Eritrea’s Criminal Underworld: Actors from Sudan and Egypt Suspected

Asmara, Eritrea - Behind the authoritarian government led by President Isaias Afwerki, a complex web of criminal activity is believed to be thriving in Eritrea. This Horn of Africa nation has long been shrouded in mystery, with actors from neighboring Sudan and Egypt suspected of involvement.

Lifting Sanctions, But Concerns Remain

The United Nations sanctions against Eritrea were lifted last year, but human rights groups continue to raise concerns about the government’s lack of transparency and its failure to protect its citizens from exploitation. The country’s economy is largely informal, making it vulnerable to money laundering and other financial crimes.

Laws in Place, But Rarely Enforced

Eritrea has laws in place to combat organized crime, including human trafficking, but critics say they are rarely enforced. The country’s judiciary is not independent, and prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding a major issue.

Factors Contributing to Criminal Activity

• Informal economy
• Lack of transparency
• Harsh prison conditions
• Limited foreign organization presence
• No independent judiciary

Government Efforts, But More Work Needed

Despite these challenges, Eritrea has taken some steps towards normalizing its relations with neighboring countries and international organizations. It has co-hosted training seminars on human trafficking with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and contributed to a regional plan of action on combating trafficking.

Remaining Challenges

However, much work remains to be done to combat organized crime in Eritrea. The government’s failure to provide reliable data on economic and crime dynamics makes it difficult for external actors to assess the situation effectively.

Conclusion

Eritrea’s criminal underworld is a complex issue with suspected involvement from neighboring Sudan and Egypt. While some efforts have been made by the government, more needs to be done to combat organized crime and ensure the protection of its citizens.