Families of five Eritrean refugees detained for over two months in Ethiopia’s Amhara region report receiving ransom demands for their release. The detainees, previously residing in Alemwach Refugee Camp in Dabat town, have been held without formal charges or court appearances.
According to the families, unidentified individuals have contacted them, seeking payments between 100,000 and 500,000 Ethiopian Birr for the release of their loved ones. One woman recounted that her husband was lured under the guise of a job opportunity, detained, and subsequently, she received a demand for 500,000 Birr. Despite reporting these incidents to the police, the families claim no effective action has been taken.
The detainees were recently transferred from Dabat to Debarq, approximately 40 kilometers away, complicating family visits and support. Ameha Amerga, head of the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) in Alemwach, confirmed the detentions but was unaware of the ransom demands. He criticized the prolonged detention without legal proceedings and stated that his office is investigating the matter in collaboration with regional authorities.
The Alemwach camp, hosting over 21,000 Eritrean refugees, has previously reported incidents of robbery, kidnapping, and violence, with at least nine fatalities in the past year. Camp leaders have called for relocation to ensure safety. Additionally, reports indicate that Eritrean residents in Ethiopia’s capital have experienced widespread arrests, causing fear among refugees and asylum seekers. The RRS has announced plans to relocate Eritrean asylum seekers in Addis Ababa to a designated shelter in the Afar region.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, including security concerns and the need for legal protections.