As a child, in the years following Eritrea's independence, Filmon Debru looked forward to the month of May and the festivities celebrating the country's new sovereignty and independence heroes. Eritrea celebrates 30 years as a state this year but for Filmon Debru, there is nothing to celebrate. An "Independence Cup" has crisscrossed the country, collecting "holy ground" from the sites of legendary battles against powerful neighbour Ethiopia. Like many Eritreans, she lost family members in the struggle for independence and the recovery of their sacrifice angers her. Many members of the diaspora "dream day and night of returning" to the country, explains Habte Hagos, who has spent most of his adult life outside Eritrea.

Source: Ethiopian News May 23, 2023 13:27 UTC