No. 56 Saturday, 02 January, 2021 Pages 5

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Sixty eight patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out on 31 December at Quarantine Centers and OPD Services in the Central, Gash Barka and Anseba Regions.

Out of these, forty one patients are from Quarantine Centers (38) and OPD Services (3) in Asmara, Central Region.

Twenty six patients are from Quarantine Centers in Adibara (14), Agordat (5), Barentu (4), Ali Ghidir (2) and Om-Hajer (1) in Gash Barka Region. One patient is from OPD Services in Keren, Anseba Region.

On the other hand, thirty three patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka Region (22), and Central Region (11) have recovered fully and released from these facilities. Sadly a 55-year old patient who has been receiving treatment in the hospital in Asmara, and, a 50-year old patient from the hospital in Tessenie have died due to COVID-19.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has risen to 1320.

The total number of recovered patients to-date stands at 676 while the number of deaths is three.

Ministry of HealthAsmara

31 December 2020

Announcement from the ministry of heAlth

Dear compatriots at home and abroad,

Allow me to convey my warm congratulations to the entire people of Eritrea and its Defense Forces on the occasion of this New Year – 2021.

2020 was a year marked by formidable crises in crisis in the annals of the history of human kind stemming from the calamitous COVID-19 pandemic in addition to global and regional cumulative upheavals.

The Eritrean people succeeded in combating and overcoming the plethora of successive challenges that it faced in the past 80 years principally because of the values of – clarity of vision, patience, resilience, mutual compassion, and sell-confidence that it possesses. These innate values have been tasted again in 2020; only to become more robust and luminous. That its endeavours for sustainable development and progress in 2021 will be sturdy, with higher readiness, is thus indisputable.

According to report from the Ministry of Health branch in Hagaz

Social service rendering institutions put in place in Gahtelay including educational, health, water supply and electricity have significantly contributed in settling and improving the living standard of families that were leading nomadic lifestyle.

According to Mr. Zeresenay Gaim, administrator of Gahtelay sub-urban center, beneficiary families include those from regrouped villages of Fereseg, May-W’uy, Aylet and Ad-Ele.

He went on to say that potable water supply pipelines and electricity installation program for each household and businesses in Gahtelay sub-urban center is being processed.

Gahtelay sub-urban center which is one of the 17 administrative areas of Ghinda sub-zone is home to 725 families that lead their lives over business and farming.

As a result of the sustainable awareness raising activities conducted encouraging achievement is being registered to develop the number of voluntary blood donors in Northern Red Sea region.

Indicating that members of the voluntary blood donors association are from all sectors of the society, Mr. Mahmud Jaefer, representative of the association, said that so far the association is actively working in four sub-zones of the region and called on others to follow the noble example.

Members of the National Blood Transfusion Center on their part the objective of establishing voluntary blood donors association if to enrich the blood supply of health facilities and save lives.

According to report the Northern Red Sea Voluntary Blood Donors Association that was confined in the port city of Massawa has currently branch associations in the sub-zones of Ghinda, Adabet and Nakfa.

The vegetables and fruits farmers in Ghinda sub-zone are striving to stabilize the markets both in quantity and fair price through boosting production.

Indicating that the farmers are supplying vegetables and fruits beyond local markets to Asmara and other parts of the country, the farmers expressed readiness to work to boost production and supply their products to more areas across the country.

The farmers also asked for machinery help in the effort there are undertaking to build terraces and water diversion schemes with a view to control erosion.

Commending to the support they were extended in their effort to control the desert locust invasion, the farmers called for pesticides assistance.

They also said that currently they are engaged in cultivating date trees and called for support from the Ministry of Agriculture.

President isAiAs Afwerki’s messAge on new yeAr

PrAiseworthy heAlth service Provision

sociAl service Provision gAhtelAy

vegetAble fArmers striving to stAbilize mArkets

voluntAry blood donors in nrs region

sub-zone health service provision to the public in the sub-zone has

reached to over 90%.

Nurse Gebremeskel Gebrehiwet, head of health facilities in the sub-zone, said that as a result of the sustainable awareness raising campaigns, the understanding of the public on health issues has developed and that the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases has significantly declined.

Nurse Gebremeskel went on to say that the one community hospital and six health stations coupled with the health sub-stations in the villages of Ad-Arey and Badob are providing praiseworthy health service provision.

Nurse Gebremeskel also said that over 66 thousand impregnated bed nets have been distributed to the public with a view to control the spread of malaria.

