President Isaias Afwerki delivered a powerful keynote address during Eritrea’s 35th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Asmara, reflecting on the nation’s historic journey, current development priorities, and the changing global political landscape.

In his address, the President congratulated the Eritrean people at home and abroad and honored the sacrifices made throughout the country’s long struggle for liberation and sovereignty. He emphasized that independence is an ongoing responsibility that requires resilience, unity, and sustained national effort.

The speech focused on Eritrea’s continued commitment to nation-building, economic growth, and social development. President Isaias highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, housing development, expansion of water and electricity services, as well as improvements in education and healthcare across the country.

On regional matters, the President stressed the importance of peace, cooperation, and collective security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He reiterated Eritrea’s long-standing call for stability based on mutual respect and regional partnership, while warning against external interference in African affairs.

Addressing international developments, President Isaias discussed the shifting global order and the increasing need for a fair and just international system. He criticized economic inequality, exploitative financial systems, and geopolitical policies that continue to marginalize developing nations, particularly across Africa.

The President also called for stronger African cooperation and emphasized the importance of self-reliance, sustainable development, and strategic regional integration to secure long-term prosperity.

Concluding his speech, President Isaias praised the courage, patience, and determination of the Eritrean people and paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and defense forces.

“Resilience is our guarantee,” he stated, reaffirming Eritrea’s confidence in its future path of sovereignty, development, and national unity.

Glory to the martyrs.
Victory to the masses.

We will free ourselves from economic hardship and social stigma.
Whatever obstacles may come, we shall not fear.

Rejoice, my people!
Peace be upon you, Eritrea.

Here is a special broadcast prepared for this historic hour.

The heroic Eritrean liberation forces have defeated the Derg’s Second Army. Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, has been liberated. After one hundred years of colonial domination and thirty years of determined armed struggle, the people of Eritrea have achieved a historic victory. Last night, Asmara was freed.

With the exception of Assab, all major Eritrean cities that had been under enemy control have now been liberated.

The heroic Eritrean People’s Liberation Army (EPLA) launched a decisive offensive on the Dekemhare front at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 19. Through courage, discipline, and sacrifice, the People’s Army advanced rapidly across all fronts, destroying enemy strongholds that had been heavily fortified for more than a year. Within only six days, the final pillars of Ethiopian colonial rule in Eritrea collapsed.

At the beginning of the fighting, the enemy concentrated its elite divisions on the Dekemhare front and resisted fiercely. But the Eritrean liberation forces crushed the enemy brigades, liberated Dekemhare, cut the Asmara–Mendefera road at Shiket, and isolated enemy forces in the Saraye region. Many enemy troops were destroyed, captured, or forced to flee.

The Eritrean people have won.

To all Eritreans at home and abroad, congratulations on this long-awaited victory. To all who sacrificed and dreamed of this day for many years, this victory belongs to you.

Glory to the martyrs.
Victory to the masses.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea, Osman Saleh Mohammed, met on Thursday with the Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Eritrea, Ghanem bin Mohamed Al Maadeed.

During the meeting in Asmara, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen relations between Eritrea and Qatar.

Both parties reportedly exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing diplomatic engagement and future cooperation.

Due to its strategic location between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean, Eritrea is increasingly viewed as a potential hub for trade, logistics, and regional infrastructure. This geographic position is contributing to the country attracting greater attention from international actors.

Reports indicate that economic contacts and discussions on possible cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and development are increasing. Observers see this as a sign of growing dynamism in the Horn of Africa.

International interest in the country’s long-term development is also rising, particularly in relation to regional stability and economic prospects.

Conclusion

Eritrea is expanding its international visibility and could play a more important role in the geopolitical landscape of the Red Sea in the future.

dangerous geopolitical trend is steadily emerging in the Horn of Africa — one that threatens not only regional stability, but also the foundational principles of international law and state sovereignty. Over the past several years, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has gradually shifted its political discourse from economic cooperation toward increasingly revisionist geopolitical ambitions.

What was initially presented as a discussion about economic access to the sea is now evolving into a broader ideological campaign targeting Eritrea’s territorial integrity and sovereign legitimacy.

The increasingly aggressive rhetoric of senior Prosperity Party officials reflects a deeply concerning trajectory. Statements regarding access to the Red Sea “by any means necessary” geopolitical doctrines such as the so-called “Two Waters Strategy” and public references to historical occupation models collectively indicate that elements within the Ethiopian leadership are attempting to normalize expansionist thinking under the guise of strategic necessity.

