Eritrea Celebrates the 28th anniversary of Independence

By: Mohamed Duale 

The Eritrean people welcomed the 28th Independence Day anniversary, with enthusiasm under the theme “Resilience for Higher Progress”.

Tens of thousands of Eritrean nationals has marked the eve of Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal with street dances accompanied with fireworks and with 21 gun salutes in the morning hours of May 24.

Speaking at the 28th independence day celebrations in the capital Asmara, the president hailed the resilience of Eritreans dating as far back as after the Second World War through to the struggle for independence and post-independence war.

“For fifty years, the people of Eritrea had to overcome political subterfuges aimed at creating divisions and cleavages amongst them; challenge and triumph over annexation and occupation; and, conduct a thirty-year-long armed struggle with unparalleled heroism and sacrifice to achieve independence on the basis of the supremacy of the rule of law. “He said

“In those fifty years, the Eritrean people confronted and vanquished the machinations of their external enemies.  They also secured their independence and sovereignty by combating internal divisive and toxic political tendencies, including a painful internecine war; by constantly strengthening their political cohesion. He added

The Eritrean president,  Isaias Afwerki, reminded his people as to what underpins Eritrea’s resilience.

“To highlight a few of the principal values that underpin our resilience: Not to succumb and yield to force and intimidation!…. Not to cede to illicit and duplicitous machinations!  Not to compromise one’s dignity and values for cheap rewards and inducements! Not to be distressed under extreme duress!  Not to be disheartened by overwhelming challenges! Not to tire with hard work!  Not to spare one’s toil and blood, including one’s life!… Not to relent until objectives are achieved! “Said President Isaias Afwerki

According to Eritrean Information Ministry, The participants expressed appreciation for the organizers of the colourful event and stated that Independence is the gift of the martyrs in which every citizen has the trust to contribute due to part in building a prosperous nation.

The 28th Independence Day anniversary was highlighted with cultural and sports activities, street dances, community gatherings, carnival as well as other activities.

Eritrean Diaspora 

Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, Germany and Canada have enthusiastically celebrated the 28th Independence Day Anniversary under the theme “Resilience for Higher Progress”.

At the celebratory event conducted on 18 May in Bern, Switzerland, in which a number of nationals took part, the head of Public and Community Affairs, Mr. Sileshi Idris indicating the demanding times the Eritrean people have to go through during the armed struggle for independence and safeguarding the national sovereignty, called for strengthening unity and participation in the effort to ensure equitable opportunity for citizens.

In the same vein, Eritrean nationals residing in Frankfurt celebrated the 28th Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal.

At the event, the Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, Mr Yohannes Woldu gave a briefing on the objective situation in the homeland.

Likewise, Eritrean nationals in Winnipeg, Canada also celebrated Independence Day anniversary featuring various programs depicting their attachment with their homeland.

In 1991, the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front triumphed in a war of independence, they are said to have had a hand in deposing Ethiopia’s last emperor, Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1974.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Eritrea in 1993 voted for independence from Ethiopia in a UN-backed referendum and subsequently gained international recognition. It is currently a full member of the African Union (A.U.) and of the United Nations (U.N.)

This is a developing story, Please check back at the Horndiplomat for Updates.

© Horn Diplomat 2019