“A plan by the Ethiopian government to relocate around 27,000 Eritrean refugees to two already overcrowded camps is yet to be shelved, despite concerns by aid organisations over both the risk of spreading COVID-19 and the confusion the stated policy has caused.”
“These days, I find that many Eritrean healthcare workers suffer from a particular anxiety due to the conditions and suffering of Eritreans around the globe. We acknowledge the hardship of our fellow Eritreans; those who do not have access to basic healthcare services and/or are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder inside and outside Eritrea.”
“The world is used to hearing optimistic claims from Eritrean authorities, but very few experts trust their statistics, particularly regarding the absence of any COVID-19-related deaths.”
“Eritrea has remained in complete lockdown since mid-April 2020. All land borders between Eritrea and its neighbours are closed. The prices of goods have doubled all over the country. Banking restrictions allowing people to only withdraw 5,000 Nakfa remain in place.”
“The ruler of Eritrea, Isaias Afewerki, has refused the COVID-19 supplies donated by the Chinese billionaire Jack Ma and his Alibaba Group. The plane carrying the goods was not authorized to land in Eritrea and returned to where it came without delivering the intended goods. Because of this the people of Eritrea will be paying a heavy price.”
“It’s clear that life is far from normal. Asmara is under a complete lock-down and not just because of COVID-19. There are numerous reports of security forces on the streets, which are all but deserted. Permission is required even to go to buy necessities. Even the people inside the country don’t know what’s going on.”
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