Vol 28. No.1 Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Eritrean delegation on working visit to India with different Indian officials.

The delegation on 8 March had separate meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval, for extensive discussion on multifaceted bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The two officials stressed that India was very keen to take its relationship with forward and that there are many possibilities for a stronger partnership. The two sides agreed to boost economic and In its yesterday’s meeting, manufacturing. social cooperation as well as in key the delegation met with Indian sectors of trade and investment. Business leaders under the auspices The delegation also held of Federation of Indian Chambers meetings at the All India Institute Senior Eritrean delegation Advisor, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, who They also agreed to hold regular of Commerce and Industry. The for Medical Sciences and the Indian comprising Foreign Minister are conducting a four-day working consultations and exchanges on discussions centered on investment Agricultural Research Institute to Osman Saleh and Presidential visit in India, met and held talks pertinent issues and developments. opportunities for Indian companies explore cooperation in health and in Eritrea, with particular focus agriculture, in the areas of capacity National School Leaving Certificate Exams on energy, water, agriculture and building and research. This year’s National School Bisirat said that 88% of participants th Leaving Certificate Exam (NSLCE) are students who have been attending 30 Independence Day will be carried out from 12-17 April, regular classes at the Warsay-Yikaalo Dr. Bisirat Gebru, Director of Testing School in Sawa. celebrations Center at the National Institute of The National Holidays Organizing Committee announced that this year’s Higher Education and Research She pointed out that the exams 30th Independence Day Anniversary, May 24, will be celebrated under the Institute disclosed. cover 12 subjects and that about theme “Resilient-As Ever”. 14 thousand students are sitting for Noting that the examinations will the examination in which 47% are The Organizing Committee also indicated that preparation is already be held in 8 stations including Sawa, females. underway to enthusiastically celebrate the Independence Day at national Asmara, Assab, Ala, Dekemhare, and regional levels. Hagaz, May-Habar and Nakfa, Dr. This year’s National School Leaving Certificate Exam (NSLCE) will be conducted under strict COVID-19 preventive measures Announcement from the including prior PCR testing for teachers, examiners, supervisors and Ministry of Health other personnel. Fifty-four patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID- 19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka, Partial flight Southern, Northern Red Sea, and Anseba Regions.

Out of these, twenty-nine patients are from Quarantine Centers to resume in Ghirmaika (18), Om-Hajer (5), Shambiqo (3), Barentu (2), Adibara (1), in Gash Barka Region. Twenty-two patients are from and to from Quarantine Centers in Adi Quala (10), Enda Ghiorghis (6), Mendefera (4), and, Senafe (2), Southern Region. Two other Asmara patients are from the Quarantine Center in Massawa, Northern The Ministry of Transport and Red Sea Region. The last patient is from the Quarantine Center Communications announced that in Keren, Anseba Region. partial flight from and to Asmara will resume in mid-April. The total number of recovered patients accordingly stands at 3166 while the number of deaths stands at ten. According to the program, there will be weekly flights The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has from Asmara- increased to 3447. and Asmara-Dubai under strict preventive measures for COVID- Ministry of Health 19 including prior PCR testing, Asmara Rapid Antigen Testing upon 9 April 2021 arrival at the Airport and other preventive measures. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 2

Poor Analysis and Preposterous Recommendations - Exploring the ICG’s Latest Report

