Eritrea’s Secretive Regime: No Transparency, No Accountability

The government of Eritrea operates with near-total secrecy, shrouding its financial transactions and state budget from public scrutiny. There is no independent auditing or accountability mechanism in place to prevent mismanagement and corruption.

Financial Secrecy

• The ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) has a stranglehold on the economy through its Hdiri Trust Fund, which controls all major companies in the country.
• The party’s financial head is responsible for auditing the fund, but there is no transparency or public oversight.

International Relations

• Eritrea’s international relations are similarly opaque. While the government claims to prioritize self-reliance, it has shown little interest in cooperating with international organizations or engaging in meaningful dialogue.
• This isolationist stance has contributed to widespread poverty and economic stagnation.

Criminal Justice System a Sham

Lack of Independent Judiciary

• The lack of an independent judiciary means that crimes against humanity have gone unpunished for decades.
• The special courts, headed by military officers, are ineffective and often arbitrary.
• Prison conditions are harsh, with prisoners held incommunicado without charge or trial.

Weak Law Enforcement

• Law enforcement is weak, with corruption and bribery rampant.
• Border control policies are strict, with a “shoot to kill” policy in place for unauthorized crossings. However, there is mounting evidence that the government profits from human smuggling and trafficking.

Economic Crisis

Vulnerability to Money Laundering

• Eritrea’s economy is vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing due to its informal cash-based economy and limited regulatory structures.
• The government has enacted anti-money laundering laws but has failed to submit reports on its efforts.

Irrational Economic Policies

• The country’s economic policies are irrational, with the national currency fixed to the US dollar at an unsustainable rate. This has led to a thriving black market for foreign exchange.
• The PFDJ and military have a monopoly on the economy, with no financial oversight or transparency.

Civil Society Under Attack

Suppression of Civil Society

• Eritrea’s civil society is non-existent, with NGOs, labor unions, and other organizations banned.
• Human rights are routinely violated, with arbitrary arrests, religious persecution, and media repression common practices.

Failure to Support Victims

• The government has failed to provide support for victims of organized crime, trafficking, or human rights abuses.
• Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia have reported serious human rights abuses by Eritrean forces, including killings, rape, and harassment.

In this environment of secrecy and repression, it is no wonder that Eritrea’s economy remains stagnant, its people remain poor and marginalized, and the country’s international reputation continues to suffer.