What Does Tsemdo (ጽምዶ) Mean for the Afar? Demanding Action, Not Symbolism.
1. For many Afar, even pronouncing the word Tsemdo (ጽምዶ) is a challenge, let alone grasping the layers of meaning it claims to carry. Rooted in Highland Eritrean culture, Tsemdo has been transplanted into the Afar context without any effort to anchor it in local culture or language. The result is confusion, not connection.
2. If Tsemdo is supposed to mean the free gathering of people across borders, through open crossings and the removal of barriers, then let it be clear: this is exactly what the Afar have been demanding for decades. Communities are eager, even impatient, to see Tsemdo materialize in practice rather than remain a distant notion or a hollow slogan.
3. If Tsemdo is framed as reconciliation and forgiveness, then it is misplaced. The Afar have repeatedly emphasized that there are no grievances, wrongdoings, or atrocities between Afar communities across borders that require reconciliation or forgiveness. The real issue lies within Eritrea itself, specifically, the ongoing marginalization and mistreatment of the Afar people.
4. To take Tsemdo seriously, beyond social media campaigns and political rhetoric, the first steps must be concrete. Open the border crossings. Guarantee the rights of Afar fishermen, who today risk being shot at sea or having their boats seized. Stop treating Afar livelihoods as disposable.
5. In truth, many Afar in Eritrea do not feel safe enough to live with dignity in their own homeland. Many convincingly argue that Eritrean government must first reconcile with its own Afar citizens before talking about alliances across borders. Thousands of Afar refugees in neighboring countries, alongside countless others scattered across the globe, stand as living testimony to this reality. For the first time in their history, the Afar have been forced into global dispersion, living in countries they had never even heard of, driven not by choice, but by systemic exclusion and repression.
In an ISIS-style manner, terrorists from Ethiopia’s Somali Region slaughtered a family of four Afar herders inside Ethiopia’s Afar Region.
The family was asleep in the middle of the night when these human wolves cold-bloodedly slaughtered them!
Dr. Abiy makes a security deal with Djibouti authorities on the expense of the Afar, has finalised a plan to handover Afar land in Ethiopia to the Issa invaders with the excuse of "dislaplaced returns" and yet wants the Afars to march to the frontline as part of his plan to recover Assab Port from Eritrea.
@AbiyAhmedAli
Ityopiyal Qafar rakakaky miraacisa Mari oromoh ( ambition) Qafar (nationalism) ih maslacat akkale woonay! A carbi ugtek elle gaba Kalu waa inna num mayaaxigay, A qasril carbi qimbisissah gaba kaltam iro caylitte( caylale dowalakkah) carbi aba marih gabat tu matan
I’m leading this transnational European project on behalf of our county association of local authorities in Vasternorrland and Örnsköldsvik Municipality. Here, my colleague from Örnsköldsvik Municipality and I are addressing key questions and providing an update on our pilot initiative.
#INNOCAProject @Komforb_VN
This week's elections in Somaliland
reportedly proceeded smoothly, marking a positive step for the region. The recent electoral process highlights Somaliland's commitment to democratic principles, an encouraging sign regardless of the area's eventual political structure.
Somalis share a common ethnic background, language, and cultural heritage, which could serve as a strong foundation for potential national unity. A unified Somalia might bring increased stability and economic growth to the region, benefiting all its people.
However, it is essential that any moves toward unification arise organically from within Somalia, rather than being imposed by external actors. While international partners can provide valuable support for Somalia’s stability and development, the path forward must ultimately be determined by the Somali people themselves.
Will Trump’s approach bring new strategies for Africa? His first term saw big shifts in Middle East policy, and his second could bring surprises for U.S.-Africa relations. Issues like the Nile dam dispute, Somaliland’s status, and trade programs like AGOA are now in focus. Many are watching to see how the administration will balance U.S. interests, development, and diplomacy in Africa.
In the Horn of Africa especially, changes may be coming. As Trump starts his second term, people are wondering how his policies could affect security, trade, and growth in the region.
#USAfricaRelations
منذ بداية حرب غزة والضغط على الأردن غير مسبوق من قبل المتأيرنين العرب بحجة أن الأردن يغلق الحدود مع إسرائيل ولا يترك الناس تعبر لكي تساعد وتجاهد وتقاتل..
الآن حدود لبنان مع إسرائيل مفتوحة تماماً. اللي بنفسه يروح يتفضل، وبالذات المتأيرنين العرب! هؤلاء تذكرتهم على حسابي