AGP Executive Report

Eritrean Diaspora & Community Life: Eritrea’s Pride of Africa Cup returned for its second year in Dagenham, with the national team defending its title after a 2-0 final win, beating Ghana in a tense semi-final and lifting the trophy again in a fast, community-focused format. Humanitarian & Migration Pressure: A new report highlights Uganda’s refugee system under strain as funding cuts slash services for more than two million people, threatening food, education, healthcare, and livelihoods. Regional Rights Concerns: EEPA/IDN coverage flags crimes against humanity in El Fasher, while separate reporting describes harsh crackdowns and abuse tied to refugee and migrant detention across the region. Eritrea in Global Dialogue: Eritrea’s ambassador (Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam) appeared at India’s GTTCI MSME Connect forum, underscoring Eritrea’s push for international partnerships and business links. Culture & Identity in Exile: A French play, “Passeport,” sparked controversy after a far-right mayor cancelled a tour stop, spotlighting debates over cultural freedom and refugee identity. Arts & Storytelling: Malaysia confirmed a nationwide release for “Peluru Senja: The Ghost & the Gun,” featuring regional casting and a post-WWII Malaya story centered on soldiers and the fallout of withdrawal.

Migration & Human Rights: Pope Leo XIV plans a July 4 visit to Lampedusa to pray with migrants and honor Africans who died at sea, as reports also highlight abuses and detention across the region. Eritrean & Horn-of-Africa Focus: Ethiopian prisoners in Saudi Arabia remain on death row despite a royal pardon, while EEPA reports crimes against humanity in El Fasher. Refugee Pressure in Africa: Uganda’s refugee system is strained by funding cuts, threatening food, education, healthcare, and livelihoods for over two million people. Diaspora & Culture: South Africa’s outgoing Ambassador Perseverance Mbuzeli praises Eritrea’s resilience and cultural ties, and Eritrea’s Pride of Africa Cup team defended its title in Dagenham. Community & Youth: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shares his goal of making Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub. Sports & Lifestyle: Tour de France 2026 coverage ramps up with team guides and jersey meanings. Humanitarian Storytelling: MSF’s “Forced Hope” uses virtual reality to spotlight Sudan’s displacement crisis.

Libya Migrant Crackdown: Human Rights Watch reports xenophobic protests followed by mass arrests, inhumane detention, and collective expulsions of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Tour de France Culture: France’s yellow-jersey tradition faces a “globalisation” test as foreign money and a lack of diversity in cycling raise questions about identity and who gets to represent modern France. Eritrea in the Diaspora Spotlight: South Africa’s outgoing Ambassador Perseverance Mbuzeli praises Eritrea’s resilience and cultural ties after nearly six years, while Eritrean youth and professionals continue pushing national goals, including a profile on pharmacist Nuru Abdu’s dream of making Eritrea an Africa pharmaceutical hub. Sports & Community: Eritrea’s Pride of Africa Cup title defense in London highlights growing Eritrean football visibility abroad. Horn of Africa Politics: Eritrea’s “Green Revolution” movement warns the regime fuels regional instability and calls for an end to authoritarian rule. Humanitarian Tech: MSF uses a free virtual reality exhibition in Madrid to show Sudan displacement through immersive storytelling. Immigration Debate (UK): New UK refugee sponsorship plans spark sharp political backlash, with claims of thousands more arrivals.

Diplomacy & Culture: South Africa’s outgoing Ambassador Perseverance Mbuzeli Kumsha wrapped up his Eritrea mission by praising Eritrea’s resilience and heritage, highlighting years of deepening cultural and bilateral ties. Diaspora & Community Life: Eritreans in Italy kicked off their annual community festival under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring a photo exhibition and performances. Sports & Identity: The Pride of Africa Cup returned to Dagenham, with Eritrea defending its title and winning back-to-back championships after a 2-0 final. Education & Skills: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students across trades like auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork. Youth & Nation-Building: Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shared his drive to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking personal training to national vision. Arts & Heritage: Hajayat Mendal’s Q&A spotlights her journey from independence-era service to today’s work as a singer, poet, and TV scriptwriter.

