Combating Organized Crime and Corruption in Eritrea: Challenges and Opportunities

The judiciary system in Eritrea is poorly organized and dependent on the government, with instances of interference by the executive branch.
Due process is systematically violated, leading to arbitrary arrest and detention.

Prison conditions are harsh and severely overcrowded, with prisoners including children and former members of the government and their families being held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial.

Eritrea’s territorial integrity is maintained by strict border control policies, including a policy of ‘shoot to kill’ towards people attempting unauthorized crossings.
Internet penetration is extremely low, with citizens needing to apply to the local government administration to obtain a SIM card.

Eritrea’s economy is considered vulnerable to money laundering and related activities due to its informal cash-based economy, limited regulatory structures, underground remittances, and prevalent use of money and value transfer services such as hawala.
The lack of victim and witness support mechanisms in Eritrea is an ongoing problem, with the government failing to take any measures to identify and support victims and witnesses of organized crime.

Establish an independent judiciary system that is free from executive interference.
Implement due process and fair trial standards for all individuals arrested or detained.
Improve prison conditions and ensure that prisoners have access to basic rights, including communication with the outside world.
Reform border control policies to prioritize human life and dignity over strict enforcement.
Increase internet penetration and promote freedom of expression and assembly.
Establish robust regulatory structures to combat money laundering and related activities.
Develop victim and witness support mechanisms to address organized crime and other forms of violence.

Eritrea’s government is known for its lack of transparency, which hinders efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.

Eritrea’s attitude towards international cooperation has been limited, which can hinder access to resources and expertise needed to combat organized crime.

Eritrea’s economy is heavily dependent on remittances from the diaspora, which can make it vulnerable to fluctuations in global economic conditions.

Eritrea can benefit from international support and cooperation to combat organized crime and promote economic development.

Eritrea’s membership in regional organizations such as the Eastern and South Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other countries in the region.

Eritrea can diversify its economy by investing in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, which can help reduce reliance on remittances and promote economic growth.