Day: January 5, 2022

She was here in Eritrea for the third time to celebrate Christmas and New Year with her people. One of the growing successes in the Hollywood film industry who has earned a position among the top names in the movie business – Tiffany Haddish.

• Welcome back, Tiffany. So how did you find Eritrea in your current visit?

Well, my current visit has been amazing. I spent a lot of time with my family on this trip. So that was good. I got to learn a lot about my grandmother, aunties, and many more. My favorite part was going shopping in that open market. I bought a lot of spices and herbs there. The cloth I’m wearing, I bought it here too. They made it for me in a day, where do you get to do that? I found it cool. I picked some jewelries too.

• Your current visit also encompassed getting your National Id and your visit to your village, Geza-Keren, Adi- Kuala sub-zone, to get land. So tell us about that.

I inherited some land from my great grandfather who was in Geza-keren. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We pulled over. The people. That “Elil” sound. The bells that were ringing was amazing. That was such a beautiful setup. I was like “wow, I didn’t expect any of this, I just thought I was going to check out the village”. They had dedicated a piece of land to me and I would be honored to contribute something to my village. When I visited my aunt, she wasn’t feeling good, some being there for her, supporting her and taking care of things that needs to be taken care finally made me feel at home. The people were so welcoming, we danced and went all the way to the top of the hills to see the whole area. It was beautiful and I was trying to hold back my tears. It was inspiring and realized that Africa is so beautiful and Eritrea is the gem in it. I feel a little bit upset I didn’t get to grow up here but to get here now and get the experiences is amazing. So I suggest to anyone to come here and experience everything for themselves.

• How about the national Id?

It felt amazing to acquire my Eritrean Id. It felt amazing to be able to come and go to my homeland as much as I want. It had ups and downs to get here without your Id. Now, when I finish my movie, I will be like “you know what? I want to go home, I’m sick of being here”. To be able to say I have family, I have got land and I can come anytime without asking permission is what makes it beautiful.

• Before we proceed to our next question, I want to compliment your outfit. I like it. It is from the kunama ethnic group attire. Wow, finally it feels like Tiffany is showing the world that she is in her home. So, Tiffany, you met with President Isaias Afwerki. How was your meeting?

It was interesting. I had a lot of questions. My whole thing in life is “never go nowhere where you can’t make it better”. If you go somewhere, go there to make it better. He is very interested in agriculture so do I. The food here is so good and same goes with the spices and herbs. So why not introduce this beautiful culture to the Americans especially African American through exporting them? Here, you can get fresh food and most of all you know where they come from. They can run about “shiro”, “enjera”. Then I was like, Mr. President I want to be a minister of market and promotion and he said no, no, not that. Again I asked and I was like I want to be a minister of inspiration then. Bam. He clearly didn’t tell me I could be a minister but on my mind I’m the minister of inspiration (chuckles).

• Let’s talk about investment now. Do you plan to invest here in Eritrea?

I’m definitely planning to invest in Eritrea. I have the script with me about my first experience coming here and I want that movie made in Eritrea. They are suggesting other places but I said no, I want it here. So we are going to make sure the infrastructure and all is right but that’s not where it stops. We are going to bring American movie makers and they will teach them to upgrade what they already have. Being able to tell our stories and being able for the world to see our story and to give opportunities for the youth is worth investing for. I love food so I’m also thinking of investing in agriculture. I love Massawa, so I’ll definitely make an investment there for a resort to be built there. I noticed that there are a lot of resources here. I’m not about handouts, it’s about earning, creating and building together. That’s what I feel Eritrea is about. We are not to take handouts. You want to work with us? Cool. We do not just take, take, and take. While we are on the topic this has been an issue in Africa that has been going on for a long time. Certain people come in the continent and take things from us and trying to turn us against each other. So that time is limited and it’s not happening anymore. If someone who is not African want to work with us that is cool but only if they know how to work but not how to take from us.

• This is your third visit to Eritrea. I believe you have learned a lot about the Eritrean history. So what do you say to the biased information being said about Eritrea?

