Jamal grew up in a deeply patriotic family that taught him the value of service to the people. But when he tried to stay true to these values, he got into trouble with the authorities. The second time was the tipping point. CAPE TOWN—Jamal, a member of the Blin minority born in Keren in 1981, […]
There was no room for innovation or candor then—but hope hasn’t died
Bereket’s talent and passion got him into the national struggle. They also forced him to leave. He is doing well in South Africa today, but he and his wife Feven are ready to go home at the drop of a hat—if they can be sure things have changed. CAPE TOWN—Bereket Ghezae (his real name), 55, […]
The long road to freedom to practice her faith
Ruth did everything she was asked to serve her country—except to renounce her faith. PRETORIA—Ruth was born in Asmara in 1980 and spent half her childhood under Ethiopian occupation and half in the heady first years of Eritrea’s hard-won independence. She graduated from high school in 1997 and went straight into the national service, when […]