According to report in Hagaz sub-zone vaccination coverage has reached to 100% while community based environmental sanitation activity to 95% and pregnant women delivering at health facilities to 85%.

news brief

My best wishes, again, for the New Year and Christmas!

Glory to Our Martyrs!Victory to the Masses!

(We kindly inform our audience that there will be an interview of President Isaias Afwerki with local media in the early weeks of this New Year)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

Acting EditorAmanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

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Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

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Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

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Published Every Wednesday & Saturday

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2 No.56Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 02 January, 2021

Habtom Tesfamichael

Radio Dimtsi Hafash celebrated its 42nd birthday yesterday. It was established as a clandestine broadcaster at a critical time on January 1, 1979, following the strategic withdrawal of Eritrea’s freedom fighters in 1978.

At that time, the propaganda machine of the Dergue used the situation to stifle the public support to the just cause of the revolution and struggle for independence. The Ethiopian regime and other reactionary elements stepped up their slanderous campaign against the Eritrean people’s struggle in an attempt to isolate the Eritrean people and the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) through news blackouts, lies, slanders and distortions. The EPLF felt the need for the establishment of a radio station in the liberated area to combat and expose these campaigns. Radio Dimtsi Hafash emerged as a beacon of hope and a primary tool for spreading the truth about the Eritrean revolution.

Dimtsi Hafash was essential for the struggle in raising awareness of the people and informing them about the progress of the struggle. Thus, the establishment of Dimtsi Hafash came at a critical juncture of the armed struggle and helped raise the morale of the people and the

Dimtsi Hafash: Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea

fighters. Eritreans all over the world had contributed toward launching the radio station by raising fund and giving technical support.

Dimtsi Hafash started its broadcasting service in the two working languages of Eritrea, Tigrigna and Arabic. It later added service in other Eritrean languages, Afar, Tigre, Kunama, and the official language of Ethiopia, Amharic. In the years between 1998 and 2000 it started broadcasting in Blin, Saho, Nara and Bidwyaat, and today, it broadcasts in all Eritrea’s nine languages.

Dimtsi Hafash aims at disseminating timely, responsible and credible information to the public, promoting public debate and discussion, enhancing cultural values and traditions, enlightening and entertaining the public, and strengthening national unity. It has made significant contribution in facilitating the cultural integration of the Eritrean people. It was particularly important in mobilizing

the society to participate in the armed struggle for independence.

Today, through its satellite broadcasts Dimtsi Hafash can reach millions across the world and is playing an important role in Eritrea’s social, economic and political development. Successive colonialists, suppressed Eritrean cultures and languages. Eritrea’s history was deliberately distorted to enable Ethiopia’s annexation. Therefore, in addition to fighting for Eritrea’s independence, the EPLF also worked to revive and preserve Eritrea’s cultures and languages, where the radio played and continues to play a significant role in that endeavor.

In addition to its frequent bombings, the Ethiopian Dergue regime, which was armed with surveillance and jamming technologies, also tried all it could to disrupt Dimtsi Hafash’s broadcasts, but without success. It also tried to cut the EPLF’s efforts to communicate with the people by making it punishable to listen to the

radio. But, Dimtsi Hafash continued broadcasting by moving from one place to another to escape the bombardment and by changing its broadcasting frequency as a technical solution to the jamming. It was first established in Fah, and then moved to Anberbeb, and from there to Arag and then back to Anberbeb before it was finally set up in Shabait, its location until Eritrea was liberated in May 1991.

During the early years of its establishment, its limited equipment and the workload made the job very challenging. The work environment was difficult as Dimtsi Hafash had to move from place to place and had to be set up in hidden

places and bunkers to avoid getting detected by the enemy. However, the determination and commitment of the fighters made it possible to continue its airing.

In an attempt to modernize Dimtsi Hafash and expand its coverage

area, new transmitters were installed in Asha-Golgol and Selae- Daero in 1998 and 2000.

Today, after 42 years, Dimtsi Hafash has developed into a modern media outlet, broadcasting in all Eritrean languages as well as Amharic and Oromiffa, which are broadcast in short and middle waves, and by satellite to reach millions of people all over the world.

Dimtsi Hafash joined the social media 22 years ago, in 1998, and started airing its programs through satellite in 2003. In 2010, it digitalized all its systems to join the world stage. It broadened its service through FM, with Radio Zara, in 2001 and with

Radio Numa in 2010.

