Eritrean Timeline of Historical Events

In Egypt Beja Bedouins appear and are moving to North West Eritrea: First human settlements have Nilotic origin. # click here to discuss about this event

During the Pharaonic times, gold mines were being operated in Eritrea by the Egyptians. # click here to discuss about this event

The Semitic ethnic people came to the Redsea part and settled in what is today known as the boundaries of Eritrea and Tigray province # click here to discuss about this event

A powerful ancient kingdom called Axum was developing during the 3 BCE, during this time, it is said have been the third biggest kingdom in the world. # click here to discuss about this event

With the first Islamic expansion, the Beja Bedouins converted to Islam and destroyed the port of Adulis. Until 714 AD, they established around five independent kingdoms in Eritrea and along the Sudanese border. # click here to discuss about this event

From the 14th - 15th Century AD, the Eritrean highlands were temporary being ruled by people from Ethiopia # click here to discuss about this event

From the 15th - 19th century, Ethiopia and Ethio-Portuguese attempts were being carried out to occupy Eritrea, but failed several times. However, Turkish Army had managed to occupy some coasts, and territories inside Eritrea and certain parts of the Sahel (Nakfa) province until the 19th century. # click here to discuss about this event

At this point in time, several small clans appeared to have been grouped together in Eritrea and Ethiopia, at this point in time neither Eritrea or Ethiopia had been existing in a political context # click here to discuss about this event

Unknown territorial fights erupted between the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The scottish resercher James Bruce at this time, described Eritrea and Absyssinia as different countries often combating eachother. # click here to discuss about this event

Werner Munzinger was from Olten, Switzerland, the son of a Federal councilor: Josef Munzinger. He was in Cairo for a study, and at this time Cairo (Egypt was under Turkish control.) Munzinger who was financed by his father, was educated and could speak Arabic and Hebrew fluently. He accepts a mission from a company called <b>Dupont & Cie,</b> to investigate the markets around the Redsea region for possibilities of trade for rubber, cotton, pearls, mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshells, and also for rice, coffee and Pepper. # click here to discuss about this event

After reporting to his company, Munzinger surveyed many places before reaching Massawa. During this time, (according to Historians ) the Mecca pilgrims near the Red sea saw, Munzinger and thought he was Jesus Christ. Almost getting in trouble. He Also noticed, Turkish ships filled with black men and girls. Masswa at this time was the most important port and town of Abyssinia. Massawa was used as a trade rout for Slaves, Coffee, Ivory and gold for commercial ships from Arabia, India and China. There was lack of fresh water and Diarrhea was rampant among the population. Dupont i.e. the company, instructed Muzinger to stay there for 1 more year. # click here to discuss about this event

When difficulty in transportation of the caravans forced Dupont to threaten Munzinger by warning him, they would close down the branch, Munzinger himself takes a trip to Keren with his servants using donkeys for transportation to purchase the goods directly from Keren. When he arrived in Keren, Munzinger met his future wife, a girl from the Hamassien tribe. # click here to discuss about this event

Werner Munzinger is dismissed by Dupont. It's too late to be part of the funeral of his father. But Munzinger has it's connections in Eritrea. He wants to perform further scientific works in Keren, about the Bogo people, and he wants to measure the land. Munzinger notes that the highlands of Keren have a climate like Italy, the soil would be excellent, and the inhabitants are noble and hospitable. The aim would be also to spread the Christian doctrine of charity in Keren. # click here to discuss about this event

Werner Munzinger marriages in Keren and becomes an important landowner. For the marriage ceremony the pair has to stay one month in the house and is fed by monks. Munzinger has to afford servants now because of his richness and begins with measuring the land. He is also member of different expeditions # click here to discuss about this event

Munzinger finds out about the peoples of Eritrea that the blood vengeance is the main reason for poverty in the population in Eritrea, and publishes a little book called: <b>"About the customs and the right of the Bogos."</b> - this is believed to be the first book written / published about Eritrea. # click here to discuss about this event

The Swiss Federal Council gives the instruction to Munzinger to become member of the German expedition under the scientist Dr. Eduard Vogel. Munzinger is obliged to undertake ethnic and geographical researches. He also receives a "pocket money" of 5000 Swiss Francs, for this research. The expedition starts with the German geographer Dr. Theodor Kinzelbach, 7 servants and 7 mules. The aim is the location of Wadai where Dr. Vogel had been the last time. # click here to discuss about this event

The expedition crew arrives at El Obeid on 20th April 1862. However they had to wait for news from the sultan if they are allowed to enter Wadai. They were allowed to enter in the condition they give their horses, however Dr. Vogel was described as the man who did not want to give away his grey horse to the sultan, and by this he was murdered [content to be updated] Short while, Munziger travels to Switzerland. The expedition is halted, because he was ill from Malaria. Munzinger takes time to recover. # click here to discuss about this event

Munzinger had became an intermediary by now, for Europe and Eritrea acting on behalf of commerce companies in around the world. He began to sell leopard furs and ivory which is then sent to Europe. During this time the Ethiopian general Kassa or Theodor II, was against Mecca, Cairo and "liberation" of Jerusalem. He had very stron anti-Islam views in Abyssinia. Kassa was planning crusades of the Abessinian and European "Christendom" against the Islamic "hereditary enemies". By letter he is begging for military help to queen Victoria of England, however the Ethiopian ruler gets nothing except a one rivolver from the queen. # click here to discuss about this event

In 1864, the Egyptian merchant Khedive Ismael purchases Massaua from a Turkish sultan who was controlling the Massawa port at the time. # click here to discuss about this event

