Eritrea’s Organized Crime Situation: A Critical Overview

Law Enforcement and Justice System: A Weak Foundation

Eritrea’s law enforcement capacity is weak, with widespread corruption and bribery being a significant concern. The country’s prison conditions are harsh and overcrowded, with prisoners often held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial. This lack of due process and fair trials undermines the rule of law and contributes to a culture of impunity.

Key Issues:

• Widespread corruption and bribery
• Harsh and overcrowded prison conditions
• Lack of due process and fair trials

Border Control and Smuggling: A Complex Issue

Eritrea has strict border control policies, including a “shoot to kill” policy against unauthorized crossings. The government controls the illicit smuggling of its citizens and profits from it. The unresolved demarcation of the border with Ethiopia adds complexity to this issue.

Key Issues:

• Strict border control policies
• Illicit smuggling of citizens
• Unresolved border demarcation with Ethiopia

Economic Environment: Vulnerable to Money Laundering

Eritrea’s economy is informal and cash-based, making it vulnerable to money laundering. The country uses underground remittance systems due to the non-convertibility of the nakfa in international markets.

Key Issues:

• Informal and cash-based economy
• Underground remittance systems
• Vulnerability to money laundering

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Lacking Framework

There are no victim and witness support mechanisms in place. The government does not identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking. Civil rights and freedom of expression and assembly are absent, and human rights are routinely violated.

Key Issues:

• Lack of victim and witness support mechanisms
• Failure to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking
• Absence of civil rights and freedoms