Quantcast
Channel: Madote
Viewing all 4577 articles
Browse latest View live

Talentless TPLF Cadres Are Copying Eritrean Art

$
0
0

Eritrean painting depicting the Struggle is photoshopped to remove the fighter's Eritrean flag for a Tigrayan flag. This is one of many Eritrean paintings that have been photoshopped by TPLF cadres.


Talentless TPLF Cadres Are Copying Eritrean Art 

By Bereket Kidane,

It has been said that TPLF is obsessed with copying everything EPLF does. It has gone too far in the last few years. Eritrean art in its all forms, from music to theatrical plays to paintings and murals, are being directly lifted and plagiarized. Which begs the question: does Tigray have no home-grown talent of its own or is it just too lazy to create or produce its own art? There are no copyright laws or laws protecting intellectual property rights in the Horn of Africa, which has made it easier for Tigrayans to declare open season on Eritrean art.

Images of Tegadelti in various scenarios representing Eritrea’s history of revolutionary armed struggle have been directly lifted. They just put a TPLF flag on them and run them for public consumption. Same thing with songs and plays.  Even slogans have been lifted.  There is no end to their plagiarism.  

It’s clear that Tigrayans have no respect for intangible assets that belong to the Eritrean people but they should stop this unethical behavior and come up with their own art. Show some creativity for a change.


Eritrea Nominates New Ambassador to the EU

$
0
0
The State of Eritrea nominates Neggassi Kassa Tekle as the new ambassador to the EU

Eritrea Nominates New Ambassador to the EU

The Embassy of the State of Eritrea has requested the appointment of Negassi Kassa Tekle to be its next ambassador to the European Union, according to an government document published online.

“the Government of the State of Eritrea intends to appoint H.E. Mr Negassi Kassa TEKLE as Head of Mission of the State of Eritrea to the European Union to replace H.E. Mr Mohammed Sulieman Ahmed”. The document stated.

Prior to his appointment, the new ambassador served as the Chargés d' Affaires a.i. Embassy of the State of Eritrea, Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union, the Duchy of Luxembourg and the Netherlands from July of 2012 to present.

Born in Mearda, Eritrea, the 62-year-old diplomat joined the EPLF in 1983 after obtaining his Masters in Development Economics from David Livingstone Institute of Overseas Development Studies, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.

Eritrean Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab's Arabic Interview with RT

$
0
0

Eritrean Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab

Eritrean Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab's Arabic Interview with RT

While on a 4-day visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs at the PFDJ, gave an interview in Arabic with RT on Monday.

During the interview, Yemane expressed to RT that Eritrea’s desire for Russia, as a great and influential nation in the international community, is to play an effective, active and constructive role in the Horn of Africa.

He further pointed out that the visit of the Eritrean delegation is mainly aimed at holding discussion as regards regional and international issues of mutual interest, in addition to expressing Eritrea’s desire to foster relations of partnership in the domains of trade, investment, education, culture and others.

Yemane also dismissed ridiculous rumors that Eritrea is hosting Israeli and Iranian military bases inside the country.



Eritrean Officials Met with SEMG in Cairo, Egypt

$
0
0

Eritrea's ambassador to the UN, Araya Desta 

Eritrean Officials met with SEMG in Cairo, Egypt


Eritrean officials met with the UN Somalia Eritrea Monitoring Group on Friday, 14 February in Cairo, Egypt, according to a document published online by the group.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed how to facilitate the implementation of Security Council resolution 1907 (2009) and 2023 (2011).

The Cairo discussion comes just two months after another meeting was held in Paris on December 7, to which UN sources say was "productive and meaningful".

UN sources also say Eritrean diplomats are confident that the sanctions will be lifted soon after the Monitoring Group's latest report on Eritrea was 'lite' on violations.

Eritrea and SEMG's closer cooperation of late is largely due Dr. Jarat Chopra, the current Coordinator of the Group, who has taken a different approach from his controversial predecessor Matt Bryden.

Mr. Bryden was fired in August of 2012, after the UN received a considerable and detailed complaint about him for his lack of professionalism and political bias that severely undermined his credibility and the SEMG.


Eritreans Bid Farewell to Ambassador Tesfamicael Gerahtu

$
0
0

Eritreans bid farewell to H.E. Tesfamical Gerahtu, Eritrea's Ambassador to the UK and Ireland (Credit: Eritrea Embassy Media)
Updated 12:15 PM EST

Eritreans Bid Farewell to Ambassador Tesfamicael Gerahtu

By Eritrea Embassy Media,

On 22nd February 2014, Representatives of Eritrean Organisations in UK organized a farewell reception in honor of H.E. Tesfamichael Gerahtu, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland.

On the occasion, Representatives of National Organisations, London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry, Nottingham, PFDJ, NUEW, YPFDJ, ERIPN, ESMT, EMWG, SARU, presented gifts to Ambassador Tesfamichael Gerahtu on behalf of the Eritreans in UK. Representatives of Eritrean communities in London also graced the farewell reception with their presence.

Ambassador Tesfamichael Gerhatu thanked the representatives for the cooperation they showed him and the Eritrean Mission to the UK and Ireland.

__________

By Madote,

No information was provided as to what Ambassador Tesfamicahel's next position will be or who would replace his current one.

The former freedom fighter has been the Ambassador to United Kingdom and Northern Ireland since 2007 and had previously served as the Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the Republic of South Africa and was the Director General for the National Education Department of Eritrea.


Videos of the event: 




Video of the event is courtesy of Saba Gebregiorgis:



Click on images to enlarge. All images below are courtesy of Eritrea Embassy Media in the UK












Is Egypt Seeking A Military Defense Pact With Eritrea?

$
0
0

Eritrean SU-27UB jet fighter landing (credit: Griffon/Spotters.net)

Is Egypt Seeking A Military Defense Pact With Eritrea?


Recently, a Yemeni news agency, Alhadath, claimed Egypt is seeking a joint defense agreement with Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia. According to the report, the defense pact would include Egypt building military bases in Eritrea and Djiobuti, and would help defend these countries from foreign forces, presumably, Ethiopia.

While Yemeni news agencies are infamously known for fabricating news, there is some evidence to suggest this story could have some truth to it. Last summer, two Egyptian generals visited Somalia to study ways to rehabilitate the Somali National Army facilities. Similarly, in 2012, Wikileaks leaked files from the Texas-based global intelligence company, Stratfor, which quote an anonymous high-level Egyptian source saying they were talking to the Sudanese government to build a military base in the border of Sudan and Ethiopia.