Theodor (Hatsey Terdros) takes 64 Europeans as hostages after his failed request for Military support from queen victory, to fight Muslims around Abyssinia. He took all of the hostages to Ethiopia with intentions of using them as a bargaining chips for Military help from European powers. In return however, Queen Victoria sends British colonial troops to Abyssinia to fights Hatsey Tedros. During this event, military buildup becomes a common view in Eritrea. Elephants carrying canons, Villagers start to flee, and British colonial troops under Sir Robert Napier finally liberated the 64 Europeans and Kassa committed suicide. # click here to discuss about this event

Every British soldier who freed the Europeans left Abyssinia at the end of 1868. They gave 12 canons, 725 muskets and ammunition to prince Kassai. Prince Kassai was took the throne from Theodor II. After, this moment the prince started to call himself "Jonh IV" Muzinger stays in Massawa. # click here to discuss about this event

By the order of the ship owner Raffaele Rubattino from Genoa, Italy, a man called <b>Giuseppe Sepeto</b> purchases the bay of Assab from the Turkish Ben Ahmed brothers. The purchase was supported by the Italian Government, # click here to discuss about this event

28.9.1896 | Munzinger was almost killed in an assassination attempt. He was shot four times, and wounded but not serious, reasons are not clear. # click here to discuss about this event

The opening of the Suez Channel in the 60's had an absolutely negative consequences for Eritrea because from then on, Eritrea become a strategically significant country for the world of commerce for it's significance at the horn of Africa. With this intent the Egyptians were the first to occupy Massawa with English support, also Keren and parts of Central Eritrea. Assab was under the control of the Italian ship owner Raffaele Rubattino at this time. # click here to discuss about this event

After the Egyptians takeover of Massawa, Khedive Ismail appointed Munzinger as a governor of Massawa and of the provinces at the Red Sea. Munzinger at this time: <> Possessed an own steamer and had taken the Swiss expedition searcher Haggenmacher with him to Massawa <> He is residing with his wife Oulette-Mariam in a governor's palace Munzinger's new projects for Massawa included he had planed, <>levee construction between the island Massawa and the continental land <> Project of a water pipe from the continental land to the Island Massawa <> Telegraph line created over Keren to Kouala, eventually to Cairo. <> Project of a railway line along the cost of Keren. # click here to discuss about this event

The Bogos who are under prince Kassai (John IV.) are demanding for an Anschluss to the province Massaua under Munzinger # click here to discuss about this event

In 21.5.1872 Khedive Ismail had stablished <> Approval the water pipe <> The tax is not changed and stays very high <> He welcomes the Anschluss of the Bogos, eventually also of the Belen and the Mareas <> He sends a battailon of 800 men, 40 mitrailleuses and 4 mountain canons # click here to discuss about this event

In November, 31 1872 Munzinger reports to khedive Ismail about Expansion project against Ethiopia and Italian occupied territory: He reports: <> The Belen and the Mareas have looked for shelter with him and are under Egypt protection, also a part of the Danakil <> Munzinger suggests also to bring Beylul and Raheita "under his control" <> Munzinger suggests the annexation of the Aussa province and of the great salt plain: Since Aussa was a fertile, richly populated land on one of the great Abessinian trade routs and would be strategically important, so a big part of the caravans from Schoa and Galla could be drawn to Munzinger's ports. At the same time Italy has it's own plans on Eritrea. It intended to increase it's presence between Beylul and Raheita. [ Which was why Munzinger was making plans ahead to occupy the territory before the Italians did. For, this plan Munzinger demands a new ship at the same time ] # click here to discuss about this event

In 26.11.1872 - Munzinger reports: <> The territory of the Bogos is occupied, the European newspapers have reported it <> The tribal fights would have ended, as also the girl trafficking had been stopped <> The levees from the board to the Massaua islands would be completed soon # click here to discuss about this event

In 10.2.1973 Munzinger sends report confirming: <> Rumours Munzinger is pro slavery and is involved in slave trade, but he confirms abolition of slavery <> John of Abessinia is going on with slave trade <> the uncle of John of Abessinia had threatened Munzinger because slaved were freed by him <> the coast line of 300 miles is never possible to control <> the freed slaves have more problems than the slaves for whom the landlord has to look after <> Munzinger complains that the freed slaves cannot be taught and clothed without additional funds # click here to discuss about this event

In 31.7.1875 Khedive Ismail gives the order to Munzinger to establish a trade route between Schoa and the Red Sea # click here to discuss about this event

In 24.11.1875 Khedive Ismail writes a letter to Munzinger, informing him that the deputy of Munzinger in Massawa, <b> Arakel Bey,</b> had attacked without orders from Khadive Ismail, the Abessinians with only a 1000 men. Almost all warriors of the Massawa republics have died and revenge is expected. So Ismail gives the order to Munzinger to keep calm # click here to discuss about this event

In 04.12.1875 - According to a report of the servant Eduard Dor Werner Munzinger and his wife Oulette-Mariam have been assaulted and murdered. Munzinger dies without descendants. By this the Massawa provinces stay without any successor. # click here to discuss about this event

Ismail in Cairo had to resign because of too high debts at the European creditors. His successor becomes his son Tawfiq Pasha. Ismail goes into exile to Naples and Istanbul # click here to discuss about this event

See Zarah Ibrahim # click here to discuss about this event

From 1879 Assab is taken over with force by Italy which "purchases" the bay of Assab renamed it officially "Colonia di Assab" showing, imperialist urge along the coast to the North # click here to discuss about this event

From 1885 - 1888 The Italian troops after having occupied Massawa progressed to occupying Keren, Asmara and eventually occupied the whole Eritrean territory down the Mereb River. # click here to discuss about this event

Treaty of Wichale (it. Ucciali) is a treaty signed between the Ethiopian government / empire and Italy about the fate of Eritrea. In this treaty between Italy and Ethiopia's emperor Menelik the Italian aspirations for Eritrea are "confirmed". The Italian king Umberto recognizes Menelik as emperor of Abessinia, in return the Abyssinian government won't claim Eritrea to be theirs. # click here to discuss about this event

