Eritreans leave home for better economic opportunities – official

January 27 (ASMARA) – Eritreans leave their country to seek economic opportunities abroad, a presidential aide said denying any political repression.

UN organizations, NGOs and Sudanese authorities publish regular reports saying hundreds of Eritreans cross the border, citing political persecution and unemployment.

“People move for economic reasons and that is a global phenomenon. People are not leaving because the political reality here is not conducive for them to lead their normal lives,” said Yemane Ghebremeskel, a Presidential adviser and director of Eritrean president office in an interview with Reuters.

Sudan, which is a hosting country for Eritrean refugees since the long separatist conflict with Ethiopia, saw their number increased considerably since last year.

The number of infiltrators in the eastern Sudan hit until December 2009 about 2831 people at the daily average between 80 to 100 refugees, said Balal Ahmed Moussa, the deputy refugees commissioner in eastern Sudan.

Asked about defection of Eritrean athletes who participate in international sport competitions, Yemane described it as isolated cases adding more Eritrean return to their country.

“These are isolated cases. They happen in many countries. But the larger pictures shows the more people are returning,” Yemane said.

“Every citizen has a right to come back but it is an offence to leave a country without permission … there would be a proportionate penalty. You are not going to exempt them because he or she is a football player,” he added.

Speaking about nationals who flee the military conscription, the Eritrean official acknowledged the situation but described it as “a very small minority of people”. “Ninety-five percent of the population do national service very willingly, with pride,” he added.

(ST)