Why do you think those biases are happening? That’s the core point. These things are happening and certain things are going on, so okay I hear you. So how are you going to fix this? What is your idea on the solution? Shut up! Don’t run your mouth because it will fix nothing. There are a lot of misinformation going on about Eritrea. In my opinion it has got a lot to do with colonizers. Those who don’t want to pay the locals but steal from them. Those who say a lot of bad things about Eritrea are those who got paid to tell lies.

• Eritrea is fighting for peace and stability. What do you say to inspire the youth as you being part of the fight.

Definitely, Eritrea is fighting for independence and to unite the Horn Africa but not just the horn but the continent as a whole. The idea of Africa being united and Africans getting their independence, just the thought alone scares those colonizers because what was supposed to be done will be done. They won’t have power over us. Working together in unity is what I believe in. Other countries are looking Eritrea flourishing and functioning without handouts. That is an inspiration to others. As of the youth, this is the time for them to pave a way to flourish. The resources in Eritrea for instance are abundant. We just have to know how to use it. So do a research, collaborate and work together. The peace that is in Eritrea itself is a resource. I can walk on the streets and the people are kind which is a good thing. They have never been here but they tell lies. They take it to the Internet and to respond for that, you get attacked on the Internet and they even threatened me with my life. However, I know how to fight. It’s in my blood after all.

• Now let’s get back to your career. How are you moving on with your career?

I’m moving forward, upward and onwards (chuckles). My goal is to create millions of jobs and opportunities. God gave me the gift of being a comedian, being able to act and do all the things I do. I want

to tell stories that mean something. Stories that inspire others and where we can see ourselves; example I saw Eritrean, Ethiopian and Somali movies. I see myself in them and those stories should be told to the world. So I’m doing things to make that happen. So just get ready because there is a lot coming.

• Your latest movies were good enough to bring tears to our eyes. So how best can we inspire our youth to emulate your successes?

Well they simply need to tell their stories. Get your equipment, prepare your stories and tell your friends. With a cellphone, you can make a little movie as simple as that. Look, when I first started the movies I was making, they were all bad because I didn’t know what I was doing. However, I was trying. Dare to make mistakes. Dare to fail. When babies first know how to walk, they keep falling and falling until they know how to run. This is the same when you’re making any kind of entertainment for others. First, you have to believe in it, you have to want to share it and lastly you might not be the best but do your best. The more you do it the better you get at it. So try and try.

• You had another experience so called “ngdet”. So how was it?

It was really good. We danced, we laughed, and we ate enjera, and had the traditional drink “swa”. I experienced another thing too. “Tish” with a smoke all over my body, honey and turmeric on my face and a butter called “lkay” on my fontanel was the newest experience. I loved it, the moment I took a shower, my skin was soft and a bit yellowish. I felt like I smoked for perfection. Finally, my message for the world is- visit Eritrea and have an experience here. When I first came here, people told me to bring my own toilet paper and water. That scared me for real but when I landed in Eritrea, it was a whole different story. So judge for yourselves instead of repeating that false information.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

NAIROBI, KENYA — China is transforming Kenya and the rest of Africa through infrastructure projects and investments. Many Africans welcome the developments, while others worry about Beijing’s motives and the long-term impact on their countries.

With China’s Belt and Road initiative bringing temporary workers from the world’s most populous country, neighborhoods such as Kilimani in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, are filled with billboards in Mandarin for Chinese-run casinos, karaoke centers and traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Such areas have not been officially dubbed “Chinatown” —yet.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a visit, January 4 to 7, to the East African countries of Kenya, Eritrea and Comoros. Wang’s efforts to strengthen ties support the Belt and Road initiative goal of enhancing China’s land and sea trade in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Positive views

Africans have taken a mostly positive view of the Asian newcomers.

A recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer of 34 African countries from 2019 to 2020 found that while some were concerned about being heavily indebted to China, 63% of Africans viewed China as a positive external influence on the continent. In comparison, 60% and 57% viewed as a positive influence the United States and United Nations agencies, respectively.

