Special Edition

No. 81 Wednesday, 31 March, 2021 Pages 4

Eritrea will participate at ‘Greening Initiative’ news brief Kerkebet: Social service provision

As a result of villages regrouping, the inhabitants of Himbol- Kechech administrative area, Kerkebet sub-zone, have become beneficiaries of social service provision particularly potable water supply.

Speaking to Erina, the residents stated that after their regrouping, the problem they were facing such as access to clean water has been alleviated. However, the potable water project that was put in place eight years ago is exposed to flooding.

Indicating that prior to the construction of the water project they were compelled to travel hours and fetch unclean water that caused to several water-borne diseases.

Hmbol-Kechech is one of the 13 administrative areas of Kerkebet sub-zone established by regrouping eight villages at a central place has accepted the initiative Crown Prince Mohammed bin Project aims, among other where health and education institutions as well as market places are and will participate in the Saudi Salman spoke extensively about things, to significantly reduce put in place. Arabia ‘Greening Initiative’. the Project during their telephone carbon emissions as well as conversation on 29 March. implement extensive afforestation President and The multi-layered development programs. Hagaz: Seminar on STDs

Workshop on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases Popular campaign to redress environment particularly on HIV/AIDS was organized to women in Hagaz town. The residents of Adi- of terraces and water diversion and water conservation activities At the workshop which was carried out from 21-23 March, a number Tsaedi, Mendefera sub- schemes. have not been conducted in the of issues were raised regarding STDs and prevention mechanisms zone, are conducting popular area and as a result soil erosion including on the causes and effects of STDs and AIDS, prevention campaign aimed at redressing Mr. Samuel Abraha, has been the main problem and methods, on the treatment of patients and related issues. the environment. The popular administrator of Adi-Qemene that the popular campaign that is campaign includes construction administrative area, said that soil being carried out in consultation The main focus of the awareness-raising workshop was to ensure with agricultural experts will have the health of the youth and thereby ensure their future, organizers of significant impact in redressing the workshop from Bidiho National Association stated. the environment. Speaking at the event, Mr. Teklehaimanot Musael, managing Announcement from the According to the residents, the director of Hagaz sub-zone on his part noted that commendable area has been exposed to massive outcome is being registered from the STD prevention awareness- Ministry of Health erosion every rain season due to raising campaigns as well as efforts being conducted to ensure public flooding, and that the popular Twenty-eight patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID- health. campaign they are conducting 19 in tests carried out yesterday at Quarantine Centers in Southern, will make significant contribution Anseba, Gash Barka, and Southern Red Sea regions. Similar workshops will be organized in all sub-zones of the Anseba in saving the soil from erosion region, the report added. and in boosting agricultural Out of these, twenty-one are from Quarantine Centers in Senafe productivity. (9), Adi Quala (7), Mendefera (3), Tsorona (1) and Dibarewa (1), in Southern Region. Three patients are from Keren, Anseba Region, two Strengthening organizational The popular campaign also from Gash Barka Region, and two from Assab, Southern Red Sea includes planting tree seedlings Region. and so far about 3000 tree capacity of the youth seedlings have been distributed On the other hand, thirty-six patients who have been receiving to farmers for planting. The heads of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students medical treatment in hospitals in the Central (6), and Southern (30), branches in Anseba region reported that persistent effort is being Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these Commending the participation made to strengthen organization capacity of youth in the region. facilities. of the residents in the popular campaign, Mr. Maekele According to the heads of the union branches, the effort includes The total number of recovered patients has accordingly risen to Tesfamichael, head of Economic expansion of the organization to the level of administrative areas to 3029 while the number of deaths stands at nine. Development in Mendefera enable the youth become beneficiaries of the programs designed by sub-zone, called on other the union aimed at strengthening the capacity of the youth. The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has administrative areas to conduct increased to 3279. similar activities before the They also indicated that effort is being made to develop and coming of the rain season. expand youth centers in the sub-zones of Hagaz and Geleb as well Ministry of Health as to construct similar youth centers in the other areas of the region Asmara Adi-Tsaedi is located 9 km in cooperation with the administrations and other stakeholders. 30 March 2021 north-west of Mendefera city. Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, 31 March, 2021 No.81 2

