Eritrea: Genuine Friendship
Rashid Abdel Rahim
We entered the presidential palace in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, and were warmly received. Moments later, we were ushered into the office of President Isaias Afwerki, who welcomed us at his office door. We were a group of ten journalists.
As protocol dictated, I extended my hand in greeting and introduced myself, saying, “I am Rashid,” to which he completed my name, “Rashid Abdel Rahim, columnist for ‘Isharat.'” His approach with all my colleagues demonstrated complete familiarity and understanding of who we were.
Over three hours, we realized that this man closely follows Sudanese media and is well-versed in Sudan’s issues. He possesses a deep understanding of political and social matters as well as detailed knowledge of economics and trade movements.
At that time, His Excellency received many official and popular Sudanese delegations, as well as cultural and artistic groups, leaders from eastern Sudan, and popular movements.
Along with my fellow journalists, I witnessed his love and strong relationship with our country since the fall of Mengistu Haile Mariam’s regime in Addis Ababa during our visit to follow the developments surrounding the establishment of the two states, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
During that visit, he visited the residence of the Sudanese ambassador in Addis Ababa several times, where he met with the nominee for our embassy in Eritrea.
His connection to Sudan has remained strong over the years.
His relationship with the distinguished late Ambassador Majid Youssef, may God have mercy on him, was deep and enduring—more of a friendship than a formal relationship.
Ambassador Majid Youssef was a kind, active man who strengthened ties between the two countries. He organized numerous official and popular visits and founded the Sudan House, which had diverse activities.
It was no surprise that Eritrea opened its borders and land to everyone fleeing from Sudan during the outbreak of the war.
The official doors were opened without visas, residency requirements, or fees of any kind—whether for education or healthcare.
The doors of Eritrean homes also opened to welcome Sudanese people with brotherhood and kindness.
Freedom Street, which has witnessed performances by prominent Sudanese singers during Eritrea’s Independence Day celebrations, recently hosted marches of solidarity with the Sudanese Armed Forces and people in the presence of Presidents Isaias Afwerki and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Eritrea’s positions, along with those of its president, have been strong and clear in supporting our people and army against rebellion since the outbreak of the war.
These are genuine, sincere stances that are not driven by interest or greed but rather surpass such motives and endure despite significant challenges.
Eritrea has maintained its stance of honesty and support, while many neighbouring countries rushed to adopt adversarial and treacherous positions, enticed by the flow of money fueling the war and strengthening plots against us. Some neighbours betrayed us, seeking gains from the wealthy nations and the major powers instigating international pressure against us.
Eritrea stood firmly by our side, aware of the ferocity of the targeting against us. Yet, it rose above immediate greed and disloyalty, proving to be a true friend in times of distress and prosperity. It thwarted every attempt to use its land as a route for harm against us.
Eritrea stood with us as a sincere, strong, and noble friend—supportive without expecting anything in return, without causing harm, and without arrogance.