Eritrea-Ethiopia: Shimelba Refugee Camp’s Intellectual Capital

“I recently developed a mathematical theorem and sent my paper to Addis Ababa University. Professors of the Mathematics Department confirmed that it was something new and that they would like to publish it in their academic journal. But I would like to wait on that because I believe certain parts need to be fleshed out more first.” In a frenzied day of interviewing refugees on a recent mission to Ethiopia, comments like these stood out. My colleague and I had about twenty minutes to speak with each person, and instead of detailing problems with food rations, inadequate sheeting for shelter, or the need for more sanitation facilities (problems which were repeatedly mentioned), several of the refugees emphasized their scholarly pursuits. This budding mathematician had obtained an advanced degree before he fled Eritrea a couple of years ago.

Other individuals spoke about their interests. One 22-year-old woman who escaped religious persecution in Eritrea described how she was now working in a laboratory in the camp, learning about avian influenza. Another young man told us that he had always wanted to study astrophysics. He recalled how several years ago at a science fair in Asmara, a foreign dignitary declared him the “best in Africa.” Refugees who slip across the border to Ethiopia rarely bring any belongings or documentation with them, but this person proudly showed us photos taken at that science fair.

Shimelba refugee camp in the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia hosts up to 18,000 residents originally from Eritrea. Up to 500 new refugees come to the camp each month. The vast majority of the refugees are young and university-educated, and many have doctorates. Over 75 percent of the population is male. These refugees largely left Eritrea in order to avoid compulsory military service for both men and women. Thirty years of struggle for independence, a brutal 1998-2000 border conflict with Ethiopia that killed at least 70,000 people and increasing international isolation feed the country’s inclination to prepare – at any cost –to defend itself or deter potential enemies.

But in its dogged pursuit of military readiness, Eritrea is losing its greatest asset: its educated youth. These refugees spoke of burning desires to further their educations, build careers, and live in a city again. According to an official of the Ethiopian refugee ministry, “They are looking for scholarships, sponsorship in urban areas, correspondence courses. And they are getting frustrated.” The Ethiopian government permits the lucky few who can afford to support themselves to live and study in Addis Ababa or other towns. But for many of those who remain in the camp, the stress of idleness and wasted potential has led to mental illness, particularly depression. Many would prefer to return to Eritrea if government policy improves, but pessimistic about the prospects for change, they are eager for resettlement.

If the intellectual capital simmering in Shimelba were allowed to thrive elsewhere, it would be that country’s great gain and Eritrea’s tragic loss.

--Katherine Southwick