Unpacking Last-ditch Efforts to Save Defunct TPLF Clique

bodies were gathered and buried using “refugees” for subversive in mass graves. One “investigative agendas, as well as UNHCR’s group” produced “satellite collusion in the larger scheme of images” to corroborate the “strategic depopulation” in Eritrea false narrative. Later, as serious to undermine its defensive and doubts on the veracity of these developmental capabilities and accounts persisted, the much- prospects. The harrowing stories touted “evidence-based existence also establish TPLF attacks and of mass graves was abandoned” reprisals on the refugees in the altogether and supplanted with a early days of the conflict. In new narration. This time round, any event, Eritrea’s policy on the new story was there were no forced refoulement is clear and graves since hyenas had actually available in the public record: it devoured the corpses. Similarly, only accepts refugees who wish the number of reported victims to return on their own volition. By: Bana Negusse, enemies for ulterior reasons and approach such as failure to verify has also fluctuated significantly. What is more, during the past year Abrahm Tesfay objectives. evidence and credibility as well alone, well over 40,000 Eritreans as neutrality of sources – from For any reasonable, objective have returned voluntarily from One of the oldest sayings is During recent weeks and the AI report. In a way, this is not person, the various claims and neigbouring countries – the that in conflict, truth is often the months, a preposterous story surprising in view of the decades- reports, replete with factual majority of them from Ethiopia – first casualty. Among the clearest of “Massacre at ” was old hostile agenda of these two contradictions, numerous due to COVID-related challenges. and most apt examples of this propagated in mainstream media organizations against Eritrea. discrepancies, and glaring adage that one could ever find is outlets with intense frequency and inconsistencies, not only fail to In addition to these accusations, current distorted “news analysis wide spatial coverage. Time and Other reports fall into the same provide a scintilla of confirmation what has attracted much spotlight and reporting” of the situation in closer scrutiny have now poked category. Remarkably, even or support for one another, but these days are the new allegations , Ethiopia. massive holes in this fabricated something seemingly as basic as they provoke a host of serious of rape and sexual violence. The narrative. First off, the various the date of the supposed massacre questions of veracity and motive. London-based Sunday Telegraph Indeed, over the past several reports supposedly confirming the is shrouded in gaping incoherence It is also extremely unfortunate, even reported that “rape was being months, we have been inundated allegations, principally originating and inconsistency. While various but actually very telling, to see used as a weapon” by Ethiopian with a seemingly endless stream of from biased groups with a history reports claim that the massacre how those who have made the and Eritrean soldiers and the latter sordid reports; of repetitive claims of seeking “regime change” in took place on 28-29 November last allegations and reports have “told one victim that we are here of “gruesome crimes committed Eritrea and who have frequently year, there is clear video footage responded when presented with to make you HIV positive”. by Eritrean forces”. Precursory made false claims about the and extensive news broadcasts legitimate queries. Rather than investigations reveal that these country, lack any semblance of the church congregation – being open to dialogue and seeking Again, anyone with a minimal allegations are not only utterly of rigorous, transparent, and comprising thousands of people to address the criticisms, as would understanding or knowledge about false but are in fact willfully independent fact-finding work or – celebrating an annual festival in be expected by anyone searching Eritrean culture, society, and norms disseminated by Eritrea’s