Eritrea’s Challenges: A Deep Dive into Organized Crime, Economic Stability, and Civil Society

Criminal Justice and Security

Eritrea is grappling with a multitude of challenges that undermine its criminal justice system, national security, and human rights.

• Independent Judiciary: Eritrea lacks an independent judiciary, national assembly, or other democratic institutions, leading to power vacuum and impunity.
• Human Rights Violations: The absence of effective governance has resulted in widespread human rights violations.
• Organized Crime: There are no specialized units to counter organized crime, leaving the country vulnerable to various forms of illicit activities.
• Harsh Prison Conditions: Prison conditions in Eritrea are notoriously harsh, with severe overcrowding and inadequate facilities.

Economic and Financial Environment

Eritrea’s economic stability is also a major concern, exacerbated by a cash-based economy and lack of transparency in financial transactions.

• Money Laundering Risks: The country is at high risk of money laundering due to its opaque financial system.
• Lack of Transparency: The state controls all banks, which are not transparent, making it difficult to track financial activities.
• Strained Relationships with International Organizations: Eritrea has a strained relationship with the IMF and World Bank, limiting access to much-needed economic assistance.

Civil Society and Social Protection

Eritrea’s civil society is severely restricted, leaving victims of trafficking and other social issues without support or protection.

• Lack of Support for Victims: There are no government efforts to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking.
• Deportation of Foreign Victims: Foreign victims have no alternatives to being deported to their home countries.
• Restrictions on Non-Governmental Organizations: Non-governmental organizations are not permitted to operate in Eritrea.
• Censorship and Restrictions on Independent Media: Independent media outlets were closed down in 2001, limiting the flow of information.

Other Challenges

Eritrea faces a range of other challenges that affect its relationships with neighboring countries and international organizations.

• Strained Relationships with Neighboring Countries: Eritrea has a strained relationship with neighboring countries and international organizations.
• Corruption and Lack of Transparency: The country has been criticized for its lack of transparency and corruption.
• Economic Weaknesses: The economy remains weak, with citizens experiencing shortages of fuel, drinking water, and electricity blackouts.