Eritrea’s Shadowy Underbelly: Criminal Actors, Authoritarian Rule, and Human Rights Abuses

As Eritrea celebrates its 32nd year of independence from Ethiopia, a deeper look into the country’s criminal underworld reveals a tangled web of corruption, human trafficking, and authoritarian rule. Despite its reputation as a pariah state, Eritrea has managed to maintain a level of control over its borders and economy, allowing it to profit from smuggling people and goods.

Criminal Actors

While there are no notable mafia groups in Eritrea, the country’s government is deeply embroiled in criminal activity. State actors, including diplomats and military personnel, have been accused of bribery, human trafficking, and other forms of corruption. Transnational networks of Eritrean smugglers operate along routes to Europe, often with the aid of state officials.

Leadership and Governance

Eritrea is ruled by President Isaias Afwerki, who has been in power since 1991. The country’s sole political party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), is notorious for its authoritarian grip on society. Elections have not been held since Eritrea gained independence, and human rights are regularly violated with impunity.

Criminal Justice and Security

Eritrea’s criminal justice system is a sham, with no independent judiciary or law enforcement agency to speak of. Prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding and a lack of access to basic necessities like food and water. Corruption and bribery are rampant, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to seek justice.

Economic and Financial Environment

Eritrea’s economy is largely informal, which makes it vulnerable to money laundering and other forms of financial crime. The country’s banks are state-controlled and lack transparency, while the government has been slow to cooperate with international organizations like the IMF and World Bank.

Despite its claims to be combating human trafficking, Eritrea has failed to provide any meaningful support or protection to victims. There is no standardized instrument for referring trafficking victims to proper care, and foreign victims are often deported back to their home countries without access to justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eritrea’s criminal underworld is deeply intertwined with its authoritarian government and lack of transparency. Until the country addresses these issues, it will remain a shadowy figure on the international stage, feared and ostracized by its neighbors and the global community.