Eritrean nationals residing in various countries are extending financial contribution in support of the effort the people and Government of Eritrea are exerting to contain the spread of corona virus. Asmara, 05 April 2020- Eritrean nationals residing in various countries are extending financial contribution in support of the effort the people and Government of Eritrea are exerting to contain the spread of corona virus. According to report Eritrean nationals residing in the Scandinavian countries contributed one million Swedish Kroner. Eritrean nationals in the Western region of Saudi Arabia also within two days contributed 161,500 Riyals. According to report from the Eritrean General Consul in Jeddah, the ‘White Truck Owners Association’ contributed 100 Riyals, individual citizens 31,500 Riyals and the National Union of Eritrean Women Jeddah branch 20 thousand Riyals. In related news, Eritrean nationals residing in the UK and Northern Ireland contributed over 55 thousand Pounds in support of the effort to curb the spread of the corona virus pandemic. In the same vein, Mr. Robel Tewolde Habte, Eritrean national residing in Oakland, California, donated ‘Merhaba Guest House’ located at Arareb Str. in Asmara to the Ministry of Health until the spread of the virus is fully contained. Mr. Kidane Asfaha Angesom and Mr. Aaron Gebrekrstos, nationals residing in Asmara, also contributed 10 thousand Nakfa and one thousand Nakfa respectively for the same purpose.

As part of the effort to contain the spread of the corona virus, sanitizers spry was conducted today 5 April in Asmara in cooperation with the Ministry of Health branch in the Central region and the regional administration. Asmara, 05 April 2020- As part of the effort to contain the spread of the corona virus, sanitizers spry was conducted today 5 April in Asmara in cooperation with the Ministry of Health branch in the Central region and the regional administration. The spay was conducted at the heavily populated areas of Asmara including at Mercato, vegetables and fruits market, St. Mary Church as well as at Meda Eritra. The program was facilitated by youth volunteers. According to Mr. Abraham Belay, head of Environmental Sanitation at the Ministry of health branch in the Central region, the program will have significant contribution in the effort being exerted to control the spread of the corona virus. The youth that took part at the program on their part called on the public to strictly follow-up the directives periodically issued by the Ministry of Health for the sake of their safety and the safety of the public.

Eritrean nationals residing inside the country are extending financial supports to the effort being made by the Eritrean people and Government to curtail the spread of corona virus pandemic. Asmara, 04 April 2020- Eritrean nationals residing inside the country are extending financial supports to the effort being made by the Eritrean people and Government to curtail the spread of corona virus pandemic. Accordingly, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Tewahdo Church of Eritrea contributed one million Nakfa and the Taxi Owners Association in the Central region half a million Nakfa. Indicating that it is every citizen’s responsibility to play due part in the effort to contain the spread of the corona virus pandemic, the Taxi Owners Association Executive Committee called on the public to respect the directives that are periodically issued. Likewise the cooperative association of the 70-16 Division contributed 50 thousand Nakfa towards the effort. In related news, Mr. Ali Hussen, donated 10 rooms guest house in Massawa to be used as quarantine and treatment center until the spread of the corona virus is fully contained.

Eritrean nationals in Diaspora are extending financial supports in support of the effort to contain the spread of corona virus pandemic. Asmara, 04 April 2020- Eritrean nationals in Diaspora are extending financial supports in support of the effort to contain the spread of corona virus pandemic. According to report, Eritrean nationals residing in the US made historic contributed of over 2.7 Dollars just in a week time. The Eritrean Embassy in the US indicated that the nationals through the teleconference they conducted pledged to shoulder the responsibility in support of the effort the Eritrean people and Government are exerting to contain the spread of the corona virus. Mr. Fuad Seid Hamid and his wife Ms. Aster Tesfay Beraki from Kuwait also contributed through the Eritrean Embassy in Kuwait 32 thousands Kuwaiti Dinar (over 102 million Nakfa). Likewise, staff members of Eritrean Diplomatic Missions in the US, Canada and Europe contributed their one month salary while staff members of the Eritrean Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contributed 15 thousand Riyals in support of the effort.