Zecharia Hasebela campaign by the TPLF that aims to sow confusion, hide the objective Late last week, the International situation, and help the last vestiges Crisis Group (ICG) released a report of the group climb out of the sorry entitled, “Ethiopia’s : debacle that they find themselves A Deadly, Dangerous Stalemate” in. (2 April). Regrettably, the report is heavily flawed. Not only is it Unfortunately, that the ICG has full of misguided assumptions resorted to repeating these sordid and misplaced assertions, it also allegations is not overly surprising, fails to appropriately contextualize particularly in light of its long track or properly perceive the current record of flawed commentary on situation. In the end, the report and poor analysis of Eritrea. The forwards a myopic and untenable sad, but undeniable, truth is that in policy approach that will do little to its periodic reports and prognoses further peace, justice, and stability on Eritrea during the past ten years, in Ethiopia or the broader region. the ICG has repeatedly and grossly misrepresented the country. The To begin, the ICG report litany of recurrent faults include: including supporting subversive attack last year. What’s more, this brutality, are strongly set against it. uncritically parrots the discredited distorting or omitting key facts; the groups, inciting ethnic violence, and neglect greatly distorts the picture They want and demand justice and accusations about Eritrea. These wanton disregard of the country’s sponsoring assassinations, all in the and obscures proper understanding accountability, not a return to the outrageous allegations are utterly progress and achievements; and an hopes that the resultant instability of the prevailing situation. As a horrors of the past. As the former PM false; while they have received entrenched bias and hostility that is and insecurity would prevent and result, any possible steps forward of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, considerable attention from difficult to explain and comprehend. roll back the reforms underway and discussed - based as they are on a declared, “Ethiopians should not be mainstream outlets, they lack In some of the highly flawed reports ultimately topple Ethiopia’s Federal fundamentally incorrect reading expected to embrace such a sinister substantive evidentiary support and published in the past, Eritrea has even Government. This would, according of the situation - will be inherently and dangerous party in the guise of have increasingly been debunked. been portrayed as a “failed state on to its calculus, allow the group to flawed, if not extremely dangerous. a so-called all-inclusive dialogue.” In any event, the allegations have the brink of disintegration” with so- sneak back into power to restore its been strongly rejected by the called “experts” contemplating the former dominance. Accordingly, this leads in to Moreover, the group has, time and Eritrean government, and they are “timelines for collapse” and drawing the final major problem with again, demonstrated that it is not a completely alien and a sick affront up “transitional plans”. Eritrea’s During the past several years, the the ICG’s report: couching its genuine or willing partner for peace, to the proud history, culture, and repeated efforts over the years to TPLF was also actively preparing recommendations in terms of reconciliation, and cooperation, norms of Eritrea and its military seek redress to problematic reports for war, stockpiling weapons, and supposed humanitarian concerns, either in Ethiopia or the surrounding establishments. have invariably been ignored. training over 250,000 militias and it preposterously urges for region. Its violence over the Special Forces (by embezzling accommodation of the TPLF’s years, and the high crimes it has The reality is that the sordid Second, the ICG’s recent report and diverting development funds). remnants, which is myopic and perpetrated during the past several allegations are being willfully completely omits the fundamental Furthermore, it stoked tensions and fraught with perilous potential months, mean that it has forfeited concocted and rapidly disseminated facts and key context that underlie dangerously ratcheted up violent, consequences to the region. any opportunity to be a part of the by TPLF remnants and its supporters the prevailing situation in the Tigray extremist, and hateful speech, while country’s peaceful political future. for ulterior reasons and objectives. region of Ethiopia. Recall that completely rejecting all overtures Certainly, the humanitarian Even now, the group has continued Specifically, they are a part of exciting winds of hope and optimism for peace or constructive dialogue. situation in the of to reject calls to peacefully surrender a frantic, last-ditch propaganda began to unfold in the Horn of Ethiopia merits attention. In this under the promise of amnesty, Africa in 2018, as the countries of This was the historical backdrop regard, it is encouraging that the instead organizing terrorist cells and the region came together in a new to the brutal, reckless attack that the has stepped death squads to carry out sabotage, spirit of peace and cooperation. TPLF launched on all contingents up its efforts to address the situation block humanitarian assistance, and These developments were greeted of Ethiopia’s Northern Command and has made enormous progress. conduct assassinations. with euphoria by the people of the on the night of 3 November last However, although these positive region and much lauded by the year. The TPLF’s objectives - which developments have increasingly Finally, accommodating the TPLF Published Every international community. it openly boasted of - were to take been recognized, and despite some now guarantees it impunity and sets Published Every Saturday & Wednesday control of the Northern Command of the international community’s an extremely dangerous precedent WednesdayPublished & SaturdayEvery Saturday & Wednesday However, the TPLF, having (which possessed 80% of Ethiopia’s incessant condemnations and vows both in Ethiopia and the broader been swept from power in Ethiopia entire weaponry) and then march to of alarm, international assistance region. Essentially, such a course of Acting Editor on the back of years of popular Addis Ababa in order to topple the for the humanitarian challenges action loudly tells everyone in the AmanuelActing EditorMesfun opposition and protest to its Federal Government. The plan also remains woefully short of what is region that justice and accountability Amanuel Mesfun extremely repressive, corrupt rule, involved the goal of invading Eritrea required. Therefore, in cooperation can be neglected, as well as that [email protected] Mesfun [email protected] began doggedly working to scuttle to implement “regime change” with Ethiopia, the international armed force and violence will not the positive developments. The and incorporate large swathes of community should marshal only go unpunished, they will be P.O.Box: 247 P.O.Box: 247 group, which had maintained power sovereign Eritrean territory into necessary humanitarian assistance rewarded. Tel: 11-41-14 for nearly 30 years through absolute Tigray. Contrary to all of its plans and help deliver it those in dire need Fax: 12-77-49 force backed by the unconditional and expectations, the TPLF failed. with the utmost urgency. The ICG would do much better to E-mail: support of foreign states, sought to accept reality. Rather than attempts [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er block the positive developments For the ICG to somehow However, the humanitarian to resuscitate a defunct force that Advertisement: 12-50-13 and stymie any efforts at reform or neglect these crucial facts and situation cannot be deployed as a is largely isolated and remains change. Deeply bitter and resentful wholly neglect consideration of cover to advance ulterior political absolutely despised by the vast about its loss of power and control this critical historical context is ends and salvage the remnants of majority of Ethiopia and the broader Layout Azmera Berhane over looted state resources, the shocking and unacceptable. Not the TPLF. For one, accommodating region, there should be stronger AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane only does it completely whitewash the TPLF now is impractical: the demands for accountability for the Sara Alem TPLF retreated from Addis Ababa AidaSaraSara JoharAlem to its base in Tigray. From there, the TPLF’s long history of serious vast majority of Ethiopians and the TPLF and more pressure should be it worked relentlessly to promote crimes, it fails to condemn - even surrounding region, having suffered exerted on it to cease its ongoing conflict, tension, and chaos, almost absolving - it for its brutal decades of TPLF crimes and crimes. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 3

