Asmara: Cultural and arts competitions, known as the Walta Award, organized by the Ministry of Defense, concluded on January 2 at Cinema Roma in Asmara. These competitions, conducted over approximately three months, showcased various performances and creations in dance, music, songs, drama, comedy, directing, painting, and short stories. Participants included groups from several military and administrative divisions such as the Eastern Command, Western Command, Naval Force, Rapid Deployment Command, Central Command, Popular Forces Command, 74th Mechanized, Sawa National Service Training Center, and the administrative staff in Beleza.
According to African Press Organization, the Egri-Mekel cultural troupe of the Central Command emerged as the overall winner of the competition. Upon their arrival in Dekemhare on January 3, they were warmly welcomed, as reported by the Promotion and Information Unit of the Central Command.
Capt. Berhane Arefaine, head of the Promotion and Information Unit, stated that the competition played a significant role in helping participants identify their talents. He expressed optimism about the competition continuing annually. Brig. Gen. Tekle Kiflai, Commander of the Central Command, extended his congratulations to the troupe members and affirmed the Command's commitment to supporting the troupe's development.