AGP Executive Report

Cycling & World Championships: Eritrea’s men’s road race at the UCI Road World Championships was hit by visa problems. Two named riders, Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier and Natnael Tesfatsion, did not start after failing to enter Canada, with team leader Biniam Girmay saying the issue was visas. AFCON Qualifiers: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana host Eritrea in Cairo for the 2027 AFCON qualifier at Al-Salam Stadium, with Eritrea playing at a neutral venue due to no FIFA-approved stadium at home. Eritrea–Ethiopia Tensions: Ethiopia’s army chief again accused Eritrea (along with Sudan and Egypt) of backing Tigray rebels as fighting spreads in northern Ethiopia; reports also describe drone strikes on Tigrai TV and heavy displacement in Afar. Eritrean Culture: Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) was celebrated nationwide in Asmara with church leaders, officials, and live broadcast coverage. Eritrean Civic Debate: A new essay argues for “civic preparedness” and a “Pledged Public” approach to building citizen capacity for a future transition.

Ethiopia–Tigray Front: Fighting in northern Ethiopia has intensified again, with federal-aligned forces and their allies claiming they captured the strategic town of Alamata south of Mekelle, while Tigrayan rebels push across multiple fronts and report earlier gains including Erebti in Afar; humanitarian sources warn of major displacement, with communications disruptions complicating reporting. Regional Accusations: Ethiopia’s army chief Birhanu Jula renewed claims that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt back Tigray-linked armed groups, a charge met with denials and raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Media Under Fire: The Tigrai TV headquarters in Mekelle was hit by a drone strike, disrupting broadcasts as the conflict escalates. Eritrea in the Sports Spotlight: In AFCON 2027 qualifying, South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane starts his second Bafana Bafana spell with a win over Guinea and looks ahead to the next match involving Eritrea; meanwhile Kenya’s build-up issues and unpaid allowances have affected preparations ahead of their Eritrea clash. Eritrean Civic & Cultural Discourse: A new Eritrea-focused essay argues for public preparedness and a “Pledged Public” approach to civic power, while another profile reflects on the patriotism of late Eritrean artist Teklenkiel Gebru (Wedi Gebru). Eritrean National Celebration: Meskel was celebrated nationwide in Eritrea with a live broadcast from Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.

Eritrea in the Horn spotlight: Ethiopia’s army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula renewed accusations that Eritrea, plus Sudan and Egypt, are backing Tigray rebels as fighting spreads beyond Tigray, with reports of rebel gains including the Afar town of Erebti and Ethiopia’s forces claiming the strategic Tigray town of Alamata. Frontline updates: Drone strikes hit Tigrai TV in Mekelle, communications disruptions are reported in Tigray, and humanitarian groups warn displacement could surge as clashes widen into Afar and Amhara. Arts & culture, Meskel: In Asmara, Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) was celebrated nationwide with a major church service led by His Holiness Abune Basilios, broadcast live by Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio. Football with Eritrea on the calendar: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, coached by Pitso Mosimane, opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a win over Guinea and now turn to Eritrea, with squad depth and injuries shaping preparations.

Eritrean Orthodox celebration: Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) was celebrated nationwide in Asmara with a prayer service led by Abune Basilios, plus live broadcast coverage on Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio. Regional conflict spillover: Ethiopia’s army chief accused Eritrea and Sudan of backing Tigray rebels as fighting intensifies, with reports of rebel advances into Afar and Amhara and major displacement fears. Media hit in Tigray: A drone strike damaged Tigrai TV headquarters in Mekelle, knocking the station off air while clashes continue and rebels press toward new towns. Humanitarian pressure: Human Rights Watch warned that renewed fighting could worsen civilian harm as at least 150,000 are estimated displaced in Afar. Sports—Eritrea in the spotlight: Kenya’s Harambee Stars opened AFCON qualifying vs Eritrea with a 1-1 draw, but poor preparations tied to unpaid allowances left the camp scrambling.