In its 42 years of operation, a number of its audience members have become chief contributors and enabled it to broadcast on a variety of topics. In all of the languages it broadcasts, its permanent staff, contributors and the wider public who engage through direct telephone lines, helped it to enrich its programs and become competitive with other broadcasting stations.

As it did during the struggle for independence, in this age of information, Dimtsi Hafash is doing its share to protect Eritrea’s sovereignty and help develop the nation. In the current crisis caused by covid-19, Dimtsi Hafash has been an essential medium that keeps the public informed, especially the rural communities. It is providing up-to-date information about the pandemic and help clear up doubts people have about the disease by dedicating special programs to the pandemic and its effects.

3

Eritrea: 2020 - Year in Review(Part II)

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

*Editor’s note: Around the world, 2020 has been turbulent, challenging, and a year truly unlike any other. This article, reviewing the period from May to August, is the second in a three-part series that looks back at some of the important events and developments that unfolded in Eritrea over the past year. Part I was published in the last edition of Eritrea Profile, while Part III will be featured next week.

May The month began with

International Workers’ Day (1 May) commemorated in Asmara. Events saw 40 members of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) donate blood at the National Blood Transfusion Center. Additionally, Tekeste Baire, Secretary General of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, released a statement that, inter alia, declared the NCEW would continue to extend financial and material support to the national efforts to contain the virus.

Days later, on 3 May, President Isaias Afwerki headed to Ethiopia for a two-day visit. During the trip, he met with Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties, the fight against COVID-19, combating the regional locust infestation, and other regional matters. President Isaias was accompanied by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab, while Ethiopian officials the Eritrean delegation visited and met with during the trip included Sahlework Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, Shimeles Abdissa, President of the Oromia Region, Gedu Andargachew, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Sileshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy.

Remaining with diplomacy, May also saw FM Osman Saleh and Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab head to Khartoum. There they met with President of the Sovereign Council, Lt.

General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, and delivered a letter from President Isaias. The Eritrean delegation also met with the First Vice President of the Sovereign Council, Mohammed Hamdan Deglo, and Prime Minister

Abdalla Hamdock. Discussions focused on bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

Of course, May is special on the annual calendar because it is the month in which our beloved independence day falls. While COVID-19 meant that the usual festivities were considerably toned

down, the pride and happiness of Eritreans, at home and abroad, remained strong. In Asmara, The 29th anniversary of the special day

was celebrated enthusiastically at a ceremony at Cinema Roma. As well, Eritrean communities in cities around the world organized colorful, artistic programs. At a ceremony conducted in Addis Ababa, attended by staff

members of the Eritrean Embassy and Permanent Representative of Eritrea at the Commission of the African Union, Ambassadors Semere Russom and Araia Desta congratulated the Eritrean people and the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF).

Notably, in an address to the

nation on 24 May, President Isaias also extended his congratulations to the Eritrean people, called on all to adhere to COVID-19

safety guidelines, and expressed his gratitude to those who were working to combat the virus and protect the nation. Notably, leaders of dozens of countries sent messages of congratulations to the people and Government of Eritrea.

On the COVID-19 front, on 15 May, the Ministry of Health announced that all 39 confirmed cases in the country had recovered fully. Two days later, Eritrea launched a random and extensive testing program to comprehensively gauge the spread of COVID-19. The first phase focused on parts of Asmara, towns and villages in border areas, as well as front-line employees in the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions.

While COVID-19 was understandably the key focus, development-related activities continued. The National Agricultural Research Institute announced that preliminary trials to introduce liquid fertilizer for farming produced positive results. Further trials were begun with the long-term aim of distributing liquid fertilizers to local farmers. As well, in the Ribda and Alet administrative areas of Forto Sawa sub-zone, it was announced that the construction of two new elementary schools was nearing completion. The new schools will help improve enrolment and attendance in the region, particularly for the rural and nomadic populations.

June

On 2 June, Eritrea completed the first phase of extensive random testing. Final results showed that one single person tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, all immediate and indirect contacts of the patient were promptly traced and quarantined. While results were highly encouraging, citizens were urged to maintain the commendable commitment and adherence to the safety guidelines in order to ensure continued success. As well, schools were partially reopened, while other restrictions were eased slightly.

