Historical overview of Italian military activities in Eritrea during World War II, focusing primarily on the period from 1940 to 1941, when the region was isolated after Italy entered the war. One major focus is the Italian Red Sea Fleet's operations from June 1940 to April 1941, detailing naval units, engagements, and the ultimate destruction or retreat of the fleet due to overwhelming British forces and critical shortages of supplies. A second key area describes the aerial links and long-range missions conducted by the Italian Air Force using transport aircraft like the Savoia-Marchetti SM75 and SM83, including efforts to resupply the isolated East African colonies and the daring Rome-Tokyo flight in 1942.

Battle of Keren, a pivotal conflict within the East African Campaign of World War II. One source provides an in-depth historical summary of the battle, including the timeline from February 5 to April 1, 1941, the commanders, units involved, and significant casualties, ultimately concluding with a decisive Allied victory that secured routes to Asmara and Massawa. The second source is a detailed scenario design, likely for a wargame, titled "Against Enemy and Ground: Final Days of the Battle of Keren," which concentrates on the final phase of the battle from March 25–27, 1941. This scenario outlines the deployment, objectives, troop compositions (Italian and Commonwealth forces), and special rules to model the challenging, mountainous terrain and key defensive actions, such as the Italian roadblock in the Dongolaas gorge. Both texts emphasize the fierce resistance of the Italian and colonial troops against the British Commonwealth forces in the difficult Eritrean highlands.

Project 19, a secret World War II mission initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to aid Great Britain in its fight against the German Afrika Corps in North Africa. This project involved recruiting approximately 2,000 American civilian volunteers, often aircraft manufacturing personnel, to travel to a remote, bombed-out base in Gura, Eritrea, to repair and assemble damaged and newly delivered aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). The Americans faced harsh conditions, including the necessity of rebuilding the base itself and forming their own defense force, the American Volunteer Guard (AVG), while struggling with a shortage of parts due to German U-boat attacks. Project 19 was instrumental in keeping Allied aircraft flying in the theater, contributing significantly to the eventual defeat of Field Marshal Rommel's forces, and the text concludes by noting the lack of formal recognition for these volunteers by organizations like the American Legion.

Before the satellite age, one U.S. military base in East Africa quietly shaped decades of American foreign policy, Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea.

The United States’ strategic dependence on Kagnew Station a massive communications and intelligence hu, led Washington to back Ethiopia’s control of Eritrea for nearly three decades. To protect the base, U.S. policymakers ignored rising local resentment, the loss of Eritrean autonomy, and warnings from diplomats on the ground.

When Ethiopia shifted toward the Soviet Union in the late 1970s, the U.S. was forced to abandon the station, just as satellite technology made it obsolete.

Discover the forgotten story of Cold War geopolitics, local resistance, and the end of America’s influence in Eritrea.

#KagnewStation #Eritrea #Ethiopia #ColdWar #USForeignPolicy #AfricanHistory #IntelligenceHistory #Asmara

Eritrea, Kagnew Station, a crucial U.S. military intelligence and communications base operational in Eritrea (then Ethiopia) during the Cold War. The first source offers a personal narrative from a reunion of former Kagnew service members, reflecting on the base's history as a major Army Security Agency (ASA) deep space listening post and exploring the enduring geopolitical impact of the U.S. presence in the Horn of Africa. The second and third sources focus specifically on STONEHOUSE, the highly specialized National Security Agency (NSA) deep space tracking facility located within Kagnew Station, detailing its construction with massive antennae, its primary mission of intercepting Soviet deep space and planetary mission telemetry from 1965 to 1975, and its eventual closure due to political instability in Ethiopia. Kagnew Station was central to the early growth of the American surveillance state and its competition with the Soviet Union in space.

Eritrea has consistently functioned as a critical strategic pivot point in modern world history despite its small size. The source details how Eritrea’s unique geography and infrastructure made it instrumental during World War II, citing the crucial Allied victory at the Battle of Keren and the massive logistical hub known as Project 19 at Gura which supported the North African campaign. Furthermore, the article explains Eritrea’s central role in the Cold War and Space Race through Kagnew Station, which served both NASA and the NSA, and its renewed importance in the post-9/11 War on Terror, highlighted by high-level visits from U.S. military leaders. Ultimately, the text asserts that Eritrea’s position commanding the southern Red Sea makes it an irreplaceable determinant of regional peace and global maritime security concerning Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, urging the United States to recognize its enduring value as a strategic partner.

Eritrean delegation's participation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting their diplomatic activities and policy positions.

