The Case of Eritrea’s Missing Soccer Team
EmailABC's Dana Hughes reports from Nairobi: Eritrea's officials admitted today that the national soccer team is officially missing, after failing to return home from a tournament last week in Kenya. The plane carrying the 12 players and coach to Nairobi, returned to Eritrea with only…the coach. It sounds like an intriguing mystery, but the truth is those young men, who Kenyan officials are now looking for, are just some of the thousands of Eritreans who try to defect from the country every year. An Eritrean government official simultaneously said the country would “welcome” the players home, while acknowledging they had “betrayed” their country. Eritrea is considered one of the most repressive regimes in the world. There is no freedom of press or religion, and the nationalization of nearly all private enterprise has left the country in abject poverty. It is also illegal for Eritrean citizens to leave the country without government approval, which is hardly ever granted. Mandatory conscription can last indefinitely. President Isayas Afewerki justifies the indefinite conscription policy by maintaining that Eritrea needs a strong and large army to counter Ethiopia, after fighting a brutal 30-year war for independence, which was finally gained in 1993. Border issues between the two countries erupting 1998 continue today. But this policy, along with other repressive measures, has turned Eritrea into a “giant prison” according to Human Rights Watch. The organization has documented several cases of people who tried to flee being imprisoned and tortured. Like East Germany and the Berlin Wall in the 1980′s Eritrea’s security forces reportedly have a "shoot to kill" order for any citizen caught trying to flee the border into Sudan. The situation is so severe that the United Nations High Commission of Refugees recommends countries should not deport any Eritrean, because of the almost guaranteed mistreatment upon the refugees return. For those who do escape, their families become targets and reportedly have to either pay a fine of several thousand dollars or face prison themselves. Two years ago the Eritrean government issued a new policy that all travelling athletes must deposit about $6,000 before leaving the country, a kind of insurance policy that they would return. These 12 young men seemingly decided that whatever the price of escape is to themselves or their families, it is worth paying.
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I think all journalists everywhere should make a pact not to report any news from Africa unless it is positive. This pact should at least last two years. Take an oath not to report any news from Africa unless it is about a meaningful contribution to society. I think this would make my ancestors smile.
Posted by: David | December 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
I think it is also important to remember that we all have a part in this. Ethiopia currently occupies Eritrean territories and Ethiopia’s military is funded and tried by our (US) foreign aid monies. Ethiopia’s population of 80 million or so has tried to invade Eritrea’s 4 million twice in the past 50 years. Of course Eritrea needs a large military if its under occupation.
Posted by: Merhawie | December 16, 2009, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
David- You really want to live with blinders on? You want all the bad things in Africa to go on with nobody else in the world watching or reporting on? How would that help anybody but you?
Posted by: King Smokey | December 16, 2009, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm
Merhawie, who are “we”? If you are referring to the U.S., we are only supporting our allies (Ethiopia). What kind of world power would we be if we did not support our friends? Remember that it is President Isayas Afewerki that decided to “ignore” the rest of the world, including the U.S.. This was partly due to the Hague’s findings over the border dispute (Eritrea/Ethiopia), and the rest of the world’s (UN) reluctance not to force Ethiopia to abide by that ruling. While I understand his disappproval with the world for lack of justice for Eritrea, surely he should know that isolation will not help his people, nor his country. Ask China or North Korea how isolating your own country from the world works. It really doesn’t. The only way China has become a prosperous nation is because of them opening their borders to foreign commerce. I’m so sick of hearing foreign countries wanting to blame the U.S. for all of their troubles. If Eritrea wants their land back then they should fight for it, just as they did for thirty years. They should not depend on other countries to bail them out. The U.S. is going to do what is in the “best” interest of the U.S.. This means if Ethiopia is receptive in helping the U.S. gain a strategical advantage in the horn of Africa, then they will be our ally. Countries that are not willing to help the U.S., are not our friends. It’s really as simple as that. Surely, one cannot expect the U.S. to help Eritrea when their government has shunned the U.S.? That is madness! I love Eritrea, and its people, but I will not accept on one hand the country shunning the United States, and on the other hand, wanting our help!
