Berhane Abrehe, former Eritrean Finance Minister and a prominent critic of President Isaias Afwerki, has died at the age of 79 while in prison. His death, which occurred on Monday, August 19th, was confirmed by the Eritrean Human Rights Council (HRC), a UK-based organization, marking the end of his six-year ordeal in solitary confinement.
Abrehe was detained on September 17, 2018, shortly after publishing his book Hagerey Eritrea (My Country, Eritrea), which openly criticized President Afwerki and his regime. Held at the notorious Carshelli prison in Asmara, Abrehe was never formally charged or granted a fair trial during his years in detention.
Before becoming a political prisoner, Abrehe had a long history as a dedicated freedom fighter. He was a member of both the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and later the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), where he played a pivotal role in the struggle for Eritrea’s independence. Following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Abrehe served in various high-ranking government positions, eventually becoming the Finance Minister from 2001 to 2012.
Despite his contributions to the government, Abrehe grew increasingly disillusioned with the administration’s financial practices and the concentration of power in the hands of President Afwerki. His open criticism led to his dismissal from office in 2012. Six years later, after publicly denouncing the president’s authoritarian rule through his book, he was arrested.
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Abrehe’s health had been deteriorating for years, particularly following a liver transplant in 2009. Despite his medical condition, he remained isolated in prison, with no access to proper medical care. His wife, Almaz Habtemariam, who was arrested alongside him in 2018, was released two years later without facing trial.
The death of Berhane Abrehe highlights the ongoing repression and lack of political freedom in Eritrea. His life serves as a symbol of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the country’s leadership. Despite his suffering, Abrehe’s legacy as a patriot and advocate for justice remains significant, reflecting the broader struggle for freedom of expression and political accountability in Eritrea.
