Special Edition

No. 68 Saturday, 13 February, 2021 Pages 4

news brief Effort to control communicable diseases

The Land and Agriculture Department in the reported that effort is being exerted to control communicable diseases from animals to humans as well as other animal diseases.

According to the report from the office strong effort is being exerted to raise the awareness of dairy farmers on the communicable diseases and expand livestock vaccination program.

According to Mr. Mahmud Idris, head of Animal Health in the region, in 2020 over 673 thousand livestock have been vaccinated in the sub- zones of Gelalo, , Foro, Ghinda, Sheib, Afabet and Karora and that was 57% of the livestock in the region.

Mr. Mahmud also called on the farmers to vaccinate their livestock on time so that they ensure their health and productivity.

Indicating that the vaccination program is significantly contributing in ensuring the health of their livestock, the farmers on their part commended the support they are receiving from the Ministry of Eritrean community festival in Australia Agriculture. Eritrean community festival on the objective situation in the at the Eritrean Embassy in Effort to control desert in Australia was conducted homeland and the region, the Australia and New Zealand enthusiastically respecting the impact of the COVID-19 disease stating the impact of COVID-19 locust swarm objective situation of the COVID- and the measures being taken by pandemic throughout the world 19 disease and guidelines issued the Government and people of in 2020, commended nationals Strong integrated effort is being exerted in cooperation with to control the pandemic. to combat the spread of inside and outside Eritrea for agricultural experts, members of the Defense Forces and the public to the pandemic, as well as cultural their strong participation in the control the second desert locust swarm that has appeared in Ghinda The national festival that performances and sports events. fight against the pandemic and subzone. was attended by nationals said that nationals in Australia from all ages featured various In a speech delivered, Mr. contributed over 200 thousand The coordinators of the campaign indicated that so far 70% of the activities including speeches Tekeste Mehari, General Consul USD toward augmenting the locust invasion that has been stretched from Ghinda town to Embatkala National Fund. has been put in control and effort is ongoing.

He further congratulated Indicating that the desert locust invasion that came across the border the people of Eritrea and is dangerous both in number and type, Mr. Dawit Angesom, head of Announcement members of the defense forces Plant Development at the Ministry of Agriculture branch in the sub- on the 31st anniversary of the zone, said that integrated effort is being made to put under control the from the Ministry of Health Operation Fenkil that is being invasion. commemorated. The administrator of the sub-zone, Mr. Omar Yahya Haj on his Eleven patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 At an extensive briefing part commended the members of the Eritrean Defense Forces are in tests carried out on Febraury 11 at Quarantine Centers in the delivered virtually, the Minister demonstrating in the effort to put in control the locust swarm. Central and Northern Red Sea Regions. of Foreign Affairs Mr. Osman Saleh commended the nationals It is to be recalled that the desert locust swarm that was seen in the sub- Out of these, eight patients are from Quarantine Centers in in Australia for their strong zones of Ghinda and Foro was put in under control through integrated , Central Region. The other three patients are from support toward their people and effort on the part of the public, members of the Defense Forces and Quarantine Centers in Massawa (2), and Nakfa (1), in the Northern Government and lauded their agricultural experts. Red Sea Region. effort to transfer the national values, culture and identity to On the other hand, four patients who have been receiving medical posterity. treatment in hospitals in the Northern Red Sea Region have Potable water project in Halhal recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities. Regarding the international The residents of Halhal, Araeta sub-zone, reported that the potable and regional objective situation, The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly water project put in place in their area is significantly contributing in Minister Osman indicating that improving their daily lives. risen to 1828 while the number of deaths stands at seven. each and every epoch creates its own opportunities and challenges Indicating that prior to the project put in place in their area they were The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has said that foiling challenges increased to 2429. compelled to travel a long distance for fetching water, the residents said encountered and seizing that with the project put in place they are able to fetch water from their opportunities is a formidable backyards for themselves and their livestock. Ministry of Health culture of the struggle of the Asmara Eritrean people and called on every 11 February 2021 The residents also expressed conviction to reinforce contribution for citizen to enhance awareness and the sustainability of the project. reinforce participation. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 13 February, 2021 No.68 2

