Response to (A critique of Elsa Chyrum by Brigade NHamedu and Eritrean All Party Working Group, UK)

                                                                                                                        8 June 2024

Dear Brigade Nhamedu and Eritrean All Party Working Group -UK,

Thank you for your open letter and for acknowledging my contributions to justice and democracy over the past two decades. I deeply appreciate your recognition and the shared commitment we have towards creating a just and democratic Eritrea.

However, I feel it is necessary to address some critical points raised in your letter.

First, let me clarify that my intention has never been to undermine the efforts or sacrifices made by members of Brigade Nhamedu or any other group working towards a free and just Eritrea. My recent statements and social media activity stem from genuine concern over the actions of members of Brigade Nehamedu and regime supporters within the Eritrean community in Israel. Reports of Eritreans being stopped on the streets, asked if they support or oppose the regime, and being beaten, stabbed, or even killed are deeply alarming. Please check the following HRCE’s statement. These continuing actions, cannot be ignored or justified under any pretext. They certainly do not align with the principles of justice and human rights that we all champion, and will ultimately undermine reconciliation efforts in the future.

I understand that the situation is complex and that many members of Brigade Nhamedu have suffered under the totalitarian regime in Asmara, and equally those who are supporting the regime also went through the same experience in Eritrea. Nonetheless, resorting to intimidation, extreme vigilantism, violence and killings of fellow Eritreans is not a solution and only perpetuates a cycle of fear and repression originated by the regime. Likening these actions to acts of terrorism is not meant to defame the entire group, but to highlight their severity, the fact that they dehumanise both the perpetrator and the target, and the need for immediate attention, re-strategizing and resolution, as it is causing deaths, lifelong disabilities and injuries, while compounding the psychological trauma so many already experience.

Regarding the police investigation, I agree that it is prudent to await their findings. However, this does not mean we should remain silent in the face of ongoing violence and murder. Raising awareness and urging caution does not equate to making unfounded allegations; rather, it is about protecting innocent lives and ensuring accountability.

I also want to address the concern about my tone and approach. As a human rights activist, it is my duty to speak out against all forms of injustice, whether committed by state actors, political groups or individuals within our community. My commitment to justice and the rule of law remains unwavering, and it is precisely this commitment that drives me to address these ongoing and serious issues transparently and urgently.

Furthermore, I recognise the trauma endured by Brigade Nhamedu and the courage they have displayed in combating transnational repression. However, it is crucial to differentiate between legitimate self-defence and acts of aggression that harm innocent individuals. Government supporters have, and continue to, commit acts of aggression across the world. Unfortunately, and particularly in Israel, members of Brigade Nhamedu have been inflicting severe injuries, and videos and photos have been posted on social media which expose the extent of these crimes. Yet, to my knowledge, the Brigade Nhamedu leadership is yet to condemn or correct the killing and grievous bodily harm inflicted by their members.

For example, on 20 January, 2024, Omar Abdalla and Mohamed Sultan were on their way to work when they were stopped and searched by a group who introduced themselves as members of the Brigade Nhamedu Israel security team. They were told that while Omar and Mohamed were working, the Brigade Nhamedu members were struggling. The situation escalated, and Omar and Mohamed were beaten and stabbed. Omar died instantly, and Mohamed was severely injured and hospitalised for a long time. Their property was taken by the Brigade Nhamedu members. Some of the perpetrators are now charged and in custody.

On 9May, 2024, Tewelde Mebrahtu was attacked while he was buying supplies for his two-day-old baby. This attack was not in self-defence; infact it was unprovoked (pictures of injuries available).

On 15 May, 2024, Teklezgi Gebreamlak was walking alone when he was stopped by four members of Brigade Nehamedu. They demanded his mobile phone, searched his pockets, and then punched him, kicked him, and repeatedly hit him with a metal bicycle lock chain on the head and other parts of his body (two videos are available.) He sustained severe injuries and it is a miracle that he survived.

Members of Brigade Nhamedu in Israel are out almost every night seeking to avenge the brutal deaths of two of their members, who were both killed in May 2024. The Israel Police have suspects in the killings, yet instead of seeking justice through legal means and cooperating with the police to find the killers, Brigade Nhamedu members in Israel have taken the law into their own hands, and have even attacked people who have nothing to do with the murder of their comrades.

Since last month around ten people were attacked by members of Brigade Nehamedu members in Israel, sustained severe injuries, and one of them died three days ago. Often, they ask for mobile phones to check if the person they stop is a regime supporter. However, even if they are regime supporters, Brigade Nhamedu members have no right to harm them.

The latest information we have received indicates that some members of Brigade Nhamedu have been intimidating Eritrean small business owners in Israel, by asking about their affiliations and instructing them to join Brigade Nhamedu or face consequences. Those who informed us are terrified and do not want their names disclosed. Such behaviour instils fear in ordinary people who just want to get on with their lives.

Since the formation of Brigade Nhamedu, tension between Eritrean regime supporters and opponents living in Africa, Europe, Canada, the United States, and Australia has increased; however, incidents of stabbing and killing are only occurring in Israel, and have been happening there for over ten years. Both groups shared the same experiences in Eritrea: they have been abused and traumatised, fled their country, and ultimately sought asylum in Israel. Neither group has refugee status there, and all are frustrated.

I presume that the signatories to the open letter to me are opponents of the regime and supporters of the Brigade Nhamedu movement, in which case, they cannot be a neutral body to deal with the ongoing conflict between the two groups in Israel. My assessment of the situation suggests that, for peace to reign between the two groups, a capable neutral team should be formed to approach both sides, listen to their grievances, and find a lasting solution. At the very least, this team should work to convince both groups to accept their differences and live in harmony in Israel.

Encouraging young members of Brigade Nhamedu to engage in constructive and non-violent activism is essential in our collective struggle against oppression. Driven by emotion, anger, and frustration, they are the ones who have been re-victimised, and some are currently in prison for inflicting grievous bodily harm and murder.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration in our efforts. We all share the same goal of promoting justice and democracy, and it is imperative that we support each other in this endeavour. I am open to dialogue and collaboration on community-building projects and educational programs that can help guide our youth towards positive and impactful activism.

Let us work together to address these concerns constructively, ensuring that our actions reflect the values we stand for and do not inadvertently contribute to further violence within our community, or mirror the tactics of the repressive Eritrean regime.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Faithfully yours,

Elsa Chyrum

Human Rights Activist

www.hrc-eritrea.org