Unpacking Last-ditch Efforts to Save Defunct TPLF Clique

but actually very telling, to see these days are the new allegations how those who have made the of rape and sexual violence. The allegations and reports have London-based Sunday Telegraph responded when presented with even reported that “rape was legitimate queries. Rather than being used as a weapon” by being open to dialogue and Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers seeking to address the criticisms, and the latter “told one victim as would be expected by anyone that we are here to make you HIV searching for truth and accuracy, positive”. they have doubled down on Again, anyone with a minimal their claims and either ignored understanding or knowledge or attacked those who have about Eritrean culture, society, contradicted them. and norms would know that these allegations are absolutely By: Bana Negusse, have been solicited from criminal Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion The “ Massacre” may preposterous and devoid of truth. Abrahm Tesfay elements in the first place. The also commented that attendees have been the main tool of fact is many of those sheltered in enjoyed the celebration of St. demonization against Eritrea in In as far as the Sunday One of the oldest sayings is the make-shift camp are militants Mary “peacefully.” the concerted efforts to cover up Telegraph article is concerned, that in conflict, truth is often the and former members of the the high crimes of treason and a simple cross-checking of first casualty. Among the clearest notorious TPLF militias who fled What cannot be overlooked is insurrection of the TPLF clique. facts would have illustrated the and most apt examples of this to Sudan after their involvement also how the narrative about the But there were other fabricated logical fallacy of this outrageous adage that one could ever find is in the hideous massacre and claimed massacre has continued accusations – and new ones are narrative. HIV prevalence in current distorted “news analysis ethnic cleansing of hundreds of to mutate over time, with the being hatched these days – to Eritrea – which hovered around and reporting” of the situation in civilians in Mai-Kadra in early alleged number of victims maintain the momentum and 4% in the early 1990s – has Tigray Region, Ethiopia. November last year. Furthermore, and supposed circumstances intensity of the demonization been reduced significantly in compelling evidence (including constantly changing. Thus, the campaigns. the past decades as a result of Indeed, over the past several video clips) exists of civilians account of the massacre has comprehensive and aggressive months, we have been inundated being “coached” by TPLF shifted from being an incident In this regard, the main government health policy, with a seemingly endless stream supporters both in Tigray Region driven by an attempt to steal the allegation against Eritrea in the intensive community-based of sordid reports; of repetitive and elsewhere on how to respond “historic Arc of the Covenant” first weeks of the conflict revolved public awareness campaigns, claims of “gruesome crimes to reporters and investigators. on St. Mary’s Day (Nov. 30th) around “vicious attacks on and sensitization programmes committed by Eritrean forces”. to being portrayed as a “cruel forced refoulement of refugees in schools and youth clubs, Precursory investigations reveal The subsequent Human retaliatory attack” a couple of from the Hitsat and Shimelba interventions by religious groups, that these allegations are not Rights Watch (HRW) report days earlier after skirmishes to camps”. This allegation has faded as well as the un-inhibitive use only utterly false but are in is no different – both in terms later involving “house-to-house” with time due to incontrovertible of condoms. These integrated fact willfully disseminated by of malicious intent and flawed killing of civilians. evidences to the contrary. The programmes have reduced HIV Eritrea’s arch-enemies for ulterior methodological approach such full story is still emerging but it infection prevalence to 0.36%, reasons and objectives. as failure to verify evidence and Likewise, it was declared that portrays of corrupt ties between while new infection rates stand credibility as well as neutrality of bodies were gathered and buried the UNHCR and the TPLF’s at 0.2%. The comparative current During recent weeks and sources – from the AI report. In a in mass graves. One “investigative ARRA (Refugee Agency), of figure Tigray Region of Ethiopia months, a preposterous story way, this is not surprising in view group” produced “satellite embezzlement of funds, of is 4.2% in urban areas of “Massacre at Axum” was of the decades-old hostile agenda images” to corroborate the using “refugees” for subversive propagated in mainstream media of these two organizations against false narrative. Later, as serious agendas, as well as UNHCR’s Furthermore, sexual violence, outlets with intense frequency and Eritrea. doubts on the veracity of these collusion in the larger scheme in all its manifestations, is illicit, wide spatial coverage. Time and accounts persisted, the much- of “strategic depopulation” intolerable, and totally abhorred closer scrutiny have now poked Other reports fall into the touted “evidence-based existence in Eritrea to undermine its in Eritrean society. Eritrea’s massive holes in this fabricated same category. Remarkably, of mass graves was abandoned” defensive and developmental Customary Laws – which date narrative. First off, the various even something seemingly as altogether and supplanted with a capabilities and prospects. The back to the 15th Century – reports supposedly confirming basic as the date of the supposed new narration. This time round, harrowing stories also establish included provisions for social the allegations, principally massacre is shrouded in gaping the new story was there were no TPLF attacks and reprisals on the ostracism and harsh penalties, originating from biased groups incoherence and inconsistency. graves since hyenas had actually refugees in the early days of the mainly aimed at preserving the with a history of seeking “regime While various reports claim that devoured the corpses. Similarly, conflict. In any event, Eritrea’s dignity of victims, in accordance change” in Eritrea and who have the massacre took place on 28- the number of reported victims policy on forced refoulement is with the respective indigenous frequently made false claims about 29 November last year, there is has also fluctuated significantly. clear and available in the public laws. the country, lack any semblance clear video footage and extensive record: it only accepts refugees of rigorous, transparent, and news broadcasts of the church For any reasonable, objective who wish to return on their own As well, during Eritrea’s long independent fact-finding work or congregation – comprising person, the various claims and volition. What is more, during struggle for independence, the investigation. thousands of people – celebrating reports, replete with factual the past year alone, well over Eritrean People’s Liberation Front an annual festival in a completely contradictions, numerous 40,000 Eritreans have returned (EPLF) gave special attention to The heavily criticized Amnesty normal and serene fashion the discrepancies, and glaring voluntarily from neigbouring egalitarian, popular democratic International (AI) report, for very next morning. What’s more, inconsistencies, not only fail to countries – the majority of them principles and ideals, with a instance, was based on the reporters who were actually in provide a scintilla of confirmation from Ethiopia – due to COVID- particular focus on women’s and testimony of some 31 individuals Axum from 29-30 November or support for one another, but related challenges. gender-related issues. Thus, it from the Hamdayet Refugee have stated that they saw “no they provoke a host of serious enacted new laws in 1978 – while camp in neighboring Sudan. widespread, indiscriminate questions of veracity and motive. In addition to these accusations, False testimonies should not killing” while servants for the It is also extremely unfortunate, what has attracted much spotlight continued on page 6 Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 4 traditional medicine in eritrea

