DECEMBER 5/2003

Reports reaching SOCEPP affirm that journalist Ahmed Haji Wasse has been detained and the place of his detention has been kept secret.

Ahmed Haji Wasse was a reporter for the information department of the Afar region. The cause for his detention is said to be the report he made last September concerning the fighting between Afar rebels and government troops. The reported clash took place at Afdera district in an area known as Chew Meret. According to the report some 3 civilians were killed, six wounded and a number of Afar elders rounded up by government troops. Ahmed Haji Wasse also reported that food aid sent for the displaced people settled in Bure has been diverted to the army.

Ahmed Haji Wasse has virtually "disappeared" as relatives have not been able to trace his whereabouts and the authorities have refused to give any explanation. It is to be noted that the EPRDF in power has intensified the repression against journalists and banned the association of free journalists, the EFJA.

SOCEPP