Embassy of the State of Eritrea in Addis Ababa

29/08/2026

What misconceptions about Eritrea did this trip correct for you?

I used to hear that Eritrea is isolated, struggling, or dependent. But what I saw was the opposite—a country standing firm on its own. The people are educated, self-sufficient, and fiercely independent. Medeber Market shows how they turn limitations into innovations. Their history proves they’ve always been their own nation. And their hospitality? I felt at home from day one.

What surprised you most about Eritrea’s potential?

The sense that sustainability and industry can grow together. Medeber Market is a microcosm of that potential: it’s environmentally sensible and economically viable. Combine that with Eritrea’s strategic coastline, its historical trade links, and a population that values hard work, and you can see the outlines of a future where Eritrea builds globally relevant industries. It won’t happen overnight, but the foundations are visible.

Emmanuel Daniel is a renowned global traveler, author, and founder of The Asian Banker. Trained as a lawyer, he holds degrees from the National University of Singapore and the University of London and has attended executive programs in economics at C

27/08/2026

We highly appreciate the exchange of views with H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, as implementation of the decisions of the 49th Session of the Executive Council and preparations for the Luanda Summit are underway.

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AUC Chairperson this afternoon met with H.E. Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Eritrea
Aug 27, 2026

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon met with H.E. Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU.

The meeting provided an opportunity for an exchange on matters concerning the AU and its priorities, including the outcome of the 49th AU Executive Council, & also the preparations for the upcoming 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State & Government of the AU in Luanda.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon met with H.E. Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU. The meeting provided an opportunity for an exchange on matt...

26/08/2026

“There is no greater joy than knowing every child is protected.”
Eritrea’s effort to expand child immunization to hard-to-reach areas is showcased as a best practice at the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, underway at the UN Conference Center in Addis Ababa.

25/08/2026

The Embassy of the State of Eritrea in London refers to reports carried by supposedly reputable news outlets including Reuters, AFP, BBC and others about the hijacking on 20 August 2026 off the coast of Yemen of what they wrongly claim to be an “Eritrean flagged” oil tanker.

This bizarre story is astounding on many counts:

The reports invariably cite the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) as the primary source of their “information”. The Eritrean Embassy in the UK wishes to clarify that in the first place, the report by UKMTO (UKMTO Hijack #118) makes no mention of the said ship being “Eritrean flagged”. UKMTO has re-iterated this fundamental fact to the Embassy in its response to its official request for clarification this week.
Furthermore, all the information in the public domain about this ship shows that it is not owned by, and has no links whatsoever with, Eritrea. This ship is part and parcel of the growing number of ships in what the IMO categorizes, in its parlance, as the “Shadow Fleet”.
Indeed, the IMO maintains that the ship (with Registration IMO 920476) is clearly categorized as being of “indeterminate ownership” in its official documents. Eritrea’s Permanent Mission to the IMO has confirmed that IMO records show that “the ship is flying a false Eritrean flag; i.e. as not owned or officially registered in Eritrea”.

These are the true facts. Yet, the usual culprits chose to abandon all semblance of journalistic standards to indulge and unleash another despicable campaign of disinformation on Eritrea.
Embassy of the State of Eritrea
Tuesday, 25 August 2026,
London, UK.

https://shabait.com/2026/08/25/hoax-news-story-on-the-phantom-eritrean-oil-tanker/

25/08/2026

Eid Mewlid al Nebyi celebrations held at Asmara's Grand Mosque today in the presence of senior Government and PFDJ officials, religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Community, and the faithful.

Eritrea's M***i, Sheikh Salim I. al-Mukhtar, delivered religious sermon and blessings.

The M***i underlined, in his sermon, the imperative of continued adherence to Eritrea's foundational ethical precepts and standards in this age of globalization, and the preservation and further consolidation of its harmonious national unity and cohesion secured through the precious sacrifice of its Martyrs.

