Eritrea’s National Festival 2026: President Isaias Afwerki opened the National Eritrean Festival at Asmara’s Expo Grounds, touring regional villages, social services, agriculture, heritage displays, and a Defense and Information exhibition; the event runs until 26 July with music, bazaars, seminars, and cultural programs. Higher Education & Skills: Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology graduated 297 students (25% female) across engineering and diploma programs, urging graduates to apply skills in national development. Public Finance Training: Eritrea’s Auditor General’s office trained 75 internal auditors (including 23 women) with a focus on audit planning, ethics, budget execution, procurement, and financial management. Agriculture Implementation Review: The Ministry of Agriculture assessed regional work plans and the Comprehensive Small and Productive Farm Plot program, reporting 83% of targeted villages implementing it in at least one household. Regional Diplomacy: Eritrea’s delegation joined the OACPS Council of Ministers session in Brussels, pressing for stronger finances and timely member contributions. US Immigration Policy Impacting Eritrea: US visa issuance is suspended or limited for nationals of 39 countries under a new proclamation, with Eritrea listed for full suspension of new visas. Sudan-Eritrea Talks: President Afwerki met Sudan’s Sovereign Council chair Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. Red Sea Security Context: Reports keep flagging Bab el-Mandeb as a potential flashpoint, with Eritrea and the Horn of Africa central to any disruption risk.