The Eritrean regime called, and held, a large meeting in Massawa last week. The meeting was attended by PFDJ politburo members, regional administrators, military leaders with ranks higher than brigade commanders, as well as ministers. The event was so secretive that even the regime’s own Ministry of Information, which usually provides a cursory summary of similar meetings, was barred from attending the meeting.

Samson, the “civilian general,” a contractor with close ties to General Gerezgheir “Wuchu” Andemariam, and the general’s driver (no name given) were arrested in Adi Quala while attempting to leave the country. They were airlifted by a military helicopter and are now in the custody of Eritrean authorities.