The month of June sees several important international days related to development

and the environment . These are, of course, two areas of critical importance for Eritrea. Accordingly, on 5 June, the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment called for reinforced water, soil and environmental conservation. As well, on 17 June, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Ministry of Agriculture called for promoting community-based agricultural activities in order to improve productivity.

Several important development-related events also took place. In Maret administrative area, Nakfa sub-zone, a new dam with 70,000 cubic meter capacity and cost of 3 million Nakfa had progressed to about 25% completion. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture continued preparations to modernize and expand honey production and marketization as part of the Minimum Integrated Household Agricultural Package. Other activities included: residents of Foro sub-zone and Dubarwa sub-zone conducting water and soil conservation popular campaigns, and residents of Nakfa helping to lay 8-km of water pipelines and construct two water reservoirs.

Eritrea also continued to battle desert locusts. Intensive surveillance and control measures were undertaken to deal with threats in winter breeding areas and from invasion from neighboring countries. The response involved officials from various ministries, local administrative and community leaders, citizens, and members of the EDF.

June featured a number of

diplomatic activities. On 11 June, Elsa Haile, Director of International Organizations at Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a statement at the virtual Meeting of National Focal Points of LDCs in Africa. Her comments outlined Eritrea’s response to COVID-19 and expressed solidarity in the global fight against the virus. Weeks later, on 25 June, President Isaias conducted a three-day visit to Sudan. There, he held extensive discussions with General Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, Prime Minister

continued on page 4

No.56Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 02 January, 2021

4

Abdullah Hamdok, and Lt. General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, on strengthening bilateral relations and regional issues. During the visit, President Isaias was accompanied by FM Osman Saleh, Yemane Gebreab, Presidential Adviser, and Ibrahim Idris, Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in Sudan.

Also in late June, the executive committees of Eritrean national and community organizations in 15 cities in Italy, including PFDJ, YPFDJ, and the National Union of Eritrean Women, conducted a virtual meeting. During the meeting, in which Dr. Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrean Ambassador to Italy, and Ghirmai Habtemicael, Head of Public and Community Affairs took part, extensive discussions were conducted on organizational progress and challenges.

One of the most important days on the Eritrean calendar – 20 June – was commemorated across the country and by Eritreans around the world. On 19 June, Eritreans held a candlelight vigil, while early the following morning, President Isaias laid a wreath at the Patriots Cemetery in Asmara in tribute of those who fell to bring independence and safeguard sovereignty. Similar events were held at other cemeteries across the country, and at midday a national minute of silence was observed.

July

The first week of July saw President Isaias head to Egypt for a three-day working visit. During the trip from 5-7 July, he held meetings with President Abdel Fatah Al Sisi and other Egyptian officials on bilateral and regional issues of interest to the two countries. President Isaias was accompanied by FM Osman Saleh, Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab, and Ambassador Fasil Gebreselasie.

Less than two weeks later, on 18 July, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, arrived in Asmara. During his two-day visit, in which he was accompanied by Ambassador Redwan Hussein and Speaker of Parliament, Tagesse Chaffo, the PM met with President Isaias to discuss strengthening bilateral and cooperation. Dr. Abiy also toured various development projects in Eritrea and observed rehearsals for the graduation

parade of the 33rd Round of the National Service.

Shortly after, on 20 July, an Eritrean military delegation headed by General Philipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces, delivered a message from President Isaias to General Abdul Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Sudanese Sovereign Council. General Abdul Fattah said the visit of the delegation reflected the strong relations between the two countries and thanked Eritrea for its support during Sudan’s challenging transition period. The following day, the Eritrean delegation met and held talks with First Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, Lt. General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on enhancement of bilateral cooperation in defense and security issues.

In terms of development, on 15-16 July, Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, Asmeret Abraha, conducted a tour of inspection of health facilities in the towns of Kelhamet and Afabet, Afabet sub-zone. The two officials held discussions with local health officials and administrators. As well, in response to continued threats posed by desert locusts, on 14 July workshops were organized for members of the Ministry of Agriculture and the EDF in Mendefera, while in Anseba, water and soil conservation activities were conducted by residents and EDF members. Meanwhile, in Asmara, members of the first round of national service, the Bulletin Committee of CBSS in Adi Keih, and members of the National Union of Eritrean Women gathered to donate blood at the National Blood Bank. Throughout the month, residents of Habero sub-zone, in cooperation with the EDF, worked to renovated roads damaged by flooding.

