Veteran freedom fighter and Governor of the Central Region, Fesehaye Haile (Afro), has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness, according to the Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Haile, a respected figure in Eritrea’s liberation movement, joined the Eritrean People’s Liberation Forces in July 1973 after serving with the “Tihisha” agitational group between 1972 and 1973.

During the armed struggle for independence, he held various key roles, including as a combatant in the Eritrean People’s Liberation Army, and in the Departments of People’s Administration, Intelligence, and Security, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication to the national cause.

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After Eritrea gained independence, Haile continued to serve his country in several senior capacities. He was Deputy Governor of Asmara, Executive Director of the Northern Red Sea Region, Director General of the Customs Department at the Ministry of Finance, Director General of Civil Aviation, and later Governor of both Gash-Barka and Central Regions.

In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended condolences to his family, friends, and the Eritrean people.

Haile is survived by his wife and three children. Details regarding his funeral service will be announced in due course, according to the Ministry of Information.