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.

The “civilian general” is sought in connection with the shooting of Eritrea’s deputy Director of National Security, Colonel Simon Gebredengel.   

There is speculation that the Colonel was shot to quash the efforts of an investigation which had just been initiated to determine the circumstances behind the death of Fikre, a young and wealthy businessman with business connections to Abraham “Afan” and Zereghaber* [see notes below], two military officers individuals who have risen to prominence since 2002.

There are reports, so far unconfirmed, that Colonel Simon has been flown out of the country for emergency treatment.

Background

Eritrea’s ruling party, the PFDJ, had a post-war crisis in 2001.  The country was in a state of shock over Ethiopia’s deep penetration into Eritrea and many of its veteran leadership attributed this, and the resulting crisis, to the one-man rule of President Isaias Afwerki.  They were accused of compromising national security and thrown to jail, where they remain to this date.   

The president embarked on a power consolidation scheme that was finalized by 2002, when the national parliament rubber-stamped his one-man rule and practically dissolved itself.  Eritrea’s 8 traditional provinces, which had been reduced to 6 regions in 1995, were now re-organized to 4 command zones.  At the helm of these command zones, he placed loyal generals who reported directly to him and had complete authority over the civilian, military and economic affairs of their zone.

The four military commanders are: General Gerezgheir Andemariam (“Wuchu”), General Samuel Haile (“China”), General Teklay Habteselasse, and General Filipos Woldeyohannes.  

The authority of these commanders exceeds that of the provincial governors who fall within their jurisdiction.  At their orders, the governors, now called “regional administrators”, have been fired or re-assigned. Each of the military commanders runs a semi-autonomous region that they are free to raid with impunity, and administer their brand of justice.  This is facilitated by unlimited access to cheap labor (“Warsay Yeke-alo”), and license to run agro-businesses and co-ops (“enda kuteba”) that create and exploit shortages.  

The Eritrean government, which didn’t even bother to report the news until it appeared at Awate.com and Asmarino.com has given no details other than to say that the matter is under investigation and details will be issued in time.  The “details will follow” is a standard stalling tactic the government employs with any inconvenient news.  Details that are promised never materialize but in time, the shooting of Colonel Simon Gebredengel, will also be packaged to the gullible partisans, that it was an attempt by Eritrea’s enemies to destabilize the country.  

Meanwhile, nobody has heard of President Isaias Afwerki, who is omnipresent in the media he controls for over a week.  This is in keeping with his tradition of disappearing when the country is in crisis, and there are speculations in Asmara that he is not in the country. 
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Update & Correction

* Zereghaber's full name is Zereghaber Gebrehiwet.  A famous cyclist during the derg era, he specialized in importing and distributing building construction materials, using his connection to military officers, particularly Abraham Afan and General Haile Samuel China. When the Special Court was "trying" the late General Uqbe Abraha,  one of the G-15 who died in jail, it alleged that he had done favors to Zereghaber.