AGP Executive Report

Eritrea in regional health talks: Eritrea took part in the 8th Eastern Africa Regional Technical Advisory Committee Conference in Nairobi (June 3–5), with Ambassador Beyene Russom highlighting progress in primary health care, maternal and child services, vaccination coverage, and training—linking public health to education, water, agriculture, and housing. World Environment Day in Asmara: Eritrea marked World Environment Day at Barka Secondary School under “Inspired by Nature; For Climate, For Our Future!”, with officials urging youth action on climate change, showcasing afforestation and soil/water conservation, and featuring student research and cultural performances. Media and youth culture: The Ministry of Information wrapped a two-month photography and video production training (including women participants), while Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival with debates, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations. Mandela legacy diplomacy: Ms. Nandi Mandela concluded a week-long visit to Eritrea, meeting senior leaders and discussing South Africa–Eritrea partnership through a “Mandela Legacy Dialogue” focused on a shared Pan-African narrative. Diaspora arts: Filmmaker Soo Hong screened two short works on immigration, including a piece featuring Eritrean participants, using abstract, haiku-like storytelling to spotlight hope amid detention fears. Culture politics in song: A new Eritrean diaspora upload by Meron Estifanos sparked debate over nationalist lyrics and the idea of who “counts” as Eritrean—turning familiar political grammar into a fresh online conversation.

World Cup & Migration: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the US on arrival in Miami, leaving him unable to train or take part in the 2026 tournament—an example of how strict US immigration rules can derail African sports careers even with visas. Eritrea in Regional Health Work: Eritrea took part in the 8th Eastern Africa Regional Technical Advisory Committee Conference in Nairobi, highlighting progress in primary health care, maternal and child health, vaccination coverage, and training for maternity services. Eritrean Culture & Identity Debate: A new diaspora song by Meron Estifanos is drawing attention for its nationalist lyrics and the familiar “country first” political grammar—sparking fresh discussion about who gets to claim Eritrean identity. Youth, Skills & Media: Eritrea’s Ministry of Information wrapped up a two-month photography and video production training, while Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its annual festival blending culture, debate, fashion shows, and science. Environment Day in Asmara: World Environment Day was marked at Barka Secondary School in Asmara under a climate-focused theme, with youth urged to act on climate change and share nature-based solutions. Vocational Training Push: The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch reported three months of vocational training for 400+ students across business and engineering tracks, including sign language and solar/tech skills. Immigration Courts in the US: US federal judges struck down parts of Trump-era immigration policies that had delayed asylum and other decisions for applicants from dozens of countries, including Eritrea. Regional Politics Watch: TPLF’s move to take back control of Tigray’s regional government is raising fears of renewed conflict ahead of Ethiopia’s election.

World Cup & Immigration: FIFA’s 2026 tournament kicks off, but Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was left out after being denied entry to the USA, highlighting how strict U.S. immigration checks can derail even top global sports plans. Asylum & Legal Rights: In Portugal, asylum applications fell 37% in 2025, while pending cases surged; meanwhile, U.S. federal judges struck down Trump-era immigration holds affecting asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship for people from dozens of countries, including Eritrea. Eritrea in Focus (Culture & Skills): Eritrea marked World Environment Day in Asmara with youth-led calls for climate action and nature-based solutions, and the Ministry of Information completed a two-month photography and video production training for members and partners. Youth & Education: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its annual festival with debates, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, while the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students expanded vocational training for hundreds of students. Arts & Migration Stories: Filmmaker Soo Hong is screening two short works built from immigrant experiences, including a piece featuring Eritrean participants, using poetic, non-linear storytelling.

Eritrean Arts & Diaspora: Filmmaker Soo Hong is screening two short, haiku-like immigration films in Ballard this June, including “Chapter II: Bright Tongue, 2026,” which features seven Eritrean residents and other global voices. Asmara Culture & Youth: World Environment Day was marked in Asmara at Barka Secondary School, with youth urged to act on climate change; the program also included student research papers, a waste-management video, and cultural performances. Media Skills in Eritrea: The Ministry of Information wrapped a two-month photography and video production training, with 19 trainees (including 10 women) and certificates awarded after hands-on work in lighting, sound, and evaluation. Campus Festivals: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival with debates, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, plus Science Day under “Science for Unity and Progress.” Vocational Training: The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students’ Sawa branch delivered three months of vocational training to 400+ students across business and engineering tracks, including sign language, solar installation, and graphics. Human Stories Abroad: A UK asylum-hotel account by an Eritrean migrant describes drug use and chaos, fueling calls for safer support systems.