Eritrea is declared the first colony of Italy and is named "Eritrea" for the future according to the Roman Empire. During this time, the Italian colonial government had plans in Eritrea: <> To extend the infrastructure <> Opening of the highlands of Asmara by roads, ports and railways <> Construction of an aerial cableway (teleferica) between Massawa and Asmara, for the transport of goods <> First Industrial projects At this point, the number of Italian settlers in Eritrea was around 5000 # click here to discuss about this event

Starting from 1890 to 1922, The native population is discriminated in the health and school departments. There is no industrialization policy, instead the farmers who are driven from their lands are torn to forced labor. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1890 - 1941, Numerous schools were built in Eritrea, specially in Asmara. but lessons are given only in Italian, there was a formation of class and the elite are placed in the colonial administration. The consequences for the natives are catastrophic: <> The broad population is living on without any primary school <> at the same time the colonialists are showing their behavior of dominance <> Eritrean men and women are only given jobs as servants for the "colonialists" There were only few school offered to Eritreans for a very limited amount of knowledge to learnt, such as hygiene and glorification of the colonialists. # click here to discuss about this event

Beginning of gold mining in Mendri Zien, Adio Shumagle, Adi Konzi and Adi Nefas near Asmara by the Italian company "Societa Eritrea per le Miniere d'Oro" (Society Eritrea for gold miners) # click here to discuss about this event

In 1908 | irrigation is showing improvements as: <> The whole territory of Sh'eb is split-leveled <> With the irrigation through all the year 4 harvests per year are become possible # click here to discuss about this event

See "settlement of the bill in Adwa" # click here to discuss about this event

On 7th February 1923. Italy declared a law claiming its ownership. <> All roads built by the government <> All coasts, ports, beaches and forests <> All telegraph and telephone lines and water courses <> All land which belonged to tribes which have died out or is not in possession of other tribes or families <> All land which belonged to former governments <> Forests and bush which is not reserved for the sedentary population <> Mines, winning territories, salt mines, other rights reserved <> All land in the Eastern and Western lowlands which is not settled by a sedentary population The consequences for the population are catastrophic: <> Around the half of the soil of Eritrea comes under control of the Italian colonial administration <> Breakdown of the native land system <> The local rural population is forced into wage work <> There is a development of a mechanized agriculture for export products as tobacco, coffee, cotton and citrus fruits with the employment of season workers <> The influence of the capital changes the habits of the population: The people emigrate from their traditional village communities # click here to discuss about this event

From 1930 - 1940 follows an industrialization of Eritrea and a massive Italian immigration. In 1930-1935 there were 5000 to 50.000 Italian men and women. In 1940 the number closed to 70.000 # click here to discuss about this event

There are wage differences between Italian men and women and Eritreans of the factor 3 to 5. The dissatisfaction of the Eritreans was growing at this stage. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1931 -1960 by the "Sindicato delle Miniere auriferi di Cheren" (SMAC). Eritrea is robbed of it gold in varying amount from 3 to 422 kg fine gold per year. # click here to discuss about this event

In 1935, the massive Italian expansion of Eritrean sovereignty was shown with poison campaigns. Because of this Italy is suffering a boycott from France and England, and Italy becomes dependent from German coal deliveries which are leading through Switzerland. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1939 - 1945 Agriculture production rose from 57.000 hectares (1939) up to 260.000 hectares (1945), with this: <> Deprivation of fertile soil and <> Introduction of new taxes becomes common. <> The rural population is forced into dependency of wages <> The dissatisfaction creates rebellion of the natives are more and more uprising start being seen. # click here to discuss about this event

In 1941 the Eritrean population voiced it's support openly for the English troops against the Italian colonialist. # click here to discuss about this event

After the defeat of Italy England quickly "takes over" the bigger part of Eritrea English colonialism reaches it's peak around and supports the division of Eritrea's land by Christians in the South and Arab Islamist in the North The Soviet Union "supports" Eritrea's independence <> Soviet Union, Iraq and Pakistan are for an Eritrean independence <> The Western industrial nations become in favor of a federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia The industrial of the Western world estimate that in Eritrea can be found the biggest copper ore deposits in the regions Adi Cuscet, Shiketti, Lamza, Abarda and in other regions. Total reserves estimated: 14.933.000 tons. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1941 - 1945, The British administration is establishing a war supplying industry in Eritrea: Consequences: <> There is no change of the colonial, sociological structures <> Due to the war on the economy the production of fish flour is slowing down <> and paper processing and sisal processing is slowing down. Schools in Eritrea: <> Furthermore no general education and no education for women <> The British administration is rising the number of primary schools from 24 to 59 with the aim to have administration forces and workers for the English war industry. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1942 - 1949, <> The Eritrean population developed sentiments of revolting against the forced work and against expropriations which didn't find an end also after the British take over <>Also, against the plan of the British government which did not want Eritrea to be independent but only to be united with the Ethiopia. # click here to discuss about this event

At the end of the war the industrial sector of the Eritrean economy is breaking down because the production was only for the war. The industrial plants are closed down. partly there is the total dismantling and transportation of whole industrial plants to other British colonies . The British are cannibalizing the land and are dismantling all for the purpose of their country. As a consequence there are whole groups of populations without work, e.g. the Saho who could not even sell their cattle herds any more, because the meat processing industry was dismantled by the British. # click here to discuss about this event

Even after it's defeat, Italy claims Eritrea as a pre-facist country, meaning that Italy had a legitimate ownership of Erirea, and thus it has the right to re-colonize Eritrea legally. The Italian government supports the veteran union and the pro-Italian party in Eritrea with massive funds. The Ethiopian government however, is performing a row of anti-Italian assassination attempts, to counter the problem. The assassination attempts are presented in a way as if the criminal group Shifta would stay behind it. In the mean time,The US, England, France and Russia are handing over the problem of "Eritrea" to the newly founded "United Nations" # click here to discuss about this event

