After thirty years under President Isaias Afwerki’s leadership, the initial hopes for a prosperous and democratic Eritrea have devolved into despair among its citizens. As the only leader since independence, Isaias has established a regime marked by authoritarian rule, the absence of elections, and increasing repression.
Eritrea's 30-Year Struggle: From Hope to Despair Under Isaias Afwerki
Eritrea's 30-Year Struggle: From Hope to Despair Under Isaias Afwerki
In the shadow of Isaias Afwerki's three-decade rule, Eritrean hopes for democracy and progress have faded.
In the early 1990s, after leading the Eritrean People's Liberation Front to victory over Ethiopia, Isaias was celebrated as a reformist leader. His pledges for democracy and development garnered support from both locals and the international community. In 1997, a transitional assembly was set to lead Eritrea into a democratic future following the ratification of a new constitution. However, the eruption of war with Ethiopia in 1998 halted any electoral prospects, allowing Isaias to consolidate power and suspend vital reforms indefinitely.
By September 2001, as the world focused on 9/11, Isaias clamped down on dissent, abolishing independent media and imprisoning key political figures from the once-promising G-15 reformist group. This marked the end of a fleeting democratic window in Eritrea, leading to the establishment of an autocratic regime where critical voices were silenced.
The subsequent years saw the erosion of institutional structures and an indefinite suspension of the constitution, pushed further by Isaias' refusal to engage with any democratic processes. This authoritarian approach left Eritrea isolated internationally, with escalating human rights violations drawing widespread condemnation.
Despite significant economic challenges, patchy infrastructure, and limited freedoms, a segment of Eritreans continues to support Isaias, viewing him as a symbol of national liberation. However, widespread disillusionment prevails, particularly among the youth subjected to compulsory national service. Many risk perilous journeys in search of asylum, with Eritreans now among the leading nationalities for refugee status in regions like the UK.
As the 80-year-old leader marks three decades in power, he has hinted at possible constitutional revisions but has not instituted any substantial changes. Isaias remains entrenched in his position with no clear successor or viable opposition in sight, leaving Eritreans to grapple with uncertainty regarding their future and aspirations for freedom.
By September 2001, as the world focused on 9/11, Isaias clamped down on dissent, abolishing independent media and imprisoning key political figures from the once-promising G-15 reformist group. This marked the end of a fleeting democratic window in Eritrea, leading to the establishment of an autocratic regime where critical voices were silenced.
The subsequent years saw the erosion of institutional structures and an indefinite suspension of the constitution, pushed further by Isaias' refusal to engage with any democratic processes. This authoritarian approach left Eritrea isolated internationally, with escalating human rights violations drawing widespread condemnation.
Despite significant economic challenges, patchy infrastructure, and limited freedoms, a segment of Eritreans continues to support Isaias, viewing him as a symbol of national liberation. However, widespread disillusionment prevails, particularly among the youth subjected to compulsory national service. Many risk perilous journeys in search of asylum, with Eritreans now among the leading nationalities for refugee status in regions like the UK.
As the 80-year-old leader marks three decades in power, he has hinted at possible constitutional revisions but has not instituted any substantial changes. Isaias remains entrenched in his position with no clear successor or viable opposition in sight, leaving Eritreans to grapple with uncertainty regarding their future and aspirations for freedom.