mikal tesfay stomachache, cough and depression. To serve as medicine When I recently suffered ginger is crushed up and put from that painful acne, one of in boiling water. Aloe Vera is my friends advised me to use used in treating hepatitis, and cinnamon as treatment. So I Fenugreek leaves are commonly crushed the cinnamon to form a used as medicine for diarrhea. powder and added a teaspoon of One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds, honey to make it into a face pack. boiled and fried in butter, should I applied it and after 15 minutes, be taken with a cup of butter I washed it off with water and milk in the treatment of diarrhea. it really worked wonders on my There are also traditional face. My intention here is not to medicines such as “Saero-saero” tell you how the face pack worked and “shtora”, known for healing on my face but to share with you people suffering from some that some medicines are in our form of a sunstroke, known as kitchen, although we may not be “weqeii”. Other common herbs aware of that, and that the cultural used as medicine are neem and practices, including traditional linseed. medicine, have deep roots. People do not seek traditional Traditional medicine (TM), treatments for no reason. is that the healers do not use TM, being as old as humanity inadvertently causes serious health which is embedded in the beliefs There are reasons that push the sterilized tools, especially during itself, is embedded in the beliefs complications that sometimes of a community, is the sum total community to seek treatment circumcision, uvulectomy, and of the communities, and people lead to death. Aware of the of the knowledge, skills and from TM. For instance, many injecting herbs. As a result, the risk will continue seeking treatment vexing role and challenges that practices based on theories, beliefs parents believe that TM is is heightened and many patients from TM as it is readily accessible traditional medical practices pose and experiences indigenous to a the safest way to cleanse the become subject to disabilities and accepted by communities. to modern health services, almost given community, and it is used in children’s gastro-intestinal tract and transmitted diseases as these It touches the issue of culturally all national health systems in the the maintenance of health as well (GIT). Besides, many members practices are often associated constructed notion of illness developing world have devised as in the prevention, diagnosis of the society believe that the with poor hygienic procedures and health. Therefore, the MoH several global and regional or treatment of physical and only remedy for illnesses related and use of unsterilized tools. should promote more studies mechanisms and protocols to psychological ailments. It has to mental instability is traditional to assess the benefits and risks optimize TM’s benefits while played a great role in managing medicine. The Ministry of Health (MoH) of TM practices, establish their mitigating its unintended adverse and curing both communicable acknowledges the fact that TM safety, and understand traditional consequences. and non-communicable diseases In choosing a traditional is filling an important vacuum in health practitioners and for millennia. TM is popular health practitioner, the society terms of providing basic health conventional health practitioners’ Eritrea, too, has been handling across African populations base their decisions on the services in remote parts of the attitude towards integration to this delicate balance with the that rely on it for their primary popularity of the traditional country. But it is also keenly successfully integrate TM into the requisite prudence. In a speech healthcare needs. TM is commonly health practitioner, nature of their aware of the potential drawbacks health system and attain universal delivered at the opening session practiced in Africa because of its of a multi-stakeholders’ workshop acceptability, perceived efficacy, a few years ago, the Eritrean affordability, accessibility, and Minister of Health, Ms. Amina the psychological comfort it gives Nurhusien stated “….traditional patients along with the acute medicine has a long history in our shortage of conventional health society and is widely practiced. It professionals in much of Africa. originates from a strong historical and cultural heritage at the local The Eritrean society uses several level and is practiced by well- herbal medicines. One of the most known and respected members of common traditional medicines the community. The community used by Eritrean mothers is rue. had – and has – confidence and Rue, known as Chena Adam in strong beliefs in the practitioners’ Tigrigna, generates heat and is abilities and remedies….” widely used on babies suffering from common cold, stomachache, The Eritrean people are the and diarrhea. To use rue as result of their history and culture. treatment Eritrean mothers first They have developed and used TM grind the rue finely, fry it in oil and traditional medical practices and cool it down before they use way before the emergence of it. I once saw my mom applying modern health facilities and the same procedure and rubbing medicine. So, asking them to my little sister’s chest with it. My totally abandon their traditional sister woke up well and sound the practices, including TM, may not next morning. bear desirable results. What is illness, accessibility of the healer, since some, if not all, of the TM health coverage. needed, instead, is enlightening Another traditional medicine concordance between the healer’s practices may inevitably expose them about the positive and commonly used among Eritrean and their cultural identity or patients to avoidable hazards due TM almost always disregards negative consequences of TM societies is ginger, which is religious belief, and affordability to unqualified practitioners and professional safety, standards and find ways of using TM in a believed to give relief from of the services. The problem here unsafe practices. and regulatory control. It regulated manner. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 5

