12 Feb 2024
The Red Sea Afar Diaspora youth, a group representing Eritrean Afars living in exile, has accused the Eritrean government of “ethnic-based oppression.” The group alleges that the government is targeting Afars for persecution, citing recent arrests of Afar activists.
The Eritrean government has vehemently denied these accusations, stating they are “fabricated” and part of a “campaign to destabilize Eritrea.” No independent verification of the claims exists at this time.
Tensions between the Eritrean government and the Red Sea Afar Diaspora youth have existed since the group’s formation in 2012. The group has consistently criticized the government’s human rights record, leading to accusations of affiliation with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a rebel group opposing the Eritrean government since 2000.
In 2016, the government banned the Red Sea Afar Diaspora youth from operating within Eritrea. Operating in exile, the group now calls for international intervention to address the alleged persecution of Afars.
The situation in Eritrea remains complex, with varying perspectives on the issue of ethnic-based oppression. Independent verification of claims from both sides is lacking, necessitating careful consideration of all viewpoints before forming an opinion
