Special Edition

No. 70 Saturday, 20 February, 2021 Pages 4 Highlights of Interview with President Isaias Afwerki inexplicable and mind boggling obligation. but borne out of miscalculation as is often the case with most wars; In regard to the simmering border dispute between the Sudan • TPLF plan was to and , President Isaias neutralize the 32,000 Contingent – underlined that any military one-third of which were affiliated confrontation will only jeopardize with the TPLF and topple the the welfare and interests of both Federal Government. Part of this peoples and countries when plan was subsequent invasion of they are grappling with critical ; challenges at this juncture of political transitions underway in • TPLF historic blunder the two countries. On the Nile was rooted in its policy of ethnic River, President Isaias elaborated polarization enshrined in the on the historical genesis of the 1994 Constitution it imposed on dispute, current realities on the Ethiopia. The plan was to sow ground, future mutual benefits to the seeds – plant landmines as it the populations of Ethiopia, the were – for interminable division Sudan and Egypt and the need and and conflict in Ethiopia. Events urgency to find technical solutions in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq etc that take into account all these demonstrate the perils of policies parameters and that are not based rooted in ethnic and religious on zero-sum calculus. polarization. In an exclusive, two-hour, key riparian States on the use of the expansion of the country’s power • Eritrea has learned this On relations with the Gulf interview that was broadcast waters of Nile River; and, Eritrea’s generation as well as progress bitter lesson from its history and littoral States, live on Eri-TV and Radio Dimtis ties with its partners in the Gulf in the implementation of salary of division during the British President Isaias stressed the need Hafash on February 17, President and Red Sea Region. President increments in the Civil Service. Military Administration (BMA) for cultivating consensus on an Isaias Afwerki elaborated at Isaias also addressed key domestic in the 1940s and the early years of appropriate framework that can length the genesis and current issues including Eritrea’s current On the crisis in Ethiopia, armed struggle; enhance and guarantee effective situation of the conflict in Tigray preventive approach and road President Isaias Afwerki cooperation of all the countries on Region in Ethiopia; the simmering map for controlling the COVID- highlighted the following salient • For Eritrea, cooperation economic and security sectors. border dispute between Sudan and 19 pandemic; GOE’s development points: with the people of Ethiopia for Ethiopia; the controversy between priorities for 2021; programmes of creation and enhancement of a President Isaias also addressed • That the Joint Declaration conducive regional environment fully the domestic issues that were on Peace and Friendship signed is not a matter of choice but an raised. between Ethiopia and Eritrea in July 2018 had ushered in a new Announcement from the era of peace and optimism; • Eritrea did not push for : Access to Ministry of Health prompt implementation of the border decision as stipulated in the clean water Agreement since the consolidation Forty eight patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 of the peace process was its utmost Following rigorous effort made in the last independence years aimed in tests carried out on 18 February at Quarantine Centers in Gash priority; at enriching underground and surface water, 79% of the residents of Barka, Central, Northern, and, Southern Red Sea Regions. Anseba region have gained access to potable water, the regional branch • On the contrary, the stated. Out of these, thirty nine patients are from Quarantine Centers in TPLF regime, which had used Adibara (17), Agordat (6), Barentu (5), Ali Ghidir (4), Om-Hajer (4), the border dispute as a trump Indicating that so far 63 dams of different sizes, as well as 177 water Goluj (2), and Tessenie (1) in Gash Barka Region. Five patients card for incessant destabilization, supply projects, are put in place in the region, Mr. Zere Weldetinsae, are from Quarantine Centers in (3), and Nakfa (2), in the went into commotion, kept the head of the branch, said that 41 villages are provided with electric Northern Red Sea Region. The remaining four patients are from population hostage, and ramped powered water supply project, 33 generator-powered, 66 solar-powered Quarantine Center in (3), ; and, Assab (1), up its war preparations; and 54 hand-pump water supply projects. . • That President Isaias Stating also that 194 of the 296 villages have access to clean water, On the other hand, seventy seven patients who have been receiving had expressly asked Debretzion, Mr. Zere said that effort is underway to put in place potable water medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka Region (38), Central Acting President of the Tigray supply projects in the remaining villages. Region (33), and Northern Red Sea Region (6) have recovered fully Region – in the brief meeting in and have been discharged from these facilities. Omhager, why the TPLF was Pointing out that Keren and Hagaz subzones are suffering from making huge preparations for a a shortage of water due to depleted underground water and Habero, The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly senseless war; Hamelmalo and Asmat sub-zones are suffering from salty water, Mr. risen to 2050 while the number of deaths stands at seven. Zere indicated that strong effort is being conducted to alleviate the • Against this backdrop, problems by reinforcing water and soil conservation activities. The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has no body imagined that the TPLF increased to 2675. would resort to such unprecedented He, finally, stated that the construction of 10 potable water supply and reckless move to attack projects, as well as renovation and upgrading of three projects, are Ministry of Health the Northern Command of the among the programs charted out for 2021 called on the public to properly Asmara Ethiopian Defense Forces (EDF) utilize water projects and introduce ingenious water consumption 18 February 2021 in early November. This was management. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 20 February, 2021 No.70 2

