American actress Tiffany Haddish officially is a dual citizen after she officially got her Eritrean citizenship, the birthplace of her father, who moved to the United States as a refugee before she was born.
According to CNN, Haddish was born in the United States and has identified herself as American with Eritrean parentage. She visited Eritrea last year to bury her father, Tsihaye Reda Haddish. She’s now in the country to celebrate the 28th anniversary of its independence, which happens to be today, May 24th 2019.
In photographs shared on social media, Haddish is seen draped in the Eritrean flag, while filling out forms with officials present.
05/21/19#Asmara
A historic moment for our sister @TiffanyHaddish!!!! She applied for an #Eritrea/n ID card and granted citizenship at this very touching momemnt of our independence week. Congrats Tiff.#EritreaShinesAt28
ኤርትራ ወትሩ ብደቃ ትኹላዕ pic.twitter.com/Q8qCcCI6IL— Hadnet Keleta (@hadnetkeleta) May 22, 2019
Haddish has always shown pride in her roots. During last year’s Oscars ceremony, she graced the red carpet in a stunning zuria gown, a traditional dress worn by women in Eritrea and Ethiopia. Her dress was topped with a kaba, a cape-like ornament usually worn by brides and grooms.
TiffanyHaddish arrivals home (Asmara) today. She will participate in the week-long celebrations of 28th Independence Anniversary
"I know everyone is excited, especially me, to be part of something historical and cannot wait to share this with the whole world" #EritreaShinesAt28 pic.twitter.com/eMTV1kUHlw— Ghideon Musa (@GhideonMusa) May 17, 2019
Eritrea is having a week of celebrations to mark its independence from Ethiopia after a 30-year war. This year’s anniversary is significant, as it’s the first time the country’s border with Ethiopia is at peace following last year’s agreement by the two countries to end their war.
Eritreans have shown their support of Haddish’s Eritrean citizenship on Twitter while voicing their hopes that she will speak out against some of the regime’s policies and actions.
Eritrea is often described as the “North Korea of Africa” and has never had a national election. There is no free press, and citizens are not allowed to leave without an exit visa issued by the government.