Particularly alarming is the growing effort to question the legitimacy of Eritrean statehood itself. Eritrea’s independence was not granted through political convenience or external favor. It was achieved through decades of resistance, immense sacrifice, and the internationally recognized 1993 referendum conducted under global observation. Both the United Nations and the African Union formally recognized Eritrea’s sovereignty. Any attempt to revise or undermine this historical and legal reality constitutes not only an attack on Eritrea, but also on the very foundations of international law.

At the same time, the Prosperity Party increasingly appears to be externalizing its deep domestic crises. Ethiopia today faces severe internal instability marked by ethnic tensions, economic hardship, armed conflicts, and political fragmentation. Rather than addressing these structural challenges through sustainable governance and national reconciliation, the current leadership seems increasingly inclined to redirect internal pressure outward through nationalist rhetoric and regional confrontation.

Equally dangerous is the manipulation of ethnic identities along regional borders for geopolitical purposes. Attempts to politicize cross-border ethnic dynamics and inflame regional divisions echo colonial-era strategies of destabilization that Africa has historically struggled to overcome.

The response of major international actors has also been deeply disappointing. Despite repeated provocative statements and increasingly revisionist rhetoric, much of the international community has remained noticeably silent. Such silence sends a dangerous message. When threats against sovereign borders and inflammatory political narratives are met without firm diplomatic response, regional instability becomes normalized.

The principles upon which both the African Union and the United Nations were founded are clear: respect for sovereign borders, non-interference in the affairs of states, and peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles cannot be selectively applied. Africa understands better than most the devastating consequences of expansionist politics and geopolitical destabilization.

In contrast, Eritrea has maintained a policy centered on patience, sovereignty, regional stability, and adherence to international law despite repeated provocations. Eritrea continues to advocate for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and regional cooperation based on sovereign equality.

One reality, however, remains undeniable: Eritrea’s sovereignty is not open for negotiation. The Eritrean people defended their independence through extraordinary sacrifice, and they remain fully prepared to safeguard their territorial integrity and national dignity against any external pressure or revisionist ambition.

The Future of Regional Stability

Peace and stability in the Horn of Africa can only be built upon mutual respect, legal equality among sovereign nations, and genuine regional cooperation — not through coercion, revisionism, or geopolitical intimidation.

At a time of growing instability across the region, preserving the sovereignty of states and respecting international law remain essential pillars for lasting peace in Africa.

May 20–21, 2026 | Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (Junior)

HAMAMETE will hold its Third National Innovation and Design Competition and Exhibition from May 20–21, 2026, featuring young inventors and researchers from all regions of the country. Youths who have been receiving vocational training related to innovation and technology for more than two years will also graduate during the event.

The grand national event, which will open on May 20 at the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (former Junior Club), will be attended by invited guests, youth, students, and members of the public.

HAMAMETE has been recognizing innovative works submitted by youths on various occasions. It encourages and strengthens the spirit of competition, creativity, and innovation. As a nation, it contributes to building a better present and plays an important role in shaping a promising future. This inspiring movement requires serious nurturing and continuous support to ensure its sustainability and growth.

To ensure its continuity, the initiative must be institutionalized. However, it is not enough to identify the potential of inventors and researchers and organize exhibitions or competitions alone. Since innovation is measured by its results and impact, it must also be reflected in everyday life. This requires all sectors of society to take active initiatives within their respective fields to support and facilitate innovation.

Since the main goal of HAMAMETE is to awaken, organize, and equip the youth, the mission of innovation and creativity falls under the concept of “equipping.” It reached the conclusion that this effort should not only be sustained, but also organized in a stable and lasting manner through the establishment of an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

To formulate a clear vision, mission, values, competencies, goals, and objectives, HAMAMETE designed an implementation strategy in 2023 through experts in the field and further enriched the idea through various workshops. It planned to strengthen its performance and competition activities, which have continued to grow stronger through experience

The center’s priority is to increase youth participation in creative skills, encourage innovative ideas and initiatives that provide solutions to societal challenges, create employment opportunities, and help young people become economically self-reliant. The center began building these essential foundations with the understanding that such goals can only be achieved through strong coordination with relevant partners.

The HAMAMETE Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center also clarified the nature of its activities to turn its goals into reality. Its major implementation plans include establishing innovation and art clubs in the regions, evaluating and ranking outstanding ideas at national and regional levels, conducting training, counseling, and networking programs, promoting exemplary youth and their best works through media platforms, and transforming outstanding ideas and projects into practical implementation and products through grants and loans

In 2022 and 2023, the center launched its programs by providing training to innovators and researchers in the Central, Southern, and Anseba regions. Accordingly, organizing committees were formed at the regional level. Following this, the first national exhibition and competition was successfully organized in 2023 with the participation of selected inventors and researchers from the respective regions.

