After a bitter and bloody civil war which lasted for 30 years, Eritrea finally gained de facto independence from Ethiopia in 1991 and de juré independence in 1993.
A sense of independence comes in many forms and for many, the currency is a strong symbol of national identity and independence. After independence Eritrea continued to use the Ethiopian currency, but by 1997 they were ready to launch their own.
Perhaps it was the decision to link the currency at parity to the Ethiopian Birr which enraged the Ethiopians. Perhaps it was the decision to name the currency after the town which had been the Headquarters of the Independence Liberation Army; Nakfa. Perhaps Ethiopia had simply not psychologically accepted Eritrean independence as a fact and thought they could continue to dictate policy in the region.
Whatever the most important of these factors, the launch of the Eritrean currency was a catalyst for a complete breakdown in relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia and a brutal and bitter war was fought along their border. A border which has remained closed ever since.
So what does this tree have to do with all this?
In rural communities the enormous span of this tree makes it an ideal place for people to gather to socialise; to discuss important matters; come to decisions and to share stories of the ancestors. So it was seen as the perfect symbol for the 5 Nakfa note. And this is the very tree that features on the note.
Stupidly I didn't think to photograph a note while I was in Eritrea... It is a currency which cannot be exchanged or brought out of the country either.
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