Former Eritrean minister of finance Berhane Abrehe, prominent critic of Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki, has reportedly been arrested in Asmara on Sunday morning, 16 September. Observers had expected the Eritrean regime to take action against Berhane after the publication of his two-volume book “Eritrea Hagerey” (Eritrea, my Country) in which he called for prompt elections and the replacement of Isaias Afwerki.
The Hague – Around 200 Eritreans gathered in the political capital of the Netherlands to ask for help for Eritrean refugees in Libya. As violence has broken out in Libya, the refugees have increasingly become trapped. The Eritreans protesting in the Netherlands report that Eritrean refugees have been, among other things, tortured, shot, raped and starved. Pictures of trapped groups of people, including of young children and women, are circulating on social media. The protesters ask for help from the UNHCR, the European Union and in particular the Netherlands to provide an emergency solution.
In this week’s news highlights: Eritrean-Ethiopian relationship developments – Eritrea to send delegation; Ethiopian security forces accused by PM Abiy; Rebel leader and president meet to discuss peace in South Sudan; Stop harassing news outlets, Sudanese advocacy group urges the government; Sudan and South Sudan to be assisted by new EU fund; Mishandlings of asylum requests by the UK Home Office has lethal outcomes; Hungarian anti-immigration laws passed; EU’s informal deal on migrants’ access to labor market; MSF urges politicians to put human lives first; UN Refugee Commissioner Grandi’s statement for World Refugee Day; and the Post- Cotonou Agreement’s focal points.