21/08/2026

During the two-day conference, 77 research papers will be presented on topics including Agricultural Extension and Farmers’ Adoption; Agricultural Digitalization; Value Chains and Agribusiness; Food Safety, Security and Nutrition; Agricultural Biotechnology and Laboratory Services; Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Conservation; and Agricultural Policy, Regulatory Frameworks and Governance.

Asmara, 20 August 2026 – The National Conference on Eritrean Agricultural Studies 2026 opened today, 20 August, at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall in Asmara under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Agri-food Systems for National Eco

21/08/2026

Delivered by Ambassador Beyene Russom, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Kenya and Tanzania, on behalf of H.E. Ms. Amna Nurhussien, Minister of Health of the State of Eritrea

Fourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Aug. 18, 2026

Theme: “Advancing Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Predictable and Innovative Investments in Maternal and Child Health and Primary Health Care”

Your Excellencies,
Honourable Chair,
Ministers of Health of Eastern African countries,
Distinguished Delegates,
Colleagues from Africa CDC,
Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to address the Fourth ReSCO Meeting in Dar es Salaam, held under the theme, “Advancing Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Predictable and Innovative Investments in Maternal and Child Health and Primary Health Care.”

This meeting comes at an important moment as Africa works to align regional priorities with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda and strengthen resilient primary health care, immunization, community engagement and epidemic preparedness.

Eritrea’s Approach: Primary Health Care as the Foundation of Sovereignty and Security
Eritrea strongly believes that resilient primary health care is the foundation of both improved health outcomes and stronger health security. We have invested in a community-based primary health care system anchored in a cost-effective Basic Health Care Package that extends essential services to rural, remote and nomadic communities.

The backbone of this system is our network of more than 300 health facilities and over 3,000 community health agents, who serve as the first line of defense in disease detection, maternal and child healthcare, and health promotion.

This approach directly supports ReSCO’s priorities of strengthening primary health care systems, ensuring sustainable financing, promoting community engagement and building long-term resilience.

Key Accomplishments in Maternal and Child Health
Guided by our Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Health Agenda Strategic Plan 2022–2026, Eritrea has focused on practical and inclusive interventions in the following areas:

Maternal and Newborn Health

Eritrea has established maternity waiting homes for women from distant communities, provided emergency obstetric care training for health workers, and strengthened antenatal and postnatal care. These efforts continue to contribute to reductions in maternal and child mortality.

Child Health

Through the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, Eritrea has maintained immunization coverage above 90 per cent and reduced under-five mortality by more than 70 per cent since 1990.

We remain aligned with the regional objective of reducing the number of zero-dose children and building integrated and resilient primary health care systems.

Health Security, Financing and Cross-Sectoral Investment
A key lesson from Eritrea’s experience is that community-based and preventive health systems are essential for resilience. Strong community engagement encourages early care-seeking, promotes preventive health practices, supports immunization uptake and strengthens responses during disease outbreaks.

Importantly, Eritrea’s health policy does not stand alone. Our Government’s broader approach is to reach marginalized communities with an integrated package of basic services, recognizing that health outcomes cannot be separated from their social determinants. These interventions include:

Education: Mobile schools and boarding facilities for pastoralist communities and remote villages.
Water: Boreholes, small-scale dams and water points that reduce the distances women and children travel daily and help prevent waterborne diseases.
Agriculture: Irrigation schemes, micro-dams, and soil and water conservation programmes that improve food security and help prevent stunting and malnutrition.
Housing: Low-cost housing in resettlement areas to address sanitation challenges and overcrowding.
Regarding financing, more than 85 per cent of Eritrea’s health budget is domestically sourced. This reflects our firm commitment to health sovereignty.

We also welcome innovation in digital health, solar-powered health facilities and the local production of essential medicines to reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.

Call for Regional Action
Eritrea stands ready to share its experiences, learn from fellow Member States and support regional collaboration.