AFCON Qualifiers (South Africa): Pitso Mosimane’s second stint at Bafana Bafana began with a 2-1 home win over Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena, but he warned the team’s finishing could be punished by stronger sides. Ime Okon opened the scoring, Seydouba Cissé equalised, and substitute Samukele Kabini struck the winner in the 77th minute. Squad & Injuries: Mosimane also confirmed hamstring trouble for Aubrey Modiba and noted an injury-hit defence as the team juggles a tight schedule. Eritrea Football (Next Match): Bafana’s next qualifier is against Eritrea in Cairo, with Eritrea recently returning to international play after a long gap. Eritrea Culture (Meskel): Meskel, the Finding of the True Cross, was celebrated nationwide in Asmara with a service led by Abune Basilios and live broadcasts on Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio. Eritrea & Arts/Language: The OED added East African terms including azmari and berbere, highlighting Eritrean and Ethiopian cultural vocabulary reaching global English. Regional Conflict (Ethiopia/Tigray): A drone hit Tigrai TV as fighting escalated and rebels advanced, raising fears of a wider return to civil war.

Eritrean arts & culture: The Oxford English Dictionary has added East African terms to its September 2026 update, including Ethiopia’s azmari (traditional poet-musician) and berbere (the spice blend widely used across Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine), a nod to how regional music and food keep shaping global English. Eritrea in the spotlight: A reflective piece on Eritrea’s Miss World debut highlights the People’s Choice win for Miss Eritrea Snit Tewoldemedhin, while also pointing to the sharp irony of pageantry under tight media and internet restrictions. Community & tradition: A feature on Hoye Hoye traces Eritrea’s ritual calendar—Aba Abraham, Kudus Yohannes, and Meskel—showing how faith, memory, and communal preparation fold into the year’s cultural rhythm. Sports (Eritrea vs Kenya): Kenya’s troubled preparations (players skipping training over unpaid allowances) feed into the build-up for their AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, which ended 1-1, setting the stage for Eritrea’s next clash. Arts & entertainment (diaspora politics): A report from Tel Aviv describes Eritrean opposition organizing through the Eritrean Blue Revolution Front, blending community support, youth activities, and political outreach.

AFCON Qualifiers (Eritrea vs Kenya): Eritrea drew 1-1 with Kenya in Nairobi, with Nahom Girmai scoring before Ryan Ogam equalised—setting up a key Eritrea clash for South Africa’s Group D race. AFCON Qualifiers (South Africa vs Guinea): Pitso Mosimane’s return to Bafana Bafana began with a 2-1 win over Guinea as Ime Okon and substitute Samukele Kabini scored; Mosimane also flagged Aubrey Modiba’s hamstring tightness after the match. Eritrea in the spotlight (Miss World): Eritrea made its Miss World debut, with Miss Eritrea Snit Tewoldemedhin winning the People’s Choice Award—while commentary noted the contrast between diaspora visibility and restrictions inside the country. Culture & ritual (Hoye Hoye): A feature explores Hoye Hoye and linked observances like Aba Abraham and Kudus Yohannes, framing them as spiritual and communal renewal across Eritrean Christian life. Tourism (Asmara): World Tourism Day was observed nationally in Asmara under “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence,” with a photo exhibition and children’s entertainment planned through Sept. 28. Eritrea & media debate: A column asks “Who gets to speak for Eritrea?” amid press-freedom concerns and the politics of representation.

Eritrean diaspora activism: A new report spotlights Eritrea’s “Blue Revolution” movement in Tel Aviv, describing how Eritreans in Israel organize community life, education activities, and outreach to a wider opposition network across Europe, North America, and Africa. Eritrea in regional sport: Kenya’s Harambee Stars head into the 2027 AFCON qualifier opener against Eritrea amid disrupted preparations after players protested unpaid allowances, leaving the squad with little time to gel under Benni McCarthy. Film & memory: Haile Gerima’s documentary “Black Lions, Roman Wolves” is reviewed as a major anti-colonial cinema statement, centering Ethiopia’s 1935–1941 resistance and arguing for “lions” to have their own historians. Fashion as culture: In Milan, Afro Fashion Association and Levi’s unveiled “Voices of Denim,” a platform for Black, Indigenous, and people of color creatives to reinterpret denim through fashion, photography, sound, writing, and art. Ethiopia-Tigray conflict spillover: Multiple reports track renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, including airport seizures and telecom disruption, raising fears the crisis could widen and pull in Eritrea.

