Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Asmara (Agenzia Fides) - “'If God is with us, who can be against us?' (Rm. 8:31). With these words of St. Paul we, delegates of the 17th General Chapter, wish to express our solidarity and communion with all of you, dear confrères, to the local Church and the entire Eritrean people,” write the members of the 17th General Chapter of the Comboni Missionaries, in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides. “We are absolutely troubled by the tragic events taking place in your country,” the message continues. “The presentations we have seen from the delegation confirm the fact that you have embraced the cross, in this time of trial and apprehension, according to the path of Saint Daniel Comboni. We commend you in accompanying the people with faith and hope, awaiting a new sign from Mary, merciful Ark of the Covenant. Thank you for being 'witnesses to Christian hope,' the hope that keeps the 'light' of Christ from being extinguished, no matter what difficulties arise. 'But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer. But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.' (1 Peter 4:15-16). You are suffering for a praiseworthy cause and we encourage you to be strong and continue on the path with the people, leading them to peace and reconciliation. May Our Mother and Lady 'Fidane Mehret,' intercede for Eritrea!” the delegates of the Chapter conclude.
In the last several years, various human rights organizations have been denouncing the grave violations of human rights in Eritrea. "Eritrea's government is turning the country into a giant prison. Eritrea should immediately account for hundreds of ‘disappeared' prisoners and open its jails to independent scrutiny,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch, in presenting an April report on the human rights situation in the country, especially in terms of obligatory military service for an indefinite period of time (the report is entitled: “Service for Life: State Repression and Indefinite Conscription in Eritrea”).
This is how Amnesty International describes the situation: “The government prohibited independent journalism, opposition parties, unregistered religious organizations, and virtually all civil society activity. Up to 1,200 Eritrean asylum-seekers forcibly returned from Egypt and other countries were detained upon arrival in Eritrea. Separately, thousands of prisoners of conscience and political prisoners remained in detention after years in prison. Prison conditions were harsh. Perceived dissidents, deserters and those evading mandatory military conscription and other critics of the government and their families were punished and harassed. The government reacted dismissively to any criticism on human rights grounds.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2009)
