedom fighters were martyred in these attacks. Ethiopian gov documents show 30,000 Ethiopian soldiers were out of action, in these Operations. History of Eritreaታሪኽ ኤርትራ.تاريخ إريتريا: @Erihistory



ጅግና ስዉእ ዉጩን፡ ጅግና ተጋዳላይ የማነን ድሕሪቲ መሰረተ ፍጻመ ምድምሳስ ውቃው እዝ ቃለ መሕተት እንዳተገብረሎም።

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Daniel Teklehaimanot @danielteklehaimanot1, will lead the Eritrean National Team from 19 February at the Tour du Rwanda.



Get ready for the Figueira Champions Classic on Sunday, featuring this squad Excited, for this one day race to kick 2023 off for Merhawi. @EFprocycling

[quindibu]

Thread by AMB. Beyene Russom



No words, needed!

Tete-a-tete, in a perfect setting and environment. Results, are obvious.

Pres. Isaias, Pres. Ruto and teams. Diplomacy, at its best!

I like Ambassador Beyene's enthusiasm and optimism regarding PIA's visit, and the impetus it would provide to Eri-Kenya relation in particular, and to the larger Horn in general. Our diplomatic approach has been 'what you see is what you get'. Eritrea tends not to dwell on diplomatic decorum and niceties.........Content seems to matter to our leadership than form. In principle, I wouldn't disagree with that.....But it would be naive to think that that is shared by others.

As we all know, Kenya is, historically, one of the west's clientele......and obviously, that demands caution on our part in our dealings with that country going forward. For, regional alliance, organizations, and cooperation are not compatible with the hegemonic tendencies of the west, unless they're directly or indirectly controlled by them.

[Weyane.is.dead]

We don't really expect much from kenya. This move will debunk the fake narrative about Eritrea being isolated and to some extent it will stop westerners from using a black face to pass their sanctions on Eritrea, just like back in the day when they used Djibouti and Ethiopia to punish us.

Thread by AMB. Beyene Russom



No words, needed!

Tete-a-tete, in a perfect setting and environment. Results, are obvious.

Pres. Isaias, Pres. Ruto and teams. Diplomacy, at its best!

I like Ambassador Beyene's enthusiasm and optimism regarding PIA's visit, and the impetus it would provide to Eri-Kenya relation in particular, and to the larger Horn in general. Our diplomatic approach has been 'what you see is what you get'. Eritrea tends not to dwell on diplomatic decorum and niceties.........Content seems to matter to our leadership than form. In principle, I wouldn't disagree with that.....But it would be naive to think that that is shared by others.

As we all know, Kenya is, historically, one of the west's clientele......and obviously, that demands caution on our part in our dealings with that country going forward. For, regional alliance, organizations, and cooperation are not compatible with the hegemonic tendencies of the west, unless they're directly or indirectly controlled by them.