AGP Executive Report

Eritrea-Qatar Ties: President Isaias Afwerki sent condolences to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim after the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his role in strengthening Eritrea–Qatar relations. Eritrea Daily Bulletin: Eritrea Haddas (15 July) and Eritrea Alhaditha (14 July) circulated local updates. Eritrean Workers: The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers ran a training-of-trainers program in Asmara and discussed strengthening its public relations work. Food Safety Policy: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO, held an inception workshop to develop a National Food Control Policy and guide future food law. Education Results: Eritrea announced 2025/26 National School Leaving Examination outcomes, with 22.4% qualifying for degree/diploma programs. Visa Rules Across Africa: Denmark, the UAE, Uganda, and the UK published updated visa requirements/lists affecting Eritrean travelers, while Barbados granted visa-free entry to citizens of all 54 African countries including Eritrea. Regional Context: Reports also highlighted Horn of Africa tensions around Ethiopia’s GERD and broader Red Sea shipping strain.

GERD & Horn of Africa Tensions: Ethiopian analyst Andrew Korybko says Ethiopia has the right to use the Abay River and run GERD, while accusing Egypt of escalating “information warfare” after Cairo claimed negotiations hit a deadlock and vowed to protect its water security. UK Visa Tightening for Eritreans: The UK updated immigration guidance requiring entry clearance for citizens of Eritrea and many other African countries when travelling to or transiting through Britain, warning of delays, disruption, or denial of boarding without the right documents. Eritrea Education Update: Eritrea’s National School Leaving Examination results for 2025/26 were announced, with 22.4% of 21,561 candidates qualifying for degree and diploma programs. Workers Training in Asmara: The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, with a training institute, ran a training-of-trainers program in Asmara and discussed strengthening public relations. Food Safety Policy Drive: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, held an inception workshop to develop a National Food Control Policy. Qatar Mourning: President Isaias Afwerki sent condolences to Qatar’s people after the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, citing strengthened Eritrea–Qatar relations.

Horn of Africa Tensions: Egypt’s water dispute with Ethiopia over the GERD is being overshadowed by wider regional rivalry, as Cairo keeps pressing for flexibility while expanding its military footprint around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Red Sea Shipping: The IMO Council reaffirmed freedom of navigation and condemned attacks on civilian vessels, warning that transit passage through key straits must not be impeded. UK Visa Clampdown: The UK updated immigration guidance, requiring Nigeria and 32 other African countries (including Eritrea) to get entry clearance before travelling or transiting, with airlines told to refuse boarding without proper documentation. Eritrea Education: Eritrea’s National School Leaving Examination results were announced: 22.4% of 21,561 candidates qualified for degree/diploma programs. Sudan Justice: An EEPA report says Sudan’s court sentenced Hemedti and other RSF officials to death, alongside warnings of worsening cholera risks. Eritrea-Qatar Ties: President Isaias Afwerki sent condolences to Qatar after the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising strengthened Eritrea–Qatar relations. Eritrea in the News: Eritrean community festival held in Germany, highlighting culture and youth engagement.

Education: Eritrea’s National School Leaving Examination results for 2025/26 were announced, with 4,831 of 21,561 candidates (22.4%) qualifying for degree and diploma programmes; officials urged passers to follow college rules and non-passers to stay focused for the next exam. Diplomacy & Mourning: President Isaias Afwerki sent condolences to Qatar’s Emir, following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his role in strengthening Eritrea–Qatar relations. Sudan Watch: EEPA reports that Sudan’s counter-terrorism court sentenced RSF leader Hemedti and others to death, while the UN warns Sudan’s cholera situation could worsen as fighting and the rainy season continue. UK Travel Rules: The UK updated visa requirements, again stressing that Nigerians and citizens of dozens of African countries may need entry clearance even for short visits and some transits. Food Safety Planning: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO, held an inception workshop to develop a National Food Control Policy and guide future national food law. Community Life Abroad: Eritrean nationals in Germany held a two-day community festival, featuring cultural events and a seminar on developments in the homeland. Sports: At the Tour de France, Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay featured in sprint finishes as Tim Merlier won consecutive stages.