China’s presence can be seen throughout Nairobi. Construction projects are ubiquitous, and every neighborhood seems to be reinventing itself with apartment blocks and malls erected in months, sometimes weeks. Many Kenyans say the Chinese are largely responsible for such development.

The Chinese presence in Kenya is a net positive, said Tyson Nuthu, who works at the rock climbing gym Climb BlueSky.

“The traffic is something we all complain about. Projects like the Nairobi Western Bypass alleviate the problem. Driving to Lukenya (Nairobi’s closest outdoor crag) has been better since Mombasa Road is almost completed,” he said in a phone interview with VOA. “Plus, I think seeing a different work ethic is good for Kenyans. It drives up the competition a bit.”

Speaking last month at the site of the Nairobi Expressway toll road, a Chinese-backed infrastructure project, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said his country’s relationship with China is “mutually beneficial — that is, based on win-win.” He said an improved infrastructure would make life easier for people and was “key” to Kenya’s economy.

Critics of Chinese presence

For years, however, analysts have speculated about China’s intentions on the African continent, with some accusing it of “malicious” behavior. In 2011, then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described China’s actions as “new colonialism.”

Chinese infrastructure deals are secretive and bad for the local economy, some critics contend.

Laura Otieno, a civil engineer on the Nairobi Western Bypass, which circumvents traffic congestion in the capital city, works mainly with Chinese firms. In an interview with VOA, she said it had taken her some time to overcome the cultural differences and language barrier when working with the Chinese.

“For the most part, we get along,” Otieno said. “But what I don’t like is that we celebrate their holidays, such as Chinese New Year. Why should we? We’re in Kenya.”

Meanwhile, Paul Chepsoi, program director at Endorois Welfare Council, a community-based human rights organization in Nakuru, has doubts about China’s intentions abroad.

“I once attended a meeting where a Chinese investor was present,” Chepsoi said in an email interview with VOA. “At some point, I raised my hand to ask a question on how the community will benefit from the natural resource he intended to collect from the community. He totally ignored my question.”

Soft power diplomacy

Yuan Wang, a fellow at the Columbia-Harvard China and the World Program, said in a phone interview with VOA that “China is relatively new to this game of facilitating cultural exchange and the overall diplomacy space.”

She added, “The different culture of ‘doing the work’ rather than ‘saying the things’ contributes to the perception that China lacks diplomacy.”

In 2017, at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping described China’s expansion strategies, saying, “We will strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with other countries, giving prominence to Chinese culture while also drawing on other cultures.”

Xi also talked about improving the “capacity for engaging in international communication so as to tell China’s stories well; present a true, multidimensional, and panoramic view of China; and enhance our country’s cultural soft power.”

Beijing has embarked on this mission through a variety of initiatives that have included donating 200,000 doses of Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccines to Kenya in September 2021 and launching opportunities such as the Silk Road Global News Awards, a contest for Kenyan journalists that bestows cash prizes on winners.

The Chinese embassy also regularly cultivates China-Kenya relations. Its website states that even as the world undergoes major transformations, the embassy “remains committed to promoting the long-term and healthy growth of China-Kenya relations and protecting the lawful rights and interests of overseas Chinese nationals.”

In African countries, including Kenya, China has established Confucius Institutes, which teach Chinese language and culture in foreign universities. The institutes are largely funded by the Chinese Education Ministry.

Some students worry that the institutes are self-censoring, deliberately avoiding subjects that are politically sensitive in China. In addition, a report to the U.S. Senate found that “Confucius Institute funding comes with strings that can compromise academic freedom.” The Chinese instructors, for example, sign contracts with Beijing pledging not to damage China’s national interests.

Source: Voice of America

Since its formation, the EPLF – which was reorganized as the PFDJ in post-independence Eritrea – has been consistent in its undertaking of three interconnected objectives: an independent political stance, self-reliance in terms of obviating structural dependency, and the promotion of a safe neighborhood that is conducive to enduring regional stability and mutual cooperation.

