Vol 22. No. 38 Saturday, 11th july, 2015 Pages 8, Price2.00 NFA

TDF2015: A historic day for Daniel, and Africa Ministry of Justice organizes seminars

The Ministry of Justice has been the Ministry’s conscious effort to conducting a series of seminars on make the new laws comprehen- the new Civil & Penal Codes to law sible to all Eritreans. enforcement & other stakeholders. Brig. General Abraha Kassa, The seminars were led by the Head of the National Security Minister of Justice, Ms. Fozia Agency, emphasized the need to Hashim, and included in-depth make all the necessary preparations discussions on the new codes. Le- to put the new legal provisions into gal experts who were involved in effect and encouraged regional and drafting the new laws also present- local authorities to take on this task ed several thematic papers. seriously. Minister Fozia underlined that The Ministry of Justice had giv- intensive efforts were made to en- en similar lectures to judges, pros- sure the coherence, efficacy and ecutors as well to members of the applicability of the new legal pro- Ministry Information in previous at the podium in the 7th TDF wearing the Polka Dot jersey visions. She further indicated that weeks. the new basic laws were prepared Eritrean rider, Daniel Tekle- ments on social media by Eritreans Eritrea to ever compete in the three- in all local languages as a sign of haimanot re-writes the history of cy- who followed him, from the edge of week race when he launched the cling at this year’s . their seats, the whole way to the fin- opening time trial off in the streets He was the first black African to ish line. of last weekend. compete at TDF and perhaps most His team’s official twitter page, “When I was young and watching impressively, he was the first Af- @TeamMTNQhubeka, tweeted the the Tour de France, I was always rican to wear the Polka Dot jersey following as Daniel crossed the fin- more excited by the fight for polka News Briefs as he took the “King of the Moun- ish line: dot jersey than the yellow one… tains” title after winning Stage 6, “#TdF2015 lost for words right One day with this jersey at the Tour which was held on Thursday, July 9. now... Battling to see what’s going would be enough for me. It won’t Daniel also extended his lead after on through the tears. Dream come be easy but I’m prepared to work Workshop in Guluj sub-zone winning the single climb in the 7th true to have the Polka Dot Jersey!” hard.” Daniel said after winning the stage of the Tour. Indeed, it was a memorable mo- King of the mountains title at Dau- A workshop focused on expanding medical services in the Guluj Daniel demonstrated an excep- ment in history that made his coun- phine. He certainly had his dream sub-zone was organized earlier this week. Health personnel, area ad- tionally high spirit of competitive- try, Eritrea, his team, MTN-Qhube- come true this past Thursday. ministrators and heads of different government institutions took part ness, covering 191.5 KMs, leading ka, and his continent, Africa, very Meanwhile, sports, and especial- in the workshop. The deliberations in the workshop centered on pro- over 80% of the competition time. proud. ly cycling fans all over Eritrea said moting community-based health services to prevent communicable Sports commentators worldwide Teklehaimanot, who won the that Daniel Teklehaimont is a role diseases and on the importance of according high priority for ensuring were lost for words as Daniel sped polka dot jersey at the Criterium du model and a great source of pride mother and child health care. away and reached the finish line. Dauphine, had also made history for Eritrean youths. He was showered with compli- at the TDF as the first rider from Summer work programme underway

Students Summer Work Program (SWP) is underway in the South- Eritrean Festival in Germany concludes ern Red Sea region. The Coordinator of the program, Mr. Berhane Gebregziabher, stated that over 300 students from Woldeab Wolde- mariam Secondary School are engaged in soil and water conservation th The 19 Festival of the Eritrean cultural performances, seminars, role that Diaspora members are ex- activities and planting tree seedlings. These annual one-month under- community members in Germany children entertainment and other pected to play in state affairs and takings by students all over the country during the vacation period has concluded with a spirit of unity activities. overall nation building efforts. have considerable dividends in national re-forestation and erosion and harmony. Mr. AlAmin gave a keynote Similarly, Eritrea’s Foreign Min- combating programmes. The festival that was opened by address during a public seminar ister, Mr. Osman Saleh briefed the Mr. AlAmin Mohammed-Seid, where he discussed the current participants on current regional and Area administrators elected in Shambko Secretary of the PFDJ, included situation in Eritrea and the active international developments, and drew attention to hostile, anti-Eri- The election of area administrators and village administrative com- trea confrontations being actively mittees was conducted in the Shambuko sub-zone this week. The elec- pushed by certain interest groups. tion took place in Girme, Tsibra, Bishuka, Anbori and Kona adminis- Minister Osman especially high- trative areas, in addition to the Shambko semi-urban centre. The newly lighted the baseless recent resolu- elected nationals expressed readiness to fulfill their duties with due tion that was passed in Geneva un- diligence and commitment. der the pretext of “human rights”. Members of the Eritrean com- Financial support to martyrs families munity in Germany, on their part, resolved to redouble their efforts to 5mil Nakfa contributed by Eritrean nationals residing inside the see through development projects country and abroad has been disbursed to families of fallen heroes in currently underway in Eritrea as the Southern region. Over 700 families in the region benefited from well as their commitment to con- the support. In related news, two Eritrean sisters, nationals of Ger- tribute to nation building efforts in many, have extended material support worth 22 thousand Nakfa in general. support of orphaned children. 19th Festival of the Eritrean community members in Germany Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 11th july, 2015 2

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR GIRMA ASMEROM PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ERITREA TO THE UN DURING THE BRIEFING BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL TO G77 AND CHINA

