Thread by @BeqaYiakl

Today’s #Yiakl #SundaySpotlight goes out to Kiki Tzeggai in acknowledgment of her grit to create an #Eritrean Veterans Day; and her relentless advocacy for justice, through her powerful never flinching pen. #Eritrea
#Eritrea2020
#WeAreComingHome

Kiki Tseggai is an #Eritrean writer, who is known for her perseverance, courage and strong desire to see a vibrant and prosperous Eritrea. She goes by “Fikrey Birhin” on Facebook, in honor of the love of her life - Birhin.

Her husband Berhane (Birhin) was imprisoned and murdered by the Ethiopian gov't 41 years ago. Berhin, the love of her life, was tragically taken away from her and her children and to this day, she shares the pain and grief her family and families like hers continue to endure.

Not only does Kiki share her grief, but she has also made it the mission of her life to tell the world the human stories and sacrifices that were paid by Eritreans to claim their country.

snitna.com/articles/Teray…

After independence, Kiki approached some high-rank Veterans who gave her the hope of a possible Eri Veterans Day. Year-after-year, she believed & waited. Until she realized, that beyond any Eritrean’s comprehension, there was no intention to do so.

snitna.com/archive_news/2…

Since then, it has been Kiki’s dream to have #Eritrean Veterans’ Day and started an initiative to create unity among our Veterans in having an Eritrean Veterans’ Day in the diaspora; in the hope of seeing such a day become a national holiday in Eritrea.
snitna.com/eritreanvetera…

"Veterans deserve respect each day of the year; one day within the year as a national holiday. Our Veterans, freedom is what they offered to us – their people – and many died for it.
snitna.com/archive_news/2…

Such an abhorring situation about their dream to see a free Eritrea & live in their land should make us – their people & families- work hard to give them respect & eventually all rights as Veterans” says Kiki as she continues to advocate for her vision.

Last year, when #Eritrea and #Ethiopia declared a peace treaty, Kiki wrote to @PMEthiopia and President @SahleWorkZewde
urging them to make real peace with #Eritrean|s.
snitna.com/articles/Remem…

She also demanded that they reach out to Eritrean families who were wronged by their government & to apologize on #Ethiopia’s behalf. Unfortunately, she has yet to receive a response.

snitna.com/articles/Woman…

Kiki is a genuine and caring person who always expresses her gratitude and grief with authenticity. She is very passionate about empowering young Eritreans. She shares her life to encourage those who have been through a lot fleeing their country.
snitna.com/articles/Ode-t…

All of Kiki’s articles can be found here.
snitna.com/articles/Eritr…

#Yiakl #SundaySpotlight #WeAreComingHome

Thank you, Kiki for being a tireless advocate for our Veterans, justice and equality. We support you in your initiative in creating #Eritrean Veterans’ Day in diaspora and at home, #Eritrea!
#WeAreComingHome