To advance the ReSCO agenda, we call for:

Predictable, multi-year regional financing for primary health care and maternal and child health;
Greater cooperation in the local manufacture of vaccines and other essential health commodities;
Stronger cross-border preparedness and regulatory harmonization; and
Strengthened community health systems as Africa’s first line of health security.
Eritrea reaffirms its commitment to Africa CDC, the regional priorities that will emerge from this meeting, and the achievement of a stronger, healthier and more self-reliant Africa.

Thank you.

Delivered by Ambassador Beyene Russom, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Kenya and Tanzania, on behalf of H.E. Ms. Amna Nurhussien, Minister of Health of the State of EritreaFourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) MeetingDar es Sal

17/08/2026

Eritrea’s Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable: Neither Is the Sovereignty of Any Other African Nation

The Embassy of the State of Eritrea has taken note of recent articles by Deutsche Welle (DW), “Eritrea: Key Player in the Geopolitical Gamble at the Horn,” and Foreign Policy Journal, “Eritrea Emerges as a Critical Strategic Player in the Horn of Africa’s Shifting Geopolitical Landscape.”

While both acknowledge Eritrea’s strategic importance, domestic stability and growing relevance in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, they reproduce remarkably similar narratives that distort Eritrea’s history, minimize, and normalizes the implications of Ethiopia’s declared unlawful pursuit of “sovereign access” to the sea, portray Eritrea’s legitimate regional diplomacy as an anti-Ethiopian project, and employ politically loaded characterizations of Eritrea.

At the heart of current Eritrea-Ethiopia tensions is a fundamental question that should not be obscured: commercial access to a port is one matter; sovereignty over another country’s coastline or territory is entirely another.

Eritrea has no territorial claim against Ethiopia, demands no Ethiopian land or resources, and seeks no alteration of Ethiopia’s internationally recognized borders. Eritrea has never, in recorded history, opposed Ethiopia’s legitimate commercial use of regional ports through mutually negotiated arrangements. Landlocked countries throughout the world conduct international commerce through neighboring coastal states without acquiring sovereignty over their territory. In fact, commercial necessity creates opportunities for cooperation among countries; it does not create territorial entitlement.

Ethiopian official rhetoric concerning “sovereign access” to the Red Sea therefore cannot be sanitized as a simple dispute over maritime trade. Economic aspiration, demographic size or geographical disadvantage cannot be converted into sovereign entitlement, nor can they justify revising internationally recognized African boundaries. Any suggestion to the contrary constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and would establish a profoundly destabilizing precedent for the continent.

The historical framing employed in both articles is equally troubling. DW describes Eritrea as having “split” from Ethiopia, while Foreign Policy Journal asserts that Eritrean independence “stripped Addis Ababa of its direct coastal outlet.” Such terminology reverses historical cause and effect and inadvertently lends legitimacy to contemporary territorial revisionism such as that by Ethiopian leaders.

The mere truth is that the Eritrean people are endowed with their own, separate, and rich history in the millennia prior to the advent of European colonialism to the African continent. In this respect, Eritrea’s modern territorial boundaries, like those of virtually all African states, were consolidated during European colonial rule, with the Italian colony of Eritrea formally established in 1890. Eritrea subsequently passed through Italian colonial rule, and a ten-year British Military Administration, (BMA), in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War before being linked with Ethiopia under a bogus “Federal Arrangement” to mollify the “overriding” geopolitical interests of major powers and against the expressed will of the Eritrean people.

Moreover, Ethiopia unilaterally abrogated the “Federal Arrangement” ten years later and annexed Eritrea in 1962, precipitating the three decades of protracted armed struggle for independence.

In the internationally supervised referendum of 1993, 99.805 percent of Eritreans voted for independence, after which Eritrea was admitted to the United Nations. To portray this internationally recognized process as Ethiopia being “stripped” of a coastline is historically prejudicial and legally untenable.

Furthermore, the Eritrea-Ethiopia boundary is neither provisional nor unresolved. Following the 1998–2000 border war, both countries signed the Algiers Agreement and voluntarily submitted the “putative dispute” on some areas on the common boundary – specifically, “Badme and its environs” – to independent international arbitration.

