The Asmara-Addis Literary Festival was the first of its kind between Ethiopian and Eritrean writers. The festival was held in Belgium. Find out more about the founder Sulaiman Addonia, who brought together great writers from the continent, and writers who attended the festival.
According to the European Patent Office, teff flour and associated food products were “invented” by a Dutch man named Jans Roosjen in 2003. This is despite the fact that teff has been an integral part of Ethiopian traditional food and culture for millennia.
Tensions, both within Ethiopia and between Ethiopia and its neighbours, are rooted in history.
The lifting of UN Sanctions is unlikely to end internal and external pressure for reform and greater democracy in Eritrea.
On 27 September, Ethiopian and Eritrean churches celebrate Meskel, a 1 600-year-old annual religious holiday to commemorate the discovery of the ‘true cross’ that Jesus was crucified on.
It would be a mistake to ridicule what’s been achieved in the Horn of Africa, but obstacles remain.
All Eritrean men between the ages of 18 – 50 have to serve in the army for more than 20 years, forcing thousands to flee. But things look set to change.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki were conferred with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Order of Zayed, the highest civil honour by Mohamed bin Zayed. There is hope that the peace deal between the two former foes will encourage other warring regions across the continent to pursue dialogue.
Peace has brought new relationships, possibilities and opportunities between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It has ushered in new business opportunities as diplomatic ties thaw. After 22 years, Ethiopia and Eritrea appointed new ambassadors, and reopened embassies in each other’s country.
The Eritrean ports of Massawa and Assab will hum with life once more as trade flows through them.
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