AGP Executive Report

Eritrea Education: The 2025/26 eighth-grade national examination opened across Eritrea and in Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, plus a center in Kassala, Sudan, with 68,197 students taking tests in Mathematics, English, Civic Education and Science. Eritrea Health: Eritrea’s Ministry of Health says it has launched integrated measures to control Ebola risk, including airport temperature screening, public information, and training for health workers, with guidance for nationals in Uganda and South Sudan. Eritrea Diplomacy: An Eritrean delegation in Moscow took part in an International Security Forum, discussing counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and cooperation on security and safety. Eritrea Independence Celebrations: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, and in the Gulf marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” with cultural programs and calls for stronger community participation in national development. Horn of Africa Politics: Ethiopia’s election process is still shadowed by security disruptions, with voting suspended in parts of Tigray, and disrupted in Amhara and Oromia. Regional Security: Somalia’s Shebab carried out a bus attack in Kenya, executing 28 non-Muslim passengers, in retaliation for raids on Mombasa mosques. Migration and Diplomacy: A report says U.S. diplomatic presence and visa processing may be reduced in several African countries, including Eritrea.

Education & Infrastructure: Eritrea’s Ministry of Health and local authorities report continued public works, including the construction of an elementary school in Gogni sub-zone (Dele administrative area) in Gash-Barka, built with regional support and Defense Forces collaboration. Public Health Preparedness: Eritrea says it is stepping up integrated measures to control Ebola risk, including a national task force, airport temperature screening, passenger questioning, lab readiness, and public information campaigns, with guidance issued to Eritreans in Uganda and South Sudan. Diplomacy & Security: An Eritrean delegation led by Ambassador Petros Tsegay took part in Moscow’s International Security Forum, discussing counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and cooperation opportunities. Diaspora Independence Celebrations: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, and elsewhere marked the 35th Independence Day under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” with cultural programs and calls for youth to carry forward national values. Regional Watch: Ethiopia’s election coverage dominates the wider Horn of Africa news, with voting disrupted or suspended in parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia due to security concerns.

Eritrea Health Watch: Asmara’s Ministry of Health says it has launched integrated measures to control Ebola risk, including a national task force, hospital guidance, airport temperature screening, passenger checks, lab readiness, and public information campaigns, with specific calls for Eritreans in Uganda and South Sudan to follow local guidelines. Diplomacy & Security: Eritrea’s delegation, led by Ambassador Petros Tsegay, took part in Moscow’s International Security Forum, discussing countering neocolonialism, cybersecurity, terrorism and transnational crime, and exploring cooperation with other institutions. Independence Day Abroad: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe and France marked the 35th Independence Day under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” with cultural programs and renewed calls to strengthen community participation in national development. Ethiopia Election Fallout (Regional Watch): Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary vote is underway/has begun counting, but voting was suspended or disrupted in parts of Amhara and Oromia and fully excluded in Tigray, underscoring how unrest and legitimacy concerns continue to shape Horn of Africa politics.

Ebola Preparedness: Eritrea’s Ministry of Health says it has launched integrated measures to curb Ebola risk, including a national task force, hospital information, airport temperature screening, passenger consultations, lab readiness, public messaging, and training for health workers. Security Diplomacy: An Eritrean delegation led by Ambassador Petros Tsegay took part in Moscow’s International Security Forum, meeting institutions and discussing cooperation on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and critical information protection. Independence Day Abroad: Eritrean communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan marked the 35th Independence Day with cultural programs, community leadership calls for unity, and awards for sports events. Red Sea Risk: A report warns Iran could block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital Red Sea route near Eritrea, raising fears for global oil and trade flows. Weather Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño conditions are developing, with an 80% chance between June and August 2026, likely affecting rainfall patterns across eastern and southern Africa. Regional Sports: Kenya’s Harambee Stars head to Lesotho for June friendlies in Pretoria as they fine-tune for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Eritrea listed in their Group D. Ethiopia Polls: Ethiopia’s parliamentary vote is underway/just concluded amid unrest, with voting disrupted in parts of Amhara and Tigray and results expected soon.