Even with the limited evidence available to support this claim, the information provided is still very plausible when you consider time is not on Egypt's side. By 2017, the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will be completed. If talks fail, which appears they will, then Egypt must destroy the dam before Ethiopia starts filling it with water or risk flooding Sudan's flat eastern territories upon its destruction. So this leaves Egypt with a 3-year window to find a political solution to this crises before the military option is used.

Once the military option is decided, distance will be the only obstacle left for the Egyptian military. Currently, Egypt can not attack Ethiopia because it is beyond the combat radius of all Egyptian aircraft staging from Egyptian airfields. Therefore, Egypt needs one of Ethiopia's neighbors to provide an airfield to launch its attacks against the dam and other military targets within the country. Naturally, Sudan and Eritrea would be the best fit, due their proximity to the dam, and other military targets. Thus, signing a military defense agreement with either of these countries becomes a top priority for Egypt.

Signing a defense pact with Eritrea could also potentially shield Egypt from international scrutiny if it decides to use military force. For instance, since the regime in Addis Ababa is allergic to peace and has a track record of attacking Eritrea every few years or so, Egypt could use any future minor border disturbance by Ethiopia against Eritrea as a pretext to not only destroy the dam but bring about a regime change in Addis Ababa on the guise of bringing peace and security to the region.

While most bigwigs in Egypt would certainly prefer to end this dispute peacefully, a few observers have noted that some of the top brass in Cairo could be looking for a fight with Ethiopia for reasons other than the dam. Egypt's domestic crises, coupled with its diminishing international clout, could make war a costly necessity in the minds of Egyptian generals. For them, Egypt is in a state of political uncertainty and finding an external threat to rally the country behind could bring much needed stability to the country.

In many ways, Egypt of today mirrors Ethiopia of the 1990s. During that period, the TPLF regime was trying to convince Amhara elites, the traditional rulers of Ethiopia, that they were not the puppets of EPLF. In order to prove their political independence and solidify their rule, they attacked Eritrea. Seemingly overnight, those who were calling TPLF leaders traitors and puppets of Eritrea were volunteering to become canon fodders for them in the name of defending their country from an external threat that never existed.

Whether this rumor is true or not remains to be seen. One thing that is certain is Eritrea will not allow Egyptian troops to have a military base inside the country. Egypt was never a friend of Eritrea, nor will it be one in the foreseeable future. Despite this however, Eritrea's and Egypt's national security are under threat by a wayward regime in Addis Ababa that has no regard for international law. Signing a defense pact would be in both countries' immediate and long term interests.



4,634 Euros Raised for the Donkey Project in Eritrea

$
0
0

Eritrean girl with a young donkey


4,634 Euros Raised for the Donkey Project in Eritrea

By Soester,

SOEST - The large sum of 4,634 euros was handed over on Monday to four employees of the Soest painting school at Anne vineyards of Archemed. "For the money 15 more donkeys for our project in Eritrea can be purchased," rejoiced the Archemed employee about the high donation.

The 4,634 Euros come from the book project "The journey of colorful donkey " of the painting school. Last year, the school started the project: she wanted Soest club Archemed - Doctors for children in need - to support . "We had heard of the donkey action in Eritrea and thought about how the painting school can help. So we came up with the idea to make a book in which we make numerous colorful paintings of donkeys on the way to Africa," reports Manuela Henkelman, Karin climbing, Theresa Quick and Hildegard Hohmann .

Last year donkeys were painted in all groups - large, small, colorful - to the book, which has been enriched with pictures of donkeys from Eritrea was sold for 9.80 a piece .

"On the occasion of our 25th Birthday we took a little trip to Murnau. Here we looked at the famous painting by Franz Marc 'Donkey Frieze' - which featured several donkeys colored in purple. Since then, the idea for the book was born ," says Karin gate.

The project was generously supported by the Lions Club Soest, so now new donkeys can be purchased for Eritrea. A donkey costs around 300 euros on the spot. " In Eritrea many single women live with many children," says Anne vineyards of Archemed. The women - often their children - need to walk very far to get water. The donkeys now take over this task and the children are relieved from work and can go to school regularly.

As beasts of burden, the donkeys also help transport the goods of women to the nearest market. "For women the possession of the donkey is a bit of independence and forms its own livelihood ," says vineyards


Article translated from German with Google Translator.

Anne vineyards of Archemed (left) is happy about the painting school donating 4634 Euros from her book project. From left: Karin climbing, Manuela Henkel man, Theresa Quick and Hildegard Hohmann handed over the money. - Photo: Dahm

Tigray’s Alleged Inferiority Complex

$
0
0

The two-hour drive between Asmara to Keren is known as a challenging stretch of road. Torturous and twisted, the road is unofficially known as "Libi Tigray" (heart of Tigray) by the locals. The name serves as a reminder of when Tigrayan leaders seeked a peace agreement with Eritrean leaders in the 19th century that turned out to be a ploy to attack and briefly occupy Eritrea, which was then known as the kingdom of Medri Bahri (Land of the Sea).  - Photo: Semenawi Keyih Bahri road.


Tigray’s Alleged Inferiority Complex

By Bereket Kidane,

Ambassador David Shinn in his recent op-ed piece on US-Eritrea relations alluded to the fact that one of the causes of the 1998-2001 border war was the perceived inferiority complex that Tigrayans have towards Eritreans and the score settling they felt they needed to do as a result once they had access to the resources of a larger state. Ambassador Shinn was not shooting from the hip when he mentioned this fact in his article. Having been the United States Ambassador to Ethiopia during the late nineties, he has some “local knowledge” as they say on this matter. He has probably looked extensively into the real causes of the supposed “border war” and spoken with many native and non-native experts on the two countries and the region. Tigrayans’ perceived inferiority complex and past grievances coupled with their desire to expand Tigray’s borders in all directions north, east and south were among the real reasons for the war he probably kept hearing.  He made a mention of the fact that the Tigrayan leadership had published a map of Tigray that incorporated large swaths of Eritrea without good reason or any explanation. It’s important to remember that the Regional State of Tigray had indeed succeeded in expanding its borders in all directions within Ethiopia by claiming fertile land that formerly belonged to the Amhara peoples. It had accomplished that with impunity.  It was only when it tried to push Tigray’s borders north into Eritrea that it was met with stiff resistance.