Posted by: Yohannes | December 16, 2009, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
The international community should and MUST interven NOW!!! The Kenyan authority MUST respect the rights of the 12 eritreans who are seeking asylum. The have well founded of fear of torture and even death if they return home. I am Eritrean, I can assure you their fate will be like thousands of eritreans who are in jail in dahlak islands or in shippping containers. They will be never be immune from torture. the eritrean government has ordered any eritrean to be shot if found to leave eritrea at the border ” illegally”.
The information minister of eritrea,Mr Ali Abdu, said it out loud that ” the 12 eritreans have BETRAYED their country” …well that is ” treason” according to this sick authorities in Eritrea.
We shall all start to petition , call the human right groups and save the lives of these young eritreans.
Now is the time the international community, UNHCR, human rights group intervene before the kenyan authorities hand the 12 young eritreans to Eritrea for torture!
May God be with them and keep them safe!!!
Posted by: John | December 16, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
When people are trying to flee to SUDAN to get away from a regime, you know things are beyond bad.
Posted by: JrzWrld | December 16, 2009, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
These young men have just escaped from the belly of the beast. The dictator in Eritrea is killing, torturing, and wiping out a whole generation
Posted by: HM | December 16, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Merhawi- you have stated the following….
“…Ethiopia’s population of 80 million or so has tried to invade Eritrea’s 4 million twice in the past 50 years….” I dont know which 50 years you are talking about but the state of Eritrea was created in 1993, 16 or 17 years ago. The numbers dont seem to match…
Posted by: Fx | December 16, 2009, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm
Merhawi, typical Shebian puppet,
This news about 12 Eritrean players, not about Ethiopia. When are going to stop comparing/talking about Ethiopia for every problem Eritrea faces?. I happy for the players and their families. The Eritrean community in Kenya has to help those brave players.
They have damaged the regime badly. Even shabians hard core supporters are in shock
Posted by: Helen | December 16, 2009, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
Why do Eritreans continue to blame Ethiopia for their misery? Now what is Ethiopia doing for the disappearance of the whole Eritrean soccer team? If there is anyone to blame, it’s their president who insists that there is no democracy in the world and his goal of having the first election in about fifty years time. I am not making this up but when he was asked when they would have an election by a swedish journalist, the president confidently said that may be in about fifty or so years. I feel very sorry for the innocent Eritreans who have done nothing wrong to get this and I hope very soon, they will see the light.
Posted by: David | December 16, 2009, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm
Merhawie,
You missed the issue big time. What has Ethiopia got to do with the heinous human rights violations in Eritrea, the humiliating disappearance of your soccer team, and your pariah leader?
Blame yourself and your leader, but not Ethiopia. We do not want a spill over from your problem, and we do not want to become a victim to your combative or warring mentality and culture any more.
Posted by: Hannibal | December 16, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
This is like the Mengistu Era Ethiopia, every time a team of a particular sports discipline was sent abroad a bunch of them defect.
Posted by: des_pes | December 16, 2009, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
Very classy Dana Hughes….You couldn’t handle my criticism of your reporting, so you deleted my comment.
Posted by: Bahri_Negassi | December 16, 2009, 7:06 pm 7:06 pm
Let us weed the Shabab loving Hade libi group who are spying on our people in canda usa. milking %2 illegal report them thei fund raising illegal activities this will shut the regime.
Posted by: dangish | December 16, 2009, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
Agame Isaias is your master! keep running from North Korea of Africa
Posted by: Agame | December 16, 2009, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
NEW REPORTS ARE INDICATING THAT THE PLAYERS LOVE THE ERITREAN PEOPLE AND FELT GOOD IDEA TO RETURN AFTER LOOSING A GAME THEY FELT THEY LET DOWN THE PEOPLE
Posted by: PAULOS | December 16, 2009, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
Here’s one of the things that jumped out at me in this article: ” the nationalization of nearly all private enterprise has left the country in abject poverty.” And people think we need to do this in the U.S.