NEW YORK, 8 JULY 2015

Thank you Mr. hairman,

Eritrea reiterates its principled opposition to country specific resolutions, as they are Education is Key to Nation Building politically motivated and confrontational resolutions that do not serve the promotion and protection of human rights. The Government of Eritrea has long recognized education, and especially tertiary education, as a central element in sustainable Eritrea strongly believes that human rights can only be addressed through dialogue and growth, human capacity development, and nation building. cooperation. The UPR is the appropriate mechanism through which any concern for Human Following this, the Ministry of Education is empowered to Rights can be addressed without distinction. spend up to 45% of the annual national budget on education, with a considerable part of this going to tertiary education, which Eritrea also unequivocally rejects the adoption of another country specific resolution by the includes technical and vocational training. Human Rights Council on the bases of unfounded allegations. Renewing the mandate of Having inherited a country, and particularly an educational Special Rapporteur (SR) and Commission of Inquiry (COI) is unwarranted and unnecessary. system in ruins, the Government of Eritrea has made significant It is waste of UN resources that take away funds from programs aimed at building and effort in developing an educational system that not only responds strengthening the capacity of states in the promotion and protection of human rights as well to geographical realities – in terms of previously marginalized as eradication of poverty. The allocation of millions of dollars for two similar and communities that have had little or no access to education – but redundant country specific mandate holders is unacceptable and inefficient use of funds. also by tailoring the coursework given to the development and Using the Presidents own words I say “saving costs in the medium term to invest on core nation building needs of the country at large. activities as well as enhancing efficiency and working method of Human Rights The Government of Eritrea views higher education, including Council must be diligently implemented and practiced”. technical and vocational training, as an essential complement to educational efforts at all other levels as well as to national It must be underlined that the SR mandate holder is also a member of the COI mandate initiatives that are designed to boost innovation, productivity, holders; competitiveness, growth, and performance across economic this is the highest form of inefficiencies and inappropriate method of sectors. Having recognized the critical mass needed to meet these working. Mr. Chairman, extensive national needs for skilled manpower the Government I would, therefore, like to ask the President of the Human Rights Council the rational for the of Eritrea has consciously designed an educational system that established of two bodies, who will practically and substantively be doing the same thing takes into account its own geography by placing educational i.e. investigating and compiling reports on the human rights situation in Eritrea. centers and colleges at different regions around the country. So, for example, the College of Agriculture is located in Hamelmalo Mr. Chairman, and its students make use of the region’s green belt with its Overstepping his mandate, wittingly or unwittingly the President of the Human Rights Council in particularly fertile soil that is conducive to innovation in the his written statement in the third and fifth committee meeting yesterday on 7 July 2015, he has field of agriculture. Similarly, the College of Arts and Social commented on substantive issues concerning my country Eritrea. Therefore, I have no choice but Sciences is located in Adi Keyih, chosen for its proximity to yet respond and to appeal to him to follow the working method of the Human Rights Council and to untapped historical sites such as Kohaito and Belew Kelew. The stick to his mandate of reporting its activities. same logic is applied to the Marine College in Massawa, located there for its proximity to the Red Sea, and so on. It is crystal clear that the reports of the Special Rapporteur and Commission of Inquiry will be The Government of Eritrea empowers its students with presented by the mandate holders and substantially discussed by the Third Committee in October the capacity to gain and use knowledge, in all fields, through or November 2015 in New York. Then and only then Eritrea will rebut and dissect it in detail. hands-on practical experience as well as intensive theoretical The baseless accusations and allegations are simply a continuation of the escalation of politically background with the view of applying this knowledge to the motivated campaign to undermine the political, economic and social progress the country is making nation’s labor market through an active relationship with the including in the area of human rights. They are an attack not so much on the government but on productive sectors of the economy. resilient people and society that cherish human values and dignity. Obviously, challenges remain in terms of staffing and physical The President’s report concerning Eritrea is not only procedurally wrong it is opinionated and infrastructure, but the significant investment thus far and the judgmental. As Ambassador and Permanent Representative (PR) of sovereign state Germany he strong commitment, since the country’s independence, to is entitled to his opinion but not under the mandate he is currently holding. It must be underlined capacity building and knowledge production through education he is the president of the Human Rights Council, no less no more; he is neither the SR nor the has shown tangible results that a cursory view of national COI. Furthermore, as if he is a newspaper reporter from some media outlet he said “in Geneva statistics - which include increased literacy and numeracy, we saw demonstrations of thousands of Eritreans who gathered to protest the widespread access, enrollment, and retention rates - can attest to. human rights abuses in their home country and called for accountability” but he failed to mention the more than 10,000 Eritreans who on 22 June 2015 converged in Geneva from all over Local News Europe and rejected the SR and COI baseless report. Also injecting his judgment and opinion he Ayra and Tekonda’e: Soil said, “it is important to continue addressing this issue within the Human Rights Council and water conservation but also through the UN as a whole”. Moreover, I don’t even understand, unless it is meant to Published Every campaign sensational the issue why he said, “..the grave concern at this session was the fact that members Saturday & Wednesday of the Commission of Inquiry on Eritrea were subjected to threats and intimidation during their stay in Geneva, this is unacceptable”. This is a matter that he should have left for the The inhabitants of Ayra and Tekonda’e, in the Adi-Keih sub- concerned individuals to handle it through the Swiss legal system. Acting Editor zone, are carrying out effective Amanuel Mesfun soil and water conservation cam- Mr. Chairman, [email protected] paign. The undertaking involves In conclusion, the people of Eritrea and only the people of Eritrea are the determinant of their construction of terraces in moun- P.O.Box: 247 destiny. The three SR and COI members or any other body do not have a mandate or authority to tainous areas and planting tree Tel: 11-41-14 speak on their behalf. The Eritrean people are resilient; they know where they came from, where seedlings. In previous occasions, Fax: 12-77-49 they are, and where they are going. E-mail: the community members in Ayra profile@ zena.gov.er constructed 10km long terraces Finally, I want to underline that Eritrea is not only committed to international human rights Advertisement: 12-50-13 and dug more than 10 thousand values and principles, but is diligently working to implement and achieve the highest form of Layout holes for the planting of trees human rights standard. along the eastern escarpment in azieb habtemariam the locality. The Tokonda’e area Thank You Mr.Chairman received an award this year for exemplary achievement in affor- estation campaign. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 11th july, 2015 3

Capacity Building in Sawa VTC

Mela Ghebremedhin get a certificate instead of a degree. development projects in Eritrea and However, the program started with a high access to technology, Sawa is an educational hub that and he experienced the high level of heavy machineries, IT system its is often misrepresented as solely teaching methodology and variety in practically the ideal place for a center a military training area. However, coursework, he was quite impressed like this. The region allows students in addition to the Warsai Yekealo and found himself growing fond of to get their practical education by school, where students from all over this experience. contributing to the development of Eritrea converge for their final year the country. of high-school, Sawa also houses Many countries in Europe, for a vocational training center that is example, have similar system of For instance, students in the divided into seven departments, ‘apprenticeship’, in other words a agriculture sector are able to learn with which include building construction, system of learning between theory and the agricultural technology school in accounting, advanced machinery, practice, which allows the student to Hagaz, working on the field in Keren, wood and metal works, etc. This year, merge within the professional world. Hamelmalo, Elabered and also Gerset. th Sawa will be graduating its 28 round The vocational training center at Sawa Similarly, students in advanced students in drafting of 12th grade students as well as the uses a similar learning and teaching machinery spent one semester in 7th batch of those that have completed approach by dividing the coursework Kerkebet, Afabet or Akordet and are to learn if I had to pay as many do at their studies at the vocational training between theory, at 40%, and practice, taught by professionals of the sector. Conversely, from the point of views SMAP, for this we have to be thankful. center. at 60%. For their hands-on experience The vocational training center also of students, there is a great sense of Also, new courses are also planned to students are placed for a certain works closely with different ministries respect towards their teachers and start for the coming school year such My colleagues and I visited Sawa amount of time with companies such such as the Ministry of Education, Awet Berhane, a student in plumbing, as in electronics. earlier this week. It was certainly as Bisha Mining Share Company, companies such as Segen or with civil stressed that: without my teacher I an eye-opening experience. Upon Segen Construction, etc. society organizations such as NUEYS wouldn’t be here and also it would be Despite the ongoing challenges arrival, we were warmly welcomed and NUEW. more beneficial to have teachers with such as the climate or shortages in by the Director of the vocational As Haben Semere, talking about years of professional experiences to materials and teaching bodies; the training center, Mr Tesfai Tewelde, a her practical experience in Kerkebet, The partnership with government teach us the practical work while the main challenge, which remains is the dedicated man who has spent many stated: when you are on your bodies, colleges and companies younger teachers could help us with psychological war they have to face. years in Sawa. He provided us a excavator and you are building up, allows students to learn a profession. the theoretical part. Indeed, Hermon Solomon and Filmon comprehensive picture of the center. when you witness the results of your As a matter of fact, many students Fessehaye explained that at the work, you feel proud of yourself and who choose to study in advanced Clearly, also the shortages in terms commencement of the course some The center was implemented feel that you are contributing to the machinery are due to the greater of human resources within the teaching will try to convince students to just to meet the demand in vocational development of your country and for amount of post-studies opportunities. bodies, the ones present are dedicated leave and take dangerous route into trainings and capacity building for the benefit of your people while you When I asked Haben on why she and managed to multiply the number the desert and also relatives would those who, for different reasons, had are learning. chose this field, it was clear to her that of taught classes. Mr. Mahmoud not necessarily encourage them to not had a chance to continue their by firstly gaining her driving licenses Tahir, a graduate in farm technology continue their studies as many parents studies at the college level. This year, In addition, the training center and endorsing the expertise to drive or and automotive technology, is one will try to convince them to not return the center will be graduating its 7th changed its course program duration work on heavy machineries give her a of them. Indeed, his approach to to Sawa. round with a total of 16,000 students from an initial eight months to two great advantage on the job market. learning but especially mentoring who attended the school since its years since the 6th round in order to is remarkable as I was observing The external challenges are common commencement. meet the need in terms of practical Moreover, among the 2,029 students the interaction with his students. in areas with great concentration of work. As the Director said, the two graduating this year, 1,060 are women, Further, he explained the importance youth and the mental strength will Sadly, the training center is years program enable students to which bring the percentage of female of teaching the safety regulations in define the behavior of students and wrongly portrayed in negative way enhance their practical work and students to 52%. The average ratio using heavy machineries despite the teachers. Thus, the awareness and by the general public but also by new enter the professional world. Hence, was 48 % each year, thus, a steady overload of work. In fact, about 327 sensitization to the society is key to students upon their arrival as there is the aim is also to move from a increase on the 7th round. In fact, some students are graduating this year. overcome the lack of knowledge and this idea of ‘failure’ for not having certificate level into a diploma level. areas have mostly women involved Although the number of students information on the structure of the achieved well during the metric In other terms, students are enrolled such as the accounting, management increases, the number of teachers vocational program. examination as the teachers Berhane on a two school-years basis. Many and secretariat sciences departments decreases from 25 to 30 to 16-18 this Ande and Bereket Kebede explained students were surprised to witness the with 810 female students and 91 male year. Nonetheless, despite the stereotyped to me. change in the program, however, it is students. Most classes have about 30- idea in regards to Sawa, the vocational clear that eight months remain a short 32 students in overall but it could vary Furthermore, the vocational training center gives the opportunity to Hermon Solomon, 19 years old, amount of time to gain the sufficient according to the number of teachers. training center is at its early stage students to get the professional skills, a student in drafting was quite frank professional skills. and face challenges in regards to the which would profit not only them sharing with us the contrast between In fact, teachers who are often curriculum. In fact, the curriculum but also the community as a whole. what he had originally felt about the So my question was about the young graduates from the higher remains the same as the 8 months The name Sawa may be the source center and how he feels now as he location. Why was the vocational education system spent 2 years in program one. Many expressed that of misunderstanding in regards to the prepares to graduate. He said that it center based in Sawa? The Director Sawa vocational trainings while some the revision of the curriculum by structure of the center. In fact, it has was initially very difficult for him explained to me that the region senior are still working hard for the last adding extra courses or changing the similar infrastructures and facilities as to accept the fact that he would only of Gash Barka is the main area of 6 years such as Mr. Bereket Kebede duration should be overviewed for any other colleges in the country. who explained to me that teachers are the next round and to enable to move also mentoring students especially from a certificate level to a diploma. From the few days spent with these at the beginning of the program. students and teachers, I noticed the Also, the center face shortages in Despite the challenges, however, level of confidence and maturity at terms of teachers, as it was the case students seem to be satisfied by the such a young age but also the passion in the department of metal work for methodology. It is also clear that the and dedication of teachers. Sawa, instance. government carries out the financial once again, is the ‘capacity-builder’ aspect, which allow students to get and allows students from all over the As Mr. Leine Yacob the director of professional skills while having fee- country to learn both at educational the department of building technology free education, accommodation and level but also at community level by explained that due to the shortages of food. learning how to live with others and qualified teachers, the Ministry of having a sense of collectivism and Education sent different teachers on a As Lidia Tekle explained that it tolerance. two weeks basis last year. Teacher Mahmoud Tahir teaching his students in advanced machineries would have been unthinkable for me Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 11th july, 2015 4

Invisiblizing and Politicizing Eritrean Cycling and Sports

By Simon Keleta Joe Louis, LamineGuèye, and Mo- hammad Ali, against all odds, are This past week, Daniel Tekle- held in such high regard and why haimanot and ce- there is so much media coverage mented themselves in history along- of the “No to Racism” campaign in side names like Jackie Robinson, European football. Arthur Ashe, Steve Mokone, and Arthur Wharton by becoming the It is within this context, that the first black Africans to compete in world spectators would reasonable a previously all white professional expect the following bold headlines: sport--namely, the Tour de France. “Eritreans Become First Black Af- ricans in Tour de France” or “First Many ululated and were in tears Black Africans Cyclists in Tour de as they saw Daniel peddle down France”. However, the words “Eri- the raceway as the first rider of the trea” and “Black” never make the entire 198-person race. It seemed headlines. that this epic moment in history, a moment of pride for African and An article in the UAE newspaper Eritrean people around the world, The National comes closest with its would be covered around-the-clock headline reading, “Daniel Tekle- by an international press thirsty for haimanot becomes first African to these sort of feel-good stories; that compete in Tour de France.” The Daniel and Merhawi would become second paragraph acknowledges Daniel Teklehaimanot in the 6th stage of the Tour de France instant households names. Oddly, that he is “the first black African to however, this was not the case. ride the Tour de France.”

cycling thanks to their former colo- tion the recent UN Commission of shame Eritrea in the eyes of the Instead, we saw a very tired and Major newspapers in Europe and nial masters .” Inquiry report, human rights, and world. Additionally, the near total hostile media downplaying, misrep- America were shockingly worse. unsubstantiated migration statis- blackout on this major cycling event resenting and denigrating the Eri- One can only imagine if Britainia, tics. What does this have to do with and the sort of homogeneity and trean cyclists and their young Red No mention could be found in the the Ancient Roman-era precursor sports, exactly? conformity of reporting throughout Sea nation. European papers with the exception island to modern Britain, which was the global media makes one wonder of a July 4 piece by the Guardian’s devoid of a script prior to Roman In the American press? Total si- if the reporting is deliberate and co- Virtually no major news outlets- Barry Glendenning. Glendenning conquest, was said to attribute its en- lence. Surprisingly, no mention of ordinated among media agencies. -especially headlines--pointed out buries the fact that Daniel is a black tire writing culture, which produced the Eritrean cyclists by the New the fact that the riders were native African and Eritrean in a blasé side Shakespeare, Chaucer and the Tele- York Times. If one Googles “new Although we already know about black Africans and not merely the comment in the middle of the sixth graph, to their Roman “masters.” york times danielteklehaimanot”, the incredible and expansive role of progeny of the remnant colonial ar- paragraph: “Its multiple bends were the first NYT article that appears the CIA in the media following Carl istocracy as was the case with last sweeping rather than sharp and in Though it true that the Italians is a highly politicized November Bernstein’s 1977 publication on the year’s Tour winner, the Kenyan- the course of becoming the first brought with them a culture of cy- 17, 2011 piece by James Montague topic, we’re not going to pull the born British national . black African rider to participate in cling to Eritrea in the late 1880s, the headlined “Eritrean National Team CIA card. the Tour de France, the Eritrean will reality is that native Eritreans were Heads Home Intact.” The intention is not seem divi- need to make fuller use of his brakes, barred from participating in local Prepackaged and coordinated sive or petty by dwelling on race gears and bike handling skills in the races until 1939, during the twilight As the headline suggests, Mon- coverage of something as seemingly issues. Surely, race on the African days and weeks ahead.” Acknowl- years of Italian colonial rule, when tague expresses surprise that the apolitical and innocuous as Eritrean content should be a concept of the edging Daniel’s accomplishment GhebremariamGhebru won the first Eritrean national soccer team re- cycling may seem farfetched but past. However, current outstanding while criticizing his cycling skills in integrated race. turned from Rwanda without de- some evidence suggests that this racial inequalities stacked against the same sentence trivializes his ac- fecting, goes on a unwarranted and may be the case. black and colored African peoples complishment. Worse yet is the politicization of tangential diatribe on UNHCR and and a global caste system buttress- cycling and sports, historically ac- migration and suggests that the Eri- Radio journalists for BBC Africa, ing white privilege on African toil Some articles were overtly racist. knowledged as one of society’s few trean National , which who often report on African cycling necessitates that race be adequately According to the UK’s Telegraph activities that transcend divisive included Daniel Teklehaimanot, but fail to mention 5-time African covered until the impending, hypo- newspaper, “Daniel Teklehaimanot, global politics. similarly pulled out of the Tour of cycling champ Eritrea, have been thetical “post-racial” world arrives. one of two Eritreans on the Tour Rwanda to avoid any potential de- repeatedly engaged on Twitter by team – Eritrea being one African According to a piece by AFP, fections. multiple Eritreans, seeking more It is for this reason that the feats of country where there is a culture of misleadingly entitled “Eritrea gives coverage, to no avail. Only excuses green light for Tour de France team,” Montague ignores the fact that are given. the article states that “Eritrea’s pres- UNHCR gives prima facie status ident has given his backing to the to and takes an exceptional policy In a May 2014 American Univer- first two cyclists from his country to position on all Eritrean migrants, sity publication by Audrey Vorhees ride in the Tour de France, despite making the Eritrean asylum appli- entitled What Would a Nonviolent a spate of defections by sports stars cation the easiest and quickest one Resistance Movement Look Like at past international events, state processed in the world. Despite this in Eritrea, Vorhees strategizes a media said Saturday.” In reality, the reality, amazingly, not one cyclist nonviolent resistance movement for cited state media made no claims of has yet to defect. regime-change in Eritrea and sug- “backing” or presidential approval, gests that diaspora Eritreans recruit stating only that the president con- The yellow journalism and highly Eritrean-American Boston Mara- gratulated the cyclists. politicized nature of media cover- thon winner MebKeflezighi to be Radio journalists for BBC engaged on Twitter by multiple Eritreans, age vis-a-vis Eritrean sports has ef- seeking more coverage, to no avail Continued on page 4 The AFP piece goes on men- fectively served to invisiblize and Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 11th july, 2015 5

Invisiblizing and Politicizing Eritrean . . .

Continued from page 4 was highlighted in painstaking detail ence social and public opinions on by Susan Carrol in a May 23, 2012 Eritrea. the “face of this movement to the article in the Houston Chronicle. international community” due to the One can only imagine the dif- fact that he “has been in the news In light of the evidence, it comes ficulty the US State Department several times.” Gene Sharp, the fa- as little surprise that Eritrean sports would face in forwarding the stan- ther of colored revolutions closely are subject to invisiblization and dard, doom-and-gloom narrative of linked to the US State Department politicization. It has long been rec- Eritrea, marked by state repression- and Defense Intelligence Agency, ognized that Eritrea is entrenched driven poverty, hunger, despair explicitly named Eritrea as a target asymmetrical war with the world’s and migration, when malaria-free of these “nonviolent action” tactics. sole super power, America, and is Eritrean cyclists with healthy bone

facing a hostile 15-year-long isola- structure smile for the French cam- Rather than taking part in such tion strategy. eras as they board the plane headed actions, Meb, who made Eritrean back to Eritrea. One can only imag- Eritrean-American Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi with history by winning the Boston Mar- According to a leaked US em- ine the image that would send to the Eritrean delegation to the UN in New York athon in heroic fashion, chose in- bassy cable in Addis Ababa sent by the world. UN sanctions and Com- stead to visit the Eritrean delegation Chargé d’Affaires Vicki Huddleston mission reports alleging “crimes government is in place. Montague the runners and cyclists continue to to the UN in New York, driving a on November 1, 2005, the strategy against humanity” wouldn’t make of the aforementioned NYT article run and peddle--not for themselves- cold stake into the heart of Vorhees’ of the US-backed Ethiopian proxy much sense. That’s soft power. highlights how Eritrea must fail in -but for their nation and people, ef- strategy. was to “isolate Eritrea and wait for every way and in every possible fectively un-invisibilizing Eritrea

it to implode economically.” Ad- It is for this reason that even the metric. and depoliticizing portrayals of the Instigating the defection of popu- ditionally a 2009 cable by CDA slightest victory for the Eritrean nation. This desire runs deep in lar sports figures also seems to be Roger Meece states that the “USG people, the slightest bit of hope that In his book “Thirty-One Nil” many politically-conscious Eritreans part of this strategy. Former U.S. [US government] has worked to un- a brighter tomorrow is on the hori- he explains that “Eritrea is one of and their cyclists who feel their na- Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen dercut support for Eritrea.” zon or that personal success is, in the worst countries in the world tion has not been properly afforded acknowledged in a 2010 diplomatic fact, possible must be mercilessly by almost any metric. Freedom of is rightful claim to sovereignty, eq- cable under the derisive subheading If there is an isolation strategy in extinguished and asphyxiated in the speech, freedom of press, torture, uitably exposed to the world public, “SOCCER TEAM 1 – REGIME 0,” place, then it must be recognized cradle by any means necessary. It is poverty and, of course, football.” and accurately portrayed. that “Eritreans are mad about soc- that any effective isolation strategy for this reason, that even something Painting a dystopian, hell-on-Earth It is perhaps for this reason that cer” and that the Kenyan defections dictates that all forms of interna- as simple as an Eritrean cycling image of Eritrea, he conflates failure when AFP’s Jenny Vaughn asked “will be stunning news for the Eri- tional power and influence of the or running success must go unac- in sports with political failures. MeronRussom why he continues trean population.” targeted state in question--includ- knowledged, downplayed, politi- to do what he does, he responded, It’s perhaps little surprise that ing soft power--must be contained. cized or wildly misrepresented. Despite this hostile campaign “when I race in Europe, the aim many defecting Eritrean soccer This includes international cycling, against Eritrea, which Chatham is to introduce our country to the players go to the local US Embassy, falling in the realm of soft power, There can be no wins for the Eri- House expected to collapse in 2008, world.” receive expedited asylum and reset- which serves to change and influ- trean people so long as the current tle almost immediately to the US, as ADDENDUM:

On Thursday, July 9th, Daniel Teklehaimanot was crowned King Of the Mountains and became the first African to win a jersey, the polka dot jersey. Although CNN picked up the story--reluctantly and begrudgingly--indicating that Daniel “became the first African to don the polka-dot jersey”, the article was buried in other news on Le Tour that took priority over this epic achievement (stage wins, Tony Mar- tin dropping out, etc.). While the masses on the Twitter-world gave credit, the mainstream media spoke with pursed lips. The New York Times, among the worst, did not even acknowl- edge the event and the gravity of Daniel’s epic performance: “...a French rider who was joined by Daniel Teklehaimanot, an Eritrean, and of . While the sixth stage was more hilly than mountainous, Teklehaimanot, riding in the Tour for the first time, gathered enough points to wear the polka-dot jersey of the best climber by the end of the day.” That was all they said. No mention of the historical precedent set by the young African hero. Instead, his performance was trivialized, downplaying the grueling “mountain- ous” terrain as just “hilly” and robbing him of due credit. Why can’t Eritreans and Africans simply receive the respect they deserve? Is the media not aware of the obstacles they face to reach the podium?

Africans face unspeakable odds. This fact becomes all the more clear in light of recent news that fellow Eritrean rider Natneal Ber- hane, competing in the Tour of Austria on the same day as Daniel, was called an “effing nigger” by CCC rider Branislau Samoilau. These and many other social, political, and economic obstacles can- not be downplayed. The intention is not to perpetuate the “us” versus “them” stereotype but, instead, to merely highlight the cold, hard fact that Eritrean and African people are battling unspeakable odds and not given due credit by a complacent media for reasons that range from racist to geopolitical. It’s time the world recognize this reality Daniel and Merhawi alongside on the and move forward. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 11th july, 2015 ADS 6

Knowledge and Skills THE STATE OF ERITREA EUROPEAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT Formal Education, • Diploma or BA in English or social Science FUND Certifications or Equivalents related fields • 2 years in related area Working Experience – Nature • Great reporting skills and good work ethics & Length • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English And Tigrigna Leadership Experience – • Ability to manage front office, meet deadlines, Nature & length of time work independently and highly organized • Works efficiently and effectively. . Procurement– Notice • Excellent in MS office applications particularly Other skills and abilities MS word, MS Excel, MS power point and outlook. PROJECT: Support to the Agricultural Sector/ Food Security in Eritrea 2. Water Laboratory Technician(01)

Major Duties and responsibilities Contract Title: Supply of ICT, LAN and WAN Equipment and Accessories  Responsible for the timely collection and integrity of all environmental monitoring samples taken, including quality assurance/quality control and execution of sound practices to ensure quality of samples taken.  Undertake biological and physiochemical analysis of samples as required by the Publication reference: EuropeAid/137-329/ID/SUP/ER monitoring program.  Prepare samples to be sent to external laboratory, including chain of custody and listing parameters to be analyzed.  Identify, develop and implement standard procedures for all tasks undertaken and ensure sampling teams are following these producers. The Ministry of Agriculture intends to award a supply contract for Procurement  Ensure all equipment’s and materials are maintained in an appropriate sate for use, of ICT, LAN and WAN Equipment and Accessories in Asmara/Eritrea with including calibration.  Training of junior staff so that the monitoring program does not suffer with the financial assistance from the European Development Fund (EDF). The tender absence of personnel when on leave. dossier is available from:  Implement a quality control/quality Assurance program for all aspects of the monitoring program.  Submission of report every month to the water resources officer including list all Ministry of Agriculture, monitoring undertaking, highlighting any issues. Planning and Statistics Division  Liaise where required with relevance internal BMSC department to successfully expedite the collection of required samples. Sawa Street  Any other duties commensurate with the development and maintenance of the P.O.Box-1048 company’s environmental monitoring program. Asmara-Eritrea  Other duties as directed Knowledge and Skills Tel. +291-1-181042, Fax. +291-1-181759 Formal Education, Email:[email protected] Certifications B.Sc. (chemistry, Science or related field). or Equivalents

Working Experience – And will also be published on the Europe Aid website: Two years’ experience working in an analytical laboratory, Nature & Length https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi. with strong exposure to water analysis. Ability to lead and train a small team essential. Must be a welcome Leadership Experience – team player with the ability to work and interact with both th Nature & length of time The deadline for submission of tenders is August 12 , 2015 9:00 hours local environmental/Social team members and other related company personnel/departments. time Minimum Possible additional information or clarifications/questions shall be published on Strong working knowledge of OFFICE programs, including the Europe Aid website: WORD, OUTLOOK and EXCEL. Clear understanding of the important of QA/QC in sample https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi. collection and analysis. welcome Self-motivation with the ability to work with a minimum of supervision/management. and in the Eritrean newspapers: Haddas Eritrea & Eritrea Profile Other skills and abilities Ability to work to strict timescales & deadlines. Communicates clearly, both orally and in writing. Handles multiple duties simultaneously, prioritizing as needed. Technical competence in analytical procedures, with ability to develop new techniques and approaches. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Preferred: Strong working knowledge of Access. Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the following positions for its Bisha Site Project. General Information and other requirements: 1. Training Administrator(01) .Place of Work: Bisha. Major Duties and responsibilities .Type of Contract:Indefinite Period.  Support training and development manager in daily administrative duties. .Salary: As per Company salary scale.  Prepare reports of training activities for requesting departments and staff .Additional requirement for Nationals: members. .Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide evidence of release  Respond to e-mail requests of various department needs. paper from the Ministry of Defense.  Attend meetings, record minutes and facilitate task allocations. . .Present clearance paper from current/last employer.  File and retrieve administrative and managerial documents,records and reports. .Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience credentials, a copy of your  Greet visitors and direct them to the appropriate trainer or staff. National Identity Card etc.).  Make travel arrangement for external trainers.Liaison with HR for visa,travel . permits ad fight booking arrangements. Prepare site entry and site exit forms for all internal Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential candidates for an and external trainers and TD visitors. interview.  Open, sort, distribute and ensure incoming and outgoing correspondences are done . Application documents will not be returned to sender. through appropriate channel. . All applications should be sent through the post office.  Perform general office duties such ordering supplies and keep records of .Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper. consumables.  Manage venue booking and ensure venues are available for planned meetings and .Address: Please mail your applications to; training courses. Bisha Mining Share Company,  Provide administrative and secretarial support to trainers and the department’s P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea administrative staffs.  Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages. .Note to Eritrean applicants:  Edit and prepare departments weekly reports, safety meeting minutes upload in common files. Please send a copy of your application to  Perform other related tasks assigned by the supervisor, superintendent or Aliens Employment permit Affairs, Manager. P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea th Eritrea Profile, Saturday, Saturday, 11 11th j uly,july, 2015 2015 7 7

Of Tassels and Hustles: As Graduations Abound

Meron Abraha concerning the issue, “Sometimes we need to open our eyes to the The past two weekends, and one light of reason and not be blinded Thursday in between, graduations by short-lived emotion. The secret abounded. For the graduating is in maintaining cheerfulness and students of the various colleges, simplicity. A simple celebration each day marked the culmination rooted in love, friendship and of their studies. That day signals harmony should suffice.” the graduates’ leap from one I guess all I am trying to say is stage in life to another with more that celebrations are too important burdens and commitments to to be ignored because apart from one’s family and nation. It is thus being special commemorative fitting that there be a celebration times, they also help us to identify to commemorate that auspicious with the community that we live occasion. in.

And when it comes to But we need to remember that celebrations, Eritreans tend to be graduations don’t take significance as enthusiastic as possible, with graduates in EIT celebrating with their families just because of a lavish reception the level of extravagance and or extravagant celebration; instead, showiness increasing according to only when the education and skill for showing off. the particular family’s affluence… acquired is put to good use for the As it is unthinkable to talk about As if dancing with families and benefit of the individual, its parents celebrations without mentioning friends in the house wasn’t enough, But whatever the reason is, as The first graduation I remember and in the end the nation itself, can food and beverages, some well- it has also become a trend for most Hanna, a friend of mine, once said attending is that of my father’s. I a graduation be truly celebrated. to-do families also throw lavish graduates to go, all together with was very young, barely six years of receptions with buffets catered by their friends and fellow graduates, age, but old enough to remember well-known restaurants. clubbing that very night. Some that back in those days, graduation even wear their hats. celebrations were simply small Present in every graduation, or for family and friends’ gatherings. (It that matter any event these days, is To say that a large amount Eritrea requests NAM to up- was actually my father’s second the graduate’s cake. A large creamy of money has gone into such degree, so he had insisted on a hold Summit decisions cake on a platter, usually sporting a extravagant celebrations would simple gathering). Regardless, the doll in a graduation gown or artistic only be stating the obvious. In Eritrea has urged Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Member States to flamboyance of graduation parties designs pertaining to the occasion, the days leading to the grand respect and uphold common provisions adopted in previous of the or- today hardly existed back then. is among the prerequisites of a event, people can be seen making ganization. graduation ceremony. Family and their way through the crowds in Times have definitely changed friends cheering over the loud downtown Asmara to do their In a letter sent on July 6 this week to the current Chair of the Coor- since then and the extravagant music and Champaign glasses graduation shopping. From shirts dinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, Eritrea’s Permanent celebrations have been increasing, waving in the air, it’s quite an and ties to suits, skirts and shoes, Mission to the United Nations elucidates the anomalies under which and at very fast pace, especially enthusiastic moment of grandeur at along with other accessories, “a politically motivated country-specific resolution was adopted against in the last decade. By the time I any celebration. all that added to the domestic Eritrea at the Human Rights council on 2 July 2015”. graduated in 2005 pomposity in expenses by the family to prepare celebrations was already en vogue. And then there is the issue of for the celebrations, make the In this perspective, Eritrea’s letter underlines that the country-specific distributing confetti to guests. expenditures soar even higher. resolution tabled against Eritrea at the HRC session in Geneva was in- I remember being stunned to see Although originally the notion of troduced by a NAM member state in violation of the decision of the 16 a fellow graduate being ushered distributing confetti is associated And not to mention the ‘economic th Summit of Heads of State and Government. into a limousine, with pictures of with weddings, it has over time crisis’ it brings to others who are the graduate and congratulatory evolved to include birthdays, subjected to heavy spending on The letter further invokes the following paragraphs to bolster its re- banners affixed to the windows. anniversaries, promotional postcards and presents for the quest for NAM Member States to preserve the organization’s guiding events and of course graduation graduates. Stationeries are usually principles of solidarity and cooperation: I have also seen several graduates ceremonies. Graduation confetti, overcrowded with customers who had to endure a bride-and- which has been in existence for during graduation times. Para. 96: “…that universality, transparency, impartiality, ob - groom treatment for the entire day, quite some time now, was usually jectivity and non- selectivity should be guiding principles for the work their families having set up a huge prepared and given out by female Why is it then that we tend to of the Council and its method of work.” tent with a small platform in the graduates. throw these huge parties? Is it Para. 102: “...the need to defend the principles of non-selectivity, back where the graduates would sit maybe because we have become non-politicization, objectivity and impartiality in the consideration of in an armchair. All guests would go Nowadays however, even boys showier and more extravagant over human rights situations, as well as to ensure that human rights are not up to the platform to extend their have taken up the tradition. Those the years or maybe because we are used for political purposes and adopting politically motivated decisions congratulations and take pictures who believe that the confetti convinced that unless we spend a and to avoid the problems which plagued the former Human Rights with the VIP of the day. concept is somewhat girlish, resort large amount of money, it is not Commission. In this regard, they expressed their concern over the to distribute small thank you cards. worth calling it a graduation at proliferation of politicization and double standards, as well as coun- In fact, some graduation These miniature versions of a all? Maybe it is that sometimes we try specific resolutions at the Human Rights Council.” celebrations are nothing short postcard featuring the graduate’s ignore the extravagant spending Para. 104: “...that Universal Periodic Review is the main inter- of weddings. The tents are all picture on the top and his message under the pretext of extreme governmental mechanism to review human rights issues at the national decorated and arranged in a manner of thanks on the inside are quite happiness. Or maybe we engage level in all countries without distinction. “ befitting a wedding. Music bands common. The messages vary from ourselves in a futile rivalry with Para. 107 (j): “...that the Human Rights Council should not be used are hired for the occasion, and at simple thank you words to favorite our neighbor or friend not wanting as a tool to coerce States and subject them to politically motivated coun- times even invitation cards are sent quotations and other creative to be in a lesser position than theirs. try-specific resolutions.” out. inputs. It is also possible that we just do it Eritrea Profile, Saturday july 11th , 2015 8

