As I begin writing this article on September 2nd, 2024, it marks a week since Berhane Abrehe passed away at Asmara Air Force Hospital, following a stroke he suffered in prison – an event that ultimately claimed his life. When I heard the news, I was saddened but not entirely surprised. Berhane’s health has been deteriorating for years, even during his tenure as a Finance Minister. Denying him access to medical treatment abroad while keeping him in prison was essentially a death sentence, and of course a gross violation of human rights.
Berhane Abrehe was the catalyst for my deeper engagement with Eritrean politics. I vividly remember being on a family vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when I first heard his announcement about the publication of his book.
Before learning about the former finance minister, my understanding of Eritrean politics was naive and superficial. However, when Berhane announced the release of his two part books (Hagerey Eritrea 1 & 2), which was highly critical of the Eritrean government, I was both curious and taken aback. Despite my limited knowledge on Eritrean politics at the time, I knew enough to realize that making such a bold statement could easily lead to imprisonment.
It wasn’t until two years later that I connected with Berhane Abrehe’s son, Efrem, online. We set up a Zoom call, during which I learned more about his family, his father’s cause, and Efrem’s efforts to continue his father’s struggle. Efrem is very much a reflection of his father – he speaks softly, remains calm, and is direct when discussing topics concerning the issues in Eritrea, never beating around the bush. Like his father, he is a man with principles and values.
Two years after that call, Efrem informed be that preparations were underway to translate Berhane Abrehe’s book “Hagerey Eritrea” into English – a translation that is now available on Amazon. Since I couldn’t read Tigrinya, this was my chance to finally understand Berhane’s thoughts and perspectives.
From reading the book, my observation was that Berhane Abrehe’s “Hagerey Eritrea” offers a deep analysis of Eritrea’s history, politics, and its strategic position, shedding light on the nation’s anti-Western sentiment and the challenges it faces. The book provided valuable insights into shaping Eritrea’s foreign relations. In the second part, Berhane elaborates his experience as a Finance Minister, highlighting the mismanagement under President Isaias and the need for a transitional government. This book was the third (and more recent one) that allowed me to learn about the inter-party/government dissent.
Berhane knew the risks he was taking, yet he chose to proceed and ultimately paid with his life. When news of his passing spread, condolences poured in not only from the opposition, but from also people that support the government! Surprisingly, the veteran-turned-finance minister was buried in full military honors-a gesture that highlights the peculiar nature of Eritrean politics.
Regardless of the intent behind his burial at the Asmara Patriots Cemetery with military honors, Berhane truly deserved it. From organizing the Eritrean revolution in Addis Ababa University and within the diaspora in the United States, to returning to the motherland to dedicate his life to the struggle, Berhane was undeniably a patriot. What makes him even more patriotic, however, is his unwavering courage to stand up for his beliefs, even when he stood alone with only the support of the diaspora.
While I wish that Berhane would have lived long enough to be freed from prison and meet his kids for several more years, I am somewhat comforted that he is no longer suffering and is at peace. Heaven has gained a new angel.
My condolences goes out to Berhane’s, and his 4 amazing children Efrem, Adiam, Miriam, and Simon, as well as his wife Almaz.