Fasting during Lent and Ramadan

Sabrina Solomon from consuming any kind of food or drink until 2 or 3 o’clock in These days, whenever I pass by the afternoon, or only give up the big building that is a few blocks meat and other animal products away from my work place, I see a without fasting. Similarly, during lot of women and men standing Ramadan, Muslims abstain from scattered on the sidewalks. The eating or drinking from dawn to bright white piece of their clothing sunset and eat any type of food to and a complementing mask make break the fast, with the exception the street vibrant. Seeing those of, of course, haram food, which is peaceful people during the rush forbidden at all times. hour makes me want to join them. For the last couple of weeks, the Over and above its religious same scene has kept stealing my values, fasting helps us in many focus. You may be wondering other ways. During Ramadan, for what they do there every day at instance, families are encouraged to the same hour. Or perhaps you share their food with disadvantaged have encountered the same scene families, which through centuries recently. of practice has become a norm. Fasting also helps develop self- drinks but also expected to refrain drink to break the fast. The food the lowlands as this season is hot, The people I encounter every control. Being able to deal with from exhibiting bad behavior eaten during Lent heals the body and the hotter the season, the more afternoon after I get off work are the hunger that you feel shows such as badmouthing, lying and as it is mostly organic. As much dehydrated one gets. As for age, devout Christians who pray facing your ability to control your mind quarreling. as you stay away from the junky it is a bit concerning for young St. Michael’s church. Christians as the hunger that you feel is not and fatty food, you can maintain a kids to fast for long hours and be have now been fasting for more necessarily caused by the physical In the past, people were advised fit body and fasting can be a good restricted in terms of what they than four weeks, and every day need. A lot of the hunger that to never skip breakfast and to eat way to achieve it. For Muslims, as eat. Fasting is also challenging from noon till two o’clock, you can we feel is the result of years of small portions every two hours the daily eating window is much for people with health problems, notice people standing at a distance practicing a certain eating pattern to be healthy. But recent studies shorter than the fasting window, who take prescribed medicines and in front of churches attending the that eventually becomes a habit. have shown the benefits of fasting the body starts to burn fat for women who are menstruating. daily prayers. Therefore, through fasting people that go against this dominant energy because there is no food to can learn how to control their tradition. According to the studies, consume, and this leads to weight During Lent and Ramadan, Fasting is commonly practiced urges and desires. Also, a fasting intermittent fasting causes the loss. Fasting helps increase the we should all keep an eye on our in Eritrea during specific periods person who willingly abstains from insulin level in the body to be high level of muscle building and the bodies as excessive fasting might of the year. April this year happens food and drinks is likely to have resulting in loss of body fat, which human growth hormone, People end up affecting our health. In to be the month of fasting both empathy for the deprived and be eventually leads to weight loss. are also said to get more mental particular, young kids, people for Christians and Muslims. It motivated to give. clarity during the fasting period who are underweight and pregnant marks Lent for Christians and In Eritrea, the types of food and have increased productivity. women need to refrain from fasting. Ramadan for Muslims. Lent is Fasting can be good for the commonly eaten during Lent are Most importantly, though, we need an eight-week period of fasting, physical and psychological well- legumes and vegetables which are There can be some factors to know how to break the fast, prayers and penance practiced by being of a person. During the high in fiber and have low calories. that make fasting a bit more what to eat and drink and what to Christians before Easter. During fasting season, you are required Ground flax mixed with water, challenging, including weather avoid. Starting with soup or broth Lent, Christians either abstain not only to abstain from food and for instance, is the most preferred and the health condition and age and slowly moving to heavier food of the fasting person. In Eritrea, is usually recommended. Have a fasting might be more difficult in good fasting season! LOCAL NEWS New dam under construction in Dersenei As part of the effort to alleviate water problems both for humans and animals, a new dam is under construction in Dersenei administrative area, Logo-Anseba sub-zone. The dam is expected to hold 150 thousand cubic meters of water.

