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Eritrea’s Working-Age Population Forced into National Service, Diaspora Targeted with 2% Tax

As Eritrea continues to struggle with widespread poverty and economic instability, the government has announced a new plan to force its working-age population into a poorly paid national service program. Critics argue that this move will only exacerbate the problem.

National Service Program

The government’s plan is an attempt to alleviate the country’s economic woes, but it remains unclear how this will benefit the economy. The national service program is expected to force thousands of young Eritreans into poorly paid work for an extended period. This move has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties.

Tax on Diaspora Community

In addition to the national service program, the government has also imposed a 2% tax on Eritreans living abroad. This move is seen as an attempt to generate revenue and support the struggling economy. However, it has been met with widespread criticism from the diaspora community, who feel that they are being unfairly targeted.

Human Rights Concerns

Meanwhile, human rights groups have expressed concern over the country’s lack of independent judiciary and democratic institutions. This has created a climate of impunity and allowed organized crime to thrive. The government’s failure to protect its citizens and address corruption has led to widespread criticism from international organizations and foreign governments.

Economic Challenges

Eritrea’s economic regulatory capacity remains substandard due to the government’s irrational financial policy, which keeps the currency fixed to the US dollar at an unrealistic rate. This has led to a steady expansion of the black market and limited access to funds for ordinary citizens.

Civil Society Underdevelopment

The country’s civil society is also underdeveloped, with no support mechanisms in place for victims and witnesses of organized crime or human trafficking. The government’s failure to protect its citizens and address human rights abuses has led to widespread criticism and isolation from the international community.

Key Indicators

• 25 years of impunity and lack of accountability
• No independent judiciary or democratic institutions
• Poorly paid national service program for working-age population
• 2% tax imposed on Eritreans living abroad
• Substandard economic regulatory capacity
• Limited access to funds for ordinary citizens
• No support mechanisms for victims and witnesses of organized crime or human trafficking
• Widespread human rights abuses and lack of protection for citizens