Eritrean Youth & Diaspora Profiles: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shares his drive to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking education, national service, and professional ambition. Eritrean Culture & Community: Eritrean artists and diaspora groups kick off an Italy community festival under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring performances and a photo exhibition on peaceful anti-sanctions demonstrations. Education & Skills: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduates 143 students (55 women) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork—highlighting training as nation-building. Sports & Identity: The Pride of Africa Cup returns to Dagenham, with Eritrea defending its title and winning 2-0 in the final. Regional Politics: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accuses the Asmara regime of fueling Horn instability to maintain power, calling for political change. Diaspora Life Abroad: A Prairie Hope High School graduation in Canada spotlights Eritrean student resilience and cultural adjustment.

Diaspora & Human Rights: A UN agency, the IOM, is helping enable US deportations to “third countries,” including places that may not protect basic rights, with some agreements reportedly not publicly disclosed. Community Sports: Eritrea’s Pride of Africa Cup returned in Dagenham, with Eritrea defending its title and winning the final 2-0, after a shootout win in the semis. Youth & Skills: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students (55 women) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork. Education & Access: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education held an activity assessment on pre-education services for 2025/2026, highlighting free, compulsory basic education and village pre-schools. Culture Spotlight: Hajayat Mendal—singer, poet, dancer, and TV scriptwriter—shares how her independence-era work shaped her mission to protect Eritrean identity and language. Asmara Profile: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed talks about his dream to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub. Regional Politics: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accuses the Asmara regime of fueling instability in the Horn to maintain power.

Eritrean Youth & Health Ambition: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shares his dream of making Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking education, national service, and professional drive. Diaspora Culture in Motion: Eritreans in Italy kick off their annual community festival under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring a photo exhibition on diaspora peaceful protest and performances by Eritrean artists. Skills for Nation-Building: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduates 143 students (55 women) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork, with awards for top performers. Football & Community Pride: The Pride of Africa Cup returns in Dagenham as Eritrea defends its title, winning back-to-back championships after a 2-0 final victory. Horn of Africa Politics: Eritrea’s “Green Revolution” movement accuses the Asmara regime of fueling regional instability to stay in power, calling for political change. Education Access Check-in: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education holds an activity assessment on pre-education services, stressing free, obligatory basic education and expanding village pre-schools.

Eritrean Youth & Health Ambition: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed shares his dream of making Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking education, national service, and professional drive. Diaspora Culture in Motion: Eritreans in Italy kick off an annual community festival under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring performances and a photo exhibition on diaspora peaceful protest. Skills for Nation-Building: Mai-Habar Technical School graduates 143 students (including 55 women) across trades like auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork. Women’s Cultural Legacy: Hajayat Mendal is profiled as a singer, poet, dancer, and TV scriptwriter—celebrated for defending Eritrean identity through art. Education Access Check-in: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education holds an activity assessment on pre-education services, stressing free, obligatory basic education and expanded village pre-schools. Regional Politics & Pressure: Opposition Green Revolution Movement accuses Eritrea’s regime of fueling instability in the Horn to stay in power. Humanitarian & Migration Context: Libya’s eastern government bans entry for Eritrean nationals amid wider migration crackdowns, while UK debate intensifies over “safe and legal” refugee sponsorship routes.

Diaspora Culture & Education: Eritrean community festival in Italy kicked off in Asmara’s spirit, with performances and a photo exhibition “Nierkado / ኔርካዶ” highlighting Diaspora resilience against sanctions. Skills for Youth: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students (55 female) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork—plus awards led by the National Union of Eritrean Women. Martyrs Day Abroad: Eritrean nationals in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands marked Martyrs Day with candlelight vigils, walkathons, cultural programs, and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Arts & Identity: Hajayat Mendal—singer, poet, dancer, and now TV scriptwriter—shared how her independence-era work shaped her lifelong mission to protect Eritrean language and heritage. Community Life in the Diaspora: A graduation story from Canada’s Prairie Hope High School highlighted Eritrean newcomer resilience, from learning a new culture to earning a diploma. Politics & Regional Security: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accused the Asmara regime of fueling instability in the Horn to stay in power, calling for sustained pressure to prevent renewed conflict.