But what about his assertions? Aside from the fact that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent, there is a long history between Tigray and Eritrea that goes back several hundred years, full of mistrust and stereotypes. Most people in Eritrea have heard of the famously twisted mountains on the Asmara-Keren road named “Libi Tigray” or “Twisted like the heart of a Tigrayan.” The name of those mountains is instructive to anyone who tries to understand how Eritreans and Tigrayans perceive each other. To an Eritrean, his word is his bond. Tigrayan warlords of the past have had a reputation for playing fast and loose with the truth to the point of swearing by the bible in order to fool people into thinking they had an agreement with them. Consequently, Eritreans had always perceived Tigrayans as untrustworthy, shifty and treacherous.  In fact, many Eritrean elders in 1991 had warned the victorious EPLF leaders against establishing close ties with the TPLF. When Tigrayan leaders launched a full scale invasion of Eritrea under the pretext of a border war, it was an “I told you so” moment for the elders. The fact that the present Tigrayan leadership of Ethiopia went back out on its word and has so far refused to abide by the Hague decision and allow demarcation to proceed as per the iron-clad Algiers Agreement and instructions of the boundary commission is seen by Eritreans as the continuation of that famously shifty, treacherous and untrustworthy Tigrayan behavior of yesteryears.

Whatever one thinks of the inferiority complex argument, there is undeniable hostility and animosity between the two peoples now. There is palpable anger coming from the Eritrean side due to the Tigrayan leadership’s refusal to honor the final and binding Algiers Agreement. One of the saddest things that happened during the 1998-2001 war was the brutal treatment of Eritreans living in Ethiopia. They had been stripped of their properties and lifetime savings and made destitute, separated from their spouses and children in order to inflict maximum psychological pain and made to cross the border into Eritrea by walking through landmines. The fact that some 19,000 young Eritreans had died in defense of Eritrea’s sovereignty has made it one of the most blood-soaked international lines on this earth.

Inferiority complex or not, one will never know why the Tigrayan leadership felt they had to go to that length of brutality toward Eritreans living in Ethiopia or why they even felt like they had to destroy martyrs cemeteries in Eritrean towns they occupied. One thing is for certain, however: the legacy of that border war will continue to reverberate for generations to come and negatively define the social and international relations between Tigray and Eritrea.


Canada: Stop Defaming Canadian-Eritreans

$
0
0

Canadian-Eritrean youths named Eden and Siham dancing on stage during the Eritrean festival in Toronto - August 4, 2013 (Credit: Zantana Imaging)


Canada: Stop Defaming Canadian-Eritreans

By Habtezion Ghermai,

I am writing in response to articles that have been written about the Canadian-Eritrean communities in Canada, and some of the actions that have been taken against members of our Community.

Since January of 2012, The National Post has been writing articles that state ridiculous claims against the Canadian-Eritrea community in Canada. Some of the claims in these articles including the notion that Canadian-Eritrea were being forced to pay a 2% tax to the Eritrean consulate in Toronto,and that this money was going to support terrorism against Canada.This outlandish claims have created a negative image of Canadian-Eritreans and have had negative impacts on the community. Members of our Communities are being discriminated against based on the claim that they are supporting terrorism,in one example,when the Canadian-Eritrean community wanted to rent a hall in Calgary for their annual festival, they were denied and the reason they were given was because they "support terrorism".

The RCMP subsequently investigated some members of our Community and to date, no charges have been laid against anyone.

As a Canadian Citizen, I call, my elected representative in parliament, to ensure that my voice and the collective voices of the Canadian-Eritrean community is heard on these allegations.

I must firmly state that neither I nor my family has ever been forced to pay any 2% tax to the Eritrean consulate or government. As enshrined in Canadian law, I have the right to have dual citizenship and exercise my dual citizenship rights. As a dual citizen of Canada and Eritrea, I willingly pay 2% rehabilitation contribution as part of my obligation to help rebuild my country of origin, I must emphasize that nobody forces me to make this contribution.

Furthermore, Canadian-Eritreans are proud Canadian Citizens and have made Canada their home.I,like many other Canadian-Eritreans, are part of Canadian society and we contribute to its economy, growth and cultural mosaic. Neither I nor anyone else in my community would ever do anything that would harm Canada. The allegations that we support terrorism is false, malicious and dangerous. Members of my community have already experienced discrimination as a result of these allegations, and we want that to stop. Third, as you may be aware ,many Eritreans are languishing in refugee camps and have become targets of international criminal smugglers. In October 1, over 200 people perished on the shores of Italy as their boat tried to land in Italy.We ask Canada to call for independent and international investigations into these smugglers and bring them to to justice.As the Canadian-Eritreans have been victims of these smuggling rings, our community is ready to assist in these investigations.

Sincerely,
Habtezion Ghermai.

Eritrea's Non-Resident Ambassador to Oman Bids Farewell to Officials there

$
0
0

Eritrea's non-resident ambassador to Oman meeting with an Omani official

Eritrea's Non-Resident Ambassador to Oman Bids Farewell to Officials there


Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi, the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, met with Mohammed Omar Mahmoud, Eritrea's non-resident ambassador to Oman, to bid him farewell after ending his tenure as non-resident ambassador.

During the meeting, the two sides held cordial conversations and affirmed on the existing good relations between the Sultanate and Eritrea, as well as keenness of both sides in promoting them.

The Eritrean government says the change in ambassadors of late is part ongoing restructuring and reorganization process within the government and PFDJ institutions to ensure political dynamism and effective management.

In a meeting with 150 regional administrators and party members in Embatkala earlier in September, President Isaias Afwerki said that restructuring and assignments will continue at all levels of administrations, ministries, PFDJ bodies and national associations.

Eritrea Can’t Afford to Lose Its Momentum

$
0
0


United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (C) and Isaias Afwerki (L), President of Eritrea, meet at the 66th General Assembly Session at the United Nations on September 21, 2011 in New York City.