arch- investigation. a completely normal and serene for truth and accuracy, they have would know that these allegations fashion the very next morning. doubled down on their claims and are absolutely preposterous and The heavily criticized Amnesty What’s more, reporters who were either ignored or attacked those devoid of truth. International (AI) report, for actually in Axum from 29-30 who have contradicted them. instance, was based on the November have stated that they saw In as far as the Sunday Telegraph testimony of some 31 individuals “no widespread, indiscriminate The “” may have article is concerned, a simple from the Hamdayet Refugee killing” while servants for the been the main tool of demonization cross-checking of facts would Published Every camp in neighboring Sudan. False Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion against Eritrea in the concerted have illustrated the logical fallacy efforts to cover up the high crimes of this outrageous narrative. SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every testimonies should not have been also commented that attendees WednesdayPublished & SaturdayEvery solicited from criminal elements enjoyed the celebration of St. of treason and insurrection of HIV prevalence in Eritrea – Saturday & Wednesday in the first place. The fact is many Mary “peacefully.” the TPLF clique. But there were which hovered around 4% in the of those sheltered in the make- other fabricated accusations – and early 1990s – has been reduced Acting Editor shift camp are militants and former What cannot be overlooked is new ones are being hatched these significantly in the past decades Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfun members of the notorious TPLF also how the narrative about the days – to maintain the momentum as a result of comprehensive and Amanuel Mesfun and intensity of the demonization aggressive government health [email protected] Mesfun militias who fled to Sudan after claimed massacre has continued [email protected] their involvement in the hideous to mutate over time, with the campaigns. policy, intensive community-based massacre and ethnic cleansing alleged number of victims and public awareness campaigns, P.O.Box: 247 P.O.Box: 247 of hundreds of civilians in Mai- supposed circumstances constantly In this regard, the main allegation sensitization programmes Tel: 11-41-14 Tel: 11-41-14 Kadra in early November last year. changing. Thus, the account of the against Eritrea in the first weeks in schools and youth clubs, Fax: 12-77-49 Furthermore, compelling evidence massacre has shifted from being of the conflict revolved around interventions by religious groups, E-mail: (including video clips) exists of an incident driven by an attempt “vicious attacks on and forced as well as the un-inhibitive use [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er civilians being “coached” by TPLF to steal the “historic Arc of the refoulement of refugees from the of condoms. These integrated Advertisement: 12-50-13 supporters both in Tigray Region Covenant” on St. Mary’s Day Hitsat and Shimelba camps”. This programmes have reduced HIV and elsewhere on how to respond (Nov. 30th) to being portrayed as a allegation has faded with time due infection prevalence to 0.36%, Layout to reporters and investigators. “cruel retaliatory attack” a couple to incontrovertible evidences to while new infection rates stand Layout the contrary. The full story is still at 0.2%. The comparative current Azmera Berhane of days earlier after skirmishes to AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane The subsequent Human Rights later involving “house-to-house” emerging but it portrays of corrupt figure Tigray Region of Ethiopia AidaSaraSara JoharAlem Watch (HRW) report is no different killing of civilians. ties between the UNHCR and the is 4.2% in urban areas – both in terms of malicious TPLF’s ARRA (Refugee Agency), intent and flawed methodological Likewise, it was declared that of embezzlement of funds, of continued on page 4 Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, 31 March, 2021 No.81 3

