In the Ministerial Cabinet meetings that were held in December 2002, the Eritrean government media had reported that the Ministry of Information was represented by a director from the ministry without explaining the absence of the Minister, Mr. Naizghi Kiflu.  The report led to speculations on the whereabouts of the minister.

Gedab News has learned that Mr. Naizghi Kiflu was in an intensive care unit suffering from diabetes.  Minister Naizghi Kiflu has had a long history with cirrhosis, resulting in frequent hospitalizations, particularly in Russian medical centers.

In addition to being the Minister of Information, Mr. Naizghi Kiflu is also in charge of the newly restructured Local Governments (Zoba) liaision in the president�s office (a position formerly held by the now detained Mahmoud Sheriffo).  The liaison position effectively places him in charge of the four commanders who, notwithstanding the �local elections,� have complete authority over the administration of their jurisdictions.

The four commanders and their jurisdictions are as follows: General Samuel Haile (�China�), in charge of South Red Sea Command; General Teclay Habteselassie, Southern Command; General Filipos Weldeyohannes, Western Command and General Gebrezgheir Andemariam (�Wuchu�), Central and Northeast Command. 

While Mr. Naizghi Kiflu was incapacitated, two individuals within the President�s office�Mr. Yemane Gebreab, director of the ruling party's political affairs department and Mr. Abdella Jabber, director of the party's organizational affairs department,�were jockeying up to fill his vacancy. 

Mr. Naizghi Kiflu is now recovered and has already been heard at bars �joking� about how he will have to teach a lesson to the two individuals who, according to him, have �destroyed our EPLF.