According to Eng. Misgun Andehaimanot, water and soil conservation expert at the Ministry of Agriculture branch in the sub-zone, upon completion, the dam will besides alleviating water problem will have significant contribution in the development of irrigation farming.

Mr. Zeragabir Tesfay, administrator of the sub-zone, said that the construction is being conducted with machinery help and includes construction of terraces and water diversion schemes.

The residents on their part commending the initiative taken to construct the dam in their area expressed readiness to reinforce participation for timely completion of the dam. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 6

Photo Taezaz Abraha

Unpacking Last-ditch . . .

critically important points to that sexual violence was rampant institutionalized ethnicity; and, TPLF failed. continued from page 3 keep in mind in regard to the posing a massive problem. ii) opt for secession, as a residual allegations about rape and sexual or Plan B, in the event that its Now, by disseminating still in the field – that abolished violence. Shortly after its defeat Overall, it is quite clear to stranglehold on exclusive power allegations of brutal crimes forced marriages, bride price, and retreat, the TPLF released any objective observer that the in Ethiopia was threatened or through a network of supporters child marriages, kidnappings, thousandsof criminals – some sordid allegations being peddled became untenable. In the second and well-placed, well- and dowries.This was especially estimates put the number at against Eritrea are preposterous scenario, the TPLF’s policy remunerated media figures and significant because the liberation well over 10,000 – from prison. and utterly false. The fact is that hinged on forcibly incorporating experts, the TPLF remnants aim movement was attracting a This was conducted alongside they are simply part of a blatant and annexing the majority of to cover up the group’s culpability huge number of female freedom other acts of destruction (such attempt to scapegoat Eritrea for Eritrean territory. for the current crisis in the region fighters. as destroying roads, airports, and the current crisis in the Tigray and shift blame to Eritrea. As telecommunications facilities) in Region of Ethiopia and to provide To cut a long story short, this well, it is hoped that by doing so Subsequently, after winning order to sow chaos and promote a lifeline to whatever remains of was the underlying policy and the last vestiges of the TPLF will its independence in 1991, instability, therefore posing the largely defunct TPLF. political backdrop of the massive be able to reverse the military Eritrea established detailed legal problems for Ethiopia’s federal attack that the TPLF launched debacle and offer the defunct provisions against rape and and local authorities. One can What is intriguing is why there on all contingents of Ethiopia’s clique some sort of lifeline. other sexual violence including; only shudder to think of what is almost a total blackout of the Northern Command on the sex trafficking and prostitution; mayhem ensued as a result of high crimes of the TPLF regime; night of 3 November last year. The vain, last-ditch efforts of pornography; adultery; and incest. the release of these thousands of why discussion of its dangerous The TPLF’s objectives – which TPLF hardliners is understandable These legal measures are part and criminals. acts of insurrection, the policies it openly boasted of – were to from their narrow perspective. parcel of the country’s strong and that incubated this act in the take control of the Northern What is baffling is why this far-ranging commitment to gender Moreover, even prior to the first place and the unimaginable Command (which possessed 80% dangerous policy is tolerated and equality and the empowerment of recent events in the Tigray chaos that would have ensued of Ethiopia’s entire weaponry) accommodated by certain external girls and women in all aspects of Region of Ethiopia, sexual based had its scheme succeeded remain and then march to Addis Ababa powers who profess – at least life and society. It is worth noting violence was not uncommon deafeningly muted. in order to topple the Federal verbally – benign intentions for that Eritrea’s efforts in this regard in the region. In fact, local and Government. The plan also peace and stability in the region. have, according to the African international mainstream media In this regard, what are the involved the goal of invading These contradictory positions are Development Bank, “gone a long – including BBC – community facts? The TPLF regime had Eritrea to implement “regime incompatible and betray sinister way towards achieving gender groups and organizations, as always pursued a dual agenda in change” and incorporating schemes that have nothing to do equality.” well as academic and health Ethiopia: i) maintain its monopoly sovereign Eritrean territories with the welfare of the peoples studies, frequently highlighted of political and economic into Tigray. Contrary to all of its of Eritrea, Ethiopia and the wider There are also several other how misogyny was common and power through a subtly-crafted, calculus and expectations, the region. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 7

