Eritrean refugees in Addis Ababa have reported an alarming wave of arrests within their community, raising concerns over their safety and human rights. Refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom fled forced military conscription and political oppression, now face renewed threats in their host country. The recent crackdown has intensified fears of deportation and systemic targeting, with hundreds reportedly detained in recent weeks.
Widespread Detentions and Allegations of Corruption
Reports from Eritrean refugees reveal that many were detained after being overheard speaking Tigrinya, a language common in both Eritrea and Ethiopia’s Tigray region. One refugee described being arrested in a café alongside friends:
“We were sitting and talking when someone called the police. Six officers arrived and took us away. Later, the inspector demanded money for our release, arranging payments secretly to avoid evidence,” he said.
Other refugees have shared similar stories, including a man whose sister has been detained for three weeks. He avoids visiting her for fear of being arrested himself, instead relying on Ethiopian friends to deliver food and clothes.
Rising Tensions and Vulnerability
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has expressed concern over the treatment of Eritrean refugees, emphasizing their vulnerability due to a lack of legal documentation. Enguday Meskele, Director of Refugee Rights at EHRC, highlighted that undocumented refugees struggle to access essential services such as healthcare and education, further compounding their challenges.
UNHCR has confirmed receiving reports of Eritrean refugees being detained and is monitoring the situation closely. Refugees fear deportation back to Eritrea, where they risk imprisonment or worse.
Refugees Call for Relocation Amid Growing Dangers
In response to the deteriorating situation, Ethiopia’s Refugee and Returnee Service (RRS) announced plans to relocate Eritrean asylum seekers from Addis Ababa to a shelter in the Afar region. According to Daba Lemesa, Director of Refugee Protection at RRS, the relocation will take place in the Abala area, although budget constraints have delayed the process.
“We have conducted preliminary studies and preparations, but we need financial support to proceed. Our goal is to ensure that the refugees receive the assistance they need once relocated,” Daba said.
Relocation plans aim to provide a safer environment for asylum seekers, as many face increasing violence and insecurity in Addis Ababa. The Alemwach refugee camp in the Amhara region, home to over 21,000 Eritreans, has reported frequent robberies, kidnappings, and assaults. Camp leaders revealed that at least nine refugees have been killed in the past year.
Historical Context and Renewed Tensions
The current wave of arrests evokes memories of mass detentions and deportations during the 1998-2000 border war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, when thousands of Eritreans were forcibly expelled. Despite a peace deal in 2018 that briefly improved relations, tensions have flared again, particularly following the recent civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
Flights and phone lines between the two countries have been suspended, and diplomatic ties have deteriorated. Refugees now find themselves caught in the crossfire of these renewed hostilities.
Appeals for International Support
Eritrean refugees are urging the international community to intervene. They fear that without external pressure, the arrests and mistreatment will continue. Many have lost hope of finding safety in Ethiopia and are seeking alternative ways to leave the country. However, even those attempting to inquire about travel documents have reportedly been arrested.
One refugee described the situation as desperate:
“Both documented and undocumented Eritreans are being targeted. Even mothers visiting detained family members have been arrested. We fled persecution in Eritrea, only to face it here.”
As refugees await action from the Ethiopian government and international organizations, they remain in a precarious situation, hoping for a resolution that guarantees their safety and dignity.