Heroic and Decisive: One Week in February

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion the end of the French presence in beginning of the end for Colonel Indochina, and the historic Battle Mengistu Hailemariam and the History has recorded countless of Santa Clara, the last during Derg regime, and it signaled major battles and decisive Cuba’s revolutionary struggle, to everyone that Eritrea’s military victories. Centuries ago, which extinguished the brutal independence – which had long at the epic Battle of Marathon, dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista been regarded and dismissed the vastly outnumbered ancient in the last days of 1958. by many as unlikely or even Greeks defeated the mighty impossible – was not only merely Persian invaders. More recently, Similarly, our own history possible, but actually only a in 1942-43, the nearly six-month provides us with numerous matter of time from becoming a siege of Stalingrad was one of the examples of significant victories, reality. most pivotal and dramatic events decisive battles, and tremendous in World War II, while in 1944, resilience. Throughout the late In the year prior to the daring the invasion of Normandy by 1800s, Degiat Bahta Hagos, a land and sea operation, codenamed Allied forces on D-Day marked towering anti-colonial resistance Operation Fenkil, the EPLF built the beginning of the Nazi’s figure, fierce warrior, gifted up its naval capabilities and then decline on the Western front. poet, and talented musician, secretly moved its powerful forces Other major battles that shifted launched revolts against invaders, into the region, aiming to isolate of the deep significance that and more and better weapons. the course of history are the Battle oppressive warlords, colonialists, Asmara from the sea (the coastal the Battle of Massawa has for Despite the great imbalance, the of Dien Bien Phu, which led to and external hegemony. A city and the capital are separated Eritreans is how fervently its EPLF succeeded at Massawa by a distance of approximately memory is celebrated. The several (and eventually in securing 115 kilometers). Beginning in days that are set aside every year to independence) because of, among the early hours of February 8, celebrate the spectacular triumph other things, the: quality, valor, the quick and decisive EPLF are among the most special, and bravery of its fighters, who offensive, launched on three colorful, and distinguished on were able to impose their will different fronts, would end by the Eritrean calendar, alongside against a larger, better-equipped February 10, when the Eritreans September 1 (Beginning of opponent; far better planning had secured the mainland. Days the Armed Struggle), May 24 and organization, superior later, on February 16, EPLF (Independence Day), and June 20 maneuvering and speed, and forces stormed the islands in a (Martyr’s Day). the element of surprise, which combined land and sea assault. prevented the Derg from utilizing Invariably, regardless of age, its own forces effectively. The EPLF’s bold surprise sex, religion, ethnicity, socio- attack cut-off the Ethiopian economic status, or other possible Personally, Operation Fenkil regime’s access to supplies distinction, Eritreans look back and the Battle of Massawa are provided by the USSR through on the victory at the Battle of sources of true inspiration and Massawa. Not only did the Massawa with extreme reverence encouragement. They reiterate century later, in March of 1988, Eritrean forces employ tanks and and true happiness. Operation an important lesson: that at the the Eritrean People’s Liberation various armaments and heavy Fenkil was when Eritrea finally end of all long struggles and dark Front’s (EPLF) scored a heroic artillery, they also relied upon a arose after decades under the tunnels, there is often hope and victory in a huge battle in small fleet of gun boats to attack heavy boot of colonial oppression light, as long as you persevere Afabet, considered by eminent from the sea. The battle took an to “placing a noose around the and remain resilient. historian Basil Davidson as the enormous toll on the Derg: about neck of the Derg”. (Another In 1990, after three decades Published Every most significant victory for any 9,000-10,000 Ethiopian soldiers reflection of just how significant of bitter war, despite having Published Every liberation movement since the were killed, while many others the Battle of Massawa was is been vastly outnumbered and SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every found in the intensely bitter, greatly outgunned, and although Wednesday & Saturday Vietnamese victory at Dien Bien were left wounded. In addition, Saturday & Wednesday Phu (note that Davidson was thousands of Ethiopian troops, vengeful response waged by the effectively abandoned by the visiting the EPLF base areas at including high-ranking generals Derg after losing the port city.) international community, the Acting Editor the time). By the end of the three- and commanders surrendered Eritrean independence movement Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfun day battle, which significantly to the EPLF, with many other What else also especially was not only surviving, but Amanuel Mesfun stands out about the Battle of growing in strength and [email protected] Mesfun tipped the military balance in Ethiopian troops retreating to the [email protected] favor of the EPLF, the Eritreans town of Ghinda. Massawa is how it served as momentum. It was able to, with another instance of the EPLF utmost confidence and sheer P.O.Box: 247 had killed or captured over 18,000 P.O.Box: 247 Ethiopian soldiers, and acquired The EPLF’s capture of Massawa totally defying military doctrine will, take on a larger, formidable Tel: 11-41-14 Tel: 11-41-14 a massive amount of arms and meant that apart from Assab, and what could be described as opponent – and succeed. Today, as Fax: 12-77-49 Fax: 12-77-49 supplies from the enemy. far to the south, Asmara and its rational, reasonable expectation. an independent nation confronting E-mail: immediate environs were the last In military terms and according a host of testing obstacles and [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er Unquestionably, however, areas of Eritrea still controlled by to so-called “force ratios”, the difficulties which often seem Advertisement: 12-50-13 one of the most significant, the Derg regime; the rest of the EPLF should not have been daunting and overwhelming, our memorable, and transformative Eritrean population lived in areas competitive, let alone succeeded, history of strength and resilience, either in the Battle of Massawa or as embodied by Operation Fenkil Layout battles in Eritrea’s history controlled by the EPLF. Not long Azmera Berhane was at the Battle of Massawa, afterwards, the entire country was the larger war of independence. and other decisive victories, can AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane The Derg had greater material provide us with the confidence, Sara Alem which unfolded this week 31 liberated by the EPLF and Eritrea AidaSara JoharAlem years ago. Ultimately, the EPLF became independent. resources, an exponentially larger drive, and resolve needed victory during the pivotal battle number of troops, tremendous to successfully tackle these in February 1990 spelled the Among the clearest illustrations amounts of international backing, challenges. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 13 February, 2021 No.68 3

