A Reclusive
Nation Cracks Open Its Doors
Eritrea’s 20-year war with neighboring Ethiopia came to an end in 2018. I traveled to Eritrea to how the years of political isolation had affected the country. These are images from my journey and the online interactive that can be found on the New York Times website.
Massawa, a port city on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea. It has been an important port for many centuries, and has had many rulers throughout history.
Phone lines between Eritrea and its former rival, Ethiopia were reconnected. Flights between the two countries resumed for the first time in two decades.
For 20 years families had been separated by the conflict and every day at the airport crowds were waiting for their loved ones.
Alganesh Tewolde, kissing her nephew Bruk Solomon, 18. Even though they had never met before she said, “ I knew it was him when I saw him; he has his father’s smile.”
Tank Graveyard in Asmara, Eritrea. The rusting remains on Ethiopian military tanks that stand as a monument to the war.
