Executive Committee:
Ghebremariam Woldemichael, Department of Statistics
Zemenfes Tsighe, Department of Geography
Senait Bahta, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Ghirmai Negash, Eritrean Languages and Literatures Unit

Advisory Board based at the University of Asmara:
Albert Johnson, Department of Political Science
Alexander Naty, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Solomon Ghebreghiorghis, Department of Journalism
Tekle Abraha, Faculty of Law
Yemane Misghinna, Department of Economics

Advisory Board based outside Eritrea:
Asmerom Legesse, Philadelphia, USA
Peter Schmidt, University of Florida, USA
Bairu Tafla, University of Hamburg, Germany
Roy Pateman, UCLA, USA
Fethi Ahmed, University of Natal, South Africa

The College of Arts and Social Sciences is pleased to announce the release of the first issue of its research journal, the Journal of Eritrean Studies (JERS). Being the first research journal of the University of Asmara, it marks an important milestone in the history of the College and the University as a whole.

The Journal creates a forum in which scholars on Eritrean Studies can share their ideas and research findings. We hope that the Journal will act as a motive force in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on Eritrean history, culture, society, politics, economy, environment, language, etc. The Journal is also expected to foster and sustain a high culture of research. May I take this opportunity to invite scholars on Eritrean Studies to contribute articles to the Journal. Any comments and suggestions that you believe will enhance the quality of the Journal are also welcome, and can be sent to the editor. With your kind cooperation and contributions, we hope to sustain the spirit and purpose of the Journal, and make modest contributions to the quality of research and knowledge in social sciences in Eritrea.