Over 43 Eritrean afar youths defect to Yemen

Addis Ababa, Wednesday, 20 July 2011) – More than 43 Eritrean youths have reportedly defected to Yemen on July 14, 2011, Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization (RSADO) said. According to a statement RSADO sent to WIC, 13 of the youths are from the Eritrean navy forces while military members and civilians make up the remaining. The individuals were detained by the Eritrean government and defected upon their release on bail, the statement sent to WIC disclosed. “They were forced to take boats to cross the Red Sea fearing persecution and killing by the Eritrean government,” the statement issued by RSADO said. The organization accuses the Eritrean government for what it claims as a wide range of persecutions, tortures and killings of its own citizens forcing many to flee the country. RSADO alleged that the Eritrean government is negotiating with the Yemeni counterpart for the return of the defectors. “We appeal to the international human rights activists to intervene and save their lives,” the statement pleaded. “If the refuges stationed in Yemen are to return, they will face killings, torture by the government of Eritrea”. Due to intensified persecutions by the Eritrean government more than 80 Eritrean afar nationals had fled to Yemen between June and July 2011, RSADO disclosed. The statement, which included the names of 31 individuals between the ages of 20 to 25, called upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist Eritreans in Yemen.(waltainfo.com)