Strange as it may sound, these laudable policy perspectives were nonetheless seen as “obstructive” to the overarching geopolitical objectives of certain powers. Indeed, US and UK diplomatic sabotage against Eritrea that dates back to the mid-1940s did not relent during the struggle for independence and even gathered more steam for the most part of Eritrea’s post-independence trajectory.

Explicit pronouncements by various US/EU officials these days corroborate the substance of this policy which was not flaunted with such audacity in earlier years.

The history of PFDJ unquestionably rhymes and juxtaposes with the contemporary history of the Eritrean people. So, any effort to demonize it and denigrate its admirable political, diplomatic, social, and military achievements should be viewed as an affront to the protracted struggle of the Eritrean people for self-determination and liberation. In this event, it is incumbent upon Eritreans to take control of the multi-dimensional narratives that define our recent history and our cohesive national identity. Allowing our detractors to do so will inevitably result in revisionist history, deliberate omissions, and misinformation.

In the following paragraphs, I will proceed to share what I consider brief but significant historical, political and diplomatic milestones that explain why the people and friends of Eritrea support the Government of Eritrea, (GOE).

1. The predominant sub-nationalist ideology of the leaders of the Eritrean Revolution for Independence during the 60s escalated into a political crisis and gradually resulted in the formation of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front in 1969.

2. The formation of the EPLF engendered an unprecedented political and social transformation within Eritrean society.

3. The highly committed, principled and politically astute EPLF leadership began to institutionalize radical political and social changes. Women were gradually emancipated from traditionally discriminatory and oppressive social practices and members of the lower social strata, both in the rural and urban areas, were empowered to pursue their economic and social objectives without fear of retribution.

4. These radical economic and social changes allowed the disenfranchised members of society to realize, individually and collectively, their full potential and eventually make critically important political and military contributions both towards the long and difficult struggle for independence and liberation.

5. Persistent political education supported by a vast and effective organizational network resulted in a high level of historical consciousness among Eritreans of every stripe.

6. At the outset, the EPLF leadership formulated a brilliant military strategy taking into account the protracted nature of the struggle and Ethiopia’s relative military and diplomatic advantage at the time.

7. The strategy was effectively executed and the EPLF was able to achieve an impressive military victory over a vastly superior force.

8. During challenging times, the EPLF leadership demonstrated resolve, resilience and farsightedness.

9. In 1978, due to a massive military and intelligence support from the Soviet Union and its satellite nations, the Ethiopian regime gained a temporary tactical advantage. Consequently, the EPLF decided to execute a complicated, orderly and successful strategic withdrawal to the defensible Sahel mountains.

10. The decision averted a potentially high human casualty and salvaged much needed material resources.

11. The efficacy and long term positive impact of the historic decision was proven thirteen years later when the EPLF achieved a decisive victory over colonial Ethiopia and entered Asmara in May of 1991.

12. Indeed, the EPLF single-handedly repulsed eight massive military offensives from 1978 to 1985. Its brilliant military strategy enabled it to initiate its offensive phase in March of 1987 and consummate it with a total victory in May of 1991.

13. Through its resilience and resolve, the EPLF was able to overcome seemingly insurmountable military diplomatic challenges.

14. During the long struggle for independence, the EPLF faced numerous diplomatic challenges in the form of threats, intimidation, sabotage and obfuscation. Despite the tremendous and persistent diplomatic pressure from various sources, the EPLF never abandoned its paramount objective: the right of the Eritrean people for self-determination.

15. Although the EPLF was not signatory to any international conventions and treaties, it treated the Ethiopian POWs with utmost humanity. Notwithstanding its meagre resources it looked after their medical needs and provided them adequate food rations.