ERITREA in Mainstream Media

Media Coverage of Eritrea’s Achievements: Allergic and Formulaic

Sophia Tesfamariam culture without the benevolence intellectually endowed…’ cycling outfit to line up in the on Wednesday…MTN made an of the colonizers is transparent. world’s greatest race…” official complaint to the UCI race This has been an exciting week Such attitudes of the mainstream Racial bias in sports announcing is jury at the Tour of Austria after with Eritrea’s cyclists, Daniel journalists and sportscasters in the not a new phenomenon but one that Daniel Teclehaimanot, his their rider , of Teclehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus, portrayals of athletes of African is being increasingly challenged. infectious smile and his demeanor Eritrea, claimed he was racially who are not only making history as descent have been the subject of Journalists reinforce racial and has won the hearts of millions abused by Branislau Samoilau, a the very first Africans in the 102 year much research. nationality based stereotypes around the world who have been rider from Belarus with the CCC- old history of the Tour de France, but which perpetuate social injustices glued to the TV screens watching Sprandi-Polkowice team…” are also forcing mainstream media Much has been written in the with the frames and themes him make history and when he into reluctantly acknowledging not past about the media and coverage used in their articles. The media did, the story had to be told right. In Eritrea, most will say, “himaq just their presence on the Tour, but of athletes of different races and provide interpretation of events for Social media is abuzz with goodwill melati wiilu”, and will probably also their athletic excellence and nationalities and there is no doubt consumers and if misleading, these messages. At first, sportscasters not remember this faux pax and sportsmanship. The mainstream that there are stark differences in can have negative consequences on struggled to pronounce his name un-sportsmanship behavior by media has been allergic to any good the ways that Anglo Saxon and society. but soon everyone was saying it Branislau Samoilau. But he is a news about the State of Eritrea, its African players are depicted in with ease, he is fast becoming a product of his environment-in leadership or its people. This historic terms of innate athletic skill and Peter Martell, a journalist who in household name. Eritrea they will say “ata’ababiya moment in cycling history, will perceived intelligence. Researchers the past pounced on the minutest zibedelo”. When white athletes are also take note of the racism that is have noted that when journalist, of incidents in Eritrea teetered on The excitement was palpable. portrayed as hardworking, diligent wittingly or unwittingly perpetuated sportscasters described players, they pronouncing this historic event and The coverage befitting that of a and persistent, and those of African by journalists and sportscasters, would highlight intellect-related when he did, he got it all wrong. In trailblazer. The media was adjusting, descent are portrayed as being over- while it showcases Eritrea’s many qualities for white players, but his 27 June 2015 Tweet, he claimed for they risked being left behind. reliant on their natural gifts, as talents…and successes. physical qualities (particularly their that the cyclists had been “allowed Soon the headlines bore his name opposed to their work ethic, which appearance) for black players. to participate”, giving his readers and his country-Eritrea and the story perpetuates the broader stereotype It took a few days for the that impression that they would for the day remained the same: of as lazy, Samoilau mainstream media to come to terms James A. Rada and K. Tim not otherwise be allowed to leave and others like him probably don’t “…On today’s sixth stage into with the historical significance of Wulfemeyer in Color Coded: Racial Eritrea. What he didn’t bother to tell know that these Eritrean athletes , one of the team’s two the participation of the Eritrean duo Descriptors in Television Coverage his readers is that these two athletes are known for their hard work and Eritreans, Daniel Teklehaimanot, in the Tour de France. From the very of Intercollegiate Sports described have been training and living determination. He probably only got himself in the day’s breakaway beginning, some journalists who the difference in the way African outside of Eritrea for quite some knows Eritrea through the lenses of with the express goal of landing have an aversion to good news from American athletes were portrayed in time now. The big news at the Tour the mainstream media-and its youth the polka-dot jersey of the Eritrea tried to downplay the historic the mainstream media. They say: was not about the white “Kenyan as being mere “slaves”. moment. The Telegraph’s Tom Cory born” athlete, it was about the two mountains classification leader. in his 2 July 2015 article, “Tour ‘….Along with the overt Eritreans, Peter Martell could not He managed exactly that, taking Doug Ryder, the Team principal de France 2015: MTN Qhubeka associations that come with bring himself to even acknowledge maximum points on the stage’s knows that it was hard work and to become first African team in describing African American their presence there, let alone the three, fourth-category climbs determination that enabled his team competition’s history”, wrote the athletes in animal terms, such milestone in the Tour’s history. and overtaking stage 3 winner to be in the tour: following: descriptions also create the Joaquim Rodriguez in the KOM impression that they are closer Martell then proceeded to argue classification as a result….In “…It’s amazing what you can “…Daniel Teklehaimanot, one of to nature and, thus, further that the two Eritreans were not the doing so, Teklehaimanot becomes do when you get an opportunity… two Eritreans on the Tour team – away from civilization…White first Africans as there was another, the first African to wear the KOM When we announced we’d have Eritrea being one African country players receive an increasingly the “Kenyan born” Chris Froome jersey in the Tour de France and our team in the Tour de France, it where there is a culture of cycling disproportionate amount of who won in 2013. But Froome is the first black African to wear was kind of like a door was lifted thanks to their former colonial positive commentary, and negative “white” and does not claim to be a Tour de France classification off [the riders’] heads…we’re in masters Italy – won the King of commentary toward White Kenyan, or even use the hyphenated jersey of any kind. In all, just three the biggest race in the world … the Mountains title at the recent players is scarce, often to the point British-Kenyan citizenship. But Africans have worn a leader’s we’re here to compete and we’re Critérium du Dauphiné…” of being entirely absent…we found for Martell, it was a bitter pill to jersey at the Tour de France: here on merit; we’re not here that announcers continue to paint swallow, to acknowledge the fact with the white because we’re African.’ We are The tidbit on Italy was unnecessary a picture where African American that an Eritrean, an African, a black jersey in 2001 and absolutely here on merit and it’s and an example of such subtle athletes are portrayed as physical man, was actually participating in with the yellow jersey in 2013…” given them that extra few percent racism. Cory’s intent to drive in specimens using their God-given, the Tour. It is best that journalists in mental confidence. Physically the message that Eritreans on their natural ability, whereas White like Martell stay away from good Red polka dots…summer fashion? they were there and now they’re own could not possibly develop this athletes are hard working and news from Eritrea lest it triggers racing like they own it…” But racism threatened to rear its another allergic reaction. ugly head and ruin an otherwise very They did not receive any special But there were some journalists pleasant event, when the following privileges; this was not a racial quote who got it just right. Martin Herman was reported by the Daily Mail: being fulfilled… reporting for on 4 July 2015 “…The first African team to article, “Historic moment for Africa So the stories of Eritrea’s athletes compete in the Tour de France as Teklehaimanot starts Tour” said: will be told over and over again, claim their black riders have been but in the end, the whole world “…The first black African subjected to racism and bullying will see in these young men, a true to ride the Tour de France was in the professional peloton… image of Eritrea. Natnael Berhane given the honour of being the On a day when MTN-Qhubeka in not wanting the Belarussian rider first of the 198 riders to set off celebrated the first black African Branislau Samoilau to be kicked out in the medieval Dutch city of rider to wear a jersey of the event is another testament Utrecht, where crowds estimated — Daniel Teklehaimanot was in the to the magnanimous character at 700,000 gathered to watch polka dot ‘King of the Mountains’ and culture of the Eritrean people- jersey here in Le Havre — it Daniel Teklehaimanot in the 7th stage of the TDF, the man who already a 14-kilometre individual time misrepresented by the mainstream made the headlines across the world for being the first African to win the best trial…Teklehaimanot, 26, is part emerged that one of their other media whose allergy to anything climber’s KOM jersey in the history of Tour de France of debut-making team MTN riders was branded a ‘n*****’ in Eritrean is fast finding a cure in (Photo credit: © ASO/B.Bade) Qhubeka, the first African pro- a corresponding professional race success…