In December 2012, Eritrean officials apprehended Ciham when she attempted to leave the country without a mandatory exit visa. U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, called for Ciham’s release in social media posts Friday. It was the first congressional delegation to visit Eritrea in 14 years, according to the U.S. Embassy in Asmara. Human rights groups have for years called for the 22-year-old’s release. After fighting a 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia, Eritrea gained international recognition in 1993.

Source: Ethiopian News April 07, 2019 01:18 UTC