Responding to Local Needs and Transforming Lives

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion At the same time, of course, a lot is the Gerset Farm Project (GFP), surrounding communities. For the economically empowered. As more of work and historical experience introduced above. While many of former, they have been provided data becomes available over time, Several weeks ago, Eritrea Profile have demonstrated that these types the other development projects in with opportunities to effect positive this will no doubt further promote published an article titled, “Gerset of mega projects and large-scale our country - such as dams, roads, change, develop and refine their positive socio-economic rights Farm Project”, authored by Kesete initiatives can also be problematic and mines - may be larger, more skills, and translate their years of and development outcomes. (It is Gebrehiwet. Well-written, replete and are frequently plagued by expensive, and rightly attract a lot of educational training into meaningful, well worth noting that the various with details, and quite interesting, significant issues. In many areas, attention, the GFP, a low-cost project practical solutions. Meanwhile, for positive impacts of the GFP briefly the article provided an enlightening they have led to unfortunate results outlined here are all key aspects overview of one of the country’s that were a far cry from what of the Sustainable agricultural projects and offered donors, policymakers, officials, Development Goals.) greater understanding about its and communities had originally overall management, general planned or hoped for. In fact, such One extremely important and activities, and production. Taking off has been the depth and frequency unique feature of the GFP is from Kesete’s informative article, of problems associated with these that the residents of surrounding the following several paragraphs projects over the years that a communities were heavily involved will delve deeper into some of the “special” name has been created in the early stages of idea generation important development-related to describe them: “white elephant and planning for the project. While issues connected to the project. projects” (WEP). Usually simple it would seem to be relatively vanity projects, WEPs are typically straightforward and basic that the When we think of development, large, expensive infrastructure needs and views of the population particularly within Africa and the projects that focus more on flash or who stand to benefit from or Global South, we have long become prestige than efficiency or function. located near an all earth dam that was the latter, which include members expected to be directly impacted used to having our focus directed Found across many parts of Africa similarly constructed at a relatively of many of Eritrea’s ethnic groups by a project ought to be consulted toward flashy initiatives, mega and the developing world (although small cost, has produced numerous and historically marginalized and engaged before proceeding, schemes, and expensive projects: not solely restricted to these areas), multidimensional benefits and been populations, the GFP offers the unfortunately that is not the reality large infrastructure developments, WEPs are often poorly designed and nothing short of transformational promise of a steady income, globally. (Rather, the norm is that towering buildings, expansive constructed, take “forever” to build since its establishment. independence, and dignified work. projects and solutions are imposed bridges and long roads, massive and generally overrun on schedule, According to several sources, the from above.) Furthermore, local ports, and the like. There is little end up as ineffective or fail to fulfill For instance, one positive steady and increased income for residents participated extensively in question that these have often proved their original projected purpose, outcome of the GFP is that food residents has played a positive role its development (such as by helping extremely beneficial and productive, and become very expensive to production has been significantly in supporting social and health with labor and local materials during leading to lasting positive results maintain. It is also quite common to increased, thus helping to address improvements. These include, for the implementation and construction and outcomes. A considerable body find them sitting idle or get targeted food security. Of course, the latter instance, diversifying and expanding phases). Collectively, these factors of work has shown, for instance, for removal not too long after their has been a national priority for food intake, as well as promoting have been key in the general that investment in infrastructure construction. Eritrea since independence and it school enrolments and retention. success and ongoing productivity of can promote job creation, while represents a perennial challenge in the GFP. Of course, a considerable the development of new roads However, setting aside the Africa. Furthermore, the GFP has Notably, from its earliest body of evidence has shown that and expansion of transportation long running and lively debate improved availability and reduced days, women have comprised a local community participation and networks can stimulate integration, about their various benefits and prices for fresh food items, therefore significant percentage of employees contributions are important to not trade, and economic growth. possible drawbacks, large-scale benefitting local consumers. at the GFP and they can be found at only ensure