The event, held in the heart of the innovation hub, was inspiring and reflected the true spirit of creativity and development. The initiative continued to receive a sustainable response, with the Gash Barka region and the two Red Sea regions joining the three regions that had already secured participation. As a result, the second national exhibition and competition of inventors and researchers was successfully conducted.

The Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center currently has a jury composed of 14 experts from various institutions. It provides three levels of training to middle and high school students. The center has already organized a creative idea competition and is continuing to expand its outreach through different media channels.

The Third National Exhibition of Innovation and Crafts is expected to further strengthen the culture of innovation, inspire young inventors and researchers, and contribute to national development through creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship.

According to military statements, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia suffered heavy losses in personnel and military equipment during the clashes. The operation is being viewed as a significant step toward restoring security and stability in southeastern Sudan, a region that has experienced intense conflict and instability in recent months.

The Sudanese military emphasized that the offensive is part of a broader strategy aimed at reestablishing state authority, protecting civilians, and eliminating armed groups from key territories. Analysts believe the recent gains could strengthen the government’s position and influence the balance of power across several regions of the country.

Regional observers also noted the strategic importance of the Blue Nile area due to its role in transportation routes and regional security dynamics. Continued military advances by SAF could reshape the security landscape and impact future political developments within Sudan.

Despite the military progress, humanitarian concerns remain critical, with international organizations continuing to call for civilian protection and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected communities.

The latest developments highlight a shifting momentum in the conflict and signal a new phase in Sudan’s ongoing struggle for stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The delegation also included Egypt’s Minister of Transport and senior representatives from major Egyptian companies operating in infrastructure, energy, mining, logistics, and maritime transport sectors.

Eritrea’s Growing Strategic Importance

As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, Eritrea’s strategic relevance continues to grow. Positioned along one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, Eritrea occupies a critical geographic location connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

A substantial portion of global trade and energy shipments passes through the Red Sea every day, making regional stability increasingly important not only for neighboring countries but also for international economic security.

Political observers increasingly view Eritrea as an important regional actor whose stability and geographic position give it a vital role in safeguarding the security of the Red Sea corridor. Despite regional tensions and external pressures, Asmara has maintained an independent foreign policy centered on national sovereignty, regional self-reliance, and resistance to foreign interference.

The expanding cooperation between Eritrea and Egypt may therefore represent more than bilateral economic engagement. Analysts believe it could signal the emergence of a broader regional realignment focused on maritime security, economic integration, and political coordination in the Red Sea region.

Maritime Cooperation and Economic Investment

During the visit, both sides signed a maritime transport agreement aimed at strengthening direct links between Egyptian and Eritrean ports. The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation in:

• Port and logistics infrastructure
• Maritime transportation
• Energy and electricity
• Mining and industrial development
• Agriculture and irrigation
• Pharmaceutical production

Egyptian officials emphasized that major Egyptian companies are not seeking short-term commercial opportunities alone, but are preparing for long-term investment and industrial cooperation inside Eritrea.

Several participating companies have previously implemented major infrastructure projects across Africa, including large-scale hydroelectric and transportation initiatives.

“Eritrea is a Pillar of Stability”

In remarks during the visit, Foreign Minister Abdelatty described Eritrea as a “fundamental pillar of stability” in the Horn of Africa. He praised Eritrea’s approach toward regional diplomacy and emphasized the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and cooperation in addressing regional challenges.

The Egyptian delegation also conveyed a message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and extended an official invitation to President Isaias Afwerki to visit Cairo.

Red Sea Security and Regional Sovereignty

Both Eritrea and Egypt reaffirmed their shared position that the security and governance of the Red Sea must remain the responsibility of the region’s coastal states. Discussions also focused on strengthening regional mechanisms for cooperation among Red Sea nations in areas such as maritime security, port connectivity, rescue coordination, and economic integration.

The talks come at a time of rising geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, increasing the strategic importance of stable regional partnerships.

For many observers, the growing Eritrea–Egypt partnership reflects a broader effort to build a new framework of regional stability based on sovereignty, cooperation, and independent regional decision-making.

Source:
Based on information published by shabait.

His legacy lives on in the dignity of Eritrea, in the victory over unjust sanctions, and in the hearts of his people.

His unforgettable words still echo today:

“Collective punishment is the worst and highest form of human rights violations.”

Rest in eternal peace.
Honor to your memory.