Posted by: ellsbells930 | December 16, 2009, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm
Lets have another referendium to join Ethiopia again. Insted of failed state. I heard all Ethiopian players return back to Ethiopia.Ethiopia getting rich. I dont know about eriteria///
Posted by: hagos | December 16, 2009, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm
To ellsbells930, asking a second referendum to join Ethiopia is unthinkable. As an Ethiopian, the last thing we all Ethiopians wanted to see in our life time and years to come is giving a second chance to ERITREAN to join Ethiopia. I can tell on behalf of 80 million Ethiopians, with full assurance that no Ethiopian wanted to see that happen. The main reason is that Ethiopia’s success today is that there no ERITREA! I think you should focus on your own issue as we did ours!
Posted by: Genet | December 16, 2009, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
well ethios–u have ur own big problems—so solve that and we will solve ours-(eritreans)–whatever happens to eritreans that is for eritreans to decide on—ethios– none of ur business–so u understand that. ethiopians return- one guy said–what about the association of hunger with ethiopeia. u have endless problem.
Posted by: hans | December 16, 2009, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
The National Team has only 12 players???
Where are the bench idiots???
Or this is part of the SELF-RELIANCE Program???
They must be overworked players…
In Erirea…everything is on SELF-RELIANCE PROGRAM…
-marriage
-sex
-sport
-education
-entertainment
Self-Relaiance is a political term for RELY-ON-UR…
Posted by: YONI | December 16, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Helen & Merhawie,
I salute you and your comments…you are a true son & daughter of Ethiopia !
Posted by: Genet | December 16, 2009, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
To ellsbells930, asking a second referendum to join Ethiopia is unthinkable. As an Ethiopian, the last thing we all Ethiopians wanted to see in our life time and years to come is giving a second chance to ERITREAN to join Ethiopia. I can tell on behalf of 80 million Ethiopians, with full assurance that no Ethiopian wanted to see that happen. The main reason is that Ethiopia’s success today is that there no ERITREA! I think you should focus on your own issue as we did ours!
Posted by: Genet | December 16, 2009, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
hans,
Did you read those comments that was posted earlier ? I suggest for you to re-read Hannibal’s, Helen’s , David’S and my (Genet’s) comments. Unlike what you stated, the problem to ERITREA is now evey ERITREAN! Ethiopia is minding her own business long ago !
Posted by: Genet | December 17, 2009, 12:13 am 12:13 am
Genet As you can see on the report western journalists always talk about the pass problems rather than the current success, as it happens in many African countries Ethiopia have a food shortage problem but we are in a greater effort to change every problem for good, for that matter Eriterea also suffering the food shortage now and then rather than talking about Ethiopia you should ask what is happening in Eriteria and what is the reason behind which pushed the poor young players to stay in Kenya, they are the reflection of the whole Eriterians.
Posted by: Ashagre | December 17, 2009, 12:47 am 12:47 am
Thank God we got rid of these filthy Eritreans from Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s economy is booming 10% increase largest non-oil producer.
Eritrean cancer is cut off now we can GROW!!
Posted by: Ethiopian | December 17, 2009, 1:08 am 1:08 am
It has to be adresses so seriously, otherwise, it may not end easily and it will be a disaster to the nation.
Posted by: solomon | December 17, 2009, 6:30 am 6:30 am
This is not an issue about Ethiopia/Eritrea. It is an Eritrean issue and we have to look deep in our soul to find out why people are leaving in mass.
What happened to the soccer team is not the problem. It is a symptom of a deeper and a serious problem we have to face and address.
