A massive cyber attack was unleashed against Eritrea’s Internet System on Independence Day, Friday, 24 May 2024, at 12:32’:47 in the afternoon hours. The attempt was foiled by the defensive countermeasures deployed promptly, and the network continued its functions without interruptions.

The identity of the originators, architects, and implementers of the attempted cyber attack is not alien to the watchful eyes of the Eritrean Government. The whole episode will be divulged in due time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Heads of State and Government from Ethiopia and Jordan have extended their congratulations to the people and Government of Eritrea on the occasion of the 33rd Independence Day anniversary.

President Sahle-Work Zewde of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and King Abdullah of Jordan expressed their well-wishes for good health to President Isaias Afwerki, as well as peace and prosperity for the Eritrean people. They also conveyed their countries’ readiness to enhance strong ties and mutual cooperation with Eritrea.

In her message, President Sahle-Work Zewde expressed her confidence that the friendly relations between the two countries will continue to be further strengthened. Mr. Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, also sent a message of congratulations to Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Nationals in Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia enthusiastically celebrated the 33rd Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Peace Anchored on Resilience”.

In Doha, the celebratory event was attended by numerous nationals, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

Eritrea’s Ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Ali Ibrahim, spoke at the occasion, emphasizing that the independence realized through heavy sacrifice is the most significant of all national holidays. The colorful celebratory events by nationals inside the country and abroad attest to this. Ambassador Ali also commended those who contributed to the event’s success.

Mr. Tahir Al-Reshid, chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, highlighted the deep meaning of Independence Day in the hearts of the Eritrean people and expressed readiness to strengthen participation in national affairs.

The event featured cultural and artistic programs.

In Saudi Arabia, nationals in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khamis Mushait, and Al-Namas celebrated the 33rd Independence Day with various cultural and artistic performances, exhibitions, and cultural dress shows. The event at Nakfa Hall in Riyadh on 23 May was broadcast live on social media outlets.

Mr. Abdurahman Imam, chairman of the Eritrean community in Riyadh and its environs, underscored the deep significance of Independence Day and noted that the celebratory event is part of programs to transfer the shining history of the Eritrean people to future generations.

Ms. Weini Gerezgiher, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, spoke about the values gained through perseverance and patience, emphasizing their significant input in the economic and nation-building process. She called for reinforced participation to capitalize on the hopeful stage the nation is in.

In Dammam, the celebratory event was attended by Ms. Weini Gerezgiher and other officials of the Eritrean Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Participants expressed their readiness to strengthen participation in national development programs.

Nationals in Jeddah and its environs also celebrated the 33rd Independence Day on 23 May at the Red Sea Hall. The occasion, which saw participation from Eritrea’s Consul General and head of Public and Community Affairs, was highlighted by cultural and artistic programs presented by students of the International School and Rae cultural troupe.

Similarly, nationals residing in Khamis Mushait and Al-Namas colorfully celebrated the Independence Day anniversary.

Nationals residing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, celebrated the 33rd Independence Day with patriotic zeal under the theme “Peace Anchored on Resilience” at the Skylight Hotel.

The event was attended by numerous nationals, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic and consular missions, officials and staff of the African Union and Economic Commission for Africa, and members of the diplomatic community.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Biniam Berhe, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy and Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the African Union and Economic Commission for Africa, stated that Eritrea’s overall development policy remains guided by the principles of self-reliance, avoiding structural dependency, ensuring domestic ownership of development agendas, promoting popular participation, and providing equitable opportunities for all.

Regarding external relations, Mr. Biniam affirmed Eritrea’s commitment to peaceful relations, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, mutually beneficial partnerships, and constructive engagement based on mutual respect.

He emphasized Eritrea’s firm commitment to promoting peace and cooperation with neighboring countries, across the region, and within the wider global community.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Biniam commended all individuals and institutions that cooperated in organizing the event, notably the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, the Skylight Hotel, and all service-providing individuals and institutions. He also congratulated the organizing committee in the Eritrean Embassy for making the event a reality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

On a three-day mission to Ghadames, Derj and Awal last week, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, discussed  with more than  100 community leaders, youth and women their concerns and proposed solutions to advance sustainable development and peace in their communities, and how the government and the United Nations in Libya can further support their efforts. 

Representatives stressed their need for basic services, including improved healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusive education and community facilities, particularly for youth and women. They highlighted the large gap in employment opportunities and the lack of equal access to employment in the public sector. 

“I heard many concerns on the need for trained healthcare professionals, quality education facilities and wider infrastructure needs such as water, transportation and roads,” said DSRSG Gagnon. “Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UN in Libya has been working with the government to support communities, but more financial support is clearly needed from the government to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all,” she added.  

In a dedicated youth meeting in Ghadames city, DSRSG Gagnon also launched UNSMIL’s new youth strategy #YouEngage, with a focus on advocating for young women and men and offering training and networking opportunities to build their skills. Young people’s recommendations will be consolidated and relayed to decision-makers within Libya, and internationally, to ensure the voices of youth are amplified in national and local efforts to solve the country’s current challenges. 

“I had the great honor of visiting the old city of Ghadames and witnessing the efforts and plans to restore this unique city of peace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the oldest and most celebrated Saharan cities,” Gagnon said, highlighting the urgent need to secure and preserve Ghadames’ rich cultural and economic identity. 

As part of the mission, DSRSG Gagnon visited three sites in Awal, Derj and Ghadames where UNDP Libya is supporting sustainable development through the installation of solar panels to provide electricity for lighting in medical facilities, a mosque and throughout the Ghadames old city’s tourist trail.  The DSRSG visited a refurbished and equipped women’s training center in Derj and a primary school in urgent need of rehabilitation in Awal where she also met with municipal leaders and Touraeg notables to discuss the community’s concerns.   

“People in Ghadames, Derj and Awal spoke about the great human and economic potential in their communities to advance sustainable development,” Gagnon said, adding that such potential can be fully realized with increased development support and investment from government. 

The UN in Libya will continue to support and work with communities and government authorities across Libya to accelerate sustainable peace and development for the benefit of all people in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).