Specifically, the texts document Foreign Minister Osman Saleh's bilateral meetings with numerous foreign officials, including those from the US, EU, Sudan, and Sweden, focusing on security, economic development, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Separate statements detail Eritrea’s focus on two key policy areas: gender equality and climate action. Regarding women's rights, an official explained Eritrea's progress in institutionalizing equality, citing increased political participation and reduced maternal mortality. Finally, on climate action, the Foreign Minister articulated Eritrea's ambitious conditional plan for emissions reduction and called for international financial partnership to meet its full target.

We set the record straight on Eritrea’s sovereignty and the myths surrounding Ethiopia’s “loss” of a coastline. Respecting sovereignty is not a courtesy—it’s international law. Eritrea didn’t create an injustice; it corrected one through sacrifice and struggle, reaffirmed by a UN-monitored referendum.So why do some still frame this as an “injustice” or a “problem to fix”? We break down the historical facts, expose the contradictions, and call out the revisionism and bad education fueling this narrative. Sovereignty, annexation, and history are not negotiable points in a think-tank memo—they’re the foundation of international order.Join us as we unpack how nostalgia, imperial fairy tales, and shallow analysis distort reality—and why those distortions can cost lives.

A critique of the Ethiopian government’s rhetoric regarding its demand for sovereign access to the sea, often using the metaphor of being “encapsulated” or a “geographic prisoner.” They argue that this narrative is disingenuous, historically inaccurate, and politically motivated to distract from severe domestic issues like economic crisis and internal conflict. The texts stress that Ethiopia already enjoys robust commercial access to the sea through existing, lawful agreements with its neighbors, particularly Djibouti, and that conflating ownership with access strains regional relations. Ultimately, the sources warn that the rhetoric, which has included veiled threats of force, undermines regional stability and international law, prioritizing nationalist adventurism over necessary cooperation and economic development among Horn of Africa nations.

Ethiopia’s “Potemkin Party” push for sea access is theatre, not strategy. Real growth comes from logistics & treaties, not fantasies of ports. Time for the AU to move meetings, optics, even HQ. Let Addis keep the stage; the AU must keep its soul

Ethiopia's Potemkin Party or PP's expansionist ambitions regarding access to the Red Sea

These claims are a direct threat to Eritrea's sovereignty.

Ethiopia's PP rhetoric, are "delusional" and based on historical fallacies, population statistics, and a sense of entitlement rather than international law.

Eritrea's independence and borders are firmly established through self-determination and international agreements, making its coastline non-negotiable. The sources highlight the historical context of past conflicts fueled by Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access, emphasizing the devastating human and economic costs, and reject the idea that being landlocked constitutes a "historical injustice" that permits overriding another nation's sovereignty. Ultimately, the texts assert that diplomacy and trade, not coercion or historical myths, are the appropriate means to address logistical challenges, and firmly state that Eritrea's Red Sea access is not for rent or subject to external redefinition.

This historical account examines Eritrea's struggle for independence, highlighting the catalytic event of September 1, 1961, when armed resistance began. It details how the United Nations, influenced by Cold War geopolitics, prioritized U.S. strategic interests over Eritrean self-determination, leading to a forced federation with Ethiopia. The text then illustrates Ethiopia's systematic dismantling of Eritrean autonomy, which ultimately ignited a thirty-year war of liberation despite overwhelming odds and a lack of international support for Eritrea. The narrative emphasizes the resilience, unity, and unwavering determination that led to Eritrea's hard-won sovereignty in 1991, underscoring the enduring significance of this legacy against contemporary attempts to revise its history.

Eritrea's unique vision for sustainable development, arguing that it is often misunderstood when viewed solely through international frameworks like the SDGs. It emphasizes that Eritrea's approach, rooted in its history and liberation struggle, predates many global goals and is built on principles of social justice, equality, environmental stewardship, and self-reliance. The article highlights Eritrea's commitment to free healthcare and education, its skepticism towards conditional foreign aid, and the strong societal values of solidarity and collective responsibility as integral to its developmental path. Ultimately, the text asserts that Eritrea's model, though sometimes labeled "isolationist," is a principled, pragmatic, and resilient indigenous strategy for progress.

A multifaceted view of Eritrea's current endeavors, highlighting diplomatic engagement, national development initiatives, and public welfare improvements. The first document details Eritrea's participation in TICAD9, where Ambassador Afeworki emphasized regional peace, security, and economic collaboration over conflict, particularly focusing on energy and mineral resource diplomacy. The other texts showcase internal progress: diaspora nationals touring historical and developmental sites, a large-scale student summer program focused on environmental conservation, and a successful cataract surgery campaign at Adi-Keih Hospital, demonstrating a commitment to health and community well-being. Together, these sources paint a picture of a nation actively pursuing both international cooperation and domestic growth in various sectors.