Qatar Leadership: Qatar mourns the death of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, credited as the architect of modern Qatar after GDP surged more than 24-fold and LNG output made Doha a global LNG powerhouse, alongside major reforms in constitution, education, media and diplomacy. Eritrea-UK Travel: The UK tightened visa rules for nationals of 33 African countries, including Eritrea, meaning even transit passengers may need visas in advance as border security enforcement ramps up. Food Safety Policy: In Asmara, Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture with FAO launched work to develop a National Food Control Policy, aiming to guide a future national food law and strengthen food safety across farms, markets and households. Eritrean Diaspora: Eritrean communities in Germany held a two-day festival featuring cultural programs, seminars and children’s activities, with calls for nationals to deepen participation in national affairs. Human Rights Oversight: A UN Human Rights Council session concluded with 28 resolutions and renewed focus on women’s rights, while Eritrea’s human rights mandate renewal drew attention amid ongoing scrutiny. Red Sea Maritime Politics: Somalia formalised a maritime transport and ports MoU with Egypt, following an Egypt-Eritrea Red Sea port connectivity deal that Ethiopia criticised, keeping Horn of Africa sea governance in the spotlight. Tour de France (Eritrea in Sport): Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay featured in Tour de France sprint finishes as Tim Merlier won consecutive stages, with Pogacar retaining the yellow jersey.

Eritrea Food Safety: Asmara’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, launched an inception workshop to draft a National Food Control Policy and guide a national food law. Eritrean Diaspora: Eritrea’s community festival in Germany opened with talks on unity, culture, and nationals’ role in development, featuring seminars and performances. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council’s 62nd session wrapped up with 28 resolutions and 13 UPR adoptions, keeping women’s rights and urgent country debates in focus. Malaria Watch: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising risks for current treatments. Red Sea Maritime Politics: Somalia formalised an Egypt maritime ports MoU after Cairo’s earlier Eritrea-related Red Sea connectivity step, a move that Ethiopia criticised. UK Asylum Ruling: A UK High Court judge said changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum deal were unlawful for five migrants, including four from Eritrea. Education & Work: Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students, while Eritrea’s Students’ Summer Work Program began with water/soil conservation and large-scale tree planting. Sports Spotlight: Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay featured in Tour de France sprint stages as Tim Merlier won back-to-back victories.

Eritrea Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council session ended with renewed focus on Eritrea, including an extension of the UN Special Rapporteur mandate—an issue backed by supporters as a key way to document alleged abuses. UK Asylum Policy: Britain’s High Court ruled unlawful changes to “one in, one out” asylum guidance that removed a right for some migrants (including four Eritreans) to seek reconsideration of trafficking protections. Health & Education in Eritrea: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 300 students, while the Central Region’s Students’ Summer Work Program began with 7,379 students set to expand water and soil conservation. Community Training: The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students trained 127 students in first aid in Sembel sub-zone. Regional Security & Trade: Somalia signed a maritime ports MoU with Egypt after Egypt’s earlier Red Sea connectivity move involving Eritrea, while Ethiopia’s leadership dismissed claims of a Sudan-Eritrea-TPLF alignment.

Internet Access Divide: A new global look at connectivity costs flags Eritrea as the hardest place to get online, with 1GB priced at about $338—far beyond what most households can afford. Education & Youth Skills: Mai-Nefhi College of Science held its 19th commencement, graduating 300 students (49% female) across biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, physics and statistics, while the Central Region’s Students’ Summer Work Program has started with 7,379 learners focused mainly on water and soil conservation. Human Rights & UN Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council session concluded with Eritrea’s human rights mandate renewed, and an EEPA update says the Special Rapporteur’s Eritrea mandate was extended. Maritime & Regional Security: Yemen’s missing fishermen from Hodeidah were found in Eritrea and are now heading home, and Somalia formalised a maritime ports MoU with Egypt after Cairo’s earlier Eritrea-related Red Sea port move. Health Threat: Research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border. Community & First Aid: Eritrean youth and students trained 127 students in first aid in Sembel sub-zone.