Abrahaley Habte selfless fighters of the battle of Naval Base was so important that the proper town from Asmara, and only to the liberation of Massawa, Salina and1977, especially Sigalet a group of fighters to realize – it, theySymbols were willing to reach the Naval of Base, the baseSelflessness of but to the liberation of Eritrea in Every nation is indebted to its commanded by Gherezgiher pay the ultimate price with their the Ethiopian Navy, which was less than two years. The Ethiopian fighters. The contribution of its Andemariam, a veteran fighter lives. Unfortunately, the attack located at the further eastern end army, like a chocking person, fighters is such that no nation, who rose to the rank of Major was called off because it was of Massawa, one has to cross the struggled to get Massawa back for whatever it does, can repay this General and later to General in the assessed as a failure. Sigalet causeway, which links months and had the city bombed debt. The nation may build statues the inland part to the island. It is with jet fighters, killing many or establish parks dedicated to its generally known as Sigalet Ketan. civilians. heroes. It may name its schools, (Ketan is for narrow in Tigrigna). streets, or other public places after Sigalet is a causeway, less than two The Dergue, (the then Ethiopian them. But none of these acts can kilometers in length. If one wishes Government) survived the 1977 pay the debt. Every nation owes its to reach wushti Baxie, (Baxie, or chokehold due to the shift in the existence to such people. Massawa proper) on land, there is balance of power created by the no other route except Sigalet, the interference of the Eastern Bloc Take the United States for narrow causeway. countries, in general, and that of instance. It is indebted to its the Soviet Union, in particular. patriots, revolutionaries and If the EPLF was to avoid With the end of the Cold War, the liberation heroes who fought a December 1977, it had to tackle Ethiopian Army lost its biggest more powerful government that this problem. A determined supporters, which spelt doom was better equipped and more Ethiopian army, equipped with for the Ethiopian occupation of experienced. Undiscouraged heavy weapons, and ready to Eritrea. In short, the Dergue was and undeterred by their lack of Eritrean Army after independence destroy any EPLF attempt to cross not fortunate in 1991 as luck didn’t training, supplies, and experience, (page 423). “To check the advance Fourteen years later, another the causeway, and frustrate the call again. they fought the British during the of our forces, the enemy filled the assault was staged against the taking of Massawa stood at the American Revolutionary War April salt-fields with water from the sea. Ethiopian army in Massawa and other end. It was clear that some Testifying to the role of the 19, 1775 and September 3, 1783, What Gherezgiher Andemariam its environs. This time, the well- price had to be paid, to clear the EPLF tanks in the battle, three when the British recognized the US (Wuchu) said during the thick of equipped and more experienced Ethiopian soldiers that blocked tanks stand in a square outside the as a sovereign nation. Similarly, the battle is retold to this day and EPLF fighters were determined the gate to Baxie. Though the St. Mary’s Church in Massawa. India owes its independence to serves as an evidence to the ferocity that 1977 would not happen again. EPLF also used its speed boats The inscription just below each its freedom fighters, which lay of the battle. His unit was in Salina Massawa was like an Eritrean and battered enemy positions from tank tells the major battles the down their lives for their country. [the salt-fields in Massawa] and Masada. The attack was planned the sea, the advance from land was fighters used the tanks for, during They fought British colonial rule, the water rose to their waist and and executed with such speed seriously challenging its authority the Artillery Unit of the EPLF and military prowess that an to govern the Indian sub-continent stopped shelling enemy positions Ethiopian, an eye-witness of the since the late 1850s. The struggle because