Highlights of two Eritrean artists who are making significant contributions to the global art and music scenes. Sonny Alem, an R&B and pop musician, discusses his journey of blending traditional Eritrean sounds with modern genres, culminating in his inclusion in "The World Album," a project featuring artists from every country.

Similarly, Marta Woldu, a visual artist, shares her path from growing up with artist parents to winning the "Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards 2025" for her work promoting African heritage through her Sip & Dip studio. Both artists emphasize the importance of representing their Eritrean roots and fostering cultural exchange through their respective crafts on an international stage. They express pride in showcasing their country's rich traditions and contributing to a broader understanding of African artistry.

A multifaceted look at Eritrea, highlighting its commitment to social welfare and human rights, particularly for persons with disabilities, as evidenced by its long-standing efforts and recent ratification of the CRPD. They showcase government initiatives like financial aid for martyrs' families and community-based programs. Furthermore, the sources emphasize Eritrea's rich cultural heritage and national identity, illustrated through festival exhibitions that display ethnic traditions, historical photographs, and art, along with ongoing environmental conservation efforts demonstrating significant community and national participation in greening campaigns and soil protection. Together, these pieces paint a picture of a nation focused on both internal development and the preservation of its unique character.

Eritrea Showcases Commitment to Development, International Cooperation, and National UnityEritrea has reaffirmed its dedication to national development and global engagement through a series of recent highlights that showcase the country’s strategic vision, achievements, and unity.In a statement at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Eritrea emphasized its unique role as a transit state with a long Red Sea coastline, advocating for greater solidarity and partnership among developing nations. The country called for collective action to overcome infrastructural and economic challenges, particularly those affecting landlocked states, through investment, cooperation, and fair trade.On the international stage, Eritrea celebrated the achievements of Olympian cyclist Biniam Girmay, whose sporting success has become a source of national pride. His accomplishments reflect Eritrea’s ability to inspire and mobilize its citizens to contribute to the country’s development goals.National service remains a cornerstone of Eritrea’s development strategy, fostering academic growth, vocational skills, and strong national values among its youth. This initiative continues to prepare young Eritreans to participate meaningfully in the country’s economic and social progress.The Eritrean diaspora also plays a vital role, maintaining active engagement and supporting national programs. Their contributions underscore a shared commitment to unity, resilience, and the long-term vision for a peaceful and prosperous Eritrea.Eritrea’s ongoing efforts highlight the nation’s determination to strengthen both its internal capacity and its international partnerships, ensuring progress that benefits all citizens.

Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam dismantles with facts Ambassador Dina Mufti's article "Transcending the Ethio-Eritrean Conundrum," arguing that it misrepresents history and undermines Eritrea's sovereignty under the guise of regional integration. The author, Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam, challenges Mufti's historical revisionism regarding Eritrea's independence and the 1998-2000 Eritrea-Ethiopia war, emphasizing Ethiopia's defiance of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) ruling. The text asserts that true regional peace requires honesty, justice, and adherence to international law, including the inviolability of borders, rather than Eritrea's capitulation to Ethiopian hegemonic ambitions. Ultimately, it portrays Eritrea's stance as principled and rooted in sovereignty, countering narratives of intransigence.

Analyzing the significant diplomatic developments concerning Eritrea, primarily focusing on its strengthening bilateral ties with Italy. A high-level Italian delegation visited Eritrea to sign a comprehensive plan of action, aiming to enhance cooperation in various sectors like energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and maritime security. This agreement signals a new phase of collaboration and potential investments, with both nations planning a future business forum. Additionally, the text reveals a message from former U.S. President Donald Trump to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, expressing a desire to re-establish a respectful and productive relationship between the U.S. and Eritrea, emphasizing peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.

This episode dives into an interview with President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, outlines the nation's comprehensive vision for national development and diplomatic strategy. President Afwerki details ambitious plans focusing on economic growth through agricultural expansion, including cotton and sugarcane cultivation, and the harnessing of marine resources. Furthermore, the discussion highlights critical initiatives in infrastructure development, specifically in water storage through dam construction, energy production via regional mini-grids, housing and urban planning, and improving transportation networks. Beyond domestic priorities, the interview addresses Eritrea's foreign policy, emphasizing constructive engagement in regional and international affairs, and the crucial role of strategic communication in shaping the nation's narrative amidst a landscape of disinformation.