Red Sea Security: Iranian-backed Houthis vowed to block Israeli ships and treat any Israeli movement in the Red Sea as a military target, underscoring how the Bab el-Mandeb corridor—between Yemen and Eritrea—remains a cultural and economic lifeline under threat. Eritrea in the Spotlight: A week of international reporting also flagged Eritrea in US immigration policy disputes, including court rulings striking down parts of Trump-era “high-risk” country holds that affected asylum and other legal pathways. Asmara Environment Day: World Environment Day was marked in Asmara at Barka Secondary School under “Inspired by Nature; For Climate, For Our Future!”, with youth urged to act on climate change and presentations highlighting afforestation and waste-management work. Media & Youth Skills: Eritrea’s Ministry of Information ran a two-month photography and video production training, while Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its annual festival mixing culture, debate, fashion, and science. Culture & Food: A tef-flour feature spotlights how Eritrea and the region use tef in everyday dishes like kita, tying cuisine to identity. Diaspora Lifestyle: A profile of Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist Meron T explores longing and language through music across South London and Addis Ababa.

Human Rights & Migration: Amnesty says Cambodia’s scamming-compound crackdown is mostly bypassed, with police-gang collusion and survivors left without proper screening or support. Eritrea in the Spotlight: A World Environment Day event in Asmara brought youth, UN agencies, and cultural performances under “Inspired by Nature; For Climate, For Our Future!” Culture & Youth: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival blending debate, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, while Science Day focused on “Science for Unity and Progress.” Skills for Life: Eritrean media training in photography and video production wrapped up in Asmara, with participants praising the boost to content quality. Education Milestone: The 8th-grade national exam began nationwide, including Eritrean community schools abroad, with thousands of students across hundreds of centers. Diaspora & Identity: A feature highlights Meron T, the Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist, turning longing into sound across London and Addis. Politics & Governance: A new essay argues Eritrea needs a fresh political imagination beyond the “regime vs opposition” trap.

World Environment Day in Eritrea: Asmara marked June 5 with events at Barka Secondary School under “Inspired by Nature; For Climate, For Our Future!”, featuring youth-focused calls to fight climate change, plus UNDP and FAO remarks on afforestation and soil-and-water conservation. Eritrean media training: The Ministry of Information wrapped a two-month photography and video production program, with 19 trainees (including 10 women) learning camera basics, lighting, sound, and content evaluation. Campus culture and science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival, mixing debate, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, alongside Science Day for “Unity and Progress.” Vocational skills for students: The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch delivered three months of vocational training to 400+ students across business and engineering tracks, including sign language, solar installation, computer tech, and graphics. Mandela Legacy Dialogue: Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, Ms. Nandi Mandela, visited Eritrea, meeting senior officials and discussing South Africa–Eritrea partnership through a Pan-African legacy dialogue. Eritrea in global migration news: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration benefit delays affecting applicants from 39 countries, including Eritrea, after claims of unlawful, anti-immigrant policy.

World Environment Day in Asmara: Eritrea marked World Environment Day at Barka Secondary School under “Inspired by Nature; For Climate, For Our Future!”, with youth urged to understand climate impacts and push nature-based solutions like afforestation and soil/water conservation, plus student research and a waste-management video. Media & Skills Building: The Ministry of Information wrapped a two-month photography and video production training (including 10 women among 19 participants), covering cameras, lighting, sound, and photo evaluation—while the Southern Red Sea Region also ran traditional music training. Campus Culture & Science: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival with debates, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, alongside Science Day for “Science for Unity and Progress.” Education Milestone: Eritrea’s 2025/26 eighth-grade national exams began June 3, running through June 5, with 68,197 students across 535 centers including Eritrean community schools abroad. Diaspora Spotlight: A profile on Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist Meron T highlights how diaspora identity and longing shape her music. Immigration Policy Shock (US): A US judge struck down Trump-era immigration benefit delays affecting applicants from 39 countries, including Eritrea, reopening asylum and work-permit pathways. Food Culture: A feature explains how tef flour travels across Eritrea and Ethiopia—from injera to kita—showing food as living heritage.

