ADDIS ABABA, November 13, 2026 (Horn News Hub)
The Red Sea Afar Democratic Movement (RSAMC) has reported the arrest of several Afar religious leaders and community elders in Eritrea, raising concerns over the treatment of religious figures and civilians in the country’s Red Sea coastal areas.
In an immediate press release dated November 13, RSAMC’s Office of Information and Public Relations said security forces arrested Sheikh Hasan Hamadu, Head of Islamic Affairs of Arrata sub-zone, Imam Mohammed Humo, and community elder Hasan Mohamed Ali in Tio town on Thursday.
According to the organisation, the three individuals were subsequently transferred to Assab Zerab Gidef prison on Friday morning. The circumstances surrounding their arrests and the reasons for their detention were not provided in the statement.
The organisation also alleged that forces operating under Navy Commander Mohammed Ahmed Ali, known as Wedi Halima, were conducting forced military conscription involving fishermen, community elders and underage students in coastal areas along the Red Sea.
RSAMC linked the reported mobilisation to wider preparations by Eritrean authorities amid rising tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia. It further alleged that government officials had organised public conferences with local communities and closed meetings with traditional leaders, urging preparations for possible conflict and warning against support for opposition groups.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from Eritrean authorities was included in the statement.
RSAMC called on regional organisations, international human rights bodies and the international community to intervene and press Eritrean authorities to end arbitrary detentions and alleged abuses against civilians.
The organisation also called for the unconditional release of detainees held in Eritrean prisons, citing international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international treaties.
The reported arrests come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed concerns over the security and human rights situation affecting communities along the Red Sea coast.
