Eritrea: Isaias Afwerki and his inner circle
By Jeune Afrique
Posted on Thursday, 7 November 2019 16:51
Despite the lifting of UN sanctions in 2018, Eritrea remains diplomatically isolated.
And its rapprochement with Ethiopia has not contributed to the relaxation of the regime that President Issayas Afeworki introduced in 1993.
Still as secret as ever, he is surrounded by the faithful, who have accompanied him since independence.
Here are a few of the key personnel in Team Issayas.
Yemane Ghebreab
A loyal and discreet political advisor, Yemane Ghebreab is originally from the Agame and is a Member of the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), Eritrea’s sole and ruling party. He studied in the United States, where he joined the student wing of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), now rebranded as the PFDJ.
Hagos Ghebrehiwot
Ghebrehiwot is Head of the Economic Affairs Section of the PFDJ and CEO of Hidri, a consortium founded by Afeworki that brought together the country’s private companies. As the president’s financial manager, he already managed the EPLF’s money, which earned him the nickname “Kisha” (“bag of potatoes”).
Abraha Kassa
As Director of the National Security Agency intelligence services, Kassa is also in charge of the president’s security. Ethiopia accused him of organizing Asmara’s support for the terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia, an allegation he has denied.
Yemane Ghebremeskel
Ghebremeskel —nicknamed “Charlie” — manages Afeworki’s communication and has been Minister of Information and Government Spokesman since 2015. He was appointed Chief of Staff in 1993 when Eritrea gained independence. He has a degree in mathematics from Imperial College, London.
Martin Plaut 
I partially disagree with the above article, which titled Isaias Afewerki and his inner circle. The true inner circle of Isaias Afewerki and the most influential figures to any political decisions taken by Isaias Afewerki and implementers of the evil decisions are: 1, G. Fhilipos Yohannis 2, Mg, Tekle Kifle 3, Mg. Teklay Habtesilasie 4, Yeman Gebreab 5, G. Sebhat Efrem 6, Bg. Girmay Mehari 7, Bg. Haddish Efrem 8, Bg. Mikael Yohannes. These are the most criminals and the right hand of the dictator and collection of one area the same as Isaias Afewerki, they all come from Zoba Maekkel (Aworaja Hamassen) and these are the people who destroyed Eritrea.
Thankyou Martin this is just perfect I will send it to all my 693 contacts today. Best Regards Paulos Michael This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Acolom Networks. If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the Acolom Networks Helpdesk on .