US Courts & Migration: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that stalled asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including Eritrea—calling the delays unlawful and driven by birthplace rather than wrongdoing. Eritrea in the Spotlight: Nandi Mandela wrapped up a week-long visit to Eritrea, meeting President Isaias Afwerki and ministers and discussing the “Mandela Legacy Dialogue” to strengthen Pan-African ties. Media Skills in Asmara: Eritrea’s Ministry of Information trained 19 members (including 10 women) and partner institutions in photography and video production, covering cameras, lighting, sound, and evaluation. Youth & Culture: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival with debates, innovation, fashion shows, and science presentations, alongside Science Day. Vocational Training: The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch delivered three months of vocational training to 400+ students, including sign language and technical skills, with Eritrean Police also running computer maintenance sessions. Diaspora & Identity: Meron T, the Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist, shared how her music channels longing and self-discovery across South London and Addis Ababa.

Education & Youth: Asmara’s Ministry of Information wrapped a two-month photography and video production training, with 19 trainees (including 10 women) and certificates handed out by the Press directorate—skills aimed at stronger media quality. Campus Life: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 13th annual festival, mixing debates, innovation, painting, fashion shows, and science presentations, while Science Day returned under “Science for Unity and Progress.” Vocational Skills: The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch delivered three months of vocational training to 400+ students across business and engineering tracks, including sign language, solar installation, computer tech, electronics, satellite dish work, and graphics. School Milestone: The 2025/2026 eighth-grade national exam began nationwide (plus Eritrean community centers in Riyadh and Jeddah, and a center in Kassala), with 68,197 students taking tests in math, English, civic education, and science. Diaspora Culture: Eritrean communities marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and France with cultural programs and calls to pass resilience to younger generations.

Vocational & youth skills in Eritrea: The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students wrapped a three-month vocational training for 400+ college students, including 123 female trainees in Business and Social Science and 93 female trainees in Engineering and Technology, with hands-on modules ranging from sign language and computer technology to solar installation, electronics, satellite dish setup, graphics, and even Arabic and ideology sessions. Education access at home and abroad: Eritrea’s 2025/2026 eighth-grade national examination began June 3 and runs through June 5, with 68,197 students at 535 centers, including Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah and a center in Kassala, Sudan. Eritrean culture in the diaspora spotlight: Eritrean communities marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary across countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, pairing speeches on resilience with cultural and artistic performances and community awards. Eritrean identity through language & place: A feature explores how Eritrean place names carry shared memory and belonging, highlighting Asmara’s “Unity” meaning and the story behind the name. Eritrean arts & sound: Meron T, an Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist, returns to Addis for family time and creative work, continuing her music journey shaped by longing, romance, and identity across diaspora spaces.

Vocational Training in Asmara: The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students’ Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch says it has delivered three months of vocational training to 400+ college students, including 236 from the College of Business and Social Science (with 123 female trainees) and 180 from the College of Engineering and Technology (with 93 female trainees). Skills ranged from sign language and computer technology to solar installation, electronics, satellite dish setup, graphics, and even Arabic language, with Eritrean Police also contributing computer and printer maintenance training. Education Milestone: The 2025/2026 eighth-grade national examination began June 3 and runs through June 5, with 68,197 students taking tests across 535 centers, including Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah and a center in Kassala, Sudan. Anti-FGM Progress in Logo-Anseba: Twenty-two villages in Logo-Anseba’s sub-zone were declared free of female genital mutilation at a ceremony in Barentu, with UNICEF and UNFPA present and local committees credited for sustained awareness and monitoring. Diaspora Independence Day Culture: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and France marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary with cultural and artistic programs, sports awards, and messages urging youth to carry forward resilience and unity. UK Student Visa Crackdown: The UK announced stricter rules for universities sponsoring international students, raising performance thresholds and aiming to curb visa abuse—an issue that can directly affect Eritrean students and families planning study routes.