Posted by: Kris | December 17, 2009, 7:39 am 7:39 am
The biggest mistake that Eritrea ever made was to say no to an American base in front Assab…..all the turmoils that you guys have had and will. Would have been non existent at this point. The economy around the region would have flourished and the issue about Badme it would have been squashed by the americans quickly. You should have done what the chinese did with Honk Kong.Not only you are being governed by a Regime that we are so familiar with it, you will not be able to get rid of it unless there is a coup d’etat.(wich means more blood shed).
Posted by: blacksicilian | December 17, 2009, 7:44 am 7:44 am
Genet – you addressed the wrong person. I was not the one who made that comment.
Posted by: ellsbells930 | December 17, 2009, 8:56 am 8:56 am
Wow, it is unbelievable to read what some people have to say about Ethiopia and Eritrea. What happen to all the love and respect that any human being has to show to one another. Supposedly both countries are religious and respectful of one another and that does not seem to be true based on what some people are writing on this blog. America and most Americans work so hard to get what they have. They work together as a team. A New Yorker can get married to a person from LA and life goes on. But these two countries need help, I mean a major psychological help. Too proud for nothing. I am so happy and proud to have come to the US and live peacefully and contribute to the society that is making my life worth living. My prayer is that one day, Ethiopians and Eritreans will get it. AND HOPEFULLY THESE 12 SOCCER PLAYERS WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE A PEACEFUL LIFE, WHEREEVER THAT MAY BE. HOPE THEY COME TO THE US AND BE THE BEST THAT THEY CAN BE. WORK HARD, PLAY SOCCER, GO TO SCHOOL AND CONTRIBUTE TO THIS GREAT SOCITY.
Posted by: Fikir (Love) | December 17, 2009, 9:40 am 9:40 am
There is no way in hell Eritrea will join Ethiopia you got that right Genet. You don’t take a shower to jump back in a mad. The topic is about Eritrea so stay out of it, we don’t need no agame solving our problems.
Hagos you are sick you need to be in mental institute if you think Ethiopia is getting rich, may be you should rephrase that as Melese is getting rich while Ethiopians suffering.
The players betrayed their country with help of well financed group here in the US and I guarantee you this players will end up in Seattle by next month. This is a fight between Eritrea and Ethiopia with the help of Miss informed self serving Eritreans who are looking for some attention and the US well trying to pressure Eritrea to stay out of Somalia.
So the choice for Eritreans in Diaspora are to either stand up and defend their rightly earned independence or be slaves under an Ethiopian regime and wait for handout from the US and it allies, and my vote goes to the Eritrean fighters who are sitting in the borders fighting to protect their nation with pride. Eritrea Never Kneel Down just remember that.
Posted by: tes | December 17, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Does it make sense at a time when tigray oromia and ogadenia are held by a the ever thining thread and are on the eve of flying away on their own to liberate themselves from hell to invite eritrea into this hell
Posted by: paulos | December 17, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
I think the Ethiopian govt. had paid these traiters. Long live Isayas
Posted by: Teklai | December 17, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
Just a question.
How come a national soccer team does have only 12 players? What happened the substitutes?
The main point
Every time athletes, artists or famous personalities leave their homeland, that exposes the internal politics of the country. This is not the first time and the last time. The USSR and its satellites lost their best. The Ethiopians soccer players have been defected since Mengistu’s regime. These two countries in the horn of Africa; Ethiopia and Eritrea have been so difficult for their citizens to have normal life. I don’t blame these players. They rather leave in democracy and freedom than in jail. Unless Meles and Issayas are removed, the migration and the defection will continue. It will not stop on the athletes. It will continue on the academia.
Posted by: Tazabi | December 17, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
This story smells of “political correctness”. There’s something being suppressed about the nature of the Eritrian regime. What could it be???
Posted by: Honest John | December 17, 2009, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
I wondor why don’t those who fled, defected, and sought refuge during Menghistu’s regime don’t understand why these young Eritreans are fleeing Issaias’ regime? They are both equally cruel and oppressive tyrants.