Eritrea Can’t Afford to Lose Its Momentum

By Yohannes Kifle,

It has been almost fourteen years since the Algiers Agreement was signed between Eritrea and Ethiopia. To Eritreans, April 13, 2000, was a very historic day. The final and binding agreement was significant enough reaffirming Eritrea’s hard-earned independence. In fact, it was remarkable enough to confirm once and for all, Eritrea and Ethiopia are two independent states.  Eritrea has always believed and continues to believe that the Algiers agreement that is final and binding is the only document that will bring everlasting peace between the two states.  After the Algiers peace was signed, President Isaias Afeworki was asked to comment on the signing of the Algiers agreement, paraphrasing his comments he said: Just because we signed the paper, it doesn’t mean it is over…it might take us another 15 years to accomplish what was signed on paper. Eritrea’s pursuit of everlasting peace was unquestionable and was proved time and time again for the past 13 years. Eritrea wanted to keep the momentum for peace by staying on course. Unfortunately, Eritrea never had partners to bring the desired lasting peace.

The regime in Ethiopia was forced to accept the Algiers Peace Agreement out of desperation as time was running out on its attempt to capture the port of Asseb hoping it would change the dynamic of the peace negotiation.  Those who were following the war between these two countries would remember the late prime minister’s bravado saying, “give us 72 hours and we will finish the war”. Of course, the war was over; however, the result wasn’t what the late Prime Minister was hoping for. The regime in Ethiopia realized its military adventure to capture Asseb was squashed decisively and it recognized pursuing the war would result with more embarrassing defeat.

The military defeat was so catastrophic that signing the Algiers agreement was the only option for the regime’s survival. Though both nations signed the Agreement their motives for signing the Algiers Agreement were diametrically opposed. Eritrea, with the upper hand and the desire for peace, went to Algiers to sign the peace agreement while the regime in Ethiopia dragged its feet to go to the peace signing table hoping a last minute miracle from its military camp will change the equation.

To put matters in perspective…here is what was said then.

Eritrea insisted the withdrawal was no surrender – even as its troops retreated from former eastern border strongholds after a punishing two-day battle that saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war. "Things are not what they appear on the ground," presidential spokesman Yemane Gebremeskel declared in the Eritrean capital, Asmara. "Ethiopia is gaining territory but losing the war."

"Although the Ethiopians are still pushing, they are running out of steam, their drive and capability is not what it was any more," presidential spokesman Yemane Gebreab told Reuters news agency.

The Algiers Agreement was derailed for the past thirteen years from achieving its sole purpose followed by a diplomatic slump that Eritrea faced and battled for several years. The architects of the diplomatic attack were no other than the institutions and countries (powerful countries) with hunger for punishing Eritrea and, at the same time, resuscitating the dying regime in Ethiopia. Eritrea’s crime for the unwarranted punishment was its desire to stay on course with the final and binding agreement signed in Algiers by both countries and supported by the very same institutions and countries that deviated from the spirit of the Algiers peace agreement. The pressure on Eritrea to renegotiate was intensified as it became clear that the final and binding verdict wasn’t in the best interest of the regime in Ethiopia.  In an effort to justify their unlawful act, the institutions and those countries that are behind it started to force “dialogue” in the name of peace. Several options were entertained to kindle “dialogue”; nonetheless, Eritrea never promoted the so-called “dialogue” that wasn’t necessary in the first place.

Those countries and institutions with desire to force “dialogue” were not happy with Eritrea’s stand and had to change their strategies to weaken Eritrea and hoping to accomplish their objectives to force the government of Eritrea to accept “dialogue”. The schemes those institutions and countries used to weaken Eritrea include but are not limited to creating internal conflict, diplomatic isolation, economic sabotages, etc…The last resort was to accuse Eritrea of supporting a terrorist group in Somalia in order to pave the justification for sanctioning Eritrea. This accusation was conceived by the late prime minister of the regime and Susan Rice, the former U.N Ambassador.

Lately, the regime in Ethiopia is confronted with economic and political obstacles coupled with unfavorable political statements from former officials of the U.S. Government that rattled its cage. Although, Herman Cohen and David Shinn were heard with comments that favored Eritrea, it shouldn’t be perceived as if lasting peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia is around the corner. However, it is fair to cautiously take their comments as a beginning of something positive. If Cohen and Shinn’s comments reflect United States’ change of policy toward Eritrea, it will undoubtedly be accepted by Eritrea with a hope it will pick up its momentum and not be lost.

Eritrea has built momentum for peace when her children defended their beloved country from 1998 to 2000 and forced the enemy to come to the peace negotiation. A momentum that continued with the idea of strengthening the defense force to protect the country from future invasion. With no war no peace attitude from the enemies of Eritrea, the leadership of Eritrea has continued to build the infrastructure to take the country to the next level. The progress Eritrea has made in education, health and other sectors are out there for the world to see. Utilizing her natural resources for the betterment of the country is an example to all nations. Eritrea’s tenacious respect for the rule of law has never been in question and it has become more obvious as relation with her immediate neighbors is solidified. The diplomatic blitz Eritrea has implemented in the past several years has paid off as we have now witnessed quite a few countries are sending their ambassadors to Eritrea. These are momentums Eritrea built in the past thirteen years and can’t afford to lose.


Fifth Eritrean Bi-Weekly Newsletter Released

$
0
0

Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh (L) with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov


Fifth Eritrean Bi-Weekly Newsletter Released

The Press Section of the Permanent Mission of the State of Eritrea to the AU and UNECA has released its fifth edition of its bi-weekly newsletter.

Visit here to read the previous newsletter.


Michela Wrong, You did not do it for me

$
0
0

Michela Wrong

Michela Wrong, You did not do it for me

By Amanuel Biedemariam,

Throughout the history of the continent of Africa, westerners have destabilized Africa cunningly,mercilessly in the most brutal ways human can inflict upon another. The holocaust will not be close to describing the atrocities. Unfortunately, it is working for them to the detriment of the people in the continent and without accountability. As a result, Africa is a playground for them to pillage and plunder at will, creating untold-chronic suffering and systemic degradation of social fabrics that will plague generations of Africans.

At this stage, one can comfortably conclude that Africa is under the control of the West primarily the US, France, Great Britain and their NATO partners. Africa’s resources are controlled by few while the continent is in constant state of conflict instigated, manipulated, directed and funded by the west. Once destabilized, it appears nothing a nation can do can resolve the instability because they keep adding fuel to keep the fire burning constantly. That is the state of Africa today from Somalia, to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, from North, South, East and West Africa.