local ownership and initiatives and costly projects are various hierarchical levels. This not commitment from those supported not the sole or the entire story about Another positive outcome only helps to advance the worthy by the project but also long- development. Rather, often times, of the GFP has been that it has goal of gender equality and also term success, management, and more modest and supposedly “less directly led to the creation of supports them with equal rights to sustainability. flashy” initiatives, which tend to thousands of jobs and is helping economic resources, it allows them get overlooked, can prove to be to alleviate poverty. Significantly, to exercise greater agency, expands Development is complex and Published Every effective and highly beneficial. In employees at the GFP range from their decision-making capacity, it is generally a slow, challenging SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every our own country, a great example young graduates to residents of and helps them to be more socio- process. Over many decades, large- WednesdayPublished & SaturdayEvery scale initiatives and mega projects Saturday & Wednesday have been widely promoted and implemented with the aim of Acting Editor Acting Editor spurring growth and stimulating Amanuel Mesfun development. While this approach [email protected] Mesfun has generated positive results and [email protected] also led to considerable problems P.O.Box: 247 or issues, smaller and less grand P.O.Box: 247 Tel: 11-41-14 projects have tended to get Tel: 11-41-14 overlooked. This has been despite Fax: 12-77-49 Fax: 12-77-49 their frequently demonstrated ability E-mail: E-mail: to make significant contributions. In [email protected] [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er Eritrea, one such project, the Gerset Advertisement: 12-50-13 Farm Project, has been showing that “size isn’t everything”. Since Layout its establishment years ago, it has responded to community needs, AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane Sara Alem provided numerous benefits, and AidaSara JoharAlem continued to make positive, tangible changes in the lives of many locals. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 20 February, 2021 No.70 3

Eritreans and their environment friendly attitudes Abrahaley Habte this and the day of construction, is a good example. “Any tree the man’s family was obliged to intended for the purposes of a About 500 years ago, wild prepare food and drink (usually pillar or a plank should be cut animals roamed the district suwa) for the entertainment of down from … mid-June to the between Asmara and Debarwa, villagers involved. end of August. The reason is a the then capital of Midri- tree cut down at this time can’t Bahri, Eritrea’s ancient name. A man needs at least about die. In fact, it sprouts again, and Francesco Alvarez, a member of 12 big pillars, curved out of never dies out.” Similarly, the a Portuguese expedition, left his thick trees, and about 10 long community forbade people from observations of the culture, the planks, similarly curved out of cutting down some kinds of trees flora and fauna and a number big trees. After the pillars are because they were usually used of other things, of what is now firmly installed and the planks, for the construction of churches, Eritrea, including wild animals known in Tigrigna as gemel, and people were fined if they now impossible to find in Eritrea. comfortably laid on them, shorter violated this injunction. Less than one hundred fifty cross-planks, traversing from years ago, the district between one gemel to another, are laid. In The Logo Chiwa Customary Keren and Gheleb, a big town in addition, hundreds of harkems, 3 Law gives recommendation only Anseba, was rich in all kinds of was a thick forest. Nobody dared and collect trees in latter’s native metre beams, are similarly laid on when trees may be cut down. trees. A Swedish man, Professor enter it because it was full of district, near Segeneyti, for an from one gemel to another so that It doesn’t make a reference to A. Kolmodin, who visited the dangerous wild animals. People agreed amount. Immediately, the the roof is like a mesh of gemels, the replanting of trees for a area in November 1908, wrote: took circuitous routes, and Italian drove a truck, loaded the harkems, and branches, properly tree cut down, which is what avoided the short cut through it wood collected, and transported built and reinforced. All sections environmentalists recommend. “On Friday November 27 we as they visited other places and it to Asmara. He kept coming to of the roof are prepared in the But it is important to note here started from Mehelab. The way returned to their home villages. Sebahtu’s family, who between same way. This structure is further that the Customary Law was up to Geleb is the most beautiful his trips gathered enough wood reinforced with twigs and leaves written when plants and trees, and stretch of country through which One day, some travelers on their for the Italian’s truck. so that it can support a big amount wild animals were in abundance one can travel. For a good part way home saw the flickering of of soil, the roof of the hidmo. In in the highlands. Therefore, it is of the way we followed the bed some fire at the edge of the forest. The autobiography explains short, to build a single hidmo no highly probable that they didn’t of the River Godmer, now dry. They were surprised to find out that such an activity was unknown less than twenty to thirty big trees worry much about its depletion We moved now to the right, that some brave-hearts dared to in the district before (the mid- and many more trees are needed. though they were aware that now to the left and now again make their home there. 