Thirty-five years ago, our valiant freedom fighters chose to make a stand in the legendary and decisive operation fenqil, making eritrea’s independence inevitable!!
For the next five days, we invite you to come down to the pearl of the red sea to celebrate, commemorate, and champion this great victory with us!!
Massawa is waiting, folks!!
Come and bathe in the beautiful waters of the red sea!!
I received this text message invitation from a friend about two weeks ago, on the 5th of February. I was packed and ready to start my trip to Massawa the next day, but something about the invitation intrigued me. The journey itself was quite an adventure. We wound through the eastern escarpments above Nefasit, passing through the thick cotton-white fog that settled over Ghinda’e. We drove along the strait, expansive roads of Gahtelay and finally reached Dogoli. The moment we approached Massawa, the heavy, salty breeze of the Red Sea greeted us—an unmistakable sign of arrival. After checking into my hotel and freshening up, I ventured out for a walk. As I stood among the lively crowd in Massawa, the salty air of the sea mixed with fervent chants of celebration for the 35th anniversary of the Fenqil Operation. At that moment, I felt a profound sense of connection and belonging—both to the city and the history that this occasion represented.
The festivities, held from February 7th to 9th under the theme “Fenqil: The Right Choice,” were a vivid display of national pride and remembrance. The event commenced with an exhibition organized by the Ministries of Defense and Marine Resources, alongside the Port Authority, showcasing Eritrea’s maritime heritage and the pivotal moments of the liberation struggle.
Everywhere I turned, there was an undeniable energy, a youthful force that carried the legacy of Fenqil forward. Young men and women, some barely in their twenties, waved the Eritrean flag high, their voices echoing the songs of resilience their parents once sang. For them—for me—the story of Fenqil was not distant history; it was a calling, a responsibility, a torch being passed.
A particularly poignant moment was President Isaias Afwerki’s visit to the The walet Martyrs Cemetery, where he laid a wreath in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for Eritrea’s freedom. This remembrance resonated deeply, especially with the younger attendees, who viewed it as a solemn reminder of the price paid 35 years ago.
I found the influx of Eritreans from the Diaspora equally striking. From Europe, the U.S., the Middle East, and beyond, they had returned, driven by an unshakable bond with their homeland. I spoke with a young woman who had traveled from Canada; her Tigrigna tinged with the soft accent of someone raised abroad. “I’ve heard these stories from my parents all my life,” she told me, eyes shining. “But being here—standing where history was made—it changes everything.”
The celebrations extended beyond Eritrea’s borders, with patriotic zeal mirrored in the Italian cities of Rome, Milan, Bologna, and numerous other European cities. The Eritrean diaspora’s active participation showed a collective commitment to preserving and honoring the nation’s history, regardless of geographical distance.
The streets of Massawa pulsed with celebration and reflection. As I walked along Sigalet in the evenings, I could feel the heat emanating from the pavement. It was crowded. I looked around me and saw veterans of the struggle, their faces lined with the weight of sacrifice, standing shoulder to shoulder with teenagers who were vividly proud of, and in celebration mode of their heritage. Members of the Diaspora, especially those who’d come from cold countries, had put on a nice and lively tan and looked revitalized by the humid air.
One of the most exhilarating experiences was the five-day celebration at Gurgusum Beach. It was at this event that I was invited. The pristine shoreline was transformed into a vibrant festival ground, with thousands of young Eritreans from both the homeland and the diaspora dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional and contemporary music. The air was filled with laughter, song, and the unmistakable scent of Eritrean cuisine being prepared in openair stalls. I was quite impressed with the organizer’s initiative and their ability to infuse historical commemoration with contemporary enthusiasm.
Another iconic symbol that drew countless visitors was the Three Tanks Monument in Tualet. These trio of tanks—Jaguar, Tiger, and Commander—stand as silent sentinels, embodying the fierce battles that led to Massawa’s liberation. I watched as groups of people took photos beside them, capturing moments against the backdrop of these crouching giants—menacing yet proud. Even as relics of war, they seemed to bow in acknowledgment of the youth who gathered around them, inheritors of a legacy forged in fire and sacrifice. And so, under the shadow of Fenqil’s legacy, with the waves crashing against the historic shores, I saw a nation reaffirming its commitment. The youth were not just participants in this anniversary—they were its heirs. The Eritrean story, carved through hardship and resilience, was in good hands. As the sun set over the historic port city, casting a golden hue over the assembled crowd, I felt a profound sense of optimism. The 35th Fenqil Anniversary was a reflection on past glories and a vibrant affirmation that Eritrea’s future is in capable and passionate hands. The youth, inspired by the sacrifices of their forebears, stand ready to carry forward the mantle of their mothers and fathers, ensuring that the legacy of resilience and unity endures for generations to come.