Ethiopia Election Update: Vote counting has begun after Ethiopia’s June 1 parliamentary election, expected to keep Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party in power for another five years, even as security problems disrupted voting in parts of Oromia and Amhara and Tigray was excluded from the poll. Press and Political Climate: Reporting ahead of the vote faced tight controls, with journalists required to take an oath for accreditation, while opposition groups said campaigning was heavily constrained. Horn-of-Africa Diplomacy: Egypt condemned Somaliland’s plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a breach of international law and linking the move to wider Red Sea and Nile-area influence battles. Eritrea Community News: Eritrean nationals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary with cultural events and messages urging support for national development. Public Health in Eritrea: The Eritrean Public Health Association held its fourth congress, presenting research and discussing plans to strengthen public health roles and align with the Ministry of Health.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Voting began across Ethiopia on June 1 for parliamentary and regional seats, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party widely expected to win a landslide, while critics warn the vote is less competitive amid unrest, repression, and restrictions on press freedom. Tigray Exclusion: No election is held in northern Tigray, and some polling stations in Amhara and Oromia are disrupted or closed over security concerns. Horn of Africa Tensions: Coverage again ties the election to wider regional strains involving Eritrea, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan, as analysts question whether stability and rights can improve. Eritrea Public Health: In Asmara, the Eritrean Public Health Association held its 4th congress, presenting research on health issues and discussing a revised association constitution and plans to define roles for public health professionals. Eritrea Independence Abroad: Eritrean communities in the US (Chicago, Seattle, Orange County) marked the 35th Independence Day with flag-raising and cultural programs.

Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopians voted Monday in parliamentary and regional elections expected to deliver a landslide for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party, but unrest and restrictions cast doubt on competitiveness. Voting did not take place in northern Tigray, where the electoral board cited “unfavourable conditions” after the 2020–2022 civil war. With more than 50 million registered voters and thousands of polling stations, results are expected about 10 days later, while critics warn of repression, weak opposition, and armed conflict affecting turnout. Eritrea Public Health: The Eritrean Public Health Association held its fourth congress in Asmara, presenting research on health and education issues and discussing a revised constitution and plans to define job descriptions for public health professionals. Eritrea Independence & Diaspora: Eritrean communities in the US and Finland marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary with cultural programs and messages of resilience. Asmara Sports: Asmara Marathon 2026 is set for 7 June, with races including a first-time 21 km women’s event and competitions for disabled athletes.

Eritrean Public Health: The Eritrean Public Health Association held its fourth Scientific Conference and Congress in Asmara on 30 May, presenting research on adolescent smoking, school absenteeism, home delivery, and glaucoma quality of life, while discussing a revised association constitution and plans to define public health professionals’ job descriptions with the Ministry of Health. Independence Day in the diaspora: Eritreans in the US (Chicago, Seattle, Orange County and more) marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary with flag-raising, cultural performances, and messages urging unity and stronger participation in national affairs. Asmara Marathon 2026: Asmara’s Marathon is set for 7 June, with a 21 km women’s race for the first time, events for disabled athletes, and runners expected from Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Uganda. Ethiopia election shadow: Ethiopia’s June 1 vote is set against armed conflict and dissent, with Tigray excluded from voting and critics warning that press restrictions and violence undermine free and fair participation. Press freedom warning: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom hit a 25-year low in 2026, with most countries now facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism.