the fighters were very fighting around Massawa and its intensified following the formation close to the enemy and it did not environs, Tele Salbana, the author of the Indian National Congress, want to cause unnecessary casualty of ‘Ay Mixiwa’ (a book based on which adopted the non-violence from friendly fire. Gherezgiher his observations and experiences approach, which was led by Andemariam (Wuchu) picked up of the battle) wondered if this Mahatma Gandhi Eritrea, which his communications radio and was the same EPLF the Ethiopian rose to the status of nationhood said: army fought for 20 years. To block after thirty years of armed struggle, reinforcements from Asmara, is no exception. ‘Shell ours and the enemy’s the book recounts, the EPLF cut positions – without distinguishing’. the Asmara-Massawa road, and Massawa, which has an important “In the thick of such ferocious repulsed attacks to get the highway place in the annals of the armed battle, such words reflect the reopened. Unaware that the EPLF struggle, the scene of decisive heroism and dedication of was now equipped with modern battles, has testified to this truth the EPLF fighters, and has a weaponry captured at Afabet, and very crucial for a big army was the struggle. They remind visitors twice – in 1977 and 1991. People message pregnant with meaning. greatly encouraged by its ability needed to rout out the Ethiopian and Massawa residents that Eritrea, lay down their lives for others on a Gherezgiher Andemariam to deal a deadly blow to its enemy, army in wushti Baxie. and the city, in particular, was daily basis, though such people are (Wuchu) said these words because and its experiences of the past 20 After heavy fighting, EPLF tanks freed from the shackles of colonial few and far between. The majority he believed such sacrifice in the years, the author misses the lesson got the causeway open. At their rule at a cost. perceive the acts of these selected midst of enemy territory could the Front had learnt. The Ethiopian heels, some EPLF foot soldiers The great teacher, History, few as rare and heroic, and beyond open the gate for the fall of the army probably had forgotten Salina, followed and the battle for the shows us nations are redeemed by the capacity of the majority of Naval Base and its control by the the Massawa salt fields, but the liberation of the city started. Losing the heroic acts of their fighters. the population. Irrespective of EPLF fighters. It is for this reason EPLF had not. It was determined their strategic point, Ethiopian Some among the people pay the opinions of the majority, the that he said these words. And this that it should not happen again, soldiers quickly lost ground. As heavier prices than others. The existence of a nation depends was the purpose of the battle being hence the detailed planning and happened in major battles during price becomes all the more heavier on the sacrifice of such people. fought at the front.” the speed of execution. Therefore, the armed struggle, fighters paid because they know they won’t Imagine how a society would fare Massawa fell to EPLF hands on with their lives to liberate Massawa be able to see the fruits of their if its fire fighters, police officers, Most certainly, the fighters the 10th of February 1991 in less and secure the release of a section sacrifices. It is true, people prize soldiers, and the armed forces valued their lives. And yet, they than four days. of Massawa’s civilian population, themselves more than any other didn’t work selflessly. knew that if they advanced they whom Ethiopian generals in the thing. But sometimes, people are would run into the jaws of death. The battle was swift but was not city kept hostage, to delay, and if motivated by a higher principle Ahmed Tahir Baduri, in Eritrea: Despite this fact, they didn’t retreat. without its challenges. possible, to frustrate the liberation and give their lives to a cause Guuzo ab Tezekrotatey, writes of It appeared for them, the fall of the If one wishes to enter Massawa, of the port-city. The battle led not higher than their fleeting lives. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 13 February, 2021 No.68 4