South Africa Football: Hugo Broos’ exit after the 2026 World Cup is triggering a coach hunt, with SAFA already receiving applications and Pitso Mosimane named among the candidates; Broos says he may return to wrap up talks before officially leaving. Eritrea-Yemen Maritime Update: Fifteen Yemeni fishermen missing for nearly three months have been found in Eritrea and are now heading home after negotiations involving community elders and the Yemeni Coast Guard. Red Sea Security & Diplomacy: Somalia formalised a maritime ports and transport MoU with Egypt, following an earlier Egypt-Eritrea connectivity shift; the deal also comes amid renewed debate over Red Sea governance and security roles. Asmara Public Life: Eritrea’s National Festival 2026 is set for 18–26 July at the Asmara Expo compound, with cultural villages, bazaars, displays and daily public access. Youth & Environment: Eritrea’s Students’ Summer Work Program has started in the Central Region, with thousands of students set for water and soil conservation, including terrace building and tree planting. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council’s Eritrea special rapporteur mandate was extended, with CSOs urging continued scrutiny despite claims of limited change.

National Festival 2026: Eritrea’s National Holidays Coordinating Committee says the National Festival 2026 will run 18–26 July at the Asmara Expo compound, with music, cultural villages, agriculture and marine displays, seminars, bazaars and public access from 9:00am to 9:00pm. Students’ Summer Work Program: The Central Region has kicked off the 28th edition, bringing 7,379 students (30% female) to water and soil conservation and traffic safety, targeting 700,000+ terraces and 220,000+ tree seedlings, with millions of seedlings ready for planting. First aid training in Sembel: The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students trained 127 students (113 female) in first aid, urging them to use the skills for community service. UN rights spotlight on Eritrea: The UN Human Rights Council extended the Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea, with CSOs and supporters saying it remains a key tool to document abuses. Regional maritime alignment: Somalia formalised an Egypt MoU on maritime transport and ports, following Egypt’s earlier Red Sea connectivity move with Eritrea—an issue Ethiopia has criticised. Malaria warning for East Africa: Research reports artemisinin resistance spreading beyond isolated pockets, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising risks to current treatments.

UN Human Rights Council: The 62nd UNHRC session wrapped up with 28 resolutions and 13 Universal Periodic Review adoptions, with women’s rights a central theme and an urgent debate on Sudan’s situation in and around El Obeid. Eritrea rights mandate: EEPA reports the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea’s human rights situation was extended, with 23 countries voting in favour, 17 abstaining and 6 against—Eritrean diaspora groups and the EU say the mandate remains vital. Asmara culture: Eritrea held a workshop on implementing UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, including training on nomination files and community participation. Local youth training: In Sembel sub-zone, Eritrean youth and students trained 127 students (113 female) in first aid, urging them to use the skills for community service. Regional trade push: Kenya is seeking stronger regional backing for the LAPSSET corridor, linking it to the planned Dangote Lamu refinery and deeper cooperation with neighbours including Eritrea. Health watch: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising risks to malaria treatment effectiveness. Sports: Pitso Mosimane has applied to succeed Hugo Broos as South Africa coach after Broos’ exit was confirmed. First aid & learning: Action Against Hunger and ICPAC launched an ECHO-funded anticipatory action initiative for Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti to better protect people from climate and conflict shocks. Eritrean spotlight: A date palm development update says about 50,000 seedlings have been planted along Eritrea’s coastal regions, with the project aimed at boosting economic and environmental benefits.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council extended the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea, with 23 countries voting in favour, 17 abstaining and 6 against, as Eritrea’s human rights scrutiny continues. Youth & Health: In Asmara’s Central Region, the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students trained 127 students in first aid in Sembel sub-zone, including 113 girls, urging them to use the skills for community service. Culture & Heritage: Eritrea hosted a workshop on implementing the 2003 UNESCO Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, including preparation of UNESCO nomination files, with support from UNESCO’s Eastern Africa office and Japan. Sports: Simba SC return to the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda after a seven-year absence, with the tournament set for late July into early August. Regional Security Talk: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed dismissed claims of an alliance involving Sudan, Eritrea and the TPLF, saying Ethiopia has “no fear” and is strengthening defenses. Eritrea in the Economy: A report highlights Eritrea’s date palm push along the Red Sea coast, with tens of thousands of seedlings planted and a plan to expand coastal cultivation. Diaspora & Education: Eritrea’s “Revolution” School golden jubilee was marked in Toronto, celebrating the school’s role in nation-building and commemorating martyrs. Human Rights Advocacy: CSW and other groups renewed calls for strong support for the Eritrea rapporteur, arguing there has been no meaningful improvement.

