Politics
Eritreans Planning 'Revolution' in Tel Aviv Warehouse, Haaretz Reports
Middle East Eye · 3 days ago · Read the Full Story on Middle East Eye
AI SUMMARY
Eritrean opposition figures in Israel and worldwide are using a Tel Aviv warehouse to organize a global movement aimed at overthrowing President Isaias Afwerki’s government.
- Eritrean opposition figures are using a southern Tel Aviv warehouse as an international hub for a movement known as Brigade Nhamedu.
- The movement aims to build a global political organization to mobilize exiles and eventually replace President Isaias Afwerki’s government.
- Members in Israel joined Eritrean communities across 17 global locations to elect a 51-member international council.
- Around 1,300 people participated in the Israeli vote held in Nes Ziona.
- The council meets weekly to discuss funding, diplomatic outreach, establishing an Ethiopian base, and communicating with individuals inside Eritrea.
- Brigade Nhamedu is led by Addis Ababa-based activist Beyene Gerezgiher.
- The movement includes officials responsible for finance, diplomacy, community organization, and military planning.
- Israel and Eritrea have experienced strained relations, leading to Israel closing its embassy in Asmara in 2022.
- Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh stated that Asmara deliberately distanced itself from Israel and questioned its growing influence in the Horn of Africa.
- President Isaias Afwerki has governed Eritrea since 1993 without holding national elections, implementing a constitution, or allowing independent media.
- Indefinite national service has driven approximately two million Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers to live abroad.
- Brigade Nhamedu's leadership in Israel includes Atakliti Abraham Michael and Mulue Sultan.
- Violent clashes between government supporters and opponents occurred in Tel Aviv in September 2023, with at least nine Eritreans killed in Israel since then according to a UN report.
- The movement has not yet recruited a fighting force but is preparing for an opportunity to enter Eritrea.
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