Unbeknownst to the average Westerner, there are formulas these powers used for decades effectively. It is cunning, deceptive, foolproof-from-scrutiny, innocent in appearance but deadlier than army battalion. Overtime however, the methodology is becoming apparent making it relatively easier to challenge or defend.

The way they deal with target countries: a young westerner is assigned to a country, conducts research by working as journalist, humanitarian or nonprofit-organization gaining trust of the people on the target country. Once a level of trust is acquired the next step is to write a book, gain expert status on the country/subject, the people, religion, tribes, social-structures, the history and the political make up, and sell it in the west.

These individuals have access to major papers and news-networks such as the Guardian, the BBC, the Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal etc…After some notoriety, as issues regarding the countries that they have written about arise, they are called by mainstream media to represent the issue as experts.

Consequently, during congressional hearings and debates, US representative often quote articles from WSJ or the Guardian written by these so-called experts to make their cases. Hence, opinions, views, policy-directions, resolutions, and major international decisions are based upon the writing and expertise of these silent killers.

Once that level of recognition is accorded to their work, by default, the country/subject in question becomes a cause célèbre to be exploited freely. They are paid by various organizations as contributors, hired for speaking engagements, and called upon to testify on matters pertaining to the subject. Afterwards, what they say and write carries weight above anyone. The views of the people affected matters none.

By the time policies and actions that these experts lobbied for is ready for implementation; Hollywood, musical and big-name-business personalities are summoned to sell the cause to the unsuspecting public. The fix is in. George Clooney is the best example vis-à-vis the Sudan and South Sudan issues.

This is effective way to muzzle the voice of the people. Any country can boast the existence of freedom of press and expression. However, without access that amounts to nothing. To make matters worse, the people affected are misrepresented by the so called experts that hijacked their voices. In effect they made themselves the spokespersons of the country. This of course is by design. It is a marriage of convenience used by government officials, the State Department and congressional representatives as cover to pursue western agendas in countries of interest in this case Eritrea.

Eritrea is a target and naturally, these experts have been hard at work to employ these tactics for a while. These include Dan Connell author, lecturer, reporter and self-proclaimed Eritrean expert. Martin Plaut a South African apartheid-era army conscript, BBC and Chatham House contributor and apologist of the late genocidal dictator Meles Zenawi. Michela Wrong is author, reporter for BBC, Reuters and Financial times. Note none of the above has been to Eritrea for over a decade.

A recent London SOAS Conference Chaired by Martin Plaut that featured Dan Connell, Michela Wrong (absent) about Eritrea provided partial evidence on how the methodology is applied. It was the most awkward setting that exemplified desperation to see a retired old-Caucasian-man and a middle aged former apartheid era conscript trying to lecture Eritrea to Eritreans that are sons and daughters of former Eritrean liberation fighters and products of the revolution; these are young men and women that came to challenge them and did, nicely.

These are amongst the most visible self-proclaimed experts trying to replace the voice of the people of Eritrea in the name of justice or whatever cause they claim to be aligned with.

The agenda of destabilizing Eritrea is controlled by a handful with above mentioned individuals taking the lead. They cross reference their work to make it look like they have the numbers.Their writing and campaigns has been in coordination with a handful that has been travelling to Ethiopia, coordinating with Ethiopian authorities in pursuit of Ethiopian agendas. They deal with personalities like Dr. Bereket Habtesllassie who is on record wishing to see Eritrea re-colonized by Ethiopia. They reference a great deal of their materials with the likes of Paulos Tesfaghiorghis who essentially lives in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Meron Stifanos and Elsa Chyrum personalities that are closely associated with human trafficking of Eritreans and also make their second home in Ethiopia. And Selam Kidane whom martin Plaut of the BBC have done story about when she migrated to UK as a teenager with her sister. Selam is a product of the former dictator of Ethiopia Mengistu Hailmariam. She is one of the criminals that vandalized the embassy of Eritrea in the UK with a handful of thugs. These are individuals that Connell et al work with and quote as Eritreans extensively. In reality however, Selam cannot even prove that she is Eritrean.

In a flash, these are the personalities running the anti-Eritrean campaign. This piece however, will focus on Michela Wrong in response to a recent article she wrote, “Is Africa's hermit kingdom heading toward a military coup?” Because her piece provides a barometer of where they are and displays their desperate mindset. It is also inadvertent release of their agenda-progress-report and future approaches. It is worth noting that there is nothing new or significant.

Nothing of what she wrote is worth repeating because it is a propaganda exercise designed todemonize and justify revolt. It is shameful exercise and abuse of the profession of journalism when a reporter for BBC, Reuters and Financial times resorts to sheer propaganda. Nothing in the piece could be considered reporting. It is part of a campaign, the anti-Eritrean-elements she cajoles with are engaged in.

Regardless, it is necessary to occasionally keep things honest in order to inform and present perspectives to the unsuspecting that could fall-prey to her fraudulent writing. To expose the self-anointed “crass” bigot that she failed, after years of attempts, to paint the picture of Eritrea that she made-up. To remind people that she failed to understand the essence of the people of Eritrea; to expose the fact that she failed-to-process all the data she collected about Eritrea correctly, with any sense, humanity or humility. To alert Eritreans that the “crass” is blood thirsty vermin ready to see the blood of innocent Eritrean flow. To make clear unambiguously to the world the fascist Michela Wrong is the true expression of how the anti-Eritrea agenda works.

Her message is clear. It is now-or-never. She writes, “Isaias's obduracy also sends an inadvertent message, if change in Eritrea cannot be achieved either peacefully or gradually, it must come about through violence.”

This is a display of desperation and lack of objectivity. How is it possible for a reporter to get away with such incendiary message under the umbrella of major news organization? Michela Wrong has not been to Eritrea for over eight years. Yet she declared, “There have been nearly 13 years of lockdown in Eritrea” and claimed Eritrea is, "Africa's North Korea for its militarism and defiant isolationism has virtually disappeared from global headlines.” Really?

“Eritrea has virtually disappeared from global headlines?” I guess Wrong must have concluded her report is not worthy of global attention. Why belabor this much-attention for a country that fell-off the map of the earth? Or maybe, she forgot to put her reporter’s hat and true colors showed up. Or maybe she is not capable to see reality blinded by her fraudulent-writing.

