No Change in Eritrea’s Repressive Politics Despite International Concerns

Two years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, but Eritrea’s political landscape remains unchanged. The country’s authoritarian regime continues to suppress any form of dissent, with no signs of reform or democratization.

The Unchanged Regime

Despite international concerns about Eritrea’s human rights record and lack of a constitution, the government shows no willingness to address these issues. In fact, the situation has only worsened since the pandemic began.

The Ruling Party

The country’s ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), continues to maintain a stranglehold on power, with President Isaias Afwerki holding absolute control over all aspects of government. The parliament remains non-existent, and the president appoints cabinet members without any input from opposition parties or civil society.

The Military

The military, which has long been a key player in Eritrea’s politics, continues to wield significant influence. High-ranking officers are believed to engage in illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, with little fear of accountability.

Censorship and Restrictions

Freedom of expression is non-existent in Eritrea, with independent journalists and bloggers either imprisoned or forced into exile. The private press has been banned since 2001, and state media continues to spew propaganda and misinformation.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negligible impact on Eritrea’s political landscape. While the government imposed strict lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus, these restrictions have only served to further entrench the regime’s control over society.

Isolation and Lack of Pressure

Despite the dire human rights situation in Eritrea, there are few signs of international pressure leading to meaningful reform. The country’s isolation from the rest of the world means that its leaders feel little incentive to change their ways, and the international community seems content to simply issue periodic condemnations of Eritrea’s human rights record without taking any concrete action.

Conclusion

As a result, Eritrea remains one of the most repressive countries in the world, with no end in sight to its authoritarian rule.