Background:
This interview took place in Eritrea during the Eritrea-Ethiopia border war (1998-2000). The conflict started over a border dispute between the two countries for the control of the town of Badme.
After World War II, Ethiopia claimed Eritrea as part of its national territory, once both nations were liberated from the Italian occupation. In 1950, the United Nations General Assembly granted Ethiopia's wish and Eritrea became part of Ethiopia as a province.
In 1991, Eritrea achieved its independence after a 30 year war with Ethiopia (1961-1991). Finally after 30 years of fighting, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front finally (EPLF) consolidated Eritrea’s independence.
Side A:
For Abeba, strategic retreat was the most difficult thing to do during the conflict. She mentions that while she was teaching orphans in Keren, she had to evacuate every last one of the children. During the evacuation process Abeba had to retreat running barefoot for around 4 hours. After two days, they reached Af Abet which is not far from Keren.
Abeba mentions that loosing friends during the conflict was something that one should expect. According to her, it’s a matter of cultural respect not to talk about the deaths of your friends or family. Instead of this, you just notice the person’s reaction when you ask about someone in specific.
In Abeba’s mind, the most important thing about the resistance was focusing on the equality among women and men in the armed struggle. The children she mentions are considered as adults in her society, but in the conflict they were shown love and given education; this was what impressed her the most. In order to make a change in society, Abeba says that women have to perform everything that the man does; to be equal to a man she has to perform anything that the man does.
When answering the question about how it is possible that during the conflict Christians and Muslims fought together, she replied that it is more important to fight for the country than to fight for one’s personal beliefs.
Side B:
Continuation of side a:
On the 4th part of the interview, we hear Abraham speaking about his brother who died in combat during the sixth offensive war in 1982.
He continues talking about the fall of Massawa city and how this marked the end of the war. This was an important moment for the Eritreans in 1990.
After the war ended, the reconstruction of the country was the main task. Abraham mentioned that to live in harmony is essential, stressing that when it comes to religion in Eritrea, you can find both a Mosque and a Church in the same village. The government of the country strives to keep religious affairs separate from the state.
