Specific information on the Dahnanet Security Forces could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB. However, some sources mention a security service responsible for political detentions called "Hezbi Dehaninet" or "Hizb Dehninet," which is translated as "People's Protectors" or "Public Security organization" (Africa Watch 30 Apr. 1991, 6; AI 30 May 1991, 23; ibid. 1986, 46). Additional information is not provided by these sources; however, all three documents are available at Regional Documentation Centres.

A professor of political science, specializing in Ethiopia and Eritrea at the University of Missouri in Rolla, stated in a 18 September 1996 telephone interview that the word "dahnanet" or "dahninet" can be translated into English as "safety" or "security" or "welfare" depending on the context of usage. The professor did not know of a specific unit called the Dahnanet Security Forces, but speculated that it was a term that encompassed the political security apparatus of the Mengistu regime. In a 1991 Africa Watch report, reference is made to the fact that anyone in the army who questions army activities "is picked up by the 'welfare' people," which according to the report, refers to the security service in the army (Sept. 1991, 146).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Africa Watch. September 1991. Evil Days: 30 Years of War and Famine in Ethiopia. New York: Human Rights Watch.

_____. 30 April 1991. Ethiopia: Human Rights Crisis as Central Power Crumbles: Killings, Detentions, Forcible Conscription and Obstruction of Relief. New York: Human Rights Watch.

Amnesty International. 30 May 1991. "Ethiopia: End of an Era of Brutal Repression(A New Chance for Human Rights." (AI Index: AFR 25/05/91). London: Amnesty International.

_____. 1986. Amnesty International Report 1986. New York: Amnesty International USA.

Professor of political science specializing in Ethiopia and Eritrea, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, Mo. 18 September 1996. Telephone interview.

Attachments

Africa Watch. September 1991. Evil Days: 30 Years of War and Famine in Ethiopia. New York: Human Rights Watch, p. 146.

_____. 30 April 1991. Ethiopia: Human Rights Crisis as Central Power Crumbles: Killings, Detentions, Forcible Conscription and Obstruction of Relief. New York: Human Rights Watch, p. 6.

Amnesty International. 30 May 1991. "Ethiopia: End of an Era of Brutal Repression(A New Chance for Human Rights." (AI Index: AFR 25/05/91). London: Amnesty International, p. 23.

_____. 1986. Amnesty International Report 1986. New York: Amnesty International USA, p. 46.

Additional Sources Consulted

Amnesty International Report. 1975-1992.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. 1975-1991.

DIRB Ethiopia Amnesty International Country File. 1983-1991.

Ethiopia: From Bullets to the Ballot Box. 1994.

Ethiopia: Political Imprisonment and Torture. 1986.

Evil Days: 30 Years of War and Famine in Ethiopia. 1991.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports.

Human Rights Watch Global Report on Prisons. 1993.

Human Rights Watch World Report. 1990 & 1992.

News from Africa Watch. Various reports.

Red Tears: War, Famine and Revolution in Ethiopia. 1989.

On-line searches of media reports (NEXIS).

Four oral sources consulted did not provide information on the requested subject.