Eritrea is far from isolated, in lockdown-caged and, turned to Africa’s North Korea. That picture is far from true. Eritrea is warm, inviting and full of welcoming graceful people that will give their hand and let you sleep on their own bed to comfort you. Ask the Sudanese that come to Eritrea in droves for their honeymoon enjoying the weather, landscapes and hospitality. Ask the hundreds of thousands that flock to Eritrea to visit all year round to celebrate independence, for the festival, Sawa Festival and the holidays.

Obviously, the fact that Wrong cannot enter Eritrea has eschewed any objectivity she may have had into deluding herself to believe that Eritrea is isolated from the world-seen when the opposite is true. What is Michela Wrong’s wrong assessment based on? Did Wrong miss what Ambassadors Herman Cohen, Shinn and Lyman wrote about? What does Wrong think about all the articles written by major newspapers that predict Eritrea is amongst the fastest growing economies of the world. What is that based on?

Obviously there must have been something Eritrea, a country the “crass” called, “Hermit Kingdom” doing to grow at the pace described while under all the pressures applied by the West.

Eritrea will flourish in ways no other African country ever did simply because of the foundation that people of Eritrea laid is unshakeable. The people of Eritrea are enlightened, smart, cognizant, and astute-with their understanding about how the world operates and are able to roll with-the-punches, committed and willing to sacrifice to position Eritrea in line with the best.

Eritrea will flourish because the people of Eritrea know and understand how-rich Eritrea is with untapped resources that they want to ensure generations of Eritreans can exploit while wording-off the fascists and neo-colonialists, (descendants of the mothers and fathers of the likes of Michela Wrong-Fascists) from placing their deadly hands on it.

Eritrea will flourish because the foundations is based upon realistic approach to life that is determined to secure the nation and way of life, by maintaining healthy and educated public that could sustain itself no matter what.

Diplomacy: Eritreans know Eritrea is amongst the most strategically positioned nations in the world. Eritrea’s location is amongst the most important geostrategic positions of the world. Eritreans know and understand by the virtue of her location Eritrea plays pivotal roles in the global geopolitical juxtaposition thus a target of one party or the other at any given time. With a clear understanding of their place in the world, Eritreans also-know to be judicious in their approach with the world because that is a way to ensure a secured future for generation of Eritreans.

Hence, with all the attention Eritrea attracts, suitors are sifted to ensure that they have the right intentions for the people of Eritrea. That is diplomacy from the point of strength. Ask Russia, Sudan, South Africa, Qatar, Yemen, Egypt, Israel and China etc… Or checkout Eritrea’s diplomatic missions around the world to discover solid relations based on mutual respect and focusing on development. Nothing less is acceptable or entertained. No compromises because the leaders of Eritrea and the people have obligations to the blood spilled to ensure the independence of Eritrea.

Michela the Wrong

It is one thing not to know and make erroneous statement. It is however, criminal to deliberately mislead, misinform, misrepresent and lie about events and realities of people and countries. Sadly and unfortunately, it is not worth the time for countries like Eritrea to legally go after every Wrong, Michela Wrong that is and hold them to account legally. Hence, it is up-to concerned individuals, to at least, try to correct the record and to maintain balance.

Michela Wrong’s representation of Eritrean people, His Excellency President Isaias Afewerki, the government, the leaders, communities and customs is wrong, misleading and pure fabrication. Furthermore, her writing is fraught with inconsistencies. Michela Wrong writes,

“Today, there is a growing sense that a crisis point is approaching. Eritrea’s definitely going to blow, predicts Selam Kidane, an Eritrean democracy activist based in London. Isaias can't carry on like this for much longer."

Previously Wrong wrote,

“If the curse of so many African states has been low expectations, passed from one generation to another like a genetic disease, a generation of Eritreans stands immune. The EPLF spent decades teaching its followers that every man and woman, Moslem and Christian, peasant and urban dweller, was equally valuable. It set up popularly-elected assemblies in the villages, it championed women’s organizations, it relentlessly trumpeted the merits of grassroots democracy. That work cannot now be undone. Aspirations were created.”

Wrong continues,
“The Notion of accountability has seeped into a people’s psychology, as impossible to uproot as the dream of shady groves had this idea of equality at the front, and now it is fixed forever in our minds.” Emphasis added.

How did the flippant Michela Wrong jump from “EPLF relentlessly trumpeted the merits ofgrassroots democracy,” to Eritrea’s future determined by an activist in London? There is a sayingin Tigrigna, “Name leads like the candle that gives light.” Wrong is truly WRONG!


Conclusion

Michela Wrong wrote:
“Why are Eritreans so bad at saying ‘thank you’? I once asked an ex-Fighter friend. I was feeling slightly irritated at receiving the classic Eritrean reaction to a gift chosen with some care: an expressionless grunt, followed by the quick concealment of the unopened present, never to be mentioned again.”

Eritreans are amongst the most grateful people on earth. For Eritreans gratitude is entrenched on their daily language. Eritrean kids love to do good so they can be blessed and thanked by their parents, elders, friends and comrades. Giving, gratitude, and receiving thanks are a way of life.

That means Eritreans were able to see clearly how flippant the “crass” is and showed trepidation to accept her offering. It means that Wrong missed the mark then as in now in trying to paint a picture of Eritrea that isn’t.

Eritrea will not be defined by anyone other than Eritreans. You call it Hermit Kingdom, North Korea, in-lock-down, alienated and out of the headlines it would not matter. You can manufacture and try to brandish it with any label but just because you said it or wrote it will not be so.

It is ironic to see a westerner with heritage of Fascism trying to undermine the legacy of Eritrean women heroes by some democracy activist in London. It is shameful to see westerns trying to destroy the legacy and history of Africans.

Eritrea is a master of her destiny. It has been and will be for the future. No power on earth can dislodge Eritrea from her direction.

Awetnayu@hotmail.com


Renders of the New Asmara Housing Project

$
0
0



Renders of the New Asmara Housing Project

These 3D renders, which show some of the 1,680 modern homes and shops that are under construction in Asmara, give a good visual of what is to be expected when the project is completed.


                                                    Click on images to enlarge.








President Isaias Afwerki Arrives in Doha

$
0
0

President Isaias Afwerki in Doha - 2011

President Isaias Afwerki Arrives in Doha

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Doha today on a working trip, the first since Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became Emir.

