Eritrea@35: A Series Concludes, A National Journey Continues

From 35 Days to 35 Years: Concluding the Eritrea@35 Series on Eritrea’s Remarkable Journey

By Red Sea Beacon

Thirty-five days before Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day anniversary, the “Eritrea@35” series began with a simple but important mission: to reflect, day by day, on the achievements, resilience, and nation-building efforts that have shaped Eritrea since independence. Over the course of 35 days leading up to May 24, the series explored Eritrea’s progress across a wide range of sectors — from education, healthcare, food security, and water conservation to sports, music, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social development, regional peace initiatives and more.

As the sun rises on May 24 and Eritreans across the world commemorate 35 years of independence, the “Eritrea@35” series on Red Sea Beacon reaches its conclusion — not as an ending, but as a reflection on a remarkable national journey and the beginning of an even greater future.

Throughout the series, contributors highlighted a side of Eritrea that is too often overlooked, minimized, or excluded entirely from mainstream narratives. The articles revisited the spirit of self-reliance forged during the liberation struggle and demonstrated how that same spirit became the foundation for rebuilding and developing the nation during the past three and a half decades.

From community-driven development projects and agricultural resilience to expanding educational opportunities and preserving national cohesion under immense external pressure, the series documented the determination of a people committed to standing on their own feet. It reminded readers that Eritrea’s story cannot be understood solely through the lens of conflict or geopolitics, but must also be viewed through the perseverance, sacrifices, and achievements of its people.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the many writers, researchers, contributors, editors, and readers who made this series possible. Their thoughtful contributions helped create an important body of work that documents aspects of Eritrea’s development that are rarely given the attention they deserve.

For those who have not yet read the full series, we strongly encourage taking the time to explore the articles. Together, they offer a broader and more balanced understanding of Eritrea’s journey since independence and highlight many achievements that are seldom acknowledged despite their significance.

The past 35 years have not been easy. Eritrea has faced war, sanctions, isolation, misinformation campaigns, and relentless external pressures. Yet despite these challenges, the Eritrean people and government have succeeded in laying a solid national foundation rooted in resilience, discipline, and self-reliance. Schools were built. Dams and water infrastructure were developed. Healthcare and vocational training expanded. Agricultural initiatives strengthened food security. Communities mobilized around development and national ownership.

Above all, Eritrea demonstrated that self-reliance is not merely a slogan, but a viable path toward preserving sovereignty and national dignity in an increasingly uncertain world.

The achievements explored throughout the “Eritrea@35” series should give Eritreans confidence in the future. The foundation has been built. The resilience has been tested. The national consciousness remains strong.

What Eritrea needs now more than anything is peace, stability, and a cooperative regional and international environment that allows the country to continue charting its own course free from conflict, coercion, and interference. Given such an environment, there is every reason to believe that Eritrea’s next 35 years can surpass even the accomplishments of the first.

As this series concludes on Independence Day, one truth stands clear: Eritrea’s story is still unfolding — and its strongest chapters lie ahead.

While the series might have concluded, Red Sea Beacon intends to continue to highlight Eritrea’s achievements. 

Happy Independence Day
Awet N’Hafash!