Gash-Barka: Construction and Expansion of Strategic Roads

Kesete Ghebrehiwet big water tanks installed in Atay linked with one another to connect and Agumite have made access the Northern Red Sea region with Eritrea’s development programs to potable water easier, which is, the Gash-Barka region and then aim at bringing about social indeed, the result of the construction Kassala of Sudan. justice across the nation, and of the roads in this zone. for this reason, every project According to Mr. Getachew, is implemented with a view to The Tesenai-Omhajor route, the Barentu-Mogoraib road has ensuring an even distribution of which is 102 km long, has 53 already been asphalted while the social services in the six regions hydraulic structures that include Mogorab-Forto-Sawa road is being of the country. These development seven bridges, three DHS, four SHS asphalted and expanded. The Forto- projects would not be realized and 39 pipe culverts. Mohammed Sawa-Tamarat route, a dirt road, is without road networks that enable Mr. Getachew Merhatsion Ata, Deputy Manager of Bidho in use while hydraulic structures the facilitation of all development General Construction Company, have been designed for future undertakings. This article presents intersect. The construction of this which is expanding the road and implementation in the Tamarat- the efforts being made in the road is expected to impact major performing other earthworks, Eng. Angesom Teame Adibara road. Western Development Zone, which development activities in the future. said that the road alignment has covers the Gash-Barka region, in The road, which is 16m wide, will been restructured and major Omhajor through an asphalted The 184.5 km long Mendefera- the construction and expansion of have 11 bridges, 17 Pipe Culverts foundation works have been done road and to connect Omhajor to Barentu route, which is under strategic roads linking the Gash- (PC), 16 Single Horse Shoe (SHS) to correspond with the future plan the neighboring countries. To that expansion and construction, is Barka region with the other parts and Six Double Horse Shoe (DHS) of paving the Tenenai-Omhajor end a strategic bridge is being another strategic road with a of Eritrea and transnational roads and other hydraulic structures. built in Goluj, and a design for the total of 131 hydraulic structures, linking the country with Ethiopia construction of a big bridge that including eight bridges, four DHS, and Sudan. The Amalait-Haranait road is connects Omhajor and Humera has 20 SHS and 99 pipe culverts. It expected to improve the livelihoods been finalized.” is the longest of all four strategic To help ensure effective and of the residents of this part of the roads in the Western Development speedy implementation of all kinds Gash-Barka region. Eng. Angesom Another strategic route, linking Zone. The Mendefera-Barentu of projects, the strategic roads in said that in the past there was Eritrea and Sudan, is the 35 km route links Kharkasha, Bushka and the Gash-Barka region are being hardly any major infrastructure in Forto-Sawa-Tamarat road that is Shamboko areas of the Gash-Barka expanded while new roads are the western low-land of Eritrea, 20m wide. The road has a total of region to Areza and Mendefera of constructed in the remote parts particularly in the arid zones around 35 hydraulic structures, including the Southern region. It links not of the region. Eritrea’s Mapping Kerkebet and its environs. This, he six bridges, three DHS, five SHS only the Southern and Gash-Barka and Information Center (EMIC) said, has now changed with the Eng. Mohammed Ata and 21 pipe culverts that are under regions but will be an alternative identifies suitable sites and gives construction of water dams along construction. route for motorists to transport designs to local construction with distribution facilities and road with asphalt. Once these goods from Massawa to Omhajor “The construction and expansion and then to Ethiopia. of Forto-Sawa-Tamarat road is The development programs very strategic both for Eritrea and aimed at improving the living Sudan. Tamarat or the Adibara standards of the people have area has a potential to serve as a been implemented with the active land port for Sudan, shortening participation of communities. the 1,200 km distance from Port Through their active participation Sudan to Kessala to only 300 in the construction of strategic Km from Massawa to Kessala,” infrastructures, local communities Eng. Angesom elaborated. The in all development zones are made construction of this strategic to feel that they are the owners road impacts the socio-economic of the development projects. The activity of communities and speeds construction and expansion of the up the implementation of major roads in the Western Development development undertakings in all Zone is yet another example of parts of the country. The Massawa- efforts being made to evenly Asmara-Himberti-Habela-Cheatat- distribute services and empower Mensura and Akordat-Mogoraib local communities through their as well as Forto-Sawa-Tamarat participation in development companies that carry out the the construction of roads, which activities are carried out, the road and Adibara are all strategically programs. development undertakings. have brought about a dramatic will be asphalted to provide viable change in education, water supply transport services in the region. Eng. Angesom Teame, Senior and healthcare facilities. The GIS Expert at EMIC and head of construction of Amalait-Haranait “This strategic road has now been the Western Development Zone, road has enabled residents of Atay expanded to a double lane structure, said that as part of the overall and Agumite to have easy access to from 20 meters to 40 meters in development undertakings being the healthcare services provided in width,” Eng. Angesom elaborated. implemented in the Western Amalait and Kerkebet. The Tesenai-Omhajor road is Development Zone, four strategic extremely important for the speedy roads are being built in the Gash- Having gained experience at implementation of agricultural Barka region. The 115.7 km the plantations around Kerkebet, and other related development Amalait-Haranait route is very residents of Ataya and Agumite programs in the Gash-Barka region. strategic, covering a large farm now engage in modern farming Mr. Getachew Merhatsion, General land in an area where the Barka- practices and sell their products Manager of EMIC said, “The plan -Anseba or Barka--Selea Rivers at the markets in Kerkebet. The is to connect Tesenai, Goluj and Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, 31 March, 2021 No.81 4