Four schools are under construction in the administrative areas of Arag, Halibet, Rihib and Girat, Karora sub-zone. Massawa, 03 April 2020- Four schools are under construction in the administrative areas of Arag, Halibet, Rihib and Girat, Karora sub-zone. Indicating that so far much of the construction of the school has been finalized, Mr. Mohamed-Idris Mohammed-Ali, head of education in the sub-zone, said that as part of the expansion of education provision a fifth school will be constructed at the Hishkib administrative area. Mr. Mohammed-Idris went on to say that the construction of the schools will have significant contribution in creating conducive atmosphere in the teaching-learning process as well as in reducing school dropouts. He also called on the public in general and parents in particular to send their children to school and conduct regular follow-up on their performance. In Karora sub-zone there are 4 kindergartens, 12 elementary, 3 junior and 1 secondary school as well as 20 adult education centers.

Members of the Central region Assembly contributed one month salary totaling 62,400 Nakfa in support of the effort to curb the spread of the novel corona virus, report indicated. Asmara, 03 April 2020 – Members of the Central region Assembly contributed one month salary totaling 62,400 Nakfa in support of the effort to curb the spread of the novel corona virus, report indicated.Stating that the corona virus is a global threat and that the fight against the pandemic is not to be left to the Government and the Ministry of Health alone, the Chairman of the Assembly of the Central region, Mr. Abraham Semere said that the members of the Assembly have taken the initiative to contribute due part in the effort.In related news, heads of PFDJ branches and units in Sembel sub zone have contributed 40 cartons of soap worth about 7 thousand Nakfa.

The task force established in the Northern Red Sea region to ensure the implementation of the guidelines being issued by the Ministry of Health is conducting rigorous follow-up. Massawa, 03 April 2020- The task force established in the Northern Red Sea region to ensure the implementation of the guidelines being issued by the Ministry of Health is conducting rigorous follow-up. According to the chairman of the task force, Mr. Haile Tewoldebrhan, secretary of the PFDJ in the region, the task force has been established to the level of administrative areas and is conducting commendable activity. Mr. Haile said that the task force is also controlling the unreasonable price increase on consumer goods. Indicating that in some parts of the region the guidelines are not fully observed, Mr. Haile said that strict correctional measures have began to be taken on those that are violating the directives.

Measures to contain the spread of corona virus pandemic are being taken across the country. Asmara, 01 April 2020- Measures to contain the spread of corona virus pandemic are being taken across the country. According to reports, the Ministry of Health in cooperation with administrations and other partners as well as religious leaders in the Gash Barka, Northern Red Sea and Southern Red Sea regions are exerting efforts to raise the awareness of the public on the causes and consequence of the corona virus pandemic as well as to ensure that the public abide by the guidelines being issues by the Ministry of Health. So far the regions across the country are establishing task forces with a view to oversee and conduct follow up that the public is observing the guidelines by the Ministry of Health. The task forces are urging the public to strictly follow up the regulations issues by the Ministry for the safety of the people and country. Moreover, corrective measures will be taken on those that violate the guidelines.

Strong effort is being conducted in the Gash Barka region to raise the awareness and participation of the public in the effort to control the spread of Corona Virus. Barentu, 30 March 2020- Strong effort is being conducted in the Gash Barka region to raise the awareness and participation of the public in the effort to control the spread of Corona Virus. Dr. Hayelom Kidane, head of the Ministry of Health in the region, indicated that the social mobilization and organization that existed in the region with a view to control the prevalence of communicable diseases will have significant contribution in the success of the effort. Dr. Hayelom went on to say that 12 temporary quarantine center have been established in the crossing borders between Ethiopia and the Sudan and one treatment center in Barentu with full facilities. Strong effort is also being conducted to ensure that the guidelines being issued by the Ministry of Health are observed, Dr. Hayelom added. Dr. Hayelom also called on the public to take precautionary measures, reinforce participation and people that returned home from abroad to visit nearby health facilities to check their conditions. 