The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) rendered its delimitation decision in April 2002 based on the “Colonial Treaties of 1900, 1902, 1910) and applicable international law”, further expressly stipulating, in accordance with other provisions of the Algiers Agreement, that the determination is final and binding.

The articles also attempt to interpret Eritrea’s relations with Egypt, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and other partners primarily as an effort to construct a “counterweight” against Ethiopia.

This is an Ethiopia-centric and reductive interpretation of the legitimate foreign policy of a sovereign state. Eritrea is a Red Sea nation situated along one of the world’s most consequential maritime corridors. Its international relations naturally encompass maritime security, regional stability, trade, investment, transportation, and bilateral cooperation. Eritrea does not require an Ethiopia-centered explanation for every diplomatic relationship it maintains.

Equally problematic is the contradiction between acknowledging Eritrea’s remarkable stability while simultaneously disparaging that stability as merely “authoritarian.” The articles invoke terms such as “autocratic,” “repressive,” and “authoritarian,” speculate about institutional collapse after a future leadership transition and reproduce sweeping and pejorative comparisons with “North Korea”. Political labels and hypothetical succession scenarios are not substitutes for evidence or serious analysis. Eritrea’s political system must be examined within its historical experience, social fabric, national institutions, its people’s unity, and independent nation-building trajectory – not judged exclusively through predetermined ideological templates.

This contradiction is particularly striking because the articles themselves recognize Eritrea as comparatively peaceful, cohesive, and secure, strategically positioned along the Red Sea, and increasingly important to regional and international partners. These realities deserve examination on their own merits rather than being reframed as evidence of political deficiency.

The overall principle at stake extends far beyond Eritrea. Africa’s interstate order rests on respect for inherited international colonial boundaries, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity. If established borders can be reopened because one country is larger, landlocked, economically ambitious or considers another state’s territory strategically necessary, virtually no African boundary would remain immune from challenge.

Eritrea claims no territory belonging to another state and seeks peaceful, mutually beneficial relations with Ethiopia and all its neighbors. What is not open to negotiation is Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Eritrea’s sovereignty is not a geopolitical bargaining chip. It is an internationally recognized legal right, and the same right upon which the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of every African nation ultimately depend.

Embassy of the State of Eritrea
Washington, D.C.

17 August 2026

11/08/2026

The National Festival, held from 18th to 26th July in Asmara, stands as one of the most vital gatherings for Eritreans at home and in the diaspora. It brings together the rich cultural mosaic of Eritrea’s nine ethnic groups that live across the country’s six administrative regions. It serves as a bridge connecting generations across physical and geographical boundaries.

To fully grasp the significance of the national festival, one must look back at its origins. Its roots were planted decades ago in Bologna, Italy. What began as a modest assembly organized by Eritreans in the diaspora quickly grew into an event held in cities across the globe. Following Eritrea’s independence, the festival’s heart was moved to Asmara. Over time, it has evolved into far more than a social reunion; it is a venue for national solidarity and cultural diplomacy, allowing Eritrea to share its story, values, and vision with the international community.

This year, the festival has provided an extraordinary array of activities, including engaging artistic performances and exhibitions showcasing development work across the six administrative regions. Two exhibitions in particular stood out: the captivating historical exhibition of the Debub region and the breath-taking ecological presentation of the Southern Red Sea region.

The Debub region’s exhibition offered visitors an overview of its diverse topography, rich agricultural traditions, and recent developments. The centerpiece, which instantly captivated visitors, was the detailed explanation of ancient mummification practices in Eritrea.

While mummification is widely associated with ancient Egypt, Eritrea did have its own distinct tradition of preserving the deceased, particularly within the quiet sanctums of historic mountain monasteries. Ms. Lwam Negassi, the presenter, explained that mummification generally occurs through two distinct pathways: chemical or medicinal interventions, and natural preservation driven by specific environmental conditions. In Eritrea, it is the latter that reigned supreme.

