For 25 years, Hanna Petros Solomon has lived with the haunting uncertainty of her parents’ fates, ever since they were detained in Eritrea without trial. Her father, Petros Solomon, was a prominent figure in the Eritrean liberation struggle, later serving in various ministerial roles. In 2001, he joined 14 others in urging President Isaias Afewerki to enact a ratified constitution and hold elections. This bold move led to their arrest, marking a turning point in Eritrean history.
The Night of Arrests
Hanna vividly recalls the last time she saw her father, dressed for his morning jog, before he was taken by security forces on September 18, 2001. At the time, her mother, Aster Yohannes, was in the U.S. pursuing her studies. The family was left in the dark about their father’s whereabouts, and soon after, their mother also vanished upon returning to Eritrea, despite assurances of safety.
The arrests coincided with a crackdown on the press, as the government shut down independent newspapers and detained journalists. The whereabouts of these detainees, including Hanna’s parents, remain a mystery, with the Eritrean government refusing to provide any information.
Life in Exile
Hanna, now residing in the U.S., reflects on her childhood memories, cherishing moments with her parents before their arrest. Her father, a passionate family man, often organized singing contests during family trips, while her mother loved music, singing along to popular Western hits. Despite building a new life abroad, Hanna continues to grapple with the trauma of her parents’ disappearance.
Similarly, Ibrahim Sherifo, another child of the G-15 detainees, shares Hanna’s pain. Both his parents were also arrested during the 2001 crackdown. Now living in the Netherlands, Ibrahim pursues a political science degree, inspired by his father’s legacy. He, too, remains hopeful for the return of his parents.
Calls for Justice
International human rights organizations, including the UN, have long advocated for the release of the G-15, labeling them prisoners of conscience. President Isaias Afewerki, who has ruled Eritrea since its independence, has yet to implement the country’s constitution or hold elections, despite previous promises.
Hanna and Ibrahim express deep gratitude to those who supported them through their childhoods. They remain steadfast in their hope for justice and the safe return of their parents. “Like you survived the struggle through sheer steadfastness, we hope you can pull through this too and return to us,” Hanna wishes to tell her parents.