1940s). The arrangement provided The damage to the environment the environment should be along the middle of the river the Italian with a secure source can be calculated, taking the fact protected. They were aware that bed, and across the river itself. The travelers who happened of income for he regularly came that an average Eritrean highland unless people cut down trees The mountains kept rising, to the to be from a neighboring village back for more wood. The activity village has no less than a hundred indiscriminately, nature would right and to the left. Here and asked in Tigrigna, “Men dea kept the whole family busy and hidmos, and that these are the most take its own course and replenish there, out of the crevices of the defera?” (Who dared to make Sebahtu out of school (though common houses in the highlands, itself. Later, when they realized mountains, big trees emerged. his home there?). Those people, not on a regular basis). However, the most densely populated part that humans could destroy nature Among them was the beautiful who lit the first fire, the story the family earned enough only to of the country. faster than it would replenish candelabra tree. How these trees concludes, became Mendefera’s keep body and soul together. Dr. itself, Italian colonialism was in could cling to the almost sheer first dwellers. Sebahtu doesn’t show how the An agudo, the typical building full swing and the had no faces of the mountains was a villagers reacted to the destruction in rural lowland areas, requires control over their lives. In short, source of wonder for me. Often, Eritrea’s forest began to of their forest, and how long the a great deal of trees though it was pointless to ask people to giant trees cast their shadows on diminish with the coming of the Italian continued to ‘buy’ wood. not as much as is required in replant. Eritrea’s colonial masters our way.” Italians. The Colonial Government In any case, the damage to the making hidmo, which is bigger. now owned the land, and their invited Italian investors, or even environment and the community The central pillar is a tall and subjects were deprived of their “… At times our path went poor Italians, to come, clear and undoubtedly was incalculable. strong wood. Other planks are land. Eritreans no longer owned through what appeared like a rich cultivate virgin land in different made to reach the top part of the the land. green park. Add to this the songs parts of the country. To this end, For centuries, Eritreans had pillar from different parts of the of all of strange birds, reaching us the Government gave out big very environment-friendly circular wall. The making of the Despite such oppression, from different directions. Imagine tracts of land in Filfil, Selomuna, attitudes but had to balance these roof is then finalized by placing however, the Eritreans’ how it feels when even streams Agordat and many places. It attitudes with their construction thinner and smaller pieces of understanding of the role of the and rivers begin to sing. …” continued its policy of allocating and energy needs. Before the wood, which should be as long environment and the fact that land until Degiat Bahta Hagos’ introduction of corrugated iron as the planks, and firmly tied to people are responsible to protect It is surprising to note that in revolt in 1895 that spelt doom sheets, past Eritrean generations the planks attached to the pillar. it persisted through the years. less than 100 years a great number to it. The revolt, however, didn’t built hidmos and huts for shelter, The construction is finalized by Eritrean villages continued to of the animals and much of the succeed in ending Italian colonial both of which depended on the placing suitable grass on the roof, elect one of their members, a forest cover is gone. Between rule, as Bahta had planned it, availability of big trees. in such a way that no rain soaks zeraai, an environmental warden, the Portuguese expedition in and was, therefore, unable to into the floor. who made sure their crops were the early 1540s and the arrival halt the progress of urbanization, A regular hidmo, the traditional protected, no green trees were of Adolf Kolmodin in 1908, for which affected Eritrea’s forests highland house, is about 6 metres Such a practice may suggest cut down, and environmental more than 350 years, much of significantly. by 12.5 metres. To build such a that the Eritreans were oblivious resources were equitably used the forest cover of the country house was no easy feat, and an to the effect of their actions on by villagers. After independence, was intact, and a great variety of In his autobiography, Dr. Eritrean farmer can’t accomplish the environment. But contrary to an official government office the wild animals still roamed the Sebahtu Ghebremichael, an it on his own. A man planning this, they were and still are keenly has assumed the responsibility. highlands. And a great part of the Eritrean scholar, narrates the to have a hidmo built, first and aware of the effect of the cutting In other words, environment- highlands had forest cover. commercial aspect of such foremost, informed the villagers down of trees, and through their friendly attitudes have crystalized destruction. He tells how an Italian that he intended to do so on such customary laws tried to mitigate into official law. The environment A story has it that Mendefera, man approached, convinced, and and such a day, and invited them the damage to the environment. has assumed so much importance the capital of Southern Region, went into an agreement with his to help him cut down trees and The following articles from the that it is now protected by state family for the latter to cut down transport them to the village. On Logo Chiwa Customary Law law. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 20 February, 2021 No.70 4

Milka The teklom e xact opposite of ta ypical fashionm odel

Samrawit is a fresh talent popping up in a lot of music videos, runways, clothing advertisements, promotional posters and magazines. She is a young fashion model determined to challenge the stereotype that fashion models are airheads. She graduated from Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences last December.

