The UN Human Rights Council has rejected Eritrea’s bid to shut down an independent investigation into alleged rights abuses, a move hailed as vital to preventing impunity, with 25 votes against, 18 abstentions and 4 votes in favour

President Isaias Afwerki on state TV blamed Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, for pushing to control Eritrea’s key port of Assab, pursuing expansionism along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean and destabilizing the whole region

Patriotic zeal across Eritrea reportedly saluted the celebrations of Independence Day 2025 under the theme “Our Cohesion—Our Armour”; programs featured public gatherings, cultural or artistic performances, children’s events, military parades, seminars

Eritrea underlined it had deliberately ensured that foreign assistance aligned with national priorities rather than with donor priorities, keeping a better control over its development agenda notwithstanding a global funding crisis

Cycling talent Milkias Maekele, known for his determination, joined Team BIKE AID, adding energy to their #RideForAfrica campaign; Eritrea is a nation passionate about cycling and home to some of Africa's top riders