Eritrea achieved its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, marking a landmark day in history. After years of abject colonialism and a brutal fight for self-determination, Eritrea had officially achieved freedom from its oppressive neighbor.

However, unfettered independence never came to be. Instead, for the past 32 years, the country has been trapped in a totalitarian prison state, deprived of many fundamental civil liberties and human rights such as freedom of speech, press, and peaceful assembly.

Eritrea must fight for actual independence and freedom for its citizens. It must overhaul its oppressive policies and implement measures to protect dissenting voices, public debate, and civil society. It must also strive to create economic independence.

A strong and prosperous Eritrea is only achievable through genuine independence in its fullest sense. It is only through the empowerment of its citizens and the guarantee of fundamental rights and liberties that Eritrea will truly be free.