Eritrean refugees face police crackdown amid increasing tensions in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, hundreds of Eritrean refugees have reportedly been arrested in recent weeks, creating widespread fear among the community. Many of these individuals fled Eritrea to escape oppressive government policies, forced military conscription, and the ongoing war in their home country. The arrests have targeted both documented and undocumented Eritreans, often occurring indiscriminately and without due process. Eyewitness accounts describe how police apprehended individuals simply for speaking Tigrinya, a language common in Eritrea and Ethiopia's Tigray region, leading to concerns about false accusations and corruption, as alleged bribery has been reported to secure releases. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has announced plans to investigate these arrests, signaling some acknowledgment of the human rights issues at play. However, the Ethiopian police have not publicly commented on the situation. As news of the detentions spreads, the vulnerabilities faced by Eritrean refugees worsen. Many are still haunted by memories of past large-scale arrests and deportations during the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict from 1998 to 2000, echoing fears that the current crackdown could lead to similar outcomes. Refugees are particularly alarmed about the potential for deportations back to Eritrea, where they risk severe punishment for fleeing their home country. The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, is being urged to intervene and protect those at risk of being returned to environments marked by oppression and human rights abuses. Overall, these events highlight the fragility of safety for Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia and the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries. As the situation develops, the calls for global attention and support from refugee advocacy groups continue to grow. The rights and safety of Eritrean refugees remain under threat, reflecting the ongoing complexities of the Ethiopia-Eritrea relationship and the precarious existence of refugees in areas where political tensions persist.