tesfay mikal

People who live in cities descending to the desert in the east. awareness about its importance. with accesss to ecuring running water As the majority ofw the populationater Dams are s built at upply different ine ritrea twenty-four seven or in villages live on agriculture, their extreme locations to ensure sustainable surrounded by perennial rivers dependence on water for their water supply throughout the can perhaps take water for livelihood is obvious. country, and measures such as granted. But not many of us can hillside terracing and reforestation afford to do that. That is probably Like other countries in our are taken to prevent soil erosion, why World Water Day was region, Eritrea has been subjected observed on March 22 under the to droughts that occur at certain Farmers are given assistance theme “valuing water”. intervals. Severe lack of rainfall to be able to practice farming has often led to drought, forcing in a way that utilizes water World Water Day is observed people, especially in villages, judiciously. For example, through to raise people’s awareness of to travel long distances to fetch a micro-credit and saving scheme the global water crisis and to water. they are able to buy equipment to support the achievement of the Having experienced droughts set up an irrigation system that Sustainable Development Goal that strike our region rather allows them to use water sensibly (SDG) 6, which aims to secure frequently and having understood and modernize their farming water and sanitation for all by the pitfalls of depending entirely methods. They are also given 2030. on the rainy season, which lasts drought-resistant seeds and early barely two to three months, for maturing crops like millet and Located in the Horn of Africa, agriculture, the Government of sorghum so that they can grow a and the people are working to increase access to potable water, Eritrea is virtually bisected by a Eritrea has since independence lot without using so much water. save every single drop of water combat droughts in the future, and branch of the East African Rift. been taking initiatives to during the rainy seasons and keep secure children’s and livestock’s It has fertile lands to the west, conserve water and raise people’s The government of Eritrea dams full to ensure food security, health. Unpacking Last-ditch Efforts to Save . . . continued from page 2 provisions against rape and Moreover, even prior to the muted. sovereign Eritrean territories other sexual violence including; recent events in the Tigray Region In this regard, what are the into Tigray. Contrary to all of its Furthermore, sexual violence, sex trafficking and prostitution; of Ethiopia, sexual based violence facts? The TPLF regime had calculus and expectations, the in all its manifestations, is illicit, pornography; adultery; and incest. was not uncommon in the region. always pursued a dual agenda in TPLF failed. intolerable, and totally abhorred These legal measures are part and In fact, local and international Ethiopia: i) maintain its monopoly in Eritrean society. Eritrea’s parcel of the country’s strong and mainstream media – including of political and economic Now, by disseminating Customary Laws – which date far-ranging commitment to gender BBC – community groups and power through a subtly-crafted, allegations of brutal crimes back to the 15th Century – included equality and the empowerment of organizations, as well as academic institutionalized ethnicity; and, through a network of supporters provisions for social ostracism and girls and women in all aspects of and health studies, frequently ii) opt for secession, as a residual and well-placed, well-remunerated harsh penalties, mainly aimed at life and society. It is worth noting highlighted how misogyny was or Plan B, in the event that its media figures and experts, the preserving the dignity of victims, that Eritrea’s efforts in this regard common and that sexual violence stranglehold on exclusive power TPLF remnants aim to cover up in accordance with the respective have, according to the African was rampant posing a massive in Ethiopia was threatened or the group’s culpability for the indigenous laws. Development Bank, “gone a long problem. became untenable. In the second current crisis in the region and way towards achieving gender scenario, the TPLF’s policy hinged shift blame to Eritrea. As well, it As well, during Eritrea’s long equality.” Overall, it is quite clear to on forcibly incorporating and is hoped that by doing so the last struggle for independence, the any objective observer that the annexing the majority of Eritrean vestiges of the TPLF will be able Eritrean People’s Liberation Front There are also several other sordid allegations being peddled territory. to reverse the military debacle and (EPLF) gave special attention to critically important points to keep against Eritrea are preposterous offer the defunct clique some sort egalitarian, popular democratic in mind in regard to the allegations and utterly false. The fact is that To cut a long story short, this of lifeline. principles and ideals, with a about rape and sexual violence. they are simply part of a blatant was the underlying policy and particular focus on women’s and Shortly after its defeat and retreat, attempt to scapegoat Eritrea for political backdrop of the massive The vain, last-ditch efforts of gender-related issues. Thus, it the TPLF released thousandsof the current crisis in the Tigray attack that the TPLF launched TPLF hardliners is understandable enacted new laws in 1978 – while criminals – some estimates put Region of Ethiopia and to provide on all contingents of Ethiopia’s from their narrow perspective. still in the field – that abolished the number at well over 10,000 – a lifeline to whatever remains of Northern Command on the night of What is baffling is why this forced marriages, bride price, from prison. This was conducted the largely defunct TPLF. 3 November last year. The TPLF’s dangerous policy is tolerated and child marriages, kidnappings, alongside other acts of destruction objectives – which it openly accommodated by certain external and dowries.This was especially (such as destroying roads, airports, What is intriguing is why there is boasted of – were to take control powers who profess – at least significant because the liberation and telecommunications facilities) almost a total blackout of the high of the Northern Command (which verbally – benign intentions for movement was attracting a in order to sow chaos and promote crimes of the TPLF regime; why possessed 80% of Ethiopia’s peace and stability in the region. huge number of female freedom instability, therefore posing discussion of its dangerous acts entire weaponry) and then march These contradictory positions are fighters. problems for Ethiopia’s federal of insurrection, the policies that to in order to topple incompatible and betray sinister and local authorities. One can only incubated this act in the first place the Federal Government. The plan schemes that have nothing to do Subsequently, after winning shudder to think of what mayhem and the unimaginable chaos that also involved the goal of invading with the welfare of the peoples its independence in 1991, ensued as a result of the release of would have ensued had its scheme Eritrea to implement “regime of Eritrea, Ethiopia and the wider Eritrea established detailed legal these thousands of criminals. succeeded remain deafeningly change” and incorporating region.