What You Need to Know
Eritrean nationals across various cities in Italy, the Netherlands, and South Sudan commemorated the 36th anniversary of Operation Fenkil. The events highlighted the importance of this operation in the struggle for Eritrean independence, with calls for future generations to uphold its legacy. Community leaders emphasized national participation and cultural preservation during these gatherings.
Africa-Press – Eritrea. Nationals in the Italian cities of Rome, Milano, Bari, Catania, Pisa, Parma, Verona, Napoli, and Palermo; in Rotterdam and Zwolle in the Netherlands; as well as in Juba, South Sudan, commemorated the 36th anniversary of Operation Fenkil with patriotic zeal under the theme “Heroic Fenkil Operation: Heritage for Generations.”
At the commemoration event in Milano, Mr. Amehatsion Teklesenbet, Eritrea’s Consul General, stated that Operation Fenkil, conducted 36 years ago, signaled to both the international community and Eritreans the inevitability of Eritrean independence. He also called for transferring the heroic victory to future generations.
According to reports, nationals in the Italian cities of Padova, Firenze, and Torino will commemorate the event on 15 February.
Likewise, at the commemoration events organized by Eritrean nationals in Rotterdam and Zwolle, the Netherlands, Mr. Isak Minasie, head of Public and Community Affairs, stated that Operation Fenkil, which heralded the ultimate goal of national independence, will be commemorated every year with patriotic zeal. He called on every Eritrean to renew their pledge to contribute their due share in national affairs.
Nationals in Juba, Republic of South Sudan, enthusiastically commemorated the 36th anniversary of Operation Fenkil through various programs depicting the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Romodan Ahmedin, head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, called on nationals to strengthen their participation and contribution in national affairs.
In related news, the Eritrean community in Sheffield, UK, organized a seminar focusing on the objective situation in the homeland, as well as regional and global developments.
At the seminar, Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, provided an extensive briefing on the progress of national development programs. He also called for strengthening organizational capacity and preserving national culture and identity.
At the event, participants expressed their readiness to play their due part in the implementation of the Tio Boarding School project.
The Eritrean community in Jeddah and its environs conducted its 2025 activity assessment meeting on 5 February.
At the event, Mr. Abdelkadir Malke, chairman of the Eritrean community, presented a report on the achievements registered and challenges encountered.
Similarly, the Eritrean community in Qatar conducted its 2025 activity assessment meeting on 6 February.
On the occasion, Mr. Neamin Araya, chairman of the community, presented a detailed report focusing on achievements registered, challenges encountered, and the community’s participation in national development programs.
The participants conducted extensive discussions on the report presented and deliberated on programs for 2026.
Operation Fenkil was a significant military campaign during Eritrea’s struggle for independence from Ethiopia, marking a turning point in the conflict. Launched in 1988, it showcased the resilience and determination of Eritrean forces, ultimately contributing to the country’s independence in 1993. The commemoration of this operation serves to reinforce national identity and unity among Eritreans, especially in the diaspora, as they reflect on their shared history and heritage. Events like these are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and commitment to national development among Eritrean communities abroad.