Six more passengers that came to Eritrea prior to the ban on Flights, (enforced on March 25), were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 during tests carried out in the past three days.  Six more passengers that came to Eritrea prior to the ban on Flights, (enforced on March 25), were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 during tests carried out in the past three days.  Five of these are women while their age ranges from 32 to 60.  Four of these patients were quarantined originally on arrival at Amara International Airport.  The two asymptomatic patients were not, however, quarantined on arrival as none of the passengers in that Flight exhibited any symptom during screening at the Airport at the time.The total number of confirmed cases in the country has now reached 12.  All the patients are receiving necessary medical treatment. Ministry of HealthAsmara29 March 2020

During archeological excavation conducted from 20 February to 1 March at the Gelalo sub-zone, Northern Red Sea region, through the “Engel’ela-Ramud Project” fossil aged millions of years was discovered. Massawa, 28 March 2020- During archeological excavation conducted from 20 February to 1 March at the Gelalo sub-zone, Northern Red Sea region, through the “Engel’ela-Ramud Project” fossil aged millions of years was discovered. The archeological experts from the Commission of Culture and Sports, Northern Red Sea Museum and Spanish nationals that participated in the excavation program said that since Eritrea is part of the ‘Great Rift Valley’ of the Horn of Africa the excavation and research activity makes it significant in terms of history and pre-history. Dr. Tsegai Medin, head of Research and Ancient Heritage at the Commission of Culture and Sports, said that the new discovery is supplement to that discovered in Buya. According to the preliminary research human and animal fossils aged from 800 to one million and from 1.1 to 1.2 million were discovered in two pre-history sites, Dr. Tsegai added. The Spanish archeologists on their part said that the “Engel’ela-Ramud Project” is unique for human and animal fossils of similar ages are found in the same areas. According to the Eritrean experts the excavation and research of ancient relics will have significant contribution in the development of tourism industry in the country.

The Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association received material support from its branches in Germany and Sweden. Asmara, 27 March 2020- The Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association received material support from its branches in Germany and Sweden. The association branches in Germany and Sweden extended material support worth 320 thousand Euros and 300 Euros respectively. The material support included medical and sanitation materials, wheelchairs, beds among others. Indicating that the support is in continuation of the similar support the association branches have been extending in support of the Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans, Mr. Gebrebrhan Eyasu, Chairman of the association, said that the support will have significant contribution in easing the daily lives of members. Mr. Mohamed-Nur Idris, head of Organization and Information of the association, on his part said that the support extended by nationals attests to the respect they have on war disabled veterans.

Members of the PFDJ, the National Union of Eritrean Women as well as members of the YPFDJ at the Eastern region of the United States conducted their annual congress on 22 March. Asmara, 26 March 2020- Members of the PFDJ, the National Union of Eritrean Women as well as members of the YPFDJ at the Eastern region of the United States conducted their annual congress on 22 March. The nationals residing in the US cities of Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Harrisburg conducted their annual congress via video conference focusing on the Corona Virus and measures that should be taken to control it. At the event, the Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, Mr. Berhane Gebrehiwet gave briefing on “Strong Organization-Strong Country” as well as on the objective situation in the homeland. Indicating that the EPLF emerged victorious due to strong awareness and active participation of the people and its leadership, Mr. Berhane called for reinforced contribution for the implementation of the national development drives. Ms. Hadnet Keleta, head of Public and Community Affairs on her part presented brief activity report of the national organizations, role and contribution of professionals in the national development as well as on the Media and Diplomatic programs for 2020. The participants expressed strong conviction to participate in the implementation of the programs for 2020 and play due role in the national effort to control the spread of Corona Virus in the country. They also contributed over 9,300 Dollars for the Sheib solar system project. In the same vein, members of the National Union of Eritrean Women in Minnesota, US, celebrated the International Women’s Day. 8 March, in patriotic zeal. At the occasion, Ms. Akberet Tesfay, chairperson of the union, gave briefing on the meaning and significance of the International Women’s Day and called for nurturing competent youth females that adhere to the noble societal values.