16. EPLF’s magnanimity was also demonstrated during the final phase of the independence movement. With the fall of Asmara on May 24th, 1991, wide news coverage at the time testified to the humane treatment of the tens of thousands of demoralized and dazed Ethiopian troops who were offered food and water as they, in droves, scrambled to trek West to the Sudan. Thousands more were bussed to Ethiopia. This stemmed from an embedded culture of magnanimity in the wider Eritrean society which was bolstered by consistent awareness campaigns throughout the liberation war which focused solely on the misguided policies of the incumbent occupationist regimes.

17. Soon after independence, the EPLF-led government faced an international conspiracy that tested its ability to handle complex diplomatic matters and determination to protect the territorial integrity of the new nation.

18. The farsightedness of the GOE was also demonstrated when in it established the National Service with Proclamation 82/1995. The institution played a critical role in bringing together Eritrea’s diverse population, guaranteeing Eritrea’s defense capability, inculcating PFDJ’s civic ideals and values and preparing a generation of Eritrean youth for national development as well as for the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.

19. In 1995, emboldened by anti-Eritrean international actors, the government of Yemen engaged in provocative diplomatic maneuvers “to establish facts on the ground” with regard to the Hanish Archipelago. The Eritrean government was forced to protect its internationally recognized sovereign territories. The case was adjudicated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. True to form the Eritrean Government abided by the Court’s decision and the conflict was resolved.

20. Similarly, in May of 1998 the anti-Eritrean forces in the US and Europe conspired with a kleptocratic government in Ethiopia to destabilize Eritrea in pursuit of an external policy of “regime change”.

21. The TPLF regime in Ethiopia, emboldened by the massive intelligence, financial, military and diplomatic support from the US and the West, declared war on Eritrea in May of 1998. It launched three large-scale military offensives aimed at overthrowing the government of Eritrea. Unable to achieve its military and political objectives, the junta was forced to sign a comprehensive Algiers Peace Agreement in December of 2000. The Eritrean Ethiopian Border Commission (EEBC), awarded the “casus belli” of the “border conflict” to its rightful owner, Eritrea, in April of 2002.

22. The guarantors of the Peace Agreement – the US, UN, and the AU – rather than bringing pressure to bear on the Ethiopian regime to move forward with the demarcation of the border, allowed it to prevaricate and hold Eritrea hostage. A ploy aimed at causing social unrest and political instability in Eritrea. The GOE remained steadfast in its commitment to abide by international law and appealed to the UN to shoulder its responsibility and enforce its mandate.

23. Over a protracted period of time, GOE’s consistent adherence to, and respect for, international law exposed the TPLF regime’s intransigence and duplicity. Its suppressive and divisive policy of ethnicity and total monopoly of political, military and economic power in Ethiopia ultimately lead to its eventual downfall in 2018.

24. Since its formation the EPLF showed a strong commitment to social justice. In the liberated zones, it had designed and implemented an impeccable social justice program by providing a wide range of social services. In the post-independence period, the GOE further consolidated the policy of social-justice as a key pillar of its developmental objectives. To this end, it implemented large-scale, nation-wide programs and projects of equity to services and opportunities in education, health, and other vital sectors of the economy.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

1. At the invitation of H.E. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea, H.E. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, undertook an official visit to Eritrea from 4 to 5 January 2022. During the visit, State Coucilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi held bilateral talks respectively with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and H.E. President Isaias Afwerki. Both sides had in-depth exchanges of views on various bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest in a cordial and candid manner.

2. Both sides are encouraged by the confirmation of further consolidation and development of the Strategic Partnership by the two Heads of State, and agreed that the Strategic Partnership of the two countries rooted on the tradition of mutual support, based on similarities in the historical trajectories of the two countries and their shared values, predicated on respect of the rule of law, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and cooperation, aimed at promoting global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

3. Both sides agreed to actively conduct practical cooperation, under the framework of the Strategic Partnership and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, in various sectors of mutual interest.

4. Both sides agreed to uphold the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom for all mankind, and oppose hegemonic interferences in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights. The Chinese side stands against any unilateral sanctions on Eritrea. The Eritrean side reaffirms adherence to the one-China principle.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea