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Joining Africa: From Anthills To Asmara

Alan Turner

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Eritrea's path to independence was a long and winding road, marked by both challenges and triumphs. From its humble beginnings in the anthills of Sahel to the eventual establishment of Asmara as its capital city, the journey was one of resilience, determination, and sacrifice.

Joining Africa: From Anthills to Asmara

by Charles Cantalupo

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	284 pages

The Seeds of Rebellion

The seeds of Eritrean independence were sown in the early 20th century, when the country was under Italian colonial rule. The Italians imposed harsh policies on the Eritrean people, leading to widespread resentment and a growing desire for self-determination.

In 1941, during World War II, British forces occupied Eritrea and administered the country until 1952. During this period, Eritrean nationalists began to organize and advocate for independence.

The Eritrean Liberation Front

In 1961, the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) was formed by a group of Eritrean students and intellectuals. The ELF's goal was to achieve independence for Eritrea through armed struggle.

The ELF launched its first attack against Ethiopian forces in 1962, and the Eritrean War of Independence began. The war was fought in the remote and rugged terrain of Eritrea, and both sides suffered heavy losses.

The Rise of the EPLF

In 1970, a split occurred within the ELF, and a new group called the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) was formed. The EPLF was led by Isaias Afwerki, who would later become the first president of Eritrea.

The EPLF quickly gained support among the Eritrean people, and by the mid-1970s, it had become the dominant force in the Eritrean independence movement.

The Final Push for Independence

In the early 1980s, the EPLF launched a series of successful offensives against Ethiopian forces, and by 1987, it had liberated most of Eritrea.

In 1991, after 30 years of armed struggle, Ethiopia finally agreed to recognize Eritrea's independence. On April 27, 1993, Eritrea became a sovereign nation.

Asmara: A Symbol of Independence

Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, is a testament to the country's long and arduous struggle for independence. The city was founded by the Italians in 1889 and served as the administrative center of Eritrea during the colonial period.

After Eritrea gained independence, Asmara became the symbol of the country's new beginning. The city has been extensively renovated and is now a thriving metropolis with a unique blend of Italian and Eritrean architecture.

Eritrea's journey to independence was a long and winding road, but the Eritrean people never gave up on their dream of self-determination. From the humble beginnings in the anthills of Sahel to the eventual establishment of Asmara as its capital city, Eritrea's story is one of resilience, determination, and sacrifice.

Today, Eritrea is a proud and independent nation, and Asmara is a thriving metropolis that is a testament to the country's long and arduous struggle for freedom.

Additional Information

Daniel Arai: A founding member of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and served as its first secretary-general.
Osman Saleh Sabbe: A founding member of the ELF and served as its chairman from 1966 to 1975.
Idris Mohammed Adem: A founding member of the ELF and served as its military commander from 1962 to 1966.
Hamid Idris Awate: A founding member of the ELF and served as its first military commander from 1961 to 1962.

Joining Africa: From Anthills to Asmara

by Charles Cantalupo

5 out of 5