Two other passengers who returned home with Air Arabia Airlines on Monday 23 March tested positive, bringing the total number of patients in the country diagnosed with COVID-19 to six.  All the patients are receiving necessary treatment and their condition remains satisfactory. Two other passengers who returned home with Air Arabia Airlines on Monday 23 March tested positive, bringing the total number of patients in the country diagnosed with COVID-19 to six.  All the patients are receiving necessary treatment and their condition remains satisfactory.As underlined in previous weeks, the Government of Eritrea has been, and continues to take, several important measures to contain and fully stop the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. In this respect, the MoH issues the following additional guidelines today:1.    All institutions of learning - from Kindergarten to Colleges - will be closed starting tomorrow, 27 March 2020.2.    All public transport vehicles - buses, minibuses and taxis – in all the cities will stop services from 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, March 27th.  Use of trucks for public transport is illicit and punishable by law.3.    With the exception of those who may be granted special permit by the competent authority in urgent circumstances, all public transport services from one Region to another, or from one city to another, will likewise be stopped from 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, 27 March 2020.4.    These guidelines will remain effective until further notice.5.    Although all Government institutions play a significant role in the effective implementation of the current and previous guidelines, it is nonetheless incumbent on every citizen to act with due diligence and responsibility to ensure his/her own good health and safety as well as those of his/her family.6.    The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments and trends regarding COVID-19 and issue, as necessary, further information and guidelines. Ministry of Health Asmara26 March 2020  

1.    Three passengers who arrived in Asmara from Dubai with flight Air Arebi on Saturday 23 March at 5:00 a.m. LT, were diagnosed positive for COVID-19, today.  All three passengers are Eritrean nationals resident in the country.  This puts the total number of infected individuals, to-date, to four.  The passengers who were on the same flight with the patients and all those who came in physical contact with them have been quarantined.  All the patients are receiving necessary treatment at Villagio Hospital (Asmara) and remain in satisfactory condition. 1.    Three passengers who arrived in Asmara from Dubai with flight Air Arebi on Saturday 23 March at 5:00 a.m. LT, were diagnosed positive for COVID-19, today.  All three passengers are Eritrean nationals resident in the country.  This puts the total number of infected individuals, to-date, to four.  The passengers who were on the same flight with the patients and all those who came in physical contact with them have been quarantined.  All the patients are receiving necessary treatment at Villagio Hospital (Asmara) and remain in satisfactory condition.2.    In this connection, commercial passenger flights to and from Eritrea will not be allowed from midnight today, (25 March 2020).   The ban will remain effective for two weeks until further review.3.    The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments and trends regarding COVID-19 and issue, as necessary, further information and guidelines.Ministry of HealthAsmara25 March 2020

A 39-year old Eritrean national who has permanent residence in Norway arrived at Asmara International Airport at 7:00 a.m. today, March 21st, from Norway with Fly Dubai. A 39-year old Eritrean national who has permanent residence in Norway arrived at Asmara International Airport at 7:00 a.m. today, March 21st, from Norway with Fly Dubai.  The patient exhibited symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the screening process in the airport.  He was quarantined promptly and diagnosed positive for COVID-19 after subsequent tests at the National Health laboratory.The patient is receiving all necessary treatment. Ministry of HealthAsmara21 March 2020  

