This episode dives into the Ethiopian Derg government's "Stealth Offensive" in March 1983, a pivotal yet little-discussed military campaign during the Eritrean War of Independence. This offensive, launched seven months after the Derg's prior "Red Star Campaign" failed, aimed to exploit what the Derg perceived as a weakened Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), while also seeking to recover from previous humiliations. Despite mobilizing a substantial force of 120,000 troops in secrecy, the Derg suffered heavy losses, with around 25,000 troops dead or wounded, ultimately failing to achieve its objectives. Conversely, this offensive served as a crucial turning point for the EPLF, enabling them to reorganize, strengthen, and evolve from a guerrilla force into a more structured, semi-conventional army, ultimately capturing valuable equipment from the retreating Ethiopian forces and shifting the balance of power in their favor.

This episode offers an in-depth interview with Alemseged Tesfai, a prominent Eritrean writer, historian, and freedom fighter. The discussion centers on his latest book, "An African People’s Quest for Freedom and Justice," which aims to retell Eritrean history from an Eritrean perspective, correcting external narratives. Tesfai highlights his personal experiences in the liberation struggle and academic studies as foundational to his work, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the Eritrean people amidst diversity. He also discusses his meticulous research process, the importance of addressing contemporary issues like peace in the Horn of Africa, and offers recommendations for readers new to his works. Ultimately, Tesfai expresses a hope for Eritrean historiography to gain proper recognition on a global scale.

Source interview with the renowed author Alemseged Tesfai in Shabait

This episode discusses the Red Star Campaign, a major military offensive, the 6th launched by the Ethiopian Derg government against the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in 1982 during the Ethiopian Civil War. The campaign, which involved over 80,000 Ethiopian troops, aimed to destroy Eritrean separatist forces and capture their stronghold in Nakfa. Despite initial tactical successes and significant numerical superiority, the Ethiopian forces ultimately failed to achieve their objectives, suffering heavy casualties and boosting the Eritrean will to resist. The account details the military strategies, key battles, and logistical aspects of the campaign, highlighting moments of both Ethiopian advancement and significant setbacks due to EPLF counterattacks and tactical blunders. The text concludes by noting the failure of the Red Star Campaign and the subsequent, more subdued "Red Star II" operation.

This episode details the Ethiopian Derg government's fifth military offensive against the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in July 1979, following previous failures. It outlines the Derg's strategic objectives, which included splitting EPLF lines, cutting supply routes, and encircling key positions around Nakfa and Northeastern Sahel. The document describes the Derg's battle plans, involving multi-pronged assaults and attempts to establish rear footholds, alongside the EPLF's defensive preparations, which focused on reinforcing existing fortifications. Finally, it recounts the invasion itself, highlighting the EPLF's successful defense against the frontal and flanking maneuvers, ultimately leading to heavy Ethiopian losses and the collapse of their encirclement strategy.

From Zantana by Azentawi

This episode explires the Ethiopian Derg Government's fourth military offensive against the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), launched in March 1979 at the Nakfa Front. This detailed account outlines the Derg regime's extensive preparations, including substantial human and logistical resources, and their strategic objective: to employ a "Hammer and Anvil" tactic to breach EPLF defenses and capture Nakfa. The sources explain the formations of both armies, the intense bombardments, and the fierce defensive battles that ensued, highlighting the EPLF's fortified positions and successful counterattacks which ultimately repelled the Derg's advance by April 11, 1979.

From Zantana by Azentawi

This episode, explores the Ethiopian Derg Government's fourth military offensive against the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), launched in March 1979 at the Nakfa Front. This detailed account outlines the Derg regime's extensive preparations, including substantial human and logistical resources, and their strategic objective: to employ a "Hammer and Anvil" tactic to breach EPLF defenses and capture Nakfa. The sources explain the formations of both armies, the intense bombardments, and the fierce defensive battles that ensued, highlighting the EPLF's fortified positions and successful counterattacks which ultimately repelled the Derg's advance by April 11, 1979.

From Zantana by Azentawi

This episode is part 2 of 7 Ethiopian Derg government's second military campaign against the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), launched on November 18, 1978. This offensive was a three-pronged attack aimed at dislodging the EPLF from key positions in central and northern Eritrea, including Adi Yakob and Keren. While Ethiopian forces initially achieved some success, capturing Adi Yakob, the EPLF executed strategic withdrawals and mounted effective counter-attacks, such as the Battle of Elabered and the decisive stand at Ma’mide. Ultimately, the EPLF withdrew to the Sahel province to establish a new defensive base, demonstrating their resilience against the superior Ethiopian forces.

From Zantana by Azentawi

This episode talks about the first military campaign launched by the Ethiopian Derg government against Eritrean liberation fronts, specifically the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), which began on June 13, 1978. It outlines the initial Ethiopian advances from various directions, leading to the capture of key cities like Barentu and eventually Asmara. The document describes the EPLF's tactical withdrawals and reorganizations in response to the Ethiopian momentum, as well as the ELF's efforts to slow the advance. Ultimately, the campaign concluded with the EPLF establishing new defensive lines in various strategic locations after withdrawing from cities like Massawa.

Source Zantana, by Azentawi

This episode offers an overview of "Striving at Home," a memoir by Tekle Weldeslasie, written in English and featuring a character named Ataklti. The book explores Eritrean identity and resilience, chronicling childhood experiences, local traditions, and the struggles under Ethiopian colonial rule. It vividly depicts the atrocities faced by Eritreans, prompting Ataklti to choose to participate in the armed struggle for independence rather than seeking a life abroad. The narrative emphasizes the importance of loving one's country and striving for success within one's homeland, challenging the notion that a "better life" can only be found elsewhere. The book aims to inspire Eritrean youth to understand their history and encourages national reconstruction efforts, while also providing foreigners with insight into the nation's past.

Source Shabait By - Yishak Yared

Tghis episode explores the tour of Eritrea's Southern region by a delegation of United Nations representatives and other officials, offering their impressions and key takeaways from the visit. The purpose of this trip was to identify collaboration opportunities and foster better communication, with delegates highlighting the country's developmental progress, particularly in healthcare, food security, and infrastructure. Several UN officials express surprise at the positive realities on the ground, which often contrast with negative international perceptions, emphasizing the Eritrean government's commitment and resilience in driving development for its citizens. Ultimately, the text underscores a strong call for enhanced UN partnership and a re-evaluation of the global narrative surrounding Eritrea, based on the visible advancements witnessed during the tour.

From Shabait By : - Mussie Efriem