Eritrean Diaspora Politics: A Haaretz report says Eritrean opposition figures are using a Tel Aviv warehouse as an international hub for Brigade Nhamedu, which claims it’s building a global council and links to people inside Eritrea to eventually replace President Isaias Afwerki. AFCON Football Focus: South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane is weighing formations for Bafana Bafana’s Guinea qualifier, with captain Ronwen Williams expected to start, while the AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with Eritrea in Group D alongside Guinea, Kenya and South Africa. Regional Conflict & Connectivity: In Ethiopia’s Tigray, a near-total telecoms disruption and escalating fighting have raised fears of renewed blockade conditions, as rebels push across fronts and Ethiopian Airlines suspends flights after airport seizures. Tigray Escalation: Multiple reports say TPLF-linked forces have seized airports in Mekelle and other locations, with a wider “full-blown war” narrative and renewed concern about spillover toward Eritrea. Arts & Culture: Milan’s Casa degli Artisti hosted “Voices of Denim,” where the Afro Fashion Association and Levi’s spotlight Black, Indigenous and people of color creatives reworking denim as cultural memory and identity. Film Review: Haile Gerima’s documentary “Black Lions, Roman Wolves” is reviewed as a major anti-colonial cinema statement centered on Ethiopia’s 1935–41 resistance.

Eritrean Diaspora Politics: Haaretz reports Eritreans are using a Tel Aviv warehouse as an international hub for “Brigade Nhamedu,” aiming to mobilize exiles, build a 51-member council, and coordinate plans that include a base in Ethiopia. Horn of Africa Conflict: In Ethiopia’s Tigray, fighting has escalated again after TPLF forces seized three regional airports (including Mekelle), prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum and raising fears the 2022 peace deal is unraveling. Regional Spillover Fears: Multiple reports warn the renewed Tigray crisis could widen across Afar and Amhara—and potentially pull Eritrea into a broader regional conflict. Humanitarian Alarm: The U.S. State Department condemned a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Tigray and urged an investigation. AFCON Football, Eritrea in the Mix: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers under Pitso Mosimane, with Eritrea listed as an upcoming opponent; meanwhile Kenya’s Harambee Stars players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their Eritrea opener.

Eritrea in the Horn of Africa spotlight: Reports say Tigrayan forces have seized airports in Mekelle and other sites, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights—an escalation that threatens to unravel Ethiopia’s 2022 peace deal and raises fears of wider spillover, with Eritrea repeatedly mentioned in regional security concerns. Regional conflict and humanitarian risk: The U.S. State Department urged an investigation into a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Tigray, underscoring how quickly the crisis is hitting civilians and relief operations. Eritrean opposition abroad: Haaretz reports Eritrean activists are using a Tel Aviv warehouse as an international hub for “Brigade Nhamedu,” aiming to mobilize Eritreans in exile and plan a return to replace President Isaias Afwerki. Football as culture: AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with Eritrea in Group D; South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane begins his second era against Guinea, while Kenya’s Harambee Stars players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their Eritrea opener.

AFCON Qualifiers (Eritrea in the spotlight): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana kick off the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with Guinea, then face Eritrea in neutral Cairo, as Pitso Mosimane names squads and explains selections (including Themba Zwane’s “experience” role and injury caution for Lebohang Maboe). Kenya–Eritrea build-up (camp tensions): Kenya’s Harambee Stars reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their opener against Eritrea, raising pressure on preparations. Eritrean diaspora politics (Tel Aviv hub): Haaretz reports Eritrean opposition figures are using a Tel Aviv warehouse as an international base for “Brigade Nhamedu,” aiming to mobilize Eritreans in exile and plan a return. Horn of Africa conflict spillover (Tigray escalation): Northern Ethiopia’s Tigray forces seized airports and Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights, while the U.S. urged an investigation into a reported drone strike on a Catholic aid convoy—developments that heighten regional fears, including Eritrea–Ethiopia tensions. Arts & culture (music spotlight): A Malaysian Idol winner, Jaclyn Victor, is set for a Golden Jubilee-themed concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra—an international cultural moment with Eritrean relevance through shared regional arts interest.