In Eritrea, around the fifth century, many holy men and saints were laid to rest within high-altitude cave monasteries, including famous sites such as Debre Libanos, Metera, and Baekam. The cool, arid microclimates of these high mountain caverns, combined with darkness, naturally halted the process of decay. Remarkably, the remains of saints preserved at Debre Libanos monastery for over 1,500 years are one example of ancient preservation.

To the faithful, this extraordinary preservation is viewed through a spiritual lens, a physical testament to divine promises made for the saints. Modern scientific analysis offers a complementary perspective, confirming that the unique atmospheric conditions inside these high-altitude caves provide the perfect natural recipe for long-term preservation. This synthesis of faith, history, and natural science has left an impression on everyone who walked through the Debub region’s exhibition.

A short walk away, the Southern Red Sea region offered a beautiful contrast, shifting the narrative from ancient mountain caves to the vibrant coastal ecosystems. Presented by representatives from the Ministry of Marine Resources, this exhibition showcased Eritrea’s rich marine biodiversity, with a strong focus on its coral reefs and coastal mangrove forests.

Mr. Omer Mohammed M***a, a presenter representing the Ministry, guided visitors through the delicate world beneath the waves. He emphasized that Eritrea’s coastal waters are home to approximately 250 distinct coral species, many of which have adapted to be remarkably temperature-tolerant, a trait attracting growing interest from global marine scientists. Mr. Omer explained that corals are living, invertebrate marine organisms that form the foundational architecture of the sea. The corals are named for their striking forms and colors, and the exhibition featured plate, sponge, mushroom, brain, fire, deer, stomach, and pillar corals. While vibrant and dynamic underwater, corals turn stark white upon dying, as their calcium carbonate skeletons are exposed to air.

The exhibition made clear that these organisms are far more than aesthetic wonders; they are ecological powerhouses. Corals actively regulate environmental conditions by absorbing carbon dioxide, buffering shorelines against strong wave energy, and providing essential shelter, breeding grounds, and protection for countless fish species. Beyond ecological health, corals support local livelihoods by attracting eco-tourism and offering materials for decorative crafts. Coastal communities in Eritrea have also traditionally used coral compounds for medicinal treatments, including natural remedies with antibiotic and antifungal properties. In monastic traditions, specialized coral materials have even played a role in preparing ‘birana,’ the durable parchment used to transcribe sacred religious manuscripts.

Accompanying the coral display was an exploration of Eritrea’s coastal mangrove forests. Globally, five main types of mangroves exist, and three of them—Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, and Salsola tetragona flourish along the Eritrean coastline, covering roughly 15% of the shore. These mangroves act as vital coastal buffers, anchoring fragile mudflats and protecting the shoreline from relentless wave action. Biologically, they serve as crucial nurseries for young fish and crustaceans, forming the bedrock of local commercial fisheries. Furthermore, their nutrient-dense leaves and branches serve as essential, protein-rich forage for local livestock, including sheep, goats, and camels, reducing the need for pastoral communities to drive their herds far inland during dry seasons.

Mr. Omer emphasized that the presentation’s core mission was educational, fostering public appreciation of marine biodiversity and inspiring proactive conservation. To protect these pristine habitats, the Ministry of Marine Resources has introduced community awareness campaigns, ecological guidelines, and sensible visitor regulations.

Ultimately, the National Festival is far more than a simple summer gathering; it is a mirror reflecting the nation’s soul, natural wonders, and enduring spirit, from the ancient monasteries of Debub to the thriving coral sanctuaries of the Southern Red Sea.

This year’s festival illustrated how deeply interconnected Eritrea’s history, culture, and ecology truly are. By blending celebration with education and cultural activities, the event not only strengthens national pride and solidarity among Eritreans at home and abroad, but also serves as a beacon for sustainable development and cultural diplomacy.