The United Nation proposes Eritrea to be divided according to the demographical status, By the proposal of the "United Nations" the two foreign ministers of England and Italy are working out the Bevin Sforza plan: <> partition of Eritrea and Libya along the wishes of Londo <> Italy should get a mandate over Somalia. The plan fails above all because of the opposition of France which also claims a part of Libya for itself and which is against an English expansion of it's colonial empire up to Tunisia. Russia would rather like a mandate of the UN over Libya and Eritrea, but has nothing # click here to discuss about this event

The British "experts" claim that Eritrea would not be "survivable": "The most probable case is that when Eritrea cannot live for its own, in the case of an independence the population has ho chance to survive." <> The destruction of the Eritrean economy is not made a pretext to prevent Eritrea from being a sovereign, independent nation. # click here to discuss about this event

In December 02, 1950 - Both big powers start speaking against the will of liberation of the Eritrean people. There is a vote of a federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia: Eritrea is hence "joined" to Ethiopia by 40:10 votes with 4 abstentions, as <b>Autonomic unity within the federation with Ethiopia under the sovereignty of the Ethiopian crown</b>. A democratic constitution for Eritrea will be elaborated by a commissioner of the UN by September 1952. The "USA" is putting through their "interests". The "American" State Secretary John Foster Dulles: <b>When one sees the point of view of justice the Eritrean people deserve consideration. But the interest of the United States at the Red Sea and the considerations according to the safety and the world peace make it necessary that the country will be joined to Ethiopia.</b> The countries of Eastern bloc were against this solution and for independence of Eritrea. But Eritrea and its ethnic communities are never asked about their choice. # click here to discuss about this event

In April 1950, The UN commission for Eritrea utters the meaning that a cultivation of grain in Eritrea of additional 40.000 tons of grain would be possible with new technical means. By the opening of the land with well installations and canal construction not used fertile soil should be used in the Tessenai Gulluj plain, in Om Hager Gulluj, Bashis, in the Gash valley and in Mansura. By this the UN was trying to indicate by any possible means, that Eritrean would not survive on its own. # click here to discuss about this event

In December 1950, Agreement between USA and Ethiopia took place. In which, the English bases in Eritrea were to be put under the control of the USA for 25 years. <> Again Eritrea and its ethnic community are not asked <> Eritrea becomes a tool of the "big powers" because of its "strategic position". And during all of this, the Ethiopian Government stands against the democratic constitution of Eritrea # click here to discuss about this event

in 1952, The UN decided the forced method of "integration" of Eritrea with Ethiopia. The dictatorial conditions from Addis Abeba became apparent in Eritrea, as a result: <> Feudalism on the countryside is fixed more and more <> The broad masses of the people are more impoverishing than before <> There is formed a feudal landowner's class and an urban bourgeoisie <> The Eritrean economy starts to cripple <> The institutions of the colonial time which functioned until now are crippling now under the Ethiopian government. <> There is no investment activity. <> Not a single change takes place concerning the discriminating educational system # click here to discuss about this event

The Eritrean trade unions are fighting against the closure of over 800 factories and the transportation of the factories to Ethiopia. # click here to discuss about this event

In January 02, 1953, the greatest mass demonstration in Eritrea was held, under the leadership, Woldeab Woldemariam who was the president of the Eritrean trade unions, at the time. Diplomatic representatives from different countries are taking part. The Ethiopian government feels attacked at this point, and start to silence the organizers. # click here to discuss about this event

In January 04, 1953 The Ethiopian governments attempted to assassinate Woldeab Woldemariam, however he was only shot four time, and was heavily heavily injured and is forced to go into exile to Cairo. From there he manages to hear about Eritrea with radio. # click here to discuss about this event

In March 1952, Eritrea a balance between unionists and independents is established. <> All parties for an independence of Eritrea are dissolved, only the unionists are allowed to exist. The leader of the unionists, Tedla Bairu, is authorized to form a government In the following time the dissolved parties are protesting at the UN against the repeated violation of the federative constitution. The UN is acting and is pretending as if it had not power. # click here to discuss about this event

From 1953-1958, Resistance at the labor unions in Eritrea and dictatorship and rising step by step as a result: <> Freedom of the press is abolished <> The official language Tigrinia and Arab are replace by the official language of Ethiopia, the Amharic. # click here to discuss about this event

In May 1958 General strike in Eritrea starts against the subtle annexation by Ethiopia. Dozens are dead and hurt, 100s are arrested, oppositions were then forced into exile # click here to discuss about this event

In June 1958, after the general strike and as a result of the ongoing resistance <b>a political underground movement </b>in Eritrea is created: <b> ELM (Eritrean Liberation Movement)</b> "Eritrean Liberation Movement" (ELM), was founded by some exiled Eritreans. It was known soon as "Mahber Showatte" meaning "Group of the 7", the main office being in Port Sudan. # click here to discuss about this event

After 2 years of the establishment of ELM, another second underground movement referred to as "Eritrean Liberation Front" (ELF) is founded by the exiled Eritreans in Sudan and Egypt. They come from the lowlands were mainly mainly Islamic, under the command of Idris Mohamed Adem who stayed as the parliament leader from 1955-1956. The ELM the leaders and the ELF are propagating the armed fight for the Eritrean independence. In the first years the ELF was a typical guerrilla movement. The military education was given by the Sudanese army. Members of the ELF were mainly from ethnic groups of the Beni and of the Amer from the Barka region # click here to discuss about this event

In September 01, 1961 ELF sent 13 men on a police post in Barka in the Western lowlands # click here to discuss about this event