Women in Health care

By Delina Yemane equality is not a faraway aspiration, but an attainable goal. Throughout the course of history, women have been an indispensable On the 19th of December, the Orotta part of the provision of healthcare. College of Medicine and Health From midwives to herbalists, from Sciences celebrated the graduation nurses to surgeons, their contributions of its class of 2020. Orotta College and achievements have been vital of Medicine and Health Sciences to health and medicine. A study was established in September 2018, conducted by Langer et al. in 2015 following a merger of two sister states that women deliver health care colleges, Orotta School of Medicine to around five billion people globally and Dentistry (OSMD, founded in and contribute about 3 trillion USD 2004) and Asmara College of Health annually to global health. Many of Sciences (ACHS, founded in 1995). the global health milestones reached At the December graduation, which over the past half-century wouldn’t was the 10th commencement for have been possible without the OSMD and the 12th commencement involvement of women. According for ACHS, a total of 471 students to the World Health Organization, in graduated. Of these, 42% were 2013 women accounted for 70% of female graduates. Half of the 10 were women. Similarly, in the Lead, “The pipeline that supplies face should be carefully considered the health and social care workforce graduates in the degree programs Department of Nursing, 9 out of the the educated workforce is chock- by their employers and possible worldwide while in Africa, they and 45.8% of the graduates in the 14 graduates with special mentions full of women at the entry level, solutions should be put forward. accounted for 54%. diploma programs were women. were women; and in the Department but by the time that same pipeline For instance, policies giving women However, women’s enrollment in of Optometry, 3 graduates had is filling leadership positions, it is paid maternity leave – a policy Looking back at our own history, certain programs such as medicine special mentions and all were overwhelmingly stocked with men”. upheld in Eritrea since Independence women made up almost one-third of and dentistry seems to still leave women. When it comes to the award In fact, according to the World -- is one of the best ways to help the liberation army during the struggle so much to be desired. Only 17.5% of medals for students who graduated Economic Forum, seven out of women keep their livelihood and for Eritrea’s independence, and of the graduates of Medicine and with the highest cumulative GPAs ten global health leaders are men, their jobs while fulfilling personal many of them worked as health care 34.4% of the graduates of Dentistry from their respective departments, meaning that globally, there is still a milestones. There are also other providers in various areas of health were women. women excelled. The medals for the long way to go to achieve equality. factors that can help women advance and medicine. Nurses, physicians, departments of Medicine, Dentistry, in their work, in this particular pharmacists, lab technicians and first The level of competitiveness Public Health, Pharmacy and Once women finish their case, women in the healthcare aid workers (both male and female) the women have exhibited in Optometry were all given to women; education, they are faced with the field. One of the most effective worked side-by-side to provide their academic performances is only the medals for the departments pressure to marry and have children actions is to utilize associations. healthcare to freedom fighters and impressive. Overall, 85 students of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and by a certain age. And once they have The National Union of Eritrean civilians in liberated areas. There was graduated with special mentions Nursing were awarded to men. settled down, women are usually the Women (NUEW), the Eritrean no gender discrimination, and there in the class of 2020 (earning a ones that take care of the household Medical Association (ERIMA), the were no gender differences when distinction, great distinction or Colleges are doing their duties and the children, at which point they Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association it came to getting the job done. In very great distinction status), and in producing competent and find themselves having not one, but (ERIPA), the Eritrean Public Health fact, it was an era marked by female of these 46 (54.1%) were women, competitive female health workers, two full-time jobs. This often leads Association (ERIPHA) and other empowerment, where women were outnumbering the men with the same but what happens after graduation? women to opt out of their careers -- similar organizations could prepare active participants in the decision- status. In fact, in the Department According to Sheryl Sandberg, CEO they either quit their jobs to become a forum for women, where they making process. This period of of Public Health, of the 12 who of Facebook and author of Lean stay-at-home mothers, or they settle can come together, share their our history ascertained that gender graduated with special mentions, In: Women, Work and the Will to for lower job positions or part-time experiences and help tackle gender- employment, and this hinders them specific problems. These meetings from achieving high-level jobs. As can also help them find mentors for those who manage to balance that guide them towards success in their competing demands, there may their career and network with other be the possibility of suffering from women in their fields, vital steps for burnout. A study conducted in the career advancement. US found that women physicians are 60% more likely to experience More women reaching high- burnout than their male counterparts. level jobs will have an impact that This may explain the fact that while goes beyond their own personal women constitute a great deal of the achievements. Watching self- healthcare workforce, there is still sufficient women shine in their great disparity when it comes to respective fields serves as a motivator high-level jobs. On the other hand, for younger generations of women researchers Sharon Meers and Joanna to do the same. Young girls begin Strober found that “children, parents to identify with successful women and marriages can all flourish when and strive to become just like them, both parents have full careers”. and in the process, they learn to take charge of their careers, to not shy It is perfectly fine for a woman to away from challenges and to excel be a stay-at-home mother if she so in all their endeavors, resulting in wishes, but what about those who a society filled with empowered want to strike a balance between women. And where there is female motherhood, marriage and their empowerment, there is a prosperous careers. These obligations that women society. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 10 April, 2021 Vol 28. No.1 8

