Ex-Minister Berhane Abrehe Dies in Eritrean Prison After Six Years Without Charge

Berhane Abrehe, Eritrea's former finance minister and prominent critic of President Isaias Afwerki, has died in prison at 79, his family confirmed.

He was jailed in 2018 after publishing a book that described Afwerki as a dictator and called for his resignation. Berhane, who had served as finance minister for 12 years, was removed from office in 2012 following disputes with the president over budget transparency.

Eritrean authorities, known for their secrecy, informed Berhane’s family of his death but have not yet released his body. Reports suggest plans to bury him in Asmara Patriots Cemetery, reserved for veterans of Eritrea's independence war.

Human rights groups, including the UN, have consistently accused Eritrea of gross violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances. President Afwerki, in power since the country's independence in 1991, has ruled without national elections, banning political parties and independent media.

Berhane’s death brings renewed attention to Eritrea’s ongoing human rights abuses, with many prisoners, including senior officials, detained for decades without trial or contact with the outside world.