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Why Do We Write?
“We write to tell the truth. We write to know who we are. We write to find our voices. We write to save the world. We write to save ourselves. We write so that when we look back and see that moment when we were totally clear, completely brilliant, and astoundingly wise, there is proof…
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The Brewing Nightmare
I know we have a few former commies in here. So let us try to appear “ideological” at least in one paragraph. In a way, it is also the abstract, summary or snapshot of the rest. If you are a lazy reader, a serious person or do not have time for too much BS, read…
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Eritrean Catholic Bishops Ask: “Where Is Your Brother?”
In a spiritually embellished letter, four Eritrean Catholic bishops issued a letter addressed to the Eritrean people. In the 38-page letter that the Catholic Bishops from the eparchies of Segeneiti, Asmara, Keren and Barentu wrote, they described the situation in Eritrea and appealed to the faithful to find solutions to the economic crisis, excessive exile,…
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Shum Gedede & The Goatskin
This article is first published on Sep. 19, 2005 when the current trend of degrading and belittling the Eritrean struggle was unthinkable. I thought of bringing it up again to help us reflect. Its TIGRINYA TRANSLATION IS HERE ሹም ገደደን ቆርበትን (ሳልሕ “ቃዲ” ጆሃር):: This story is dedicated to the top brass of the Eritrean…
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Dejen Ande Hishel: The Prison Breaker
On February 27, 2014, Dejen Ande Hishel, 38, an Eritrean fighter-jet (Mig-29) pilot and trainer, escaped from a maximum-security Eritrean prison in Asmara, where he had been held in captivity without charges, a verdict, or a day in court, for fifteen years. While his whereabouts have not been disclosed, it is safe to say that…
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Eritrea: NEVSUN’s Multi-million Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
Recently, Nevsun, the Canadian mining company operating in Eritrea, approved a multi-million class action lawsuit settlement brought by a New York-based law firm representing shareholders and investors. The firm had accused Nevsun of US securities fraud. Nevsun owns 60% of the Bisha Mining Share Company in western Eritrea while the remaining 40% is owned by…
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Kiros Yohannes: Poet Extraordinaire
My late brother Dawit had asserted that his favorite singer, Bereket Menghisteab, is irreplaceable. Occasionally and upon the insistence of younger siblings who ganged-up on him, he had conceded grudgingly: if there is anyone who might have succeeded in attaining that same level of vocal talent and excellence, then it has to be Dawit Efem.…
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We, The People, Own It!
My 13 year old nephew once told me that all democratically elected presidents should convene a plenary session to pass a resolution that will forbid all dictators from calling themselves presidents. Oftentimes, it takes a child to let us know that “the emperor” is naked. Perhaps it is this recognition that made the prophet Isaiah…
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Why Isaias Afwerki Invalidated the 1997 Constitution
On May 24, marking the 23rd anniversary of Eritrea’s independence, President Isaias Afwerki had this to say near the conclusion of his address: “Within the framework of our tasks of nation building, the political infrastructure assumes a vital role as a vehicle to advance our overall objectives. We have gleaned important lessons and experiences from…
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Eritrea’s Political Culture & Its Outdated Tools Of Analysis
Travel back in time; turn the clock back, way back to a neighborhood where you grew up. Find that Mr. Formidable Force (FF), the individual who becomes the captain of the soccer team in which you played growing up. Picture him in your mind’s eye in how he exuded the aura of power, an absolute…
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Eritrea: UN Sanctions In Limbo
The UN Security Council-imposed sanctions on Eritrea are trapped at UNSC in a situation that an observer described as, “From quid pro quo to tit for tat.” Impact of the four year old UN-imposed sanctions against Eritrea is increasingly hampering ordinary financial transactions, tourism and travel services to and from Eritrea. These are critical sectors…
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The Politics of Eritrea’s Independence Day
As it usually does, the Eritrean regime has been preparing for this year’s independence anniversary, which is unusually grand in its scope. For over a month, the news and pre-celebration programs have been a regular stable on the government-controlled media, including the state-owned television station (Eri-TV) which has been running 24-hour coverage of the activities…
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Rule Of The Jungle And My Quest To PFDJ Mindset
PFDJ Structures: Its Hardware and Software Network Dissection, Analysis and Thinking Beyond Objective of this Article: As the title indicates, it is a piece of writings that tries to explore the hardware and software component of PFDJ regime and based on available information and my personal interpretations to those matters. Note: All writings are my…
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Fathi Osman and His New Book
Recently Fathi Osman (ፈትሒ – فتحي) published a book entitled, “Eritrea: From A Dream of Independence to the Nightmare of Dictatorship.” The book, written in Arabic, is composed of one hundred twenty-two page; Fathi has plans to translate it into English. How did Eritreans, after they sacrificed so many lives and shed so much blood…
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Hope From Pretoria
In a culture that is not strong on expressing gratitude the word “yeqenyeley” has evolved to mean, “Thank you,” but its initial use seems to be more selfish and self-serving. It is simply used to express a wish of re-using an item again and again. The more accurate, refined and noble word “temesgen” is used…
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Awate Video of the month: “A message to Bresident Obama”
On January 29, 2014 we presented to you, Awate Video of the Month: “Breaking News!” In the same spirit, today we present you another Awate Video of the Month: an Egyptian lady’s message to President Obama. In case you have a problem understanding the accent, read the text and we hope it helps you. If…
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Major General Omer Tewil Died in Prison
Gedab News learned that Major General Omer Hassen “Tewil” died in prison early this morning. His body was not given to his family by the time this news was published. Major General Tewil was arrested in connection with the Forto incident of January 21, 2013, in which several army officers stormed the Ministry of Information…
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Ethar Delivers Emergency relief To Eritrean Refugees In Yemen
Ethar Relief, a UK based humanitarian organization has delivered emergency relief to Eritrean refugees who are stranded in Yemen and sleeping in the streets. The Executive director of the British based organization, Mr. Sultan Omer, said his organization has delivered sponge mattresses and blankets for the 216 refugees. It has also set aside a budget…
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When Even Good News Is Given A Shrug
On behalf of myself and all awatistas (whether you like it or not), I would like to congratulate Nigerians and Ghanians for waking up one Monday morning (let’s assume it was Monday) and learning that they no longer belong to the dreaded “low income” country but the up-and-coming “low middle income” country. Yay! Please join…
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Eritrean Refugees Abandoned By UNHCR Are Sleeping In Yemeni Streets
Eritreans have been fleeing their homes since the mid-sixties to escape the scorched earth policy of the Ethiopian occupation that razed their villages to the ground. In 1991, Eritrea was liberated gaining formal recognition by the world community in May 25, 1993. Independence didn’t bring to Eritreans the stability or economic freedom they struggle for.…
