ASSOCIATION OF ERITREAN JOURNALISTS IN EXILE (AEJE)

The AEJE Sends Message of Condolences to the Family of  

                      Journalist Solomon Abera

The Association of Eritrean Journalists in Exile (AEJE) was shocked to learn the sudden and untimely death of its member and prominent Journalist Solomom Abera.  Solomon was one of the most talented and experienced journalists, who was forced into exile as a result of the repressive government at home. The Eritrean regime has successfully been eliminating the voice of the people for more than a decade, giving the impoverished country the rank of the world’s leading jailer and killer of journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders and other media watchdogs. Hence, our organization recognizes that the loss of Solomon is equivalent to the loss of the voices of hundreds thousands of Eritreans. He is gone at a time, when we needed him most. Solomon will be dearly missed.

Ever since Solomon left his home country in 2005 for good, he has been fighting from his exiled home Frankfurt, Germany for the voiceless people at home. His message was simple, he would not remain silenced from speaking out the truth and he did so in many occasions. In September 2009, in commemoration of September 18^th, AEJE tasked its members to share their experience with the public. As a member of AEJE, Solomon wrote his now famous article was entitled ‘that day.’ In this haunting piece, Solomon vividly described his bizarre experience of the September 18, 2001, where he was forced to read announcement that marked the closure of the once thriving private newspapers, in what is believed to go down in history at the start of the black chapter in Eritrean history, that ultimately paved the way into today’s tragic episode.

Solomon was one of the most popular sport and news presenters the country has ever produced.  As a result of his talent and hard work, he has won the minds and hearts of hundreds of thousands of Eritreans, if not millions, who were eagerly tuning to listen his captivating voice in the Eritrean government-owned Radio and TV station. Prior to his escape from Eritrea, he was promoted to work as the head of Radio Zara, a radio program that aims at entertaining the youth. He also took the credit to become the first sport journalist to introduce live commentary during football matches in the Asmara Stadium, something no one has dared to do before.

Even though he has been in and out of hospital due to a poor health, however, he was working relentlessly in advocating freedom of speech.

After seven years of separation with his wife and two children, it is very distressing to know that he had to pass away, before getting the opportunity to hug and kiss his kids and his wife.

Even though Solomon is gone but he will forever be remembered by the generations of Eritreans for his journalistic contribution and struggle for justice and freedom.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his wife, and we pray for God to give them the strength and comfort they need at this very difficult moment.

May his Soul Rest in Peace,

Association of Eritrean Journalists in Exile