Asmara Marathon 2026: The Asmara Marathon is set for 7 June, with a 21 km women’s race introduced for the first time, plus events for disabled athletes and a 3 km mass sport category; runners from Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda are expected. Independence Day Abroad: Eritrean communities in Finland and the US marked the 35th Independence Day anniversary under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” featuring cultural performances and official messages, including celebrations in Helsinki and multiple US cities. Religious Freedom Watch: Outgoing US religious freedom commissioner Stephen Schneck says the global crisis is worsening, with Eritrea listed among countries flagged for severe violations. Eritrea in Regional Parliaments: An Eritrean delegation joined meetings of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States Parliamentary Group and the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini, focusing on strengthening the Samoa Agreement and peace and security roles. UNESCO Cooperation: A UNESCO delegation met Eritrean officials in Asmara to discuss education, documentation of heritage, and digital science and AI in education, with plans to deepen cooperation. Ethiopia Election Tensions: Ethiopia’s 1 June vote faces insecurity and unrest, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray and fears of renewed instability tied to strained relations in the region.

Eritrea Diplomacy in Focus: Eritrea marked its 35th Independence Day anniversary in Geneva under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” with officials highlighting gains in water, soil conservation, education and health, while an Eritrean delegation also took part in OACPS parliamentary meetings in Eswatini to push and strengthen the Samoa Agreement. Health & Agriculture Capacity: Eritrea’s National Animal and Plant Health Laboratory reported major growth since independence—diagnosing far more samples annually, producing millions of vaccine doses since 2023, and supporting regional lab networks. Horn of Africa Tensions: Ethiopia’s June 1 elections loom amid unrest, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray and fears of renewed instability tied to the Tigray conflict and strained relations in the region. Regional Security Accusations: A German think tank says the UAE is a destabilizing external actor in African conflicts, alleging support for armed groups and wartime economies. Sports & Public Interest: Kenya’s June international fixtures were revised after logistical issues, with Harambee Stars now set for a two-legged tie against Lesotho in Pretoria. Global Human Rights Lens: Reports describe asylum seekers held in Equatorial Guinea’s Bamy Hotel after US deportation arrangements, raising concerns about safety and due process.

Eritrea’s Independence diplomacy in Europe: Eritrea marked its 35th Independence Day in Geneva at the Human Rights Commission under “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” with diplomats and UN partners highlighting gains in water, soil conservation, education and health. Parliamentary engagement: An Eritrean delegation led by Ambassador Negasi Kassa joined the Africa-Caribbean and Pacific Parliamentary Group and the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini to push ratification and strengthening of the Samoa Agreement and discuss peace and security roles for regional parliaments. Agriculture and health capacity: Eritrea’s National Animal and Plant Health Laboratory reported major growth since independence—rising from limited disease diagnosis to handling up to 16,000 samples a year and producing over 3 million vaccine doses since 2023. Horn of Africa pressure point: Ethiopia’s June 1 election is shadowed by unrest and insecurity, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray and fears of renewed conflict amid claims of Tigray political exclusion.

Eritrea-UN Cooperation: A UNESCO delegation met Eritrean senior officials in Asmara to discuss education, digital science and AI in schools, and documenting Eritrea’s historical and intangible heritage, with plans to strengthen existing cooperation. Eid al-Adha in Eritrea: Eritrea marked Eid al-Adha nationwide, with prayers and a sermon at Bahti Meskerem Square calling for social empathy and wishing peace to war-affected victims at home and abroad. Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia heads to parliamentary and regional elections on June 1, but voting is suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity, while analysts warn the vote may be dominated by Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party amid unrest and a fragmented opposition. Horn of Africa Tensions: Coverage highlights how the post-Tigray “uneasy peace” is still shaped by violence, resource struggles, and fears of renewed conflict involving regional dynamics. Regional Humanitarian Concerns: Reports also spotlight forced deportation practices affecting asylum seekers across Africa, raising fresh questions about legal protections and safety.