Ethiopia made Eritrea a separate province. Emperor Haile Selassie unilaterally dissolved the Eritrean parliament and annexed the country. # click here to discuss about this event

November 14, 1962, with the tacist approval of the powers Eritrea is annexed by Ethiopia and becomes the 14th Ethiopian province <> Eritrea is officially declared the 14th Ethiopian province <> the UN gives deaf ears to the Eritrean people public. With the declaration to be the 14th Ethiopian "province" emperor Selassie is signing the destruction of his own empire at the same time, because the annexation would not be accepted by the Eritrean and African community. # click here to discuss about this event

Arab countries started to send relief supplies to ELF in the fight against Ethiopia, but Soviet Union's help to Eritrea was only in words. This is the only help the poor but strong in spirit nation received from the world, fighting a much stronger country supported by the biggest powers. # click here to discuss about this event

14th November 1962, Marks two events that happened in Eritrea. 1 - <b>Downfall of ELF</b> ELF's self proclamations of it was the only political organization that could liberate Eritrea lead to more problems among ELF, and ELM. As such: <>ELF is not only fighting Ethiopian troops, but also ELM ( Eritrean Liberation Movement ) The Result becomes: <> There is no uniform resistance against the Selassie troops <> The Selassie troops can attack every province seperately <> The ELF weakened suffers a defeat with a massacre <> The flow of Eritrean refugees starts flowing into Sudan 2- <b> Haile selassie orders all Arabic and Tigrinia books to be burned </b> Emperor Selassie organizes the book burning of all school books which are written in Eritrean languages. Arab and Tigrinia are replaced by Ethiopian Amharic. In Eritrea the duty for glorification of emperor Selassie is introduced, with songs and poems (according to communist methods) In fact the Selassie dictatorship was continuing the colonial system of the oppression of the education against the Eritrean population, exactly as how it was run during the Italian colonial era, except Eritrea was being robbed of it's factories, industries in a wide margin. # click here to discuss about this event

In May 25, 1963 At the union of African leaders in Ethiopia in Addis Abeba, Eritrea does not exist nor had any seats. The dictators are canvassed each from several sides <> From capitalism and from communism and partly also from Judaism - with funds. The dictators are making the money mostly in Switzerland. The Swiss policy in Berne says to be "neutral". <> At this point in time, the ideological fight between capitalism and communism is spreading over the whole African continent. The new African nations could not fight the path of neutrality between the two ideologies. # click here to discuss about this event

Selassie arrives in concealing his aims about Eritrea before the other African states. He presents the situation as if his annexation of Eritrea would not break the UN resolution and would not be against an independence of the Eritrean people. <> At this point in time, the UN conference concludes in recognizing the border lines of Africa and African countries, but no attention is given to Eritreans. # click here to discuss about this event

In the case of Eritrea it remains unclear about the border lines of 1941 or 1964 as annexed land are recognized by AU, leaving Eritrea without a choice to know its territories. <> By this action, Eritrea's right for self-determination is made hopeless <> In the AU Eritrea becomes a non existat nation <> The independence of Eritrea cannot be performed # click here to discuss about this event

In 1966 and on-wards, close to 600.000 artificial fertilizer is produced from the, deposit in the Danakil desert. <> This is the biggest production of the whole world, and never profited the Eritrean people. # click here to discuss about this event

Beginning of the conscious political work in Eritrea after the occupation by Selassie's troops, a movment was on the rise with: <> The aim of Abolitionism of the feudal system with land reform <> Phrasing of the "unity of the three" <> Claim for a reform of the ELF <> The intellectuals are operating from Sudan <> A little Christian group concludes to go on with the fight organizing a guerrilla war from the highlands # click here to discuss about this event

By Incorporating of the resistance groups in Sudan and of the exiled Eritreans. The "Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) was born. officially. by 1976 it was represented by the responsible for diplomacy of the ELF, Osman Saleh Sabbeh # click here to discuss about this event

The 1970 marked a time in which a time of famine and civil war was started in Eritrea which continued until 1980s. <> The ELF becomes split into two different wings which are making war against each other with revolts and cleansing, so they they weakened each-other. <> But the ELF groups are forced to come together by Arab countries help again and again # click here to discuss about this event

In 1971 the Ethiopian army started to invade Eritrean sovereignty more and more, despite Ethiopia experiencing the worst famine in it history # click here to discuss about this event

The military advancement of ELF and EPLF defeated and provoked new events: <> Military revolt and anti feudal revolt <> Hailesilassie was overthrown <> Foundation of a temporary Ethiopian military council called: "Derg" led by Mengistu Hailemariam. # click here to discuss about this event

As part this the army and of the police takes the power <> The population is again suppressed # click here to discuss about this event

In December 9, 1974, EPLF and ELF attack enemy lines against Keren and Asmara. 20.000 Ethiopian soldiers in front positions give up their positions and retreat into other towns 1974 <> During this time, the US was continuing its military help to Ethiopia. # click here to discuss about this event

By 1975 the copper ore deposits are under Ethiopian control and the exploitation is performed by the Japanese corporation "Nippon Koei Co.". In 1975 the territory comes under Eritrean sovereignty. These are the richest copper ore deposits of the world: the region of Adi Cuscet, Shiketti, Lamza, Abarda and other regions were all extorted of their resources. However, the EPLF having realized this occupies the territory and all the rich lands became under the EPLF control # click here to discuss about this event

From 1975-1978 the EPLF launched minor offensives and controls Keren, Dekemhare, Dongolo and others towns. Following this, the reactivation of the industries and the public services begins. <> Establishment of new EPLF structures is also made <> Production for the needs of the population implemented <> Also major improvement of the working conditions are started # click here to discuss about this event

