Eritrea: Criminal Actors Dominate Economy as Government Remains Incompetent

As the world struggles to combat organized crime, Eritrea has emerged as a hub for criminal activity, with state actors and transnational networks dominating the economy. Despite international efforts to curb human trafficking, corruption and bribery persist in the country.

State Actors Involved in Transnational Organized Crime

• Government officials have been accused of facilitating human trafficking, allegedly using their diplomatic status to aid criminal networks.
• Police and military personnel have also been implicated in trafficking activities along the Sudanese border.
• Transnational networks of Eritrean smugglers operate on routes towards Europe, often aided by state officials.

Authoritarian Rule and Lack of Transparency

• The government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, has been criticized for its authoritarian rule and lack of transparency.
• The country lacks independent judiciary or democratic institutions, allowing human rights violations and impunity to persist.
• Prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding a major issue.

Vulnerability to Money Laundering

• Eritrea’s cash-based, largely informal economy makes it vulnerable to money laundering.
• Banks in the country are under state control and lack transparency, making it difficult to track illicit financial activities.

Limited Engagement on Anti-Organized Crime Efforts

• The government has taken some steps towards normalizing relations with neighboring countries and Somalia, but engagement on anti-organized crime efforts remains limited.
• Eritrea is party to several international treaties related to organized crime, but implementation has been lacking.

Restrictive Civil Society

• The country’s civil society is severely restricted, with no independent media outlets or non-governmental organizations allowed to operate.
• Human rights activists are often persecuted, and the government shows little regard for freedom of assembly or association.

Economic Weakness

• Eritrea’s economy remains extremely weak, with citizens experiencing shortages of basic necessities such as fuel, drinking water, and electricity.
• This is a stark warning sign that the government must take immediate steps to address these issues.

Conclusion

As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of organized crime, it is clear that Eritrea’s government must take immediate steps to address these issues. Until then, the country will remain a hotbed of criminal activity and corruption.