Dr. Abdulkader Saleh, University of Asmara’s Chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work and Dr. Alexander Naty, a faculty member of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, were briefly detained and then dismissed from their jobs by the authorities in Asmara.

The action followed their return from attending “International Conference of Ethiopian Studies,” a conference that was held in July 03.   The academics considered their attendance an exercise of their academic freedom whereas the government labeled their “unauthorized” visit as “giving aid and comfort to the enemy.” The two departments in the university are severely short-staffed and it is unlikely that students will resume their studies.

Former colleagues of the academicians want to raise their issue at the next Eritrean Studies Association panel meeting, which is scheduled for November 1, 2003 in Cambridge Massachusetts.  Moderated by Dr. Afeworki Paulos, the panel is scheduled to include Dr. Eyasu Habte Gabr, Dr. Tekie Fessehazion, Dr. Tseggai Issac, Dr. Kebire Ahmed and long-time observor of Eritrea, the journalist Mr. Dan Connell.