Léonard Vincent's 'Les Erythréens' Gives Voice to Eritrean Refugees

Léonard Vincent's book 'Les Erythréens', published by Rivages, documents the plight of Eritrean refugees through investigative reporting conducted for Reporters sans frontières. Unable to enter Eritrea, Vincent worked at UN offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to gather testimonies. The book profiles individuals such as Fana, described as an 'Eritrean Athena with artistically styled hair', and Amanuel, a young graduate from Asmara. It also includes stories of former regime enforcers like Michael, a border guard, and Mengesteab, who interrogated prisoners in five penitentiary camps. Vincent uses olfactory details to evoke the country's identity and presence. The book is published in a literature collection, blending engaged testimony with literary style. Michel Vignard reviewed the work for artpress.