Repression of Ethiopia under Mengistu against Eritrea including: <> Bombings - refugee camps starts. <> Mengistu tries to destroy Eritrea using Vietnam-like tactics, which it leaned from American tactics during the Veitnam war, with this illegal warfare, and the world by his side, gains no success. The new Ethiopian Government, Derg is finding it hard to defeat the EPLF. <> Trial of a barbarous repression policy against the civil population <> The Ethiopian troops are bombing above all villages and schools <> 10.000 to 20.000 victims at the Eritrean civil population <> the rural population stays without education <> 10.000s go into refugee camps and leave the villages <> There is a social uprising, food problems, illiteracy, when there is no support by the # click here to discuss about this event

In 1975 after unsuccessful attempts to destroy Eritrea, the Derg creates an new Ethiopian farmer's militia against Eritrea. The Derg presents a "9 points plan", to grant Eritrea only an autonomy. # click here to discuss about this event

In-order to intimidate the Eritrea public, the Ethiopia army and leaders start a wave of rapes and torture of civilians in Eritrea. Women are stopped in the streets, arrested without reason and raped in the prisons. When the rapes did not stop the population is flowing more and more to the EPLF to join the armed fight against the Ethiopians, the women were accepted in the EPLF, and quickly integrated to become effective as much as the men were. This also, helped created culture of respect and unity between men and women. # click here to discuss about this event

Due to the ongoing famine, and opression of the population A humanitarian group was created by EPLF in 1975: This was the only help the little African organization "Eritrean Relief Association" ERA had facts: <> Some founders are members in the EPLF at the same time <> Other co-founders are member by humanitarian interest # click here to discuss about this event

After observing the success of EPLF, numerious oposition in Ethiopia began to show up. In 1975 in Ethiopia: "Tigray People's Liberation Front" (TPLF) was founded Aims are: <> Overthrow of the Mengistu's dominance <> The Tigray province shall get an autonomy politically and economically Similarly, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) was established. with a numerical center in the Wollega province. <> The aim was independence of Oromia. In Ethiopia More foundations of opposition groups against Mengistu emerge <> Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP), later from Mengistu liquidated <> Ethiopian People's Democratic Move (EPRP) <> All Ethiopian Socialist Movement (Meisone) <> Afar Liberation Front (ALF): an Ethnic movement of the Afars Western Somali Liberation Front, a Somali rooted movement from Ogaden. The opposition groups however did not like the OLF, as the OLF intended to be independent from Ethiopia. At the same time the EPLF gives assistance to the Ethiopian opposition groups, above all for the buildup of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Later the relationship is cooling down because of ideological differences # click here to discuss about this event

Demonstrations of the landowners against the projected land reform of the EPLF <> the politicized farmers are organizing a massive counter demonstration # click here to discuss about this event

First women organization in Eritrea: "Eritrean Women's Association" was established. First "Zero school" in Sahel province was created. started by 300 students, with a primary school 1st to 5th class level, then secondary school 6th and 7th class level. However do to the bombings on school, by the Derg army, it had to relocate several times to different places. # click here to discuss about this event

In July 12, 1967 The Ethiopian farmer's militia suffers defeats and is withdrawing from it's locations # click here to discuss about this event

In 1977, EPLF adopted the first "National Democratic program" (NDP) <>Arrangement of the land question with forming and support of cooperatives <>Transformation of the big farms into public enterprises for the use of the masses <> The Eritrean nomads "Beni Amer" should be "made" sedentary and should be "lead" to agriculture <> Program for alphabetization and women emancipation, above all for the nomad women who are restricted by Islam <> Program for elimination of mutilation of the clitoris and infibulations (mutilation of the labia) of women. <> program for the unification of the women with the possibility to take part in the fight # click here to discuss about this event

Since February1977, the members of the EPLF declared compulsory the following: <> Minimum age for marriage for women is 18 years, for men 21 years <> Prohibition of bride prices, of marriage portion and other transactions for affiance and marriage <> Principle of the voluntarily mate selection and monogamy <> When there is divorce: The half of the possession is for the woman, the woman can claim for support up to the half of the income of the husband, both have the same right to file a petition for divorce <> Prohibition of the mutilation of girls and conviction work at traditional "midwives" <> Equal rights of sons and daughters in the law of succession <> Widows can claim for land possession <> Women over 30 ("not marriageable") get the half of a part of a family <> equal ranking of legitimate and illegitimate children. However, some nomads from the Islamic section, resisted women rights for equal rights, and even tried to kill women who supported or were involved with the EPLF. To counter this problem, the EPLF asked the nomads and their leaders to prove using the Koran that education for women was forbidden. However, there was <b>no</b> prove that the Koran forbid education of women. # click here to discuss about this event

Nakfa is the main town of the Sahel province and is taken by the EPLF # click here to discuss about this event

22th March 1977, Tessenai is conquered by EPLF # click here to discuss about this event

In August 1977, EPLF begins with the siege of Asmara # click here to discuss about this event

The Ethiopian government wants to immerse atomic waste before Eritrea. The EPLF is resisting and is the first African authority claiming for an anti waste convention # click here to discuss about this event

After the continuation of the offensieve by the EPLF, the derg becomes pro-Soviet wing under Mengistu for aid of more weapons As a return service for the "alliance" the "Soviet Union" is granted access of Dahlak islands and Massaua as a military marine base <b>No reversal at the Western powers </b> The alliance between Ethiopia and the "Soviet Union" has no consequences at the Western powers concerning Eritrea. Eritrea does not receive support. To the contrary: The Western powers try to keep the connection with Mengistu by economic and humanitarian help: by strategical reasons # click here to discuss about this event

The curriculum gets some variations for certain regions in 1978 and in 1980. The learning targets are really the opposite to the colonial education system: # click here to discuss about this event

