Eritrean National Day celebrated in Washington,DC. 

By Ben Bangoura

It's official, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has  issued a proclamation declaring May 24 as Eritrea  Day in Washington,  DC. The news was delivered on Friday evening by Aly B. Kaba, head of the Office of African Affairs, during a colorful ceremony marking the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. In prepared remarks, 

Berhane G. Solomon,  Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Eritrea in the United States, thanked Mayor Bowser for recognizing his country which, he noted, maintains a strong community in the nation's capital. The diplomat went on to reflect on some of the  positive happenings in Eritrea under the leadership of President Isaias Afwerki, whose vision,  he reminded, led Eritrea to self-determination in 1993, after years of war with neighboring Ethiopia. He specifically mentioned improvment in the areas of education, healthcare, and infrastructure development as the country enjoys stability and economic growth, hovering around  7% annually, thanks to agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which are significant in the country. 

Solomon said voluntarism is the hallmark of the Eritrean diaspora. He lauted the latter for its tremendous contribution to the economic development of the country.

According to to the Charge d'Affaires,  Eritrea is a peace loving nation in the Horn of Africa that seeks to have a good relationship with the United States. He  praised economic  partnerships with countries, including Italy, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, and South Korea.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Eric Wong, a representative of the US Department of State. The official convened a message of well wishes from President Trump and Secretary of State Michael Rubio to Eritrean people as they celebrate independence Day, in a statement thus worded:

 "On this occasion, we recognize the deep spirit that motivates Eritrean history and culture and our shared interest in promoting peace and prosperity for the Horn of Africa. I look forward to strengthening our relationship with the people and the government of the State of Eritrea in the years ahead."

The event took place at The Eritrean Cultural  & Civic Center located in the northeast neighborhood of Washington DC full at capacity, with decorative highlighting the country's flag. Other than Eritrean nationals in DMV and those interested in development in Eritrea, guests included high profile diplomats among which Frederic EDEM HEBGE,  Ambassador of the Republic of Togo and Dean of Ecowas' group of Ambassadors in Washington. 

Attendees enjoyed traditional dance, ethnic foods, and each other's company.