Source: EBC 19 October 2026
[Note: An unedited excerpt of a longer interview concentrating on Tigray]
Before “freedom,” Eritrean cities were beautiful and glamorous. Now they appear as though they are places where ghosts live.
When Eritrea was part of Ethiopia, it had more than 300 factories. At that time, it was one of the most prosperous regions in Africa. Now, if you take Asmara, it has become a city that ranks below Arba Minch or Jigjiga. Massawa has become deserted, and Assab has become a ruin.
The Eritrean people have lost everything they had after liberation. The Eritrean people were hard workers who welcomed guests; now exile and suffering have become their defining features. If you ask why, the answer is that the PFDJ, rather than focusing on development and infrastructure, has become an instrument of Ethiopia’s enemies. Such action tarnishes natural neighborliness.
I strongly believe that those who encourage this, apart from supplying bullets, cannot solve Eritrea’s problems. This is because, on the one hand, they do not care about it, as it is not their problem, and, on the other hand, they are not even able to solve their own problems. Those who cannot solve their own problems cannot solve the problems of others. In general, as we have seen over the past 30 years, good-neighborly relations and friendship are the only things that are beneficial. Anything apart from this is not beneficial.
I believe that choosing to become a hub for enemies when one can be a partner in development is not beneficial. I believe the consequences of turning a deaf ear to our call will, however, be very, very, very severe.