In June 1978 Ethiopian launches offensieve against Eritrea from three points <> Eritrea is attacked by an expedition corps armed with the latest "Soviet" weapons <> Reinforced by MiG jet fighters who are steered by Cuban and South Yemenitic pilots The soviet fleet from in Redsea is prevented from advancing by EPLF machine-gun propelled speed boats. # click here to discuss about this event

After Derg major and Soviet-Cuba backed offensive the EPLF withdraws to Sahel territory <> At this moment thousands of civilians are following the EPLF leaving their homes because they knew the EPLF's system of governance would suit them. The Sahel mountains become a invulnerable fortress. The schools built by EPLF were also vulnerable. # click here to discuss about this event

The EPLF anticipating more attacks strengthens position in Sahel, andbecame "the most disciplined, and organized guerrilla army of the world", also titled the same by Weltwoche in 1990 # click here to discuss about this event

Since 1978 there is a continuous flow of women to the EPLF who are also learning the fight with a gun. In the extreme situation of the fight the EPLF women fighters are braver and more persistent than the men In 1978, all in all 9 attacks of Ethiopia were carried out by Ethiopia with "Soviet" consultants, with immense losses of humans and material and also with toxic gas During this time, the EPLF survived recycling of used or conquered war material to use against the Derg, but during this war, Eritrea suffers economically because In the course of the Ethiopian attacks 28.000 of the 50.000 humans in the Sh'eb agriculture region are leaving. The agriculture production starts declining # click here to discuss about this event

National Union of Eritrean Women: NUEW or Hamade'e is created in 1979, The NUEW's function is to teach the people to develop unity to build strong and conscience women, at the same time NUEW teaches <> Equality of education <> Emancipation concerning the health <> Implementation of keeping of small domestic animals like chicken farms or rabbit breeding <> Foundation of little village shops with housewares. and NUEW starts operating a research and information department. # click here to discuss about this event

The Eritrea question in the UN An expert report of the people's tribunal states: <> a justification for a claim of Ethiopia on Eritrea is not possible <> the events in the antiquity (empire of Axum) are not essential <> the report gives recognition to the existence of an Eritrean people <> there is the right for self-determination # click here to discuss about this event

1980 - 1990 Any referendum in Eritrea is suppressed Such a referendum of the Eritrean people would include the questions about the future Eritrea with oo the integration in Ethiopia, or oo the federation with Ethiopia, or oo the self-determination as an independent state # click here to discuss about this event

Instead of the UN report which stated that there can be no claim stated from Ethiopia on Eritrea there are over 100.000 soldiers sent against Eritrea: oo most massive bombings oo but no invasion in Nakfa # click here to discuss about this event

7th Ethiopian-"Soviet" offensive against Eritrea: "Quiet offensive" The aim is the attrition war on big scale. But EPLF is not getting involved with the guerrilla warfare # click here to discuss about this event

During the year 1984 EPLF can push forward to the east up to the Red Sea and can occupy the Mersa Teklay bay. This is the decisive turnaround. Lots of weapons, light and heavy ones, are conquered, tanks and artillery pieces. But the conquests cannot be hold # click here to discuss about this event

(= Swiss support committee for Eritrea (orig.: Schweizerisches Unterstützungskomitee für Eritrea). The money donations are transferred to the international coordination office of ERA in Cologne (SUKE, p.176-177). ERA and the connections to the Western foreign countries Collaboration with churchly and private organizations from the Scandinavian countries, above all Norway, but also Switzerland, West Germany and other countries of Europe, the "USA", Canada, Australia. These are mostly private, non governmental organizations, which partly receive state's money for humanitarian projects in # click here to discuss about this event

Coupled with the global famin, Eritrea is affected The coincidence of war events and famine provokes an emigration of 1000s of Eritreans abroad. An Eritrean diaspora is formed, and accordingly they are celebrating their festivities # click here to discuss about this event

The little African relief organization "Eritrean Relief Association" (ERA) is organizing the help for the Eritrean population. The big international relief organizations are not lifting any finger at all. The ERA proves their capacities during the famine. The structure of volunteers hinders any form of corruption at minimal costs. Food ist transported from Sudan from Port Sudan to Eritrea # click here to discuss about this event

EPLF's resistance is successful with conquered weapons -- EPLF is successful in pushing forward to the fortified garrisons of Asmara and Massaua -- destruction of dozens of MiG jet fighters # click here to discuss about this event

The assembly takes place in a small tributary valley during nightfall. There are collecting almost 400 people in a "congress hall" of stoned steps, very well masked and not visible from the top. Conclusions for agricultural reconstruction: -- dispersion of seeds, agriculture machinery, draft animals -- new cultivation of land -- appliance of new irrigation methods -- reforestation and measures for soil protection -- extension of the veterinarian service -- extension of the agriculture schools -- research about soil conservation, forestation and agriculture and irrigation methods. # click here to discuss about this event

WINA is the name of an agriculture highland area in Eritrea (papayas, lemons, bananas). Set up of a technical school for handicrafts for members of Christian and Islam religion. The school is bombed several times. Day free of school is Wednesday as a compromise between the religions # click here to discuss about this event

Directly behind the border ERA keeps about 7000 Ethiopian prisoners of wars who are fed by ERA. They receive the same food as EPLF members. They have an own medical supply, schools, workshops and cultural groups (SUKE, p.173). Dismissed Ethiopian prisoners of war are homeless (!) The Ethiopian government denies that there are Ethiopian prisoners of war. And the Ethiopian government maintains that EPLF would murder all prisoners of war. By this the government means to keep the soldiers off from dissertation. Ethiopians who are dismissed from war captivity can only return to territories # click here to discuss about this event

To the central committee are elected 6 women (from 71 members). This remains little. Modification of the land program -- partition of the whole economy in a public and a private sector -- the big industries are nationalized -- new civil right according to the women's emancipation is in project -- facilitation of family possession with private agriculture -- introduction of modern cultivation techniques and tools -- set up of a net of consulting and experts, veterinary service -- well constructioning, levee constructioning -- developing of transport system -- credit system w # click here to discuss about this event