Finally, on 31 July, Eid Al Adha (1441 Hijiri Year) was celebrated. Sheik Salem Ibrahim Almukhtar, Mufti in Eritrea and Secretary General of the Higher Assembly of Eritrean Iftae and Islamic Affairs, wished a Happy Eid Al Adha to all and called people to follow guidelines related to COVID-19.

August

One of the most important days this past year took place on 15 August, when the ceremonies for the graduation of the 33rd Round

of National Service and the 11th commencement of the Vocational Training Center took place. Held in Sawa, the celebrations were attended by President Isaias,

various high-level officials, and military commanders. In his address to graduates, President Isaias commended the efforts of students during a particularly challenging year.

Meanwhile, the development-related activities during the month included: the residents of Segeneity and Emni-Haili sub-zones, Southern region conducting community-based environmental sanitation activities; residents

Eritrea: 2020 - Year in . . .continued from page 3

of Adi-Keih sub-zone, Southern region, and Gala- Nefhi, Central region engaged in a community campaign to renovate roads; the villages of Misgad and

Adi- Bakokay, Central region renovating roads damaged due to flooding; and the inauguration of two micro-dams in the sub-zones of Gala-Nefhi and Serejeka. Last, in connection with International Youth Day, on 11 and 12 August students from the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students conducted a blood drive to donate to the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association.

Significantly, the battles against

COVID-19 and desert locusts continued apace. Regarding COVID-19, despite the arrival of many people at various land and sea borders, infections were

contained, while communities and the EDF worked together to minimize destruction caused by desert locusts.

Finally, Eritrean communities around the world conducted festivals. While events and festivities were modified and toned down due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Eritreans were still able to showcase their deep passion for and commitment to their country.

No.56Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 02 January, 2021

5

“You didn’t take our picture, I didn’t hear the shutter go off”…… it was a video.

Thinking about it today, camera men at different events inspired me to get into the production media. As a child, watching anyone with a camera fascinated me so much that I believe that is what has led me to today. I can’t exactly say the number, but I have, for sure, more than 150 music videos (some of which had been nominated for awards), three feature films and a documentary. I remember one time, we asked someone to take our picture and we all waited for the shutter to go off, but the guy was recording a video and I started thinking about that. Till this day, that is the memory I have when I think about how I get here. My academic journey was an entirely different story, I studied Drafting, which can of course be considered a field in the artistic circle because drafting is basically drawing and designing. Nonetheless, that is not the profession I chose. Instead I fell in love with something that has to do with media production. It’s what I have been doing since 2009.

After taking some short-term courses of editing, I started working with Yonas Solomon as a beginner. I learned all the basics from him because taking theoretical courses could never be sufficient when you get to the real world. Editing is one vast ocean of brand new ideas every day, and I don’t think one can truly say that they thoroughly know everything there is to know about production. You have to learn and experiment with new ideas in every new job. That is why I became an editor before I became a camera man and later

Every Day I am learning to swim in the vast oceans of brand new IdeasEditor, Cinematographer, Abel Haile ( A2)

A2 is a familiar logo in most music videos produced over the years. Abel Haile became interested in camera and media production at a young age. His more than 150 music videos, three feature films and a documentary have earned him respect. Q&A invites Abel Haile.

Asmait Futsumbrhan

on got back to editing again.

Learning the techniques of cinematography clearly makes it easier.

As an editor, knowing the technical terms and rules of cinematography gives the editor a full idea of what’s happening

and what angle is the shot taken. For instance, it’s always easier for me to edit videos I shot since I know why I took the angle and how I want to use it. This is one of the reasons there should be an open communication between everyone who is involved in making a video. It is only when we fully understand one another

that we can make a good video that tells the story and be creative and competent to be recognized internationally. Before anything else, the editor should understand the story and get in character. Discussing the ideas with the director and cinematographer on how to tell the story, and try to look at it through the professionals’ views and the audience’s eyes. After all the hard work of bringing the ideas to reality, it is the editor’s job to actually put it on the table. Of

course, the flow of ideas can be challenging at times, but giving a minute to yourself can help in regenerating new ideas and catching your mistakes early. It is a tiring job and it’s always worth it if you love the job.

Tip from A2

To all of us who are doing something in this specific field, I just want to say “let’s keep doing what we are doing and more.” It would be beneficial for all if we had all the access we need, to bring out the best of our potentials. However, I believe we are all helping out in any way we can, which I appreciate very much. I know we all can get better and bring out great works which we can be known for in the international map of production.

No.56Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 02 January, 2021