Eritrea–Diaspora Culture & Education: Eritrean community festival in Italy kicked off in Asmara’s diaspora spotlight, featuring cultural performances and a photo exhibition on “Nierkado / ኔርካዶ” against illegal sanctions. Skills for Youth: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing and woodwork, with awards led by the National Union of Eritrean Women. Women & Heritage in the Spotlight: Hajayat Mendal—singer, poet, dancer and now TV scriptwriter—was profiled as a cultural powerhouse inspiring youth to protect language and identity. Martyrs Day Across Communities: Eritrean nationals in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and southern Africa marked Martyrs Day with vigils, walkathons, cultural programs and contributions to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Education Access: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education held an activity assessment on pre-education services, emphasizing free, obligatory basic education and expanding pre-schools nationwide. Politics & Regional Tensions: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accused the Asmara regime of fueling instability in the Horn by backing armed groups, warning it could threaten regional peace.

Eritrean Diaspora Culture in Italy: Eritrean community festival in Italy kicked off in Asmara’s theme of resilience, featuring a photo exhibition on “Nierkado / ኔርካዶ” and cultural performances opened by Eritrea’s ambassador. Skills & Youth Development: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students (55 female) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork, with awards led by the National Union of Eritrean Women. Martyrs Day Commemorations Abroad: Eritrean nationals in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands marked Martyrs Day with vigils, walkathons, cultural programs, and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Education Progress in Eritrea: The Ministry of Education held an activity assessment on pre-education services, highlighting free, obligatory basic education and village pre-schools supported by training for thousands of female teachers. Culture & Identity Spotlight: Q&A with Hajayat Mendal celebrates her journey from independence-era arts to today’s work as a cultural guardian inspiring youth to protect language and heritage. Diaspora Life Stories: Prairie Hope High School graduation in Canada highlighted resilience, including Eritrean student Yonas Feseha’s transition into a new culture. Regional Politics & Activism: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accused the Asmara regime of fueling instability in the Horn and vowed to pursue political change. Refugee Policy Ripples (UK): UK plans for a Ukrainian-style refugee sponsorship scheme are reported to prioritize people from places including Eritrea, raising debate over housing and “safe routes.” Migration Pressure in Libya: Libya’s eastern authorities banned entry for Sudanese, Eritrean, Somali, and Ethiopian nationals, with limited exemptions, as crackdowns intensify along routes to Europe.

Eritrean Diaspora Culture in Italy: Eritrean community festival in Italy kicked off in Asmara’s name with performances and a photo exhibition “Nierkado / ኔርካዶ,” highlighting Diaspora resilience against sanctions. Skilled Trades & Women’s Training: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students (55 female) across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork—an education push tied to national development. Education Access Check-in: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education held an activity assessment on pre-education services, stressing free, obligatory basic education and expanding village pre-schools. Culture & Identity Spotlight: A Q&A profiles Hajayat Mendal, celebrated as singer, poet, dancer, and now TV scriptwriter—framing her work as cultural defense for the next generation. Horn Politics & Activism: ENA reports the Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accusing the Asmara regime of fueling regional instability to stay in power. Diaspora Martyrs Day: Eritrean nationals in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands commemorated Martyrs Day with vigils, cultural programs, and contributions to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Migration Pressure Abroad: Libya’s eastern government banned entry for Eritreans (along with Sudanese, Ethiopians, and Somalis), while UK debate continues over a Ukrainian-style refugee sponsorship scheme that could prioritize countries like Eritrea.