The Eritrean President and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and HE the Eritrean Ambassador to Qatar Ali Ibrahem Ahmad.

During the visit, two sides are expected to discuss economic ties, investment and regional developments. 

ERI-TV Live

$
0
0


Eri-TV Live - Eritrean TV Online

Updated: March 2, 2014, 12:00PM EST





Launched in January 1993, Eri-TV (Eritrean TV) broadcasts mostly in Tigrinya, Tigre, Arabic and English.

For your convenience, we will update this page soon with schedules of Eri-TV programs catered for the Eritrean Diaspora time zones in Washington DC, Seattle, London, Frankfurt, Stockholm and Rome.


Eritrean Foreign Minister to speak at the Human Rights Council on Monday

$
0
0

Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh 


Eritrean Foreign Minister to speak at the Human Rights Council on Monday

Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Eritrea’s Minster of Foreign Affairs, will be speaking during the High Level Segment of the 25th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on Monday, 3 March 2014, at 12:00p.m.

In early February, Eritrea reaffirmed its commitment to further its efforts in the protection and promotion of human rights, and pledged it will continue to work with international organizations, particularly with the Universal Periodic Review, to meet this end.


Hundreds of Eritreans Attend Hsbawi Mekete Seminar in London

$
0
0

Hundreds of Eritreans stand in solidarity in support their country at a seminar in London on March 2  (Credit: Eritrea Embassy Media UK)


Successful Hsbawi Mekete Seminar conducted in London UK


By Eritrea Embassy Media UK,

London, March 02, 2014 - The program started with a moment of silence to honor the selfless Martyrs who gave us their precious lives for us to live in dignity, with young kids from the group Aser performed the national anthem and various other national songs.

Mr Muluberhan Berhe, Coordinator of the Public Affairs office, who made an introductory statement and gave an insight into some major activities of the public campaign, and work plan of the Eritrean National Organisation UK for 2014/2015, outlining the purposes of the public campaign being on strengthening organisation, and conspiracies and psychological warfare being waged against the Eritrean people. He also remind participants on looking on the background of the Eritrean struggle on political, cultural, economic, and diplomatic experiences thereby the reshaping of strengthening of these activities on the ever changing dynamics of current affairs and called upon citizens to redouble their efforts to this regard based on the experiences gained so far.

Also taking stage the Chairman of the National Organisation UK Board, Mr Ahmed Mahmoud, gave updates on future plans it has drawn up giving detailed explanations on each plan and its work that it has delegated to various organisations which includes NUEW, YPFDJ, PFDJ, Public Diplomacy.

Following this Eritrean Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, H.E. Tefamicael Gerahtu gave the participants of the seminar extensive briefing regarding situation in Eritrea. He said, Eritrea has come through successive obstacles and animosities in the past years and the disguised hostilities against the Eritrean people. He carried on saying that, history is witness of the Eritrean people’s triumph to the fact that they have always prevailed against all odds. With the cultured and rule abiding people and leadership that has progressive and realistic policies, Eritrea has become exemplary that those who have agenda of domination have openly become hostile against the Eritrean people. He expressed conviction to resist, during which the development progress of Eritrea is registering promising results and citizens expressing resolve to invest in their country. Ambassador also reminded the participants that, our biggest responsibility to the Eritrean martyrs is to never compromise Eritrea’s national security, and provided an in depth reports and update on the latest Embassy and Consular services.

After solidarity speeches by representatives, Ms Lia Berhane, YPFDJ Chairperson put in plain words that extensive preparations are underway both in the UK and across Europe, in which hundreds of youth delegates and representatives of Eritrean communities will take part on YPFDJ 10th Conference in Swiss from 17th-21st April 2014. She said that this historic conference is being held at a decisive juncture in our history, when our country is both meeting the challenges to our national sovereignty head on, and confidently marching forward in building a prosperous nation that owns its destiny. These great endeavors have required the role of Eritrean youth both at home and aboard. The participants affirmed and called all Eritrean nationals in UK to stand alongside the youth, and to work towards making the 10th YPFDJ Conference successful regardless of any difficulties. Finally she also gave updates on its work that it’s conducting in the UK. The participants on their part expressed their willingness and readiness to enhance their contribution towards the ongoing nation building process and that they will always stand alongside their people and Government and will rebuff any external conspiracies by strengthening their unity and will defend their nation whatever the cost.

Mr Suleiman Hasan, Head of the Consular Affairs of the Embassy of Eritrea gave updates on current affairs including on Eritrean national identity giving background on the temporary identity cards and the work on the department immigration has done towards the new structure of the identity cards and detailed information on what is needed to get the new Eritrean identity card.

Following this the long awaited seminar by Mrs Sophia Tesfamariam, Director of the US Foundation for the Horn of Africa, on her part she focused on five dimensions. On the psychological warfare taking place reminding that even though the real war is waged on EDF soldiers on the grounds but also the entire population being part of the war through psychological warfare, she focused on five dimensions. History of Eritrea, EPLF Values, Psychological warfare, Eritreanism, the wars waged on it and its defence. Eritrean diaspora. As Sophia Tesfamariam preferred to refer to the event with a more casual term that reflects the familial atmosphere. Sophie opened by acknowledging the most immediate national holiday, International Women's day on March 8th. Then as a lead - into the topics of the agenda, she briefed on how our culture and history make for a uniquely patriotic and proud Diaspora. From there, the speech moved into a number of matters including freedom of religion, reduction in cases of transmittable illnesses, the UN, investment, education, political issues and development in general. At the end Sophie outlined Eritrea’s future is guaranteed because of the internal strengths that has been created together with strong organisations and all of the policies of the Government of Eritrea come to the basics and embeds strong organisation. To this regard the concept of development has to be always linked to meaningful organisation. National unity through organisation for Eritrean interest.

Finally Ambassador Tesfamichael Gerahtu further noted that all organisations belong to the Eritrean people and called up on all citizens to become active participants for further strengthening the National Organisation UK. After detailed review of organisational experiences the Ambassador expressed satisfaction on the commencements of various organisations throughout the UK and stressed that participants see through the success of these efforts and asked the cooperation with the new Ambassador taking office in the near future. Towards the end participants like always put forward their views and support as well as questions that were addressed accordingly.

Eritrea Embassy Media UK
emwg@eriembauk.com



All images below are courtesy of Eritrea Embassy Media UK. Click on images to enlarge.










