The Eritrean authorities have arrested Bishop Fikremariam Hagos Tsalim. No reason has yet been given for his arrest. Two Eritrean Catholic priests have also been placed under arrest.

By ACN Staff

It has been reported that Bishop Fikremariam Hagos Tsalim of the Eritrean Catholic Eparchy of Segheneity was arrested by Eritrean security officers on 15 October at Asmara international airport. The bishop had flown back to Eritrea from Europe. Bishop Tsalim is currently being held at Adi Abeto prison, with no reason yet given for his arrest. Two Catholic priests have also been arrested, Father Mihretab Stefanos of Bishop Tsalim’s Segheneity Eparchy and Abba Abraham of the Capuchins.

Eritrea has one of the most repressive governments in the world. Only four religious communities can legally operate in the country: the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Sunni Islam, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea, and the Eritrean Catholic Church. It is estimated that around 60% of Eritrea’s population are Christians, mostly Orthodox, with Catholics making up around 4% of the population.

In 2019, the Eritrean government began confiscations of Catholic-run schools and hospitals. Recently, Hagaz Agro-Technical School was seized by the government in August this year. The Eritrean government has frequently been criticised for breaches of religious liberty and aggressive treatment of Christian leaders. For example, the Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Abune Antonios, was held under house arrest from 2006 until his death in February 2022.

The exact reason for the arrest of Bishop Tsalim remains unknown. Catholic clergy have criticised Eritrea’s involvement in the horrific war in neighbouring Tigray, northern Ethiopia, and the conscription of Eritrean men to fight in the war. In addition, Catholic bishops have called on the Eritrean government to cease its autocratic ways, respect human dignity, and foster democracy in Eritrea.

Please join us in prayer for the safe release of Bishop Tsalim, Father Mihretab Stefanos, and Abba Abraham.