The 32nd anniversary of the demise of Nadew Command and the liberation of Afabet town was observed on 18 March in Afabet. Massawa, 21 March 2020- The 32nd anniversary of the demise of Nadew Command and the liberation of Afabet town was observed on 18 March in Afabet. Speaking at the event in which a number of residents of Afabet town, members of the Eritrean Defense Forces stationed in the area as well as a number of visitors took part, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed-Nur Rejeb, administrator of Afabet sub zone, said that the demise of Nadew Command was the result of the 10 years of perseverance and resilience of the Eritrean people and combatants as well as the beginning of the end of Ethiopian occupation over Eritrea. The event was featured with cultural and artistic performances depicting the historic victory and perseverance of the liberation fighters and the public. At the occasion the residents of Afabet town presented gifts to Brig. Gen. Tekle Libsu, former Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, and to Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the region. It is to be recalled that in a lightening offensive the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) conducted from 17-19 March in 1988 at the Nakfa Front, Derg’s powerful Nadew Command comprising of 20 thousand soldiers was totally annihilated with its sophisticated military hardware and Soviet military advisers were captured. The prominent British historian, Mr. Basil Davidson compared the operation with that of victory of the Vietnamese over the French Army in 1954 in ‘Dien Bien Phu’.

The number of Fistula patients seeking treatment at the Fistula Treatment center in the Southern region Referral Hospital has significantly declined, report indicates. Mendefera, 20 March 2020 – The number of Fistula patients seeking treatment at the Fistula Treatment center in the Southern region Referral Hospital has significantly declined, report indicates. According to Dr. Simon Woldu, Medical Director of Southern region Referral Hospital, the number of fistula patients seeking treatment at the center to use to reach up to around 200 has dropped to 25 thanks to the integrated awareness raising campaigns being conducted nationwide and quality medical services being provided at the center. Dr. Simon further indicated that over 90% of fistula patients have undergone successful surgeries and are released from the hospital. Indicating that the awareness of the society has increased and positively contributed in boosting the morale of the patients and facilitated their recovery, Dr. Simon commended members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Sembel administrative area for their support. Dr. Dawit Sereqe, Obstetrician, on his part, stating that the main causes of fistula include, among others, underage marriage and FGM, called on females to take precaution in their daily lives. Representatives of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Sembel administrative area on their part commending for the free of charge medical treatment the Government is providing stated that they get spiritual contentment for the capacity level support they have extended to the Fistula patients.

Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Israel commemorated 8 March, International Women’s Day. Asmara, 19 March 2020- Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Israel commemorated 8 March, International Women’s Day. According to report, Eritrean nationals in Lucerne, Monthey, Neuchâtel, Losone, Biel-Bienne and  Chur, Switzerland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Orebro, Guttenberg, Skara/Lidkoping, Jonkoping, Lund, Malmo, Hassleholm, and Gavle, Sweden, Amsterdam and its environs, the Netherland as well as Tel Aviv, Israel, commemorated 8 March, International Women’s Day under the theme “Our Horizon: Full Emancipation of Women”. At the events statement of the National Union of Eritrean Women was presented and briefings were provided focusing on the contribution of Eritrean women in bringing national liberation, safeguarding the national sovereignty as well as in the nation building process. The events were highlighted by cultural and artistic performances depicting the day.

Seminar focusing on the objective situation in the homeland was organized to Eritrean nationals residing in Stockholm and Gutenberg, Sweden. Asmara 19 March 2020- Seminar focusing on the objective situation in the homeland was organized to Eritrean nationals residing in Stockholm and Gutenberg, Sweden. Speaking at the seminar, Eritrean scholar Prof. Ghideon Abay gave extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland and the investment opportunity being created to nationals. Prof. Ghideon said that it is timely responsibility of every citizen in this ear of peace and cooperation to reinforce participation in building prosperous country that is identified by its unity and ensuring social justice. Indicating that Eritrean people have ensured their unity and sovereignty through their strong unity, resilience and sacrifice, Prof. Ghideon gave extensive briefing on the progress of the peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Prof. Ghideon also called for strengthening organizational capacity and resilience against external hostilities and participation in the nation building process. Prof. Ghideon further called on nationals to take advantage of the investment opportunity that gives priority to nationals. The participants conducted extensive discussion on the objective situation in the homeland and expressed conviction to play due part in the implementation of the national development endeavors.

