Nakfa is a sub region in Eritrea and the name of a town in the Northern Red Sea region now made more famous by a landmark liberation struggle in 1977 which would eventually lead to total independence 14 years later.
The 48th anniversary of this key episode in the revolutionary war was marked on 23 March with various activities.
After six months of encirclement Nakfa was liberated on that day in 1977 and never to be occupied again by enemy occupation forces of the Ethiopian army.
It was the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front’s first major victory which enhanced Nakfa’s reputation int the fight for independence. As a major base, it became the nerve centre of Eritrean resistance against eight abortive offensives by Ethiopian forces to recapture it.
Nakfa paid a heavy prize. The town was totally destroyed after being bombarded from the air by Ethiopian military planes, forcing liberation fighters dig underground self-contained bunkers where they ran medical facilities, a radio station, printing machines and manufacturing industries.
All of these facilities including a college were protected by trenches and areas rigged with landmines.
Eritrea was eventually liberated in 1991.
The commemorative event for 2025 was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, village elders, heads of national associations, and numerous Nakfa residents.
Mr. Mohammed Ali Shilie, Managing Director of Nakfa Sub-zone, stated that the objective of the commemoration is to pass on to the young generation the history of the heroic feats demonstrated by the gallant liberation fighters during the struggle to liberate Nakfa.
Mr. Shilie further noted that the commemoration of Nakfa’s liberation reflects the strong resilience, perseverance, and unity of purpose of the Eritrean people and called for strengthened contributions and participation in the process of nation-building.
The event featured artistic and cultural performances highlighting the heroism of the liberation fighters and depicting the significance of the occasion in the annals of Eritrean history.
WN/as/APA