17th anniversary of Eritrea’s Independence Day Celebration Report

  Stockholm Sweden

By coordination Committee  

The Eritrean political and civil society opposition organizations in Stockholm- Sweden have celebrated the bitter struggle, sacrifice and the resolute commitment for liberation of the Eritrean people that has culminated in May 24th  1991 on one side, and marked the 17 years of unexpected ruinous and destructive developments designed and skilfully deployed by the oppressive system of one man rule on the other side.

The celebrations started at 18.00 local time on 24th Saturday afternoon. People started arriving at the place of the celebration in crowds with their family members- men , women, children, young and old. When the hall was full it was time to start the program of the festivities according the schedule. A welcome introductory speech was delivered by the coordinator informing the audience the how the program looks and proceeds the whole night.

Program leader, Mrs Mehret Dawit , chairwoman of the Eritrea Women Association for integration addressed the celebrants  by welcome salutations, remembering the unflinching struggle of the Eritrean people for liberation and marking the current  situation in Eritrea under a harsh and criminal rule.

A joint speech prepared by the coordinating committee was read by Mr. Negash Osman and Abdusalam. Mr. Abdusalam member of the coordinating committee has read the commemorating  speech in Tigrinya and Mr. Negash Osman has read the speech in Arabic. The joint letter expressed its pleasure and support the late results of the unity congress of the 13 Eritrean opposition political organizations and promised to stand on the side of this democratic struggle.  

The Association of !”Non is illegal in Sweden” friend and partner with the Eritrean opposition organizations was invited and has delivered a support and encouragement speech at the festivities. The speech was delivered by Mr. Linus head of the organization.

After hearing of speeches it was time to dine. Dinner buffet was ready and people started to stand in a long row waiting their turn. The food was delicious and with full various ingredients.

The time for dance and music started after the dinner. The music entertainment started with low and sentimental songs commemorating the past struggle of the Eritrean people and the on going democratic struggle.

Poems were read at intervals from different Eritrean poets.

The cultural singer, Mr. Temesgen aroused the people to dance the whole night without break until at dawn joined by Mrs Meheret and Yosief. The dance floor was packed and thundering the whole time with eager dancers.

It was a fantastic day of celebration with glamour and smile faces looking for bright future for Eritrea.