National School Leaving Examination 2019/2020 has got underway today 18 March across the country. Asmara, 18 March 2020 – National School Leaving Examination 2019/2020 has got underway today 18 March across the country. Dr. Bisrat Gebru, Director of the National Testing Center, pointed out that the examination will continue until the 23rd of this month, and will include 13 fields of studies. Dr. Bisrat also indicated that a total of 14,960 students including 7,149 females are sitting in the examination that is being conducted in 8 testing stations. Dr. Bisrat further stated that the National School Leaving Examination that was given in the International Eritrean Community Schools in Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been halted due to the Corona virus outbreak. She went on to advice on the students to cautiously workout their examination and present in their assigned places of examination on time.

The Dubarwa secondary school has encouraged 11 students that registered outstanding results in the 2018/2019 national school leaving examination and 37 students that registered from 85 to 100 examination marks in the first semester of the 2019/2020 academic year. Mendefera, 17 March 2020- The Dubarwa secondary school has encouraged 11 students that registered outstanding results in the 2018/2019 national school leaving examination and 37 students that registered from 85 to 100 examination marks in the first semester of the 2019/2020 academic year. At the ceremony organized on 15 March, financial award and certificate of recognition was handed over to the students that registered outstanding marks in the national school leaving examination and various awards to outstanding students from grade 9 to 11. Speaking at the event, Mr. Gerezghier Berhe, director of the school, said that the objective of encouraging the outstanding students was to motivate fellow students follow the noble example so that they become competitive in their education. The awardees on their part commending for the opportunity they were provided, said that the award will have significant contribution in motivating them to work hard and called for the sustainability of the program. At the Dubarwa sub-zone there are 26 pre-schools, 26 elementary, 10 junior and 3 high schools.

The administration of the Northern Red Sea region conducted assessment meeting on 12 and 13 March in the port city of Massawa on the community led environmental sanitation activities conducted in 2019 and on charted out programs for 2020. Massawa, 17 March 2020 – The administration of the Northern Red Sea region conducted assessment meeting on 12 and 13 March in the port city of Massawa on the community led environmental sanitation activities conducted in 2019 and on charted out programs for 2020. Speaking at the event, D.G. of Social Services in the region, Mr. Rezene Fesseha indicating that important experience was been gained from activities conducted last year, stated that bold initiatives are being taken to complete projects that were not implemented last year due to various circumstances. Mr. Rezene also called for reinforced participation in the implementation of the charted out development programs for the current year. Pointing out that due attention is being given to environmental sanitation as it is the foundation of public health, Mr. Tesfay Tesfatsion, head of the Ministry of Health branch in the Northern Red Sea region, called for integrated effort on the part of all stakeholders and religious leaders in particular. Stating that community based environmental sanitation activities will be introduced in Afabet, Gelalo, Foro and Ginda sub zones by taking into consideration the demographic and geographic situation of the sub zones, Mr. Hagos Milkias, head of Environmental Sanitation at the Ministry of Health branch on his part said that necessary preparations are being taken in providing necessary material. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Zemuy Alemu, director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health, said that community based environmental sanitation activities are one of the strategic programs of the Ministry said that encouraging activities that were undertaken in the Northern red Sea region attest to the readiness of the public for the implementation of the program. Dr. Zemuy further called for proper follow up. Noting that the encouraging achievement already registered attests to the strong participation of the public, Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, called for concerted effort on all institutions for the preservation of the achievements already registered.