Posted by: barba | December 17, 2009, 10:34 pm 10:34 pm
This proves the intensity of the egregious violation committed in Eritrea when her entire football ambassadors defect. There should be lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Characterizing Eritrea as besieged nation and denying the rights of its mass indefinitely would not give any meaning. The international community should also pressure Ethiopia to leave Eritrea land and Ethiopia and Eritrea to recognize the right of their people.
Posted by: coqorsa | December 17, 2009, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
Ethiopia need to finish so many of her home works to better the rights o its peoples. Fingering at Eritrea as worse than Ethiopia would not be a panacea for Ethiopia’s mess. The human rights abuse in Eritrea would not allow the same to be unleashed in Ethiopia.
Posted by: coqorsa | December 17, 2009, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
It is funny how journalists are hypocrites. You talk about no press freedom in Eritrea, how about the US ban of Aljezira from Iraq? You talk about torture in prisons, how about the unparalleled torture in abu-gareb by the US? You talk about escaping from Eritrea, how about those thousands of soldiers who defected to Canada during the war? You talk about human rights, how about those thousands of innocent Japanese citizens put in camp for no reason? How about the US invading countries with false documents? The bottom line is, when times are bad, don’t expect to eat cheese. Eritreans are experimenting with a development idea that is not acceptable to the world. Yet, no other African country has managed to get out of poverty, so don’t blame them if they try something new on their own. Leave them alone. Regarding these 12 people, they didn’t leave Eritrea with the intent to stay in stinking Kenya. They want to go to the West. I don’t balme them and I wish them all the best just, like those millions of Africans who left their country to live in the West.
Posted by: muler | December 18, 2009, 3:17 am 3:17 am
p/s all people must stand with eritrean national team !!!
Posted by: nebro | December 18, 2009, 6:24 am 6:24 am
I never even heard of this country.
Posted by: chuck | December 18, 2009, 7:06 am 7:06 am
Eriterian – please back off. you are independent and handle your problem by yourself. I am wondering why you always mention Ethiopia for your problems. It has been 18 years since we set you free.
Genet, you have not heard that 3/4 of the eriterian need food aid for the last 18 years. I am sure, you don’t have any information how much Eritrea produce in a year.
Posted by: Dawi | December 19, 2009, 3:12 am 3:12 am
We never had people abandoning their country between 1991-2000. The war and EPRDF are the causes. EPRDF is a criminal.
Posted by: Asmara | December 19, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Your report is nothing but the same as usuall to demonize Africa.It si 21 century and many african youth know this old tactics of a white man.
As far Eritrea is concerned it is not begging any favour from west they are marching forward without your aid.During tough times if somebody wable it is not a new phenomenon.
Eritrea is a pride of africa.
Posted by: Alex | December 21, 2009, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
Excuse me all but i am Eritrea-American.. and i feel the need that say those players.. did not run away to Kenya. ; Ethiopia had nothing to so with this. If anything The American government shouldnt be funding Ethiopia.. camon are you people blind.. half of their population is dying die to lack of food… hmmm i wonder why?!… if anything Ethiopia should be the richest country in Africa; with all that money their getting. Its a shame.
Posted by: Burr! | December 21, 2009, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
I am an Ethiopian. I do no how this eritrean government is thinking.Always it thinks to solve evry thing with power. Do U think that Eritrea could fight and won a war with Ethiopia?… Not. it is imposible. If new war begin eritreans will be well smashed by Ethiopians as what happened before ten years. but We R brothers we have many things in common and we were living as one people. the root problem is your decision to succede from Ethiopia.Of course Ethiopia has also its own intricated problems but if we ( eritreans and Ethiopians) stand one and solve things peacefully, it is both of us who will benefit. But Eritreans always say as they R superior to Ethiopians but which is unrealistic.
though we have many problems, in the past decade Ethiopia is in much more better situation than Eritrea. loook our universities R increasing at alarming rate. But in Eritrea the only university is on the verge of collapse instead it is Sawa which is expanding.. funy, how do u think war is a soultion. we shouldnt fight on boredr here on wards for a slice of land. it is not the land which is the problem but it is polliticians..