Eritrean Diaspora Politics: Haaretz reports Eritrean opposition figures are using a Tel Aviv warehouse as an international hub for “Brigade Nhamedu,” electing a 51-member council and planning outreach to Eritreans in exile, with claims of links to contacts inside Eritrea. Horn of Africa Conflict: In Ethiopia’s Tigray, rebels seized Mekelle’s airport and Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum, as fighting fears rise after a new alliance of armed groups vowed to unseat Abiy Ahmed. Humanitarian Pressure: The U.S. condemned a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Tigray, urging an investigation and protection of civilians. AFCON & Eritrea on the Pitch: AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with Group D including Eritrea; South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane begins his second Bafana era vs Guinea, with Eritrea next in neutral Cairo—while Kenya’s Harambee Stars reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their Eritrea clash. Red Sea Watch: Reports say Houthi actions are tightening scrutiny around Bab al-Mandeb, a key chokepoint for shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

AFCON 2027 Kickoff (South Africa): Pitso Mosimane’s second Bafana era begins Saturday as South Africa host Guinea at Orlando Stadium (15:00 SA time), with Mosimane already juggling squad fitness and selection questions. Squad & Fitness Updates: Lebohang Maboe is set for a scan after an ankle niggle, while Mosimane has defended veteran Themba Zwane’s role as an experience/late-impact option; Cassius Mailula’s return and Olwethu Makhanya’s Europe form are also in focus. Selection Debate Online: Fans are split after Mosimane’s squad choices, including the inclusion of Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma. Kenya vs Eritrea Tension (Sports): Reports say Kenya players and technical staff boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Eritrea. Eritrea–Ethiopia Politics (Regional): Commentary and reporting continue to swirl around alleged Eritrean backing for Ethiopian opposition coalitions, with Ethiopia portrayed as adapting under pressure rather than collapsing. Arts & Culture (Eritrea-linked): A travel feature highlights Bolognina’s working-class roots and includes Ethiopian/Eritrean dining stops—an indirect but timely nod to Eritrean cultural presence abroad.

AFCON Qualifiers (South Africa): Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana kick off their 2027 AFCON campaign against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September at 15:00 at Orlando Stadium, with SABC 1 carrying the match; the squad is already in camp as Mosimane shapes a new setup ahead of a key away clash with Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September. Squad & Fitness Watch: Mosimane says defender Thabang Matuludi is cleared after limited early-season action, while Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe will have a scan for a niggling ankle before any decision; Orlando Pirates’ Lebohang Maboe remains in the plans despite injury concerns. Selection Debates: Mosimane defends Themba Zwane’s inclusion as a late-game leader despite fitness doubts, and also backs Yanela Mbuthuma amid questions about his goals. Eritrea in the Spotlight: Eritrea is directly on the match calendar as Bafana prepare for the Eritrea qualifier, while a separate BBC feature revisits Eritrea’s independence-era G-15 legacy through Hanna Petros Solomon’s testimony. Regional Politics: Ethiopia’s seven armed groups formed the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, with claims that Eritrea is involved—an allegation Asmara denies.

Eritrean sports spotlight: Dawit Seare powered to gold in the men’s 5km at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, overtaking Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the final stretch to set an Eritrean record (12:56). Saymon Amanuel added bronze for Eritrea, while Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw won the women’s 5km. Asmara culture: A music concert in Asmara marked the 50th anniversary of the Revolution School, with veteran and young artists performing songs tied to the school’s wartime legacy, broadcast live on Eritrean Television. Eritrea in regional politics: A BBC report revisits the case of Hanna Petros Solomon, whose father, Petros Solomon, was jailed without trial after signing the G-15 open letter in 2001—an emotional reminder of the human cost behind political repression. Horn of Africa headlines: EEPA reports on Ethiopia’s new alliance of seven armed groups aimed at toppling Abiy Ahmed, with Eritrea again facing accusations. Diaspora & media freedom: SANEF urged urgent action over missing South African investigative journalist Micah Reddy, reported disappeared in Djibouti.