Desert locust swarm invasion that came cross border and that appeared at the Daklak Islands has been put in control by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with members of the Eritrean Naval Force and others before it inflicted damage on agricultural activities and grazing area. Massawa, 15 March 2020- Desert locust swarm invasion that came cross border and that appeared at the Daklak Islands has been put in control by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with members of the Eritrean Naval Force and others before it inflicted damage on agricultural activities and grazing area. According to the Ministry of Agriculture branch at the Northern Red Sea region, the locust swarm that was detected at the administration areas of Selit, Nora, Jemhile and Dehil was put in control immediately after it was reported its prevalence. The branch office also reported that the experience gained in the past in controlling the invasion of the desert locust swarm is significantly contributing in the effort. He also said that enough preparation is in place both in human resources, pesticides and spray equipment. Indicating that the role of the Eritrean Naval Force has been crucial in controlling the locust swarm invasion, Let. Col. Yemane Gebremariam, Commander of Northern Command at the Eritrean Naval Force, expressed readiness to conduct sustainable surveillance at the uninhabited islands in cooperation with fishermen.

Seminar focusing on law and health was conducted for the staff members of the National Service Training Center. Sawa, 12 March 2020- Seminar focusing on law and health was conducted for the staff members of the National Service Training Center. The seminar focused on general concept of criminal law, gender and equality, contribution of staff members in the success of education and training, control of communicable diseases, contribution of the youth in nation building process, influence of media as well as on the importance of exchanging ideas. Indicating that the history of Eritrea is the history of generations, Mr. Saleh Ahmedin, chairman of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, called for integrated effort on the part of the Government, Front and the public for addressing the questions of the youth with a view to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skill and contributed their part in the nation building process. Mr. Saleh also called for reinforced effort for developing the capacity and participation of females in all sectors, organize training programs for females so that they develop confidence and participation and organize forums in which outstanding females exchange the secret behind their success with their peer groups. Noting that the various seminars and trainings that have been conducted in the Center have significant contribution in developing the overall understanding of members, Col. Debesai Ghide, Commander of the National Service Training Center, called for similar programs to the other members that could not get the chance to participate.

Nationals abroad colorfully celebrated International Women’s Day, March 8, under the theme “Our Horizon: Full Emancipation of Women”.   Asmara, 12 March 2020 - Nationals abroad colorfully celebrated International Women’s Day, March 8, under the theme “Our Horizon: Full Emancipation of Women”. According to report, nationals residing in Melbourne-Australia, Cairo-Egypt, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Giessen, Fulda, Bielefeld, Menschen, Kaiserslautern, Hamburg, Nuremberg, Freiburg and Kassel and other cities of Germany, as well as Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Riyadh, Juba-Republic of South Sudan, Khartoum-Sudan, Nairobi-Kenya, Johannesburg-South Africa, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Coventry, Sheffield, New Castle, Liverpool and Leeds-UK, and Stockholm-Sweden observed the Day featuring various artistic and other programs. At the event, the message of the day from the National Union of Eritrean Women was delivered. Ambassadors, Consuls, First Secretaries and heads of Public and Community Affairs of Eritrea to the respective countries gave briefings on the contribution of the Eritrean women in the national liberation struggle and in safeguarding the national sovereignty as well as the new era unfolding and the opportunities that it creates. Pointing out that the International Women’s Day, 8 March, is a reminder to preserve the already registered achievements and ensure its transfer to the new generation, the organizers of the event called for reinforced participation of the society for the total emancipation of Eritrean women by empowering them with necessary education and skills. The observance of the events were featured with seminars, artistic and cultural performances as well as other programs depicting the day, the report added.