Posted by: mas | December 22, 2009, 1:35 am 1:35 am
i am a proud Eritrean girl, and it disapoints me how our own blood betrays us and flees to another country. It makes us Eritreans look bad and are government look bad to. This is sad for the people of Eritrea.
Posted by: Ariam | December 23, 2009, 12:17 am 12:17 am
The Team has made a statement. They love there country and are proud to represent it but are not happy living there. The Fleeing reminds me of Western Europe and USSR. The war between Eritrea and Ethopia never ending like the the GAZA war just that the weapons not as sofisticated and the countries not even close to even. If Eritrea was a more powerful country the world (mostly the West) would be paying a lot more attention.
So tell us why they do not pay attention now? Why national representatives do not want to return? Is there anything wrong with the regime and if so what is wrong with it can it be brought out pros and cons?
Posted by: lookinandwatchin | December 23, 2009, 11:01 am 11:01 am
Genet this kind of attitude will never solve the problem of Eritrea,Ethiopia and Eritrea are interlink for many generation,i grew up in Ethiopia and visiting my home land and seeing Asmara become a gost city is not what the feedom was about.Sometimes dreams get stolen by people like our leader,he has forgotten why he fought and why the country exists.What is the point of losing all these young people? Why would a group of young men representing their county decide not to go back? Is this not enough sign that this country has become a grave land instead of home land?Is it time for change?Have u ever talked deeply to the freedom fighters?They paid a big price so that their children can have a peacful life.It looks they have brought a worse life that they had.Has anybody talked to the young people of Ertirea?Can we hear thier voice?Visiting asmara three times after 2003,i have so many true stories that i was told,I can’t write it because most of them are still there.The only choice they have left is FLEE!!! I am sure the coach has children and wife,had they come with him,he would have run away too.Beatiful Eritrea,please cry for your children that God may take away the tears from you and your children could sleep in peace.Acussing Ethiopia would never solve the problem.As for Ethiopia,they looked like us and think like us,if I was to choose where to live i would choose beautiful Ethiopia.If Ethiopians see Eritrea they would fall in love with her.They fought for her.History is tellinig that Ethiopians may have been right in fighting.where are the educated wise men of Eritrea,How can they just see and let this country scum to utter choas?Time to stop accusing people and regroup,redirect,stand up the next leaders of Eritrea.Enough is enough.May God help us and the people of Ethiopia.
Posted by: Hiwot | January 23, 2010, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: big4 | February 8, 2010, 5:44 am 5:44 am
A little over a month after leading his young team to the CIF-Southern Section Division IV girls soccer quarterfinals, La Salle High School head coach Sal Lopez has stepped down.ed hardy t-shirts
Posted by: ed-hardy | March 12, 2010, 1:59 am 1:59 am
What the… David. Your ancesotors smile?
But meaningful contribution to society is the news they´re reporting. It is nothing but the bitter truth.
Posted by: bn | April 6, 2010, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
ALL THAT WROTE A NEGATIVE IDEA IS WEYANE AND FROM TIGRAY. SO THIS IS NOT ERITREAN WORDS. WE KNOW ERITREAN VERY WELL THEY ARE RECPECTED PPL. GOD BLESS YOU ERTREAN AND ERITREAN TRUE LEADER AND PR. ISAYAS AFEWORKI. ERITREAN LEADER NOT A SEREVANT PUPPET GEVERNEMENT LIKE KENYA,UGANDA,ETHIOPIA,DJUBUTI AND THE CURENT PUPPET IN MOGADISHO SOMALIA. THE ONLY TRUE LEADER IN AFRICA IS PR. ISAYAS AFEWORKI ERITREAN.
Posted by: alem | September 25, 2010, 5:04 am 5:04 am
It’s a great place, but I think is a shame to all the people who lives there, because they don’t have good politics.
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