Eritrea Operates Under a Veil of Secrecy, Leaving Public in Dark
Asmara, ERITREA - In a country where transparency and accountability are mere luxuries, Eritrea’s government operates with impunity, shrouding its financial dealings and human rights record in secrecy.
Financial Secrecy
A review of the country’s budget and asset disclosure reveals that basic data is not publicly available. There is no auditing of state spending or income, leaving citizens unaware of how their tax money is being used. The lack of accountability has led to widespread corruption, with even the military-headed special courts meant to oversee corruption cases remaining largely inactive.
International Cooperation
Eritrea’s attitude towards international cooperation has remained steady over the years. The government views it as creating dependency, opting instead to follow a strategy of self-reliance in economic and social development. As a result, the country has limited ties with the global community.
Criminal Justice System: A Climate of Impunity
The lack of an independent judiciary and democratic institutions in Eritrea has created a climate of impunity. The special courts, headed by military officers, have become defunct, replaced by arbitrary activities of power holders.
- Prison conditions are harsh and overcrowded, with prisoners, including children and former government officials, held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial.
- Arbitrary arrest and detention are common, and due process is systematically violated.
Border Control: A ‘Shoot to Kill’ Policy
Eritrea’s territorial integrity is maintained through strict border control policies, including a policy of “shoot to kill” towards those attempting unauthorized crossings. However, there is mounting evidence that the government profits from the smuggling of its own citizens and has occupied chunks of territory previously administered by the regional government of Tigray.
Economic Environment: Vulnerable to Money Laundering
Eritrea’s informal, cash-based economy and limited regulatory structures make it vulnerable to money laundering. The country’s proximity to regions where terrorist and criminal organizations operate further increases its vulnerability to corruption.
- Despite enacting anti-money laundering laws, Eritrea has not submitted any reports on its AML/CFT endeavours.
- The country’s economic regulatory capacity remains substandard due to the government’s irrational financial policy, which keeps fixing the nakfa to the US dollar at a rate of 15 to 1.
Civil Society and Social Protection: Non-Existent
The lack of victim and witness support mechanisms in Eritrea is an ongoing problem. The government has failed to take any measures to identify and support victims and witnesses of organized crime or human trafficking.
- Civil rights and freedom of expression and assembly are absent, with human rights routinely violated.
- Independent media has been shut down since 2001, and Eritrea is one of the most notorious jailers of journalists in the world.
In a country where transparency and accountability are luxuries, it remains to be seen when the public will have access to basic information about their government’s dealings. Until then, Eritrea’s reputation for secrecy and corruption will continue to cast a shadow over its international relations.