Eritrean Diaspora & Martyrs Day: Eritrean nationals across Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other countries marked Martyrs Day (20 June) with candlelight vigils, walkathons, cultural performances, and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund, reaffirming community pledges to support martyrs’ families. Eritrean Culture Spotlight: A new feature celebrates the Mesob, the iconic straw-and-raffia dining basket woven by Eritrean women—both a centerpiece for communal meals and a living art form of geometric patterns and heritage. Education in Eritrea: The Ministry of Education held an activity assessment on expanding pre-education services for 2025/2026, highlighting free, obligatory basic education and training for thousands of female pre-school teachers. Migration Pressure & Restrictions: Eastern Libya banned entry for nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with limited exemptions, as rights groups warn of worsening protection gaps for migrants and refugees. Community Life Abroad: In Birmingham, the Refugee World Football Championship brought together teams including Eritrea and Ethiopia, using sport to build connections during Refugee Week.

Education & Early Childhood: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education held a national activity assessment on pre-education progress for 2025/26, with regional governors and partners discussing equal access and the push to expand village pre-schools, including training for thousands of female pre-school teachers. Diaspora Martyrs Day Culture: Eritrean communities in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands marked Martyrs Day with vigils, walkathons, cultural performances, and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund—renewing pledges to honor the martyrs through work and support for families. Diaspora Martyrs Day (Southern Africa): Nationals in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe also commemorated 20 June with candlelight events, cultural programs, and community contributions to the Martyrs Trust Fund. Humanitarian Migration Pressure: Eastern Libya announced a ban on entry for Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian and Somali nationals via land, sea and air ports, with limited exemptions—while rights groups warn of ongoing abuses against migrants in detention. Eritrean Women’s Craft Spotlight: A feature highlights the Mesob, Eritrean women’s woven straw-and-raffia centerpiece basket, celebrating its artistry, communal role, and the months-long craft process. Diaspora Civic Call: A personal appeal urges Eritreans abroad to support diaspora registration and election efforts aimed at building democratic representation and unity.

Eritrean Diaspora Martyrs Day: Eritrean nationals across Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Sweden marked 20 June with candlelight vigils, cultural performances, walkathons and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund, renewing pledges to honor martyrs through work and support for their families. Libya Migration Crackdown: Eastern Libya’s Benghazi administration banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia via land, sea and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers, as rights groups warn of abuses in detention and growing pressure on refugees. Refugee Protection Gaps: EEPA reports on World Refugee Day highlighting documentation and registration problems and calls for restored asylum services, while other coverage points to worsening conditions for refugees in the region. Eritrean Culture Spotlight: A feature celebrates the Mesob—an iconic straw-and-raffia woven dining basket—showing how Eritrean women’s craft turns daily life into living heritage. Diaspora Voices: A personal appeal urges Eritreans abroad to back diaspora registration and election efforts aimed at democratic change. Community & Inclusion (Diaspora): A Refugee World Football Championship in Birmingham included an Eritrea team, using sport to build multicultural connection.

Diaspora Civic Push: A new appeal urges Eritreans abroad to back the Registration and Election Commission’s diaspora registration drive, aiming to elect a representative body for democratic change and an end to dictatorship. Migration Pressure in Libya: Eastern Libya’s Benghazi administration has banned entry for Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Somali nationals through land, sea, and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers, as rights groups warn of crackdowns and abuses. World Refugee Day, Protection Gaps: EEPA reports ongoing documentation and registration barriers for refugees in Kenya, even as World Refugee Day calls attention to “Until everyone is safe.” Eritrean Women’s Craft Spotlight: A feature celebrates the Mesob, the woven centerpiece of communal dining and home decor created by Eritrean women. Martyrs Day Abroad: Eritrean communities in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sweden, and elsewhere marked 20 June with vigils, cultural programs, and contributions to the Martyrs Trust Fund. Culture & Inclusion Through Sport: The Refugee World Football Championship in Birmingham included an Eritrea team, using football to build community and belonging. Human Rights Alarm: Human Rights Watch urges Tigray authorities to withdraw a conscription and mobilization proclamation, warning it forces civilians—including children—into military service.