UN Human Rights Council: The UNHRC renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea’s human rights for another year, passing with 23 votes in favour, 6 against and 17 abstentions, despite claims of no meaningful improvement and continued government efforts to block scrutiny. Asmara Culture & Heritage: A workshop in Asmara (6–7 July) with UNESCO and Japan support focused on implementing the 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preparing UNESCO nomination files. Diaspora & Education: Eritrean community events continued abroad, including a Toronto celebration of the 50th anniversary of the “Revolution” School, while Asmara Technical School graduated 136 students in trades like auto mechanics, electronics and metalwork. Agriculture: A report highlights Eritrea’s date palm push along the Red Sea coast, with about 50,000 seedlings planted so far and plans to expand. Regional Trade: Kenya reiterated plans to deepen Horn of Africa trade, pointing to transport links like the Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor, including connectivity with Eritrea. Human Rights Advocacy: Eritrean refugee protection needs were stressed in a UNHRC statement, citing detention, restrictions on freedoms, and ongoing hardship for refugees.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea’s human rights situation, passing with 23 votes in favour, 6 against and 17 abstentions, despite calls to weaken scrutiny. Cultural Preservation: In Asmara, a UNESCO-supported workshop focused on implementing the 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preparing UNESCO nomination files, with regional experts and the National Museum taking part. Diaspora & Education: Eritrean communities abroad held cultural festivals, while Asmara Technical School graduated 136 students in trades including auto mechanics, electronics and metalwork. Human Stories: In Glasgow, the family of Amen Teklay said they want “justice not revenge” after two teenagers were cleared of his murder following a self-defence claim. Regional Mobility: Namibia published an updated visa-on-arrival list that includes Eritrea, while excluding many other countries. Agriculture: Eritrea’s date palm push reports 50,000 seedlings planted along coastal and other regions, aiming to expand benefits for livelihoods and nutrition.

Glasgow Court Verdict: Two teenagers accused of murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay were found not guilty on 6 July after the jury accepted a self-defence claim, closing a closely watched youth homicide case tied to a sword attack in March 2025. Video Footage Fallout: Newly surfaced clips show Amen being chased and attacked in the days and weeks before his death, including a knife pursuit just 72 hours prior. Health Focus—Malaria: A report highlights how malaria continues to hit pregnant women hard across Africa, with rising cases and fragile gains despite global progress. Eritrea at the UN: Eritrean human rights monitoring gained a boost as the UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea for another year, with votes split across countries. Diaspora & Education: Eritrean communities abroad marked events and Eritrea’s technical education continues with Asmara Technical School graduating 136 students. Nation-Building Theme: A separate piece reflects on Eritrea’s “forced disengagement” from Ethiopia, revisiting the Red Sea and sovereignty debate.

UN Human Rights Council: The UNHRC renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea’s human rights for another year, with 23 states voting in favour, 17 abstaining and six against—keeping independent scrutiny alive amid renewed diplomatic pressure. Eritrean Refugees: A human rights journalist told the Council that Eritreans still need international protection due to abuses tied to national service, detention, and restrictions on expression, while refugees face detention, limited services, and trafficking risks. Diaspora & Education: Eritreans in Switzerland held their annual festival in Lausanne, while Asmara Technical School graduated 136 students and the College of Business and Social Science in Asmara graduated 1,018 students—highlighting continued investment in skills and youth. Commemoration: Eritrea’s “Revolution” School marked its 50th anniversary in Toronto with cultural events, a vigil for martyrs, and community briefings. Culture Spotlight: A feature celebrated Eritrea’s gazelle symbolism and “Unity in Diversity,” linking heritage and landscape.