There're a number of "unnoticed" personal experiences that Eritrean
independence has impacted either positively or negatively.
Like your observation, I know of an Eritrean Christian tegadalit who
married a Moslem Tegadalay; her parents never accepted the marriage.
On surface, it may be difficult to understand the reactions of parents.
But when analyzed closely, it may not be their fault. Society is structured
in many levels, religion being one, that have shaped our thinking
generation after generation. Perhaps, however divisive these levels are,
they're simply facts of life that cannot be dismissed easily.
Not all social experiences of saHel can be transferred to the civil society.
Inter-religious relationships are an oddity in a society that adheres to
distinctive norms.
More troubling to me is the disruption of relationships and friendships
by the invisible (carcinogenic) agent that is regionalism or
provincialism. It's sad and unacceptable that today we've Eritreans who
subscribe to this corrupt mentality.
amanuel
toronto, Canada