Excellent Read - The Light of Resilience: How the Candlelight Vigil Embodies #Eritrean Pride; by Kidane Shimendi
*"...It is the eve of June 20 - Martyrs Day - that brings the most visually stunning and emotionally charged tribute. As night falls, every household and street across Eritrea fills with the soft, flickering glow of candles. In this collective moment, the nation engages in a silent, sacred dialogue with the values and vision of its fallen heroes".
*"...On a community level, the candlelight vigil plays a vital role in social and mental well-being. It provides a shared space for collective grief, reflection, and ultimate triumph. As thousands of citizens stand shoulder-to-shoulder holding their flames, a powerful connection is forged between the living and the dead. The light brings individuals inward, connecting them directly to the core national values that define the Eritrean identity: unity, creativity, self-reliance, nationalism, and unbreakable comradeship".
https://t.co/ixFciN64qN
#Eritrea: Statement by Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam at the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue; Geneva 15 June 2026
*"...Eritrea rejects the report before the Council as fundamentally flawed in its methodology, unsupported by independently verified information, and disconnected from realities on the ground. Its findings and conclusions therefore lack credibility and cannot serve as a reliable basis for informed deliberation or action by this Council".
*"...The Special Rapporteur argues that his mandate is indispensable as the only international mechanism responsible for monitoring Eritrea. This assertion disregards the existence of multiple United Nations mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review, treaty bodies, specialized agencies, and other intergovernmental processes through which all Member States, including Eritrea, are regularly assessed".
*"...Eritrea has maintained its sovereignty, preserved social stability, sustained public administration, and continued the delivery of essential services despite decades of conflict, sanctions, and external pressures. While acknowledging the need for continued progress, this reality is fundamentally inconsistent with the picture repeatedly presented through this mandate".
*:...When a country-specific mechanism persists despite sustained questions regarding its selectivity, methodology, and balance, it risks shifting from a tool of engagement into one of entrenchment. Rather than promoting constructive dialogue, it perpetuates a divisive process that has failed to command broad confidence among Member States.... Eritrea therefore rejects both the report and the resolution before the Council and reiterates its call for the termination of this mandate".
https://t.co/0R9QOvqST1
@TC_AsmaraBE : "Shut down your embassy in Asmara. Because of Your airline is charging specifically Eritreans $800 US dollars
for one bag, shame on you ! Greedy people you are disgusted me!
Good Read: #Eritrean Beauty Engraved in Names
by Kidane Shimendi
"With its enchanting landscapes, warm hospitality, profound peace, sweeping coastal vistas dotted with remarkable islands, rich historical tapestry, and diverse cultural heritage, Eritrea presents a mosaic of splendor. These elements are genuinely interwoven to shape Eritrea’s unique identity. Nowhere is this beauty more quietly yet powerfully recorded than in the names carried by its places".
https://t.co/zvMq5tpCkb
Excellent Read - #Eritrea@35: “…Greater Than I Was”; by Kesete Ghebrehiwet
*"...On Saturday, 23 May 2026, the eve of Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day, I walked with my family toward the center of the festivities as the nation celebrated. The streets pulsed with movement, color, music, and emotion. People from all walks of life – children, youth, parents, elders, and nationals from abroad – had gathered to share in a historic occasion. It was not merely a celebration; it was a day of memory, pride, renewal, and reflection".
*"...The Eritrean flag waved everywhere – on banners, decorations, clothing, and painted faces. Mothers and young girls wore colorful outfits decorated with the national colors. Young boys and girls walked confidently in T-shirts bearing images of lions, freedom fighters, and maps of Eritrea, as well as slogans of dignity, resilience, and pride. Every color, design, and smile seemed to carry a message".
*"...Among these sights, one phrase on the backs of teenage boys’ and girls’ T-shirts caught my attention: 'I am Greater than I Was". At first glance, it seemed simple, but the more I looked, the more powerful it became. It was not an ordinary slogan. It was a statement of growth, confidence, and hope – speaking not only for the students but for Eritrea itself".
*"...As I continued walking with my family among the crowds, the phrase stayed with me. 'I am Greater than I Was'. It spoke of youth growing into responsibility, a nation advancing through resilience, yesterday’s sacrifices, today’s joy, and tomorrow’s promise. On that festive day, amid flags, lights, smiles, and songs, one truth became clear: Eritrea’s greatness lives in the hearts of its people – especially the young generation preparing to inherit and build the future. They are greater than they were, and through them, Eritrea will continue to grow even greater".
https://t.co/TcOw7ap90F
Happy Independence Day, my beloved land!
I wave this independence flag with open hand🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷
green for your fields, blue for your sea,
red for the courage that set you free.
I can’t wait to see you prosper and rise,
become the country you can possibly become,
strong and shining beneath African skies.
I can’t wait to see the vision and sacrifice
of so many people come to fruition at last
every dream fulfilled, every shadow cast.
From struggle to sunrise, your story gleams;
Eritrea, forever, live your brightest dreams!
Awet n’Hafash! Long live free Eritrea! 🎉
I had a great time celebrating Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day. Thank you to the Eritrean Embassy for the invitation and warm hospitality.
It was an honor to celebrate alongside members of the Eritrean community and recognize the importance of culture, history, and national pride. 🇪🇷🇺🇸