I don't Like the Eritrean People, I don't! - Helen Kesete

$
0
0

Photo: Helen Kesete - We blurred out a lot of the curse words she wrote in her own picture towards the Eritrean government and people. Keep in mind, Helen is a 35-year-old mother from Sweden that dresses and behaves like a teenage boy in grade school.



I don't Like the Eritrean People, I don't! - Helen Kesete 

"This is my first time after seven years in Asmara and...I mean... this my country... I have to like it but I don't like the people, I don't!" Said Helen Kesete, a vocal leader of Smerrrr, an Ethiopian created "opposition" group that seeks to reverse Eritrea's independence.

Even by the so-called Eritrean "opposition" standards, Helen's infamous quote is considered embarrassing. After all, Helen claims she is an activist who is fighting to bring change to the Government of Eritrea, but if she hates her country and people then who is she fighting for? Ethiopia?

It seems Helen never understood the very basic principle of political activism, which is first to love or respect the people you are trying to help. Unfortunately, she thinks she owns a monopoly on wisdom and assumes disrespecting the very people she professes to be fighting for is acceptable behavior. Perhaps she learned this from TPLF's founder, Sebhat Negga, who infamously labeled his Tigrayan constituents of Enderta as "professional beggars".

But its not just Helen's hatred for Eritrea and Eritreans that rubs people the wrong way, her vulgar language and disrespectful attitude annoys them too. She regularly refers to Eritreans as "monkeys", "ugly", "idiots" and other obnoxious names that are too inappropriate to repeat. It seems in her mind, anyone who doesn't support her political views (unification with Ethiopia, a failed state) deserves to be verbally assaulted.

In the grand scheme of things, Helen isn't important. But what we can learn from this unstable individual is there are Eritreans out there that are in collaboration with Ethiopia for the sole purpose of harming Eritrea and its people. Their pretext is always democracy, even though these people refuse to see the hypocrisy in working with the ruthless Ethiopian dictatorship. But then again, that was probably in their contract with the Ethiopian regime, so they're just doing their job.



Three Names Ethiopians are Trying to Impose on Eritreans

$
0
0

Eritrean girl wearing traditional Medri-Bahri dress (Credit: Kikish Abraha)


Three Names Ethiopians are Trying to Impose on Eritreans


Names play an important role in human interactions. They provide us a way to identify people and places. In some cases, the meaning of names can even provide valuable insight about a place or a person. Names for groups of people can also be used for political objectives. As a result, foreign names, especially those coming from hostile countries or people should be rejected if most of the people its intended for don't support it.

Here are three names politically motivated Ethiopians are trying to impose on Eritrea and Eritreans:

1. Tigray-Tigrinya is a false term used by politically motivated Ethiopians to lump Eritrea's Tigrinya ethnic group with Ethiopia's Tigray ethnic group. In doing so, they seek to chisel at the edifice of what what it means to be Eritrean, since Tigrinya people make up the largest ethnic group in Eritrea. Without question, the Tigrinya people do not regard Tigrayans to be of the same ethnicity as them. Both of these ethnic groups hail from separate ancient kingdoms (Medri-Bahri and Tigray) and have fought and died for separate wars (Tigrinya: ELF and EPLF, Tigrayans: TLF and TPLF).

However, none of these historical facts are even necessary to mention when you consider ethnic identity is mostly a self-ascribed psychological term. According to Professor Joshua A. Fishman, the "psychological dimension of ethnicity is perhaps the most important because, regardless of variations in the biological, cultural, and social domains, if a person self-identifies as a member of a particular ethnic group, then he or she is willing to be perceived and treated as a member of that group. Thus, self-ascribed and other-ascribed ethnic labels are the overt manifestations of individuals' identification with a particular ethnicity."1

2. Mereb-Melash, which means the kingdom "beyond the Mereb (river)", has been used to name Eritrea's pre-Italian occupation period by Ethiopians and some historians. The only problem is it's not a name the ancestors of Eritreans had for their own kingdom. This is a Tigrayan (Ethiopian) name to describe another kingdom neighboring theirs. Think about it, who would name their country the kingdom "beyond the Mereb" river when they're the country beyond the Mereb river?

The real name of Eritrea's pre-Italian kingdom was Medri-Bahri (Land of the Sea). With its capital in Deberwa, Medri-Bahri was a prominent kingdom in the region between the 14th-19th century. What separated this kingdom from others in the region is it had a unique political process in which citizens elected their king to power. Once elected, the king was given the title of "Bahri-Negassi" (Sea King). To prevent a monarchy from being established, the Bahri-Negassi's family were prohibited from becoming future kings. Medri Bahri's borders with its southern neighbor, Tigray, was marked by the Mereb and Setit (Tekeze) rivers, which these boundaries are still used to define Eritrea's and Ethiopia's borders.

3. Amiche: In 1999, the brutal Ethiopian dictatorship expelled 80,000 Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origins at gunpoint and confiscated their property. These Eritreans were known by Ethiopians as "Amiche" - a term that takes its meaning from an Italian company based in Addis Ababa (The Automotive manufacturing Company of Ethiopia [AMCE]) which assembles imported car parts from Italy to make cars which are exported. Like AMCE vehicles, amiches had parts (parents) that came from one country (Eritrea) and were assembled in another (Ethiopia). So when these 'amiches' were expelled to Eritrea, many of them adopted this term as a pseudo identity, even though it was originally used to alienate them by their former Ethiopian countrymen.

Part of the reason why some of the expelled Eritreans clung on to the term Amiche was because it was seen in a favorable light in Ethiopia. When people heard Amiche in Addis Ababa, they perceived a well educated Eritrean who was wealthy or better off than the average Ethiopian. But when they were expelled to Eritrea, they no longer were seen as the upper class of society. Even the education advantage they enjoyed over most Addis Ababans wasn't there in Asmara, since most Asmarinos were far more educated than Ethiopians. So the abrupt transition from the upper class of society in Addis Ababa to, at best, a middle class existence in Asmara was a tough transition for many of them to handle. This caused many of them to cling to the term Amiche; a name that was associated with a high-class society as much as it was to a nationality.


[1]Handbook of Language & Ethnic Identity by Joshua A. Fishmanm, p. 115

Viewing all 4577 articles
Browse latest View live