Eritrean bishops risk wrath of dictator in ‘desolation’ letter

In a dangerous move in one of the most authoritarian states, four Eritrean bishops have published a letter describing their country as “desolate”, because so many people have fled or are in prison or the army, writes Ellen Teague.

They say the Horn of Africa nation’s lack of freedom is forcing young people to flee: as many as 3,000 cross to neighbouring Sudan and Ethiopia every month. They leave “for peaceful countries, of justice, of work, where one can express oneself openly”, said Bishops Mengisteab Tesfamariam of Asmara, Tomas Osman of Barentu, Kidane Yebio of Keren and Feqremariam Hagos of Segeneiti. At least 300 Eritreans died last October when their boat sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

The bishops were careful not to condemn directly the Government of President Isaias Afwerki.