The independence of Eritrea marks a significant turning point in the history of East Africa and the Horn of Africa. After more than 30 years of protracted armed conflict against Ethiopian rule, Eritrea successfully held a referendum in April 1993, which was monitored by the United Nations. In this referendum, over 99% of Eritreans voted in favor of independence, signifying a clear mandate for self-determination. The struggle for independence was largely spearheaded by the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), which emerged in the 1970s as a response to colonial and later Ethiopian oppression. The cultural and ethnic complexities in the Horn of Africa made this conflict particularly intricate, as it involved not just national identity but also broader regional dynamics involving neighboring countries.

On May 24, 1993, the newly formed country of Eritrea celebrated this monumental step with a grand declaration of independence. Isaias Afwerki, the leader of the EPLF, became Eritrea's first President. After years of conflict, Eritrea's independence was a moment of profound significance for Eritreans, who had endured countless hardships and sacrifices to achieve this moment. The national anthem was played, and celebrations erupted as people took to the streets, marking an era of hope and anticipation for sovereign governance, self-reliance, and international recognition on the world stage. The day symbolized not just the end of a struggle but also the beginning of a new chapter for the newly formed Eritrean state.