Soldiers Seize Eritrean Information Ministry
January 21, 2013
by VOA News
A group of dissident soldiers in Eritrea has seized control of the information ministry -- a rare challenge to the government of President Isaias Afewerki.
The soldiers, reported to number about 100, took over the ministry in the capital, Asmara, on Monday. Reports from the city said the dissidents forced state television announcers to read a statement calling for the release of political prisoners and saying the 1997 constitution would be respected.
State-run radio and TV in Eritrea were later found to be off the air. Leonard Vincent, a journalist in Paris who specializes in Eritrean issues, said his sources tell him the dissidents were still at the ministry as of Monday evening.
Tanks were parked outside the building but there were conflicting reports on whether they belonged to the dissidents or forces loyal to the government.
The government has not commented on the situation, and officials declined to take calls from VOA.
President Afewerki has ruled Eritrea since 1993. His government has kept tight control on the country, allowing little dissent and no independent media.
The government is believed to hold thousands of political prisoners, including journalists and officials who questioned the president's leadership.
The U.S. embassy in Eritrea issued a message advising American citizens to limit their movements in the capital. The message says diplomats have been "made aware of increased military presence in some sections of Asmara."
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