Today, we proudly commemorate the 33rd anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. We extend our heartfelt wishes to all the courageous Eritreans celebrating this significant day.

Eritrea’s journey to independence began with the end of Italian colonial rule in 1941. Following a decade of British administration, the United Nations established Eritrea as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952. However, Ethiopia’s full annexation of Eritrea as a province in 1962 ignited a protracted and violent 30-year struggle for independence. This conflict culminated in 1991 when Eritrean fighters triumphed over Ethiopian government forces, leading to an overwhelming approval of independence in a 1993 referendum. Since then, Isaias Afwerki has been Eritrea’s sole president.

The relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia further deteriorated after a severe border war from 1998 to 2000. However, a turning point occurred when the newly elected Ethiopian Prime Minister signed declarations of peace and friendship, leading to a renewed phase of diplomacy. Eritrean leaders actively engaged in fostering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as mediating rapprochements between governments and opposition groups in the Horn of Africa.

In 2018, the United Nations Security Council lifted the arms embargo imposed on Eritrea in 2009. Despite this, Eritrea faced renewed international condemnation and US sanctions in mid-2021 due to its involvement in the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where Eritrean forces were implicated in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Economically, Eritrea remains heavily dependent on agriculture and continues to be one of Africa’s poorest nations. Nonetheless, the spirit and resilience of the Eritrean people remain a testament to their enduring quest for peace and prosperity.

Happy Independence Day, Eritrea!