Africa-Press – Eritrea. As the author of Keyahti Embaba and Kmehar Diye Kigadel, Mr. Tombossa Asmelash Berhe continues to captivate readers with his masterful storytelling and thought-provoking themes. With a journalism career spanning over 34 years, Mr. Tombossa has established himself as one of the leading voices in Eritrean literature. His work documents the experiences, memories, and remarkable stories of Eritreans during the armed struggle for independence. Through unique perspectives, he sheds light on heroic figures, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections among readers. Here, the multi-talented journalist and author shares insights into his journey and literary work.
Can you briefly introduce your past and present roles, Mr. Tombossa?
I was born in Asmara in 1966, but my family moved to Nefasit due to my father’s work as an architect. I studied there until I joined the armed struggle in late 1978. After Eritrea’s independence, I returned to Asmara and joined the Ministry of Information in 1992. I began as a video editor while simultaneously studying business management at the University of Asmara, eventually earning my B.A. in 2000.
In 1995, I took a three-month course in TV journalism in Germany, followed by another course in TV production directing in Japan in 1996. Upon my return, I applied the knowledge I had gained and worked as a director in the news and current affairs department from 1998 to 2009. However, my true passion was always in IT. I began studying and researching the field in 2000 and spent over a decade mastering it.
In 2009, we developed a unified Newsroom Department that could serve as an umbrella for all branches— editing, radio, print—and pushed for digitized platforms. I also served as Director of the Tigrinya Radio Department and the HRD Department. Seeing the progress we made, we eventually integrated all departments of the Ministry into a centralized server-based network and Data Center, which I’ve been leading ever since.
Your books, Keyahti Embaba and Kmehar Diye Kigadel, are based on your personal experiences during the armed struggle. Can you share more about your time at the front?
In 1978, I became part of the Keyahti Embaba (Red Flowers) association, which was formed for underage youth in towns liberated by Eritrean fighters. Unfortunately, when those areas were retaken by the enemy, we moved as a group to the front. However, the EPLF had a strict policy prohibiting underage children from participating in battle, even if physically capable.
Although I was eager to fight, I was instead sent to the Revolution School—something I wasn’t even aware existed. The school was established in 1976 and already had thousands of young students. It kept growing despite frequent air raids.
In 1985, members of the Red Flowers cultural troupe were dispersed into other cultural groups, sent to the front, or joined the education department as teachers, effectively marking the end of the troupe.
I eventually returned to the school as an instructor. In fact, the first national marching band after independence was formed by students from the new iteration of the Red Flowers, and it left a lasting impression due to its strength and organization.
What motivated you to write these two significant books on the armed struggle?
These stories date back to 1976. That’s nearly 50 years of history— when are we going to tell it if not now? Writing these books was extremely challenging due to time constraints, but if we don’t document our own experiences, who will?
There’s a wealth of material yet to be told. Eritrea is rich in both historical resources and lived experience. But as time passes, memories fade and those with firsthand knowledge pass away. My books aim to preserve that legacy.
Keyahti Embaba specifically details the formation, operation, and impact of the Red Flowers, particularly the cultural troupes. Kmehar Diye Kigadel explores the emotional and ideological conflict faced by underage youth: the strong desire to fight for their country versus the front’s insistence on education. Despite our passion, the EPLF never allowed child soldiers—it prioritized education and instilled the national curriculum in all liberated zones. This discipline and foresight are exemplary and deserve to be recorded.
I also published Satreb Supplementary Reader in 2008, a book that teaches story and composition writing focused on Eritrea’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
The covers of your books feature distinct female faces. What’s the story behind them?
Each cover tells its own story. The woman on the Keyahti Embaba book cover is Yordanos Eyasu. She was one of the best singers in the Red Flowers cultural troupe. The woman on the rear cover of the Kmehar Diye Kigadel book is Yirgealem Bahre, a freedom fighter who was both my classmate and assistant during our unit’s peer leadership. The woman on the front cover of the book is Eritra Okbay—the same figure featured on the one Nakfa currency note. All were martyred heroic women who embody the courage and spirit I wanted to symbolize through the books.
Tell us about your recent book launch. How was the feedback from readers?
It was a wonderful event. The audience stayed until the end, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We honored some veterans with complimentary symbolic gifts as a token of appreciation. Many found the event deeply meaningful and inspiring.
Older generations know the real history of Eritrea. In your view, how can we ensure the youth remain aware and resistant to misinformation?
These books aren’t for the older generation—they lived through those times and could likely add more to what I’ve written. These works are for the younger generation, to help them understand what it took to achieve what they enjoy today. Without that awareness, appreciation for our independence will fade.
We’ve seen attempts to distort our history— including sporadic allegations here and here that the EPLF used child soldiers, for instance. I was a 12-year-old boy who wanted to fight, but I was sent to school instead. The EPLF didn’t allow underage children to take up arms. In fact, around 10,000 physically fit youth were kept from battle and placed in schools. Who better to correct the record than those of us who lived it?
Older generations must do everything they can to document and share these stories. Focused, engaging books are crucial— that’s why I made mine brief but information-rich. The first book, Keyahti Embaba was one of the widely read books in 2024. The book has almost become a reference and “must read” material by all units across the armed forces. These connections between generations are vital.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We should have begun documenting our stories long ago— it’s already too late for some. We survived the struggle, and we owe it to those who didn’t make it to share what happened. I’m grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into reality. Thank you.
shabait
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