Arts & Identity: Meron T, the Ethiopian-Eritrean British artist, is back in Addis Ababa for a family wedding and uses dreamy, romance-tinged sound to explore longing, language, and diaspora identity—she even shot a new “Stormy Weather” video in the city on a tight schedule. Local Education: Eritrea’s 8th-grade national examination (2025/2026) runs June 3–5 with 68,197 students across 535 centers, including special-needs schools and Eritrean community centers in Riyadh and Jeddah. Culture & Place Names: A feature highlights how Eritrea’s place names carry shared memory and belonging, from Asmara’s “unity” story to the emotional power of naming landscapes. Women’s Rights: In Logo-Anseba (Gash Barka), 22 villages in 13 administrative areas were declared free of FGM, with UNICEF/UNFPA and local women’s union leaders backing ongoing monitoring. Diaspora Independence Day: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, and the Gulf marked the 35th Independence Day with cultural programs, sports awards, and calls to pass resilience to younger generations.

Eritrean Education: The 8th-grade national examination (2025/2026) kicked off in Eritrea and Eritrean community schools abroad, running 3–5 June with 68,197 students (48% female) across 535 centers, including special centers for visually and hearing-impaired learners. Eritrean Culture & Identity: A feature explores how Eritrea’s place names carry shared memory and belonging, highlighting Asmara’s “Unity” meaning and the story behind the name. Eritrean Independence Day Abroad: Eritrean communities marked the 35th Independence Day in Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan with cultural programs, sports awards, and calls to pass national values to youth. Women’s Rights: In Logo-Anseba (Barentu area), 22 villages were declared free of female genital mutilation, with local committees and partners stressing ongoing monitoring. Regional Politics (Ethiopia): Ethiopia’s parliamentary elections opened amid unrest, with voting suspended in Tigray and disrupted in parts of Amhara and Oromia, while Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party is widely expected to dominate. Migration & Safety: Libya’s foreign minister-designate rejected any external push for migrant resettlement in Libya, stressing sovereignty and voluntary return efforts.

Eritrean Independence Day Abroad: Eritrean communities marked the 35th Independence Day in Zambia, Zimbabwe and France, with leaders urging unity, cultural transmission and stronger participation in national development. Diaspora Celebrations in the Gulf: Nationals in the UAE, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan also celebrated under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring cultural programs and sports awards. FGM-Free Villages: In Logo-Anseba (Barentu), 22 villages in 13 administrative areas were declared free of female genital mutilation, with UNICEF/UNFPA and Eritrean women’s organizations backing monitoring and awareness efforts. Eritrean Place-Name Heritage: A new cultural piece highlights the beauty of Eritrea’s place names, including Asmara’s origin story tied to unity and shared identity. Sudan’s Gendered Violence: A report on the war in Sudan details widespread sexual violence and detention of women and girls, underscoring the urgent need for accountability. Ethiopia Election Fallout: Coverage of Ethiopia’s June 1 vote notes expected ruling-party dominance but also major disruptions, including no voting in Tigray and security-linked interruptions elsewhere.

Independence Day in the diaspora: Eritrean communities marked the 35th anniversary across Zambia, Zimbabwe and France, with leaders urging unity and stronger participation in national development. Independence Day in the diaspora (again): Celebrations also rolled through Dubai, Saudi Arabia and other cities, featuring cultural performances and sports awards tied to “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.” Anti-FGM push in Eritrea: In Logo-Anseba, 22 villages were declared free of female genital mutilation, with local monitoring and support plans backed by regional officials, UNICEF and UNFPA. Ethiopia election fallout (regional context): Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary vote proceeded amid unrest, with voting disrupted or suspended in parts of Tigray and other regions, while Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party was widely expected to win. Culture & lifestyle: A roundup highlights vegan-friendly Ethiopian food spots in the U.S., spotlighting family-run, Ethiopian-led restaurants and plant-forward menus.