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam, Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations, during the Security Council’s discussion on “Countering Terrorism and Extremism in Africa”.  Agenda Item: “Peace and Security in Africa”    New York, 11 March 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam, Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations, during the Security Council’s discussion on “Countering Terrorism and Extremism in Africa”.  Agenda Item: “Peace and Security in Africa”    New York, 11 March 2020 Mr. President,Let me congratulate you for assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of March and wish to thank China for organizing an open debate on the theme “Peace and security in Africa: countering terrorism and extremism in Africa”. I would also like to thank Under Secretary Rosemary DiCarlo, Ambassador Fatima Mohammad and ASG Abdoulaye Mar Dieye for their statements. I would like to convey Eritrea’s outrage and condemnation of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdock and reiterates its solidarity with the people and government of Sudan. Mr. President,Eritrea’s robust stance and decades-old struggle against terrorism and extremism is otherwise a matter of record. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, and in the past two decades, despite the arduous challenges that our region has faced with extreme ideologies, Eritrea has remained a peaceful and harmonious nation, as it has done so for centuries. The laws of the country contain explicit provisions that preserve a healthy and centuries-old social fabric of mutual tolerance and co-existence between the various faiths. Social peace has been a proven asset in combating violent extremism and this is a result of its secular policies. Eritrea's culture of ethnic and religious tolerance and respect is an asset. Adherence to the principles of social justice in its development policies, and an educational system that aims to inculcate the culture of civic service and promotion of human dignity continue to play a vital role in curbing this scourge.  Mr. PresidentAs you will all agree with me, the scourge of terrorism and extremism has global dimensions and tentacles; is transnational in intent and scope; and continues to grow and proliferate, in spite of all the concerted efforts to uproot and eradicate this scourge.  For Africa, the Post-Cold War era has been more predatory than the previous era, and it has faced unprecedented attacks from fundamentalist groups of all flavors.  The regional and international responses to the growing threats have been inadequate and incoherent. In the event, it is important to ponder and assess profoundly, at this juncture, on the tools and methods that have been employed to date to combat this abomination, and, more importantly, to diagnose and fully address the underlying causes that may have contributed to its incubation. Creating robust regional and global mechanisms of coordination; the establishment and consolidation of suitable coalitions that encompass all stakeholder countries is critical.  These are broadly speaking, flexible architectures of defense cooperation that can be created to combat specific threats.  This means that they will be limited in geographic and temporal terms.  But above and beyond these specific coalitions, the scope of continuous exchange of information, coordination and experiences must be enlarged in terms of participant countries and frequency of interactions.In the new congenial climate of regional cooperation, Eritrea is already pursuing these objectives with added vigor and urgency.  Both in bilateral and trilateral Summits that Eritrea has held with its neighbors in the Horn of Africa. In January, during their trilateral meeting in the Eritrean capital Asmara the leaders of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia agreed on a comprehensive plan to combat and neutralize the common threats they face, including terrorism, arms and human trafficking and drugs smuggling.As part of its overall commitment to promote peace and security and to combat terrorism, Eritrea continues to take measures in improving its legislative and law enforcement capacities to prevent and prosecute acts of terrorism in all their manifestations. It has issued a proclamation on “Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism” as well as established a Financial Intelligence Unit to monitor and criminalize financing of terrorism. Eritrea is an observer member of, the Eastern and Southern Anti-Money Laundering Group.At the operational level, all relevant enforcement bodies are collectively working with the highest vigilance to fight and suppress any threat of terrorism and public awareness-raising programs, including at schools, are regularly conducted by the relevant authorities. As a victim of terrorism since the earliest days of its independence, Eritrea condemns and actively combats terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Without a conscious and vigilant public participation at all levels, terrorism and violent extremism would have sabotaged the survival and development of the nation. The active involvement of religious and societal leaders in the development and implementation of national policies is crucial.Finally, Mr. President, I would like to reiterate the following two points:First: The interlinkage between terrorism and other forms of organized crimes such as trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants needs to be emphasized at policy and operational levels. These crimes reinforce each other, and have to be addressed comprehensively.Today, cyberspace has become a battlefield for hearts and minds of young people all over the world, and a ‘fertile ground for hate mongering’. Online falsehoods have become an apparatus to sow discord and extremism, and in some states, leading to communal riots. Concrete measures with determined focus on counter-narratives is needed in order to safeguard society.Second: It is important to create a narrative of hope and defy the prevailing narratives of despair and gloom which perpetuate ideologies of extremism and terrorism. While international development has been discussed for decades, hundreds of million still languish in poverty. We need to enhance our cooperation to achieve a common defense against terrorism and violent extremism and reverse the growing inequality between rich and poor nations.I thank you.