The National Festival, held from 18th to 26th July in Asmara, stands as one of the most vital gatherings for Eritreans at home and in the diaspora. It brings together the rich cultural mosaic of Eritrea’s nine ethnic groups that live across the count

06/08/2026

Asmara, Eritrea – Eritrea has made significant progress in improving the health of its population over recent decades, driven by strong national leadership, investments in primary health care and a commitment to self-reliance. In this interview, Dr Mary Stephen, WHO Representative in Eritrea, shares her perspectives on the country's health achievements, national capacity and WHO's partnership with Eritrea.

Q: Eritrea has made significant progress in health over the past decades. What do you see as some of the country's key achievements?

Dr Mary Stephen: Eritrea has demonstrated that sustained improvements in health is possible even in a resource-constrained environment. Important gains have been made in maternal and child health, immunization coverage and access to essential health services.

One of the country's greatest strengths is its focus on Primary Health Care (PHC) and prevention. Through investments in health facilities, community-based services and the barefoot doctors programme, Eritrea has worked to ensure health services reach even remote communities. Its commitment to equitable access to essential services has also contributed significantly to better health outcomes.

Q: What role has the principle of self-reliance played in Eritrea's health sector?

Dr Mary Stephen: Self-reliance has been central to Eritrea's development approach and the resilience of its health sector. At a time when many countries face declining development assistance and growing pressure on health financing, Eritrea's long-standing emphasis on national ownership and sustainable investments has helped it sustain progress.

This commitment is reflected in investments in health services through PHC, health workforce, laboratory,, community-based care and local production capacity. Building national expertise and strong institutions is essential to ensuring countries can respond effectively to current and future health challenges.

Q: From WHO's perspective, why is investing in primary health care so important?

Dr Mary Stephen: Primary health care is the cornerstone for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is one of the most effective investments a country can make to ensure equitable access to health services It helps prevent disease, detect health problems early and provide essential services before conditions become more serious.

In Eritrea, community-based approaches have expanded access to health services in remote areas. Community health workers and barefoot doctors play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors, supporting maternal and child health and connecting communities with health facilities. Strong primary health care also enables countries to maintain essential services during emergencies while meeting routine health needs.

Q: How important are national expertise and innovation for the future of health in Eritrea?

Dr Mary Stephen: They are essential. Countries need skilled health professionals and strong institutions that can generate evidence, guide decision-making and respond to emerging health challenges.

Visits to health facilities and national institutions have shown encouraging progress in areas such as laboratory science, genomic sequencing, regulation and specialized health services. Innovation is not only about new technologies; it is also about finding practical, sustainable ways to improve the quality and delivery of health services. Investing in people and knowledge remains fundamental to long-term progress.

Q: How does WHO's partnership with Eritrea contribute to the country's health priorities?

Dr Mary Stephen: WHO's partnership with Eritrea is built on mutual trust, shared priorities and a common commitment to improving health outcomes. WHO supports national priorities by strengthening capacities, providing technical expertise and working alongside national institutions across priority areas such as primary health care, maternal and child health, emergency preparedness, laboratory systems, and disease prevention and control including non-communicable diseases.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is Eritrea's strong national commitment to health and the dedication of its health professionals and communities.

Q: Looking ahead, what gives you confidence about the future of health in Eritrea?

Dr Mary Stephen: Strong national leadership committed health workers and engaged communities give me great confidence. Eritrea continues to invest in people, institutions and health systems while strengthening national capacities and building on the progress already achieved.

Health challenges will continue to evolve, but Eritrea has demonstrated resilience and determination. WHO remains committed to supporting the country's health priorities and continuing our partnership to ensure everyone has access to the health services they need.

Asmara, Eritrea – Eritrea has made significant progress in improving the health of its population over recent decades, driven by strong national leadership, investments in primary health care and a commitment to self-reliance. In this interview, Dr Mary Stephen, WHO Representative in Eritrea, shar...