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ERITREA: A STATE WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY
Despite its claims of being a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea’s lack of transparency and accountability has raised concerns about the country’s governance structure.
Transparency and Accountability Issues
A recent report highlighted that basic data regarding the state budget and asset disclosure is not publicly available, leaving citizens without access to information about how their taxes are being spent. Moreover, there is no auditing of state spending or income, making it difficult to track any mismanagement or corruption.
- The military-headed special courts, meant to oversee corruption cases, have remained largely inactive.
- The PFDJ’s Hdiri Trust Fund controls all major companies in the country, and the financial head of the party is responsible for auditing the fund, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
International Cooperation
Eritrea’s attitude towards international cooperation has been criticized for being overly cautious, with the government preferring to rely on self-reliance rather than seeking external assistance. This approach has led to a lack of transparency in the country’s economic development, with citizens forced into the poorly paid national service programme and a 2% tax on its diaspora.
Judiciary System
The judiciary system is also plagued by issues, with no independent oversight and widespread interference from the executive branch. Prison conditions are harsh, overcrowded, and arbitrary detention is common, with prisoners often held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial.
Territorial Integrity
Eritrea’s territorial integrity is maintained through strict border control policies, including a “shoot to kill” policy towards unauthorized crossings. However, there have been reports that the government profits from illicit smuggling and has occupied territory previously administered by the regional government of Tigray.
Economic Regulatory Capacity
The country’s economic regulatory capacity continues to be substandard due to irrational financial policies, with the PFDJ and military controlling the economy and not subject to financial oversight. The lack of transparency in the economy has led to a black market for currency exchange, with families and business owners limited to withdrawing only 5,000 nakfa (approximately $333) per month.
Vulnerability to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
The report also highlighted the country’s vulnerability to money laundering and terrorist financing due to its informal cash-based economy and proximity to regions where criminal organizations operate. Despite enacting anti-money laundering laws, Eritrea has not submitted any reports on its efforts to combat these issues.
Civil Society
Eritrea’s civil society is virtually non-existent, with no independent media or human rights organizations allowed to operate. The government has also been accused of committing serious human rights abuses against Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia and has failed to provide support for victims of trafficking.
Conclusion
The lack of transparency and accountability in Eritrea raises concerns about the country’s ability to effectively combat organized crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing. Until these issues are addressed, Eritrea is unlikely to be able to achieve true stability and development.