music videos. But that music video Before diving into your story, we and I was born in Asmara meeting some designers opened a lot of opportunities for me. want to point out your bravery in in 1998. I have attended who wanted to cast me for Music video directors who saw me beating covid-19. You were tested different schools starting from their fashion shows. So far I in the first video contacted me, and positive and were quarantined. the Alliance France’s kindergarten have done three shows. I have I have made twelve music videos so Please give us a full disclosure? to Dembe Sembel and then to the done two of the shows with far. Finnish Mission elementary and took a designer called Merry and the Thank you! My mother was the junior school. After learning 9th grade place. other one with a group of designers. What challenges have you faced first one who showed the symptoms. at Semaetat Secondary School, I was Personally, I would have liked for I have also made a fashion video by being a fashion model? Obviously, I had close contact sent to Debrexion Kedsti Maryam the medal recipients to be present as with YULIA styling brand. I have with her, so both of us had to go Secondary School where I did the rest they had worked so hard. not walked on as many runways as I Many people wrongly understand to hospital. We both were tested of my high school years. After high want to but I think I have done a lot the job of a model. Some people positive and then were quarantined school I went to Sawa as a member Besides studying and graduating modeling for clothing advertisement think that it’s not a decent job. A lot in a government facility. I was in of the 28th round. I scored 3.6 in the as a nurse you were modeling for photo shoots. of people ask me why I do such a job denial and, so, was depressed the matriculation exam and joined the fashion designers. When did you when I have a well-respected job. I first week. But with time I got used to Institute of Technology at Mai Nefhi. realize you could be a model? You are becoming a very think all jobs are important. being confined. It was a whole new I wanted to study health science, so familiar face by appearing in experience for me. I met different after finishing the Freshman courses Since I could remember I wanted several music videos. How many What are your future plans? people from different backgrounds in Mainefhi, I went to Orotta College to be a model. The first time I have you done so far and what was there. Incidentally, I would like to of Medicine and Health Sciences to walked on a runway was in high your experience like with the first My future plan is to gain a lot of give my gratitude to all the health study nursing for three more years. I school. My friends used to dress me one you made? experience and be better as a fashion workers in that facility; they were so graduated late last year. up for the fashion shows organized model. I don’t want to be just a devoted they fulfilled our every need. as part of the events to celebrate our At the end of my third year in model that promotes clothes. I want I would not even take care of myself You were one of the students Independence Day. That was my first college, my childhood friend, Thomas to be a role model in everything like the way they took care of me. When who participated in the virtual and good experience. Also, in Sawa, Mulgeta, a singer, asked me to be a the super models around the world. we were tested again the results were graduation ceremony; how was I participated in a lot of fashion model in his music video. Honestly, negative. Recovering from covid-19 it? shows wearing outfits of different I never thought of participating in Thank you and we wish you luck! has enabled me to see my life in a Eritrean ethnic groups. When I came different perspective. One of the It was unfortunate that due to covid- back from Sawa I did not have time funny, yet sad, things that happened 19 we were not able to celebrate it to be involved in fashion shows after I got out of the facility is that the way we imagined it for several as the school work was hectic and people were afraid to be around me. years. But something is better than my parents were concerned that Some of those people have little nothing. So, the virtual ceremony spending time working as a model understanding of the virus and think was alright. My fellow graduates and might compromise my focus at I can infect them. It’s funny to watch I were chosen to participate because school. But by the end of my school their reaction when they find out I we had been year I was making music videos and recently recovered. assigned to work in We are glad you and your mother Asmara are healthy again. Let’s start from where the the beginning, who are you? graduation ceremony My name is Samrawit Berhane,