After Six Years in Prison, Former Eritrean Minister Abrehe Passes Away

editor
23 August 2024
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News, Events, Press release, South Africa

After six years in solitary imprisonment, former Eritrean Finance Minister Berhane Abrehe, 79, passed away on Monday, August 19, in jail. The Eritrean Human Rights Council (HRC), a UK-based group, verified his passing.

Shortly after publishing “Hagerey Eritrea” (My Country, Eritrea), a book critical of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Abrehe was arrested on September 17, 2018. Without official accusations or a proper trial, he had been detained at the capital city of Asmara’s Carshelli jail.

Abrehe was an important figure in the fight for Eritrea’s independence. He was a member of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) after leaving the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). He served in various important political roles following his country’s 1993 independence, most notably as Minister of Finance from 2001 until 2012.

Even though he had a prominent position, Abrehe openly denounced the government’s financial policies and President Afwerki’s centralization of power. Due to his strong opinions, he was removed from office in 2012 and was later arrested in 2018.

Abrehe’s condition had been declining, especially following a liver transplant in 2009. In 2018, Almaz Habtemariam, his spouse, was also detained and freed without charge or trial after two years.