Ethiopia Election Under Strain: Ethiopia goes to polls on 1 June, but the vote is set to be non-competitive as unrest persists and the election board suspends voting in parts of Amhara and Tigray, with Tigray again flagged for “unfavourable conditions.” Forced Conscription in Tigray: A situation report says children were forcibly conscripted in multiple Tigray locations between 21 and 26 May, with Tigray police also implicated. Horn of Africa Tensions: Analysts warn the election could deepen instability as regional rivalries—linked to strained ties with Eritrea and Sudan—raise fears of renewed conflict. Sudan Conflict Worsens: Sudan’s de facto authorities accuse Ethiopia and the UAE of drone attacks and warn of a proxy struggle feeding the country’s already massive humanitarian crisis. Eritrea in the Spotlight: Eritrea marked Eid al-Adha nationwide in Asmara, with leaders and the Mufti calling for peace and stability. Press Freedom Note: WAN-IFRA’s Golden Pen of Freedom will go to Gaza photo and video journalists for documenting the war’s devastation.

Eritrea Independence & Eid al-Adha: Eritrea marked Eid al-Adha nationwide in Asmara with senior officials and a sermon by Mufti Sheikh Salem Ibrahim Al-Mukhtar, stressing peace after the sacrifices of martyrs. Diplomacy & culture: Eritrea’s Chargé d’Affaires in Washington D.C. highlighted “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee” during Independence Day events, while Eritrea’s ambassador in Tokyo reiterated decades of Eritrea–Japan people-to-people bridge-building. Red Sea geopolitics: Ethiopia renewed its push for Red Sea access and accused Egypt of trying to obstruct it, tying the dispute to wider regional energy tensions; Egypt meanwhile rejected non-Red Sea states’ role in security arrangements. Regional politics in focus: Ethiopia’s June 1 election is set against conflict and fragmentation, with voting suspended in parts of Amhara and Tigray. Health & society: WHO-backed mental health workshop in Johannesburg includes Eritrea among participating countries. Human rights & asylum: A report describes asylum seekers deported from the US being held in a hotel prison in Equatorial Guinea. Sports: Eritrea’s Felicien Muhitira is listed among elite runners for Nigeria’s Okpekpe 10km race.

Eid al-Adha Celebrations: Eritreans marked Eid al-Adha nationwide today, with prayers led by Mufti Sheikh Salem Ibrahim Al-Mukhtar at Bahti Meskerem Square, where officials and diplomats joined the faithful and the sermon stressed peace, compassion, and the sacrifices behind Eritrea’s security. Independence Day Diplomacy: Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day theme, “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” was highlighted in Washington D.C. at the Eritrea Cultural Center, with cultural performances, sports awards, and Charge d’Affaires Berhane Gebrehiwet urging practical commitment to safeguard sovereignty. Red Sea Tensions: Ethiopia renewed its push for Red Sea access while accusing Egypt of trying to encircle and obstruct it, linking the dispute to wider energy disruptions and to Cairo’s maritime cooperation with Eritrea. Horn of Africa Politics: Ethiopia’s June 1 election is set against conflict and deep fragmentation, with opposition parties warning of repression, media restrictions, and a likely predetermined outcome. Public Services in Eritrea: Eritrea’s transport expansion was detailed in a 35-year Independence review, citing growth in buses, routes, taxis, and freight trucking to improve access and fair pricing. Health Watch: A WHO-led study warns snakebite risks may rise as warming shifts venomous snakes toward more populated areas.

Horn of Africa Tensions: Ethiopia has escalated its dispute with Egypt, warning Cairo “cannot block” Addis Ababa’s push for Red Sea access, as Strait of Hormuz energy disruptions add urgency to the standoff. Red Sea Security Clash: Egypt, meanwhile, says only Red Sea-bordering Arab and African states should handle security and rejects non-littoral involvement—setting up a sharper regional divide. Eritrea Independence Focus: Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day celebrations continue to ripple outward, with events in Asmara, regional hubs, and diplomatic messages abroad under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.” Sports Spotlight: Elite runners are converging on Nigeria for the Okpekpe 10km, with Ethiopia’s Lemi Teshome and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda among the headline arrivals. Public Health Watch: A new WHO-led study warns climate change may increase snakebite risks as venomous species shift closer to people.