State's program -- set up of a state with a multiple party system with a national parliament which is elected democratically and free (change of the program of 1977) -- free expression of opinion, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and assembly -- block free policy -- guaranty of a free development in economy, culture, religion and language for all ethnic groups (SUKE, p.154-155). Economic program -- development of a mixed economy with the control of the most important national resources and public services by the state -- extensive agricultural reform which is adopted to the # click here to discuss about this event

Intimidation of the world's press and of the diplomacy against Eritrea The world's meaning is propagating against Eritrea -- a victory against Ethiopia would be impossible -- in a perpetual war the Ethiopian side would always dominate because Ethiopia has access to according resources # click here to discuss about this event

Refugee camp Wad Sherifay in eastern Sudan near Kassala at the Eritrean-Sudanese border There are about 100.000 refugees -- with good food supply -- with good medical support above all by the Swiss Red Cross. But the refugees are without any perspective # click here to discuss about this event

By this huge amounts of war material are captured. Then there is installed a new military cooperation between EPLF and the Ethiopian opposition group TPLF, but ideological contradictions cannot be overcome. There develop also good contacts to the OLF # click here to discuss about this event

Mengistu continues persisting on a military occupation of Eritrea. Accordingly to this the EPLF is enforcing its operations: -- EPLF is expanding the guerrilla war to a conventional war with the aid of conquered weapons -- in March 1988 there is a preliminary offensive: Some 10.000 Ethiopian soldiers are surrounded and are destructively defeated -- this is the "Stalingrad" for Mengistu resp. the "Dien Bien Phu" for the Ethiopian army -- the Ethiopian troops withdraw from several Eritrean towns and take their last defendant positions around Keren and Asmara (SUKE, p.43). It's t # click here to discuss about this event

Mengistu claims for weapon delivery from China and North Korea because from the "Soviet Union" he is not getting any more all what he wants # click here to discuss about this event

The NUEW has 67.000 members: 50.000 in Eritrea, 17.000 abroad. Project: Because the illiteracy rate of Eritrean women is higher that 90 % yet the alphabetization shall be driven forward. It shall be inhibited that after a peace the women will be driven back into the stoves # click here to discuss about this event

Successes of EPLF and TPLF in Tigray - rocking Ethiopian army By the successful collaboration of EPLF and TPLF the successes are possible, but an ideological approximation between EPFL and TPLF is not possible. In the meantime the Ethiopian army comes into inner troubles because of repression measures. There are first decomposition phenomenons and the defense is not uniform any more # click here to discuss about this event

-- forced called up for military service of children -- collapse of the Ethiopian economy -- repression against the army. The contradictions within the Ethiopian army are spreading and the decomposition is once and for all (SUKE, p.225). A coup attempt at the top of the Ethiopian army is without success (SUKE, p.225) September 1989 Second talks between representatives of Ethiopia and Eritrea this time in Atlanta ("USA"). The delegations of both sides agree further talks # click here to discuss about this event

Talks Ethiopia - Eritrea in Nairobi: There are fixed precise conditions for future peace talks (SUKE, p.226). Ethiopian prisoners of war Temporarily EPLF are keeping 12.000 Ethiopian prisoners of war directly behind the border line. They are supplied by ERA with the same food as for the EPLF members # click here to discuss about this event

Eritrean liberation fighters overrun the defense positions of the Ethiopian army -- another group pushes against the occupied Massaua -- a third group attacks the marine port of Massaua # click here to discuss about this event

EPLF can conquer huge amounts of military material -- the international press spreads against Eritrea that now the last supply line against the hunger would be interrupted -- the Ethiopian foreign minister Tesfaye Dinka utters that the "latest offensive of the EPFL would be a severe threat to the starving civil population"... ->> all is a theater and lie because the Mengistu government itself has blocked the emergency help for the liberated territories of Eritrea and Tigray: The help only reached partly the civil population ->> the Ethiopian army is going on with selling the aid gr # click here to discuss about this event

As a reaction for the liberation of Massaua Ethiopian bombers launch bombs on the island, napalm and cluster bombs. ->> 100s of deads ->> there is no protest of the big relief organizations! # click here to discuss about this event

The "Soviet Union" withdraws - Israel is new and old alliance for Ethiopia's Mengistu "Soviet Union" and GDR are finishing with the support for the Mengistu regime. Israel with its Mossad "specialists" is new and old partner of Mengistu (SUKE, p.44). ->> this is Zionist imperialism (SUKE, p.211) [in the name of the general war of Israel against Islam, whereas Eritrea is half Christian orientated] ->> Israel is providing weapon supply for Ethiopia... # click here to discuss about this event

Mengistu is threatened from the inner - Israel as an accomplice In Ethiopia the different population groups begin to feud and to fight each other. By this Mengistu is threatened more and more by his own compatriots. ->> Mengistu is not acting any more from the position of strength ->> Ethiopian resistance organizations and organizations of suppressed nations are leading their fight more and more to the main town Addis Abeba (SUKE, p.226) ->> Mengistu hopes that the traditional military relations to Israel with the Israeli war instructors and the material delivery can change the situ # click here to discuss about this event

Only after the military victory Eritrea gets a treatment with diplomacy and respect by the world press: -- the recognition is an important factor in Eritrea and in the whole region, also the recognition by representatives of the "US" Foreign Office -- Eritrea gets recognition also by the rightful treatment of the Ethiopian prisoners of war -- now the belief puts through that EPLF would be a stable factor when the Mengistu regime is collapsing and Ethiopia would get into a destabilized phase after Mengistu # click here to discuss about this event

See control of Asmara # click here to discuss about this event