The only female technician in Artificial Insemination at Halhale Dairy Farm, Asmait Debru grew up at Adi-Tseguar, Adi-Quala Sub-zone, and went to Sawa in 2013 to attend 12th grade at Warsay-Yikealo Senior Secondary School. She then studied Animal Science for two years at Sawa Center for Vocational Training (SCVT). While working at Halhale Dairy Kesete Ghebrehiwet Farm, she attended a course in Artificial Insemination (AI) and became a technician. An excerpt of her interview with “AI Technician:Eritrea Profile follows. A Passion I Cherished”

What motivated you to become learned that select cow species friends expressed concerns that farm activities. So, the benefit of an Artificial Insemination at a favorable condition can be I should rather attend another Artificial Insemination is both for technician? effectively inseminated in about course. But I was very determined the farmers and for the general 60 days following delivery. to attend the course. What I public. The more the farmers I had a passion to attend a course Semen from one bull can be learned from the experience I’ve increase their livestock and in Artificial Insemination since used to inseminate over 100 so far acquired is that women are dairy products, the more people I did a similar course at Sawa cows, which is an advantage of better off than men when it comes will benefit. So, my plan is to Center for Vocational Training. artificial insemination over the to Artificial Insemination. So, work hard to upgrade the skill The course I attended at Halhale natural process. I am now able there is nothing to be ashamed I’ve acquired and assist as many helped me to master the skill as AI to understand the nature and about; it is a profession that needs farmers as possible. technician, and I am now the only characteristics of Holstein Fresian to be studied equally by females. female AI technician in a unit that (HF), Brown Swiss (BS) and I call on all females to study a Do you think you have field of their interest without any inspired your siblings and other prejudice. like to help farmers in remote female students? areas appreciate the benefits What are your daily activities of Artificial insemination. It is Yes, all my sisters are good like and what difficulties have obvious that farmers work hard at school. They have been you faced at work? to boost their products and try demonstrating excellence in their to meet demands with whatever academic career. My experience I have to inseminate three to resource they have at hand. has been a good lesson for them six and, at times, eight cows a day. I do all the recording on the developments of each inseminated cow to clearly identify the history. I take all the necessary pre-cautions to avoid wastage of semen and do has five members. I used to work Cementla Flecvih (FV), species extensive checkups to prevent any at a dairy farm after graduating of cow that have been multiplied case of miscarriage. The follow- from the vocational school, and, at Halhale Agricultural Dairy ups continue until delivery. I also fortunately, Eritrea’s Crops and Farm. make the checkups after delivery Livestock Corporation offered to make sure that the cow is free me a chance to attend in a field Do you like working in a from any complication that could of my interest that enabled me profession mostly dominated by prevent pregnancy in the future. to achieve a passion I cherished men? for quite a long time. It has now How do you plan to upgrade been more than a year since I got I developed an interest in your skill? Despite relentless efforts farmers and for other female students in engaged in this work. I now do studying Artificial insemination have been facing difficulties in my village. everything independently; the when I was attending General I am very keen to share the increasing their products while insemination and all the recording Animal Science course at SCVT. skill I have acquired. I would adhering to traditional dairy Thank You activities that are quite decisive The eagerness intensified when for the success of the setout goal. I was offered a chance to attend the course in AI after graduating What was the nature of the from SCVT. Since the select training and in what way did it species of cows are very huge help you get your interest? and tall, one needs to be tall enough to carry out insemination The advanced Artificial without any difficulty and I was Insemination course includes very glad to fulfill that requisite. practical training provided at I am now very pleased to work in Asmara Canneries. The training this profession. enabled me to widen the scope of my knowledge in the field. What was the reaction of I’ve come to know the benefits of your female colleagues to your Artificial insemination over the decision to learn Artificial natural process. An artificially Insemination? inseminated cow is less prone to disease because select and There has been a notion that laboratory tested semen is this profession is only meant for used in the process. I’ve now males. And some male and female