Eritrea’s Struggle with Organized Crime: A Vulnerable State

Eritrea is often overlooked in discussions of organized crime, but the country’s unique economic environment, weak law-enforcement capacity, and lack of social protection mechanisms make it an ideal breeding ground for illicit activities. In this article, we will delve into the details of Eritrea’s situation regarding organized crime.

The Economic Environment: A Perfect Storm

Eritrea’s economy is largely informal, cash-based, and vulnerable to money laundering. The state currency, nakfa, is not fully convertible, creating vulnerabilities for illicit financial services. Banks in the country are under state control and lack transparency, making it difficult to track suspicious transactions.

• Vulnerabilities to Money Laundering:
  • Cash-based economy
  • Limited convertibility of the state currency (nakfa)
  • Lack of transparency in banking sector
  • No specific references to money laundering in Eritrean laws or proclamations

Criminal Justice and Security: A Weak Link

Eritrea’s law-enforcement capacity is weak, with no specialized units to counter organized crime. Prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding and life-threatening situations. Corruption and bribery are rampant, and there is no independent police oversight body or specialized law-enforcement unit.

• Challenges in Law Enforcement:
  • Weak law-enforcement capacity
  • Lack of specialized units to counter organized crime
  • Harsh prison conditions
  • Widespread corruption and bribery

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Neglected Aspect

There is no evidence of government efforts to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking. No proactive victim identification mechanisms are in place to recognize at-risk groups, especially Eritrean citizens deported from abroad or fleeing the country.

• Inadequate Response to Human Trafficking:
  • Lack of government efforts to identify and protect victims
  • No proactive victim identification mechanisms
  • Foreign victims have no alternatives but to be deported to their home countries if they face punishment

International Cooperation: A Mixed Bag

Eritrea has strained relations with several international organizations, including the African Union and UN agencies. However, the government has made some efforts to build partnerships and strengthen capacities to counter human trafficking, including co-hosting training seminars with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

• Challenges in International Cooperation:
  • Strained relations with international organizations
  • Limited capacity to partner with other countries in countering organized crime

Overall, Eritrea’s situation regarding organized crime is characterized by a lack of effective law-enforcement capacity, corruption, and a weak economy. The government’s response to human trafficking is also inadequate, and there are no proactive measures in place to identify and protect victims. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and international partners to strengthen Eritrea’s capacity to combat organized crime and protect its citizens.