Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki Turns 68

President Isaias Afwerki in New York City with patriotic Eritreans - Credit: Mussie Sibhatu

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki Turns 68

President Isaias Afwerki turned 68 on Sunday.

Age 67 was quite a year for the Eritrean president. He was declared dead by the so-called Eritrean "opposition" groups, only to be disappointed after hearing he resurrected in the Sudan. When he wasn't resurrecting from death, the president was busy tackling poverty and advancing the economy. Thanks to his administration's policies, the country is experiencing one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Despite accomplishing a lot, more challenges awaits him at age 68, including Asmara housing shortages, strengthening institutions, removing poor internet and mobile policies, weak digital media presence, and defending the country against exogenous threats.

In celebration of his big day, we bring you images of his life throughout the decades:


Isaias in the 1950s

Isaias Afwerki (tallest one) as a child with his brothers in Asmara -1954

Isaias in the 1960s

The picture below is of Isaias in 1967 at the Nanjing Military College in China. The ELF sent him, along with four other fighters, to study political ideologies and guerrilla warfare in China.

Standing L-R: 5th Isaias Afwerki, 6th Mahmoud Ibrahim Chekini/Cecchini, martyred 1972, 7th Ramadan Mohammed Nur, 9th Ahmed Adem Omer. Sitting L-R: 3rd Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed  

Isaias in the 1970s

These men, who were led by Isaias Afawerki (yellow arrow), left ELF to create what would arguably be one of the greatest revolutions in modern times. They rejected tribalism, religious fundamentalism and sexism. They believed  in equality and in empowering women. But above all, they believed in self reliance. It was these young guys that changed the course of history in the region. When this picture was taken in 1974, all of Eritrea's independence hopes rested on a confident 27-year-old Isaias Afwerki's shoulders. He took on the challenge and led Eritrea to victory. 

Related reading: Interesting Facts About President Isaias Afwerki

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