valentine from Sabrina Solomon

seen holding hands and flirting on the streets and others go to snack bars and lounges. The cafes on the streets are decorated with homesparkling lights and red heart shaped balloons. There are also places that have special night events with discounted entrance fees for couples.

As we know, people usually express their wishes and show on, which usually involve physical due to COVID-19, which doesn’t their care by exchanging gifts, contacts. But unfortunately, this allow us to express our affection going on dates, having dinner at time around, things have changed physically. So let’s be together restaurants, visiting places and so through our hearts.

It might be cold like the winter and may seem like a maze with a dead-end. Our hearts might crumble knowing that we won’t be with those we love but with When you think of the second commemorated as a public holiday our answerless echoes. In times month of the New Year, the first in any country, it is recognized as like these, let’s provide our love thing that comes to mind is the a significant cultural celebration for one another, especially today, feast of Saint Valentine that is of romance in many parts of the through our smart phones even if commemorated around the world world and is marked by people we might still feel very distant. on February 14. In our country, sending gifts and greetings of When all of this finally ends we in addition to commemorating love. Such gifts include red roses, are going to be together again. Operation Fenkil, when we which are symbols of enduring Everything is going to go back to think of February, we remember passion to profess undying love. normal, but until then send your Valentine’s Day, the month that Other symbols include Cupid, dearest wishes to your forever grants us a golden opportunity the son of Venus, the Goddess Valentine from home. Happy to officially express our love to of love, chocolates which are Valentine’s Day! those we adore. associated with fertility, greeting cards, love knots and love birds For those in love, nothing which signify everlasting fidelity compares to the joy of spending and love. the day with a loved one. For years, people around the . world have always celebrated Although Valentine’s Day is Valentine’s Day with pomp and celebrated on February 14, it is local news color, accompanied by gifts. preceded by the Valentine’s week, This year however, it will be a where lovers have an opportunity celebration like no other. The to gift one another through the 7 Exemplary vegetables farmers in Akordet resilience of the human spirit day period starting on February 7, has been tested to its limits. For usually marked as the Rose Day. The vegetables and fruits farmers in Akordet sub-zone reported that they are working hard to some, the pandemic has meant This is followed by the proposal develop their farming activities and supply the markets with fruits and vegetables with fare prices. spending an unprecedented time day on February 8, chocolate day with loved ones at home, while on February 9, teddy bear day on One of the exemplary farmers Mr. Musie Berhe who cultivating fruits and vegetables in 37.5 for others, the lockdown means February 10, and promise, hug hectares of land said that the secret of success is that he applies the advice he receives from spending long moments away and kiss day on February 11 – 13 agricultural experts in terms of identifying seeds, proper use of resources as well as other farming from loved ones. respectively. modalities including season of cultivation and proper application of fertilizers and pesticides.

Valentine’s Day traces its Although it is not widely Indicating that the Akordet area is very conducive for vegetables and fruits farming, Mr. Musie origins from the Roman festival practiced, young couples in called on fellow farmers to adhere to the advice they receive from agricultural experts and organize of Lupercalia. Although the day our country started celebrating themselves into cooperatives for better outcome. came to be celebrated as that of Valentine’s Day in recent years. romance from around the 14th On this day, just like the rest Pointing out that there are a number of vegetables and fruits farmers in the sub-zone, Mr. Tedros century, it was at the end of the of the world, couples go out Gebremariam, head of the Ministry of Agriculture in the sub-zone, commended the exemplary 5th century (AD 496) that Pope on dates in various places to farmers for the initiative they took to introduce select vegetables and fruits seeds and in applying Gelasius replaced the festival of celebrate their love wearing red they receive from experts. Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s outfits to different places. Some Day. Although the day is not go to calm restaurants, some are