Eritreans have marked the 40th anniversary of the start of their armed struggle for independence from Ethiopian rule. In an address to the nation, President Isayas Afewerki stressed the need "to attain the objectives we fought for", Eritrean radio said on 1 September. He said the past 10 years of independence had been a very important period, and urged his nation to look forward and forge ahead, and not to look back, said the radio. Isayas praised the Eritrean people for choosing "the path to freedom" 40 years ago, and called on them to "map out plans that assuage our anxiety and anticipation". The address comes at a time when Isayas is facing criticism within the government for his handling of the Ethio-Eritrea border war 1998-2000, as well as calls for a more democratic system and greater accountability.
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