The nation of Eritrea is often referred to as “North Korea of the East,” due to its oppressive regime and lack of freedoms and democracy. Eritrea is located on the northeastern coast of Africa, bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Red Sea. It is a nation with a population of about six million individuals and a total area of about 117,600 square kilometers.
Eritrea’s oppressive government began in the 1990s, when the nation declared independence from Ethiopia. Control shifted to a one-party government led by President Isaias Afwerki. Political opponents have been arrested, popular dissent and freedom of speech have been significantly curtailed, and several journalists and independent writers have been arrested, tortured, or killed. The president routinely responds to questions and criticism by jailing his opponents.
In addition to the lack of political freedoms, the Eritrean economy has suffered due to the government’s refusal to be transparent, or to allow citizens to hold private property or economic freedom. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and has received billions of dollars in aid from countries including China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This influx of money has done little to improve the nation’s economic well-being, with the majority of citizens living in poverty, and is often mismanaged or taken by government members in other countries.
To contrast the extreme lack of political and economic freedoms in Eritrea, citizens of countries such as North Korea are able to enjoy more freedoms than their Eritrean counterparts. Although North Korea also has a one-party regime led by the Kim Dynasty, citizens of the country have access to basic needs such as housing and food, as well as some access to the internet. Additionally, they are able to enjoy some limited freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly, albeit still heavily limited by their government.
The notion that Eritrea could be considered like North Korea is not as widely believed in the West, despite the clear parallels between the two nations. With the larger media focus being placed on North Korea, the West tends to ignore the human rights violations and oppressive conditions in Eritrea. Thus, while Eritrea is considered by some to be “North Korea of the East,” it is often overlooked due to its relatively small population and geographical location.
The Impact of Religion on Eritrea
Eritrea has a diverse religious landscape, with Christians, Muslims, and members of the Bahá’í faith all making up the population. The dominant religions are Orthodox Christianity and Sunni Islam. This religious complexity can be seen as both a strength and a weakness, as the various denominations can cause tensions within the country.
The government of Eritrea is strongly aligned with Orthodox Christianity and has adopted many policies based on this faith. This has caused tensions between Christian and Muslim citizens, with Muslims being seen as second-class citizens. The government has also persecuted those who practice faiths outside of the Orthodox Christian and Sunni Islamic traditions, such as members of the Bahá’í faith.
Eritrea has also seen a rise in the number of Pentecostals, which is viewed with suspicion by the government. The government is wary of this religious movement, as it is seen as a challenge to their authority. This has led to many Pentecostals being arrested and persecuted for their beliefs.
Although religion is an important aspect of Eritrean culture, it is often exploited by the government for its own gain. By exploiting religious divisions and religious persecution, the government can ensure that citizens support the current regime, even though it severely limits their freedoms.
Eritrea and International Relations
Relations between Eritrea and the rest of the world is complicated and strained. The nation was part of the former Soviet Union before it gained independence from Ethiopia in the early 1990s. This independence was gained with the support of the United Nations and the Red Cross, but many nations have been critical of the human rights violations that have occurred in the country since.
Eritrea has a tense relationship with Ethiopia, with the two countries frequently clashing over the disputed Ogaden region. This ongoing conflict has led to several military eruptions in the past, and although there is a peace agreement between the two countries, tensions still remain.
The United Nations Security Council condemned Eritrea in 2011 for violating UN sanctions and supporting militants in Somalia. In response, Eritrea has sought to strengthen relations with other countries, particularly in the Horn of Africa, in the hope of gaining international support. Nonetheless, the nation remains ostracized in the international community.
Eritrea also has a strained relationship with the United States and other Western nations. The United States has accused Eritrea of human rights abuses and has imposed a number of sanctions on the country. In response, Eritrea has largely been supportive of Russia and China, which have acted as their primary allies.
Impact on the Population
The oppressive actions of the Eritrean government have had a severely negative effect on the population, who are unable to voice their opposition to oppressive policies and who are subject to severe human rights violations. The government has restricted freedom of speech and the press, making it difficult for citizens to express their grievances. Political dissidents, journalists, and independent writers have been regularly arrested, tortured and killed.
The economy is also in a state of disrepair, with the majority of citizens living in poverty. The unemployment rate is high, and many citizens are unable to find steady employment and must resort to living off of what they can scavenge. Citizens are also unable to hold private property or to enjoy economic freedom. This issue is further exasperated by the government’s refusal to be transparent or open to international oversight.
The lack of infrastructure and services and the lack of access to basic needs such as education, healthcare and sanitation have all had a deleterious effect on the populace. While foreign aid has been pouring in to the country, the majority of citizens have seen minimal improvements in their lives. This has resulted in a large number of refugees fleeing the country in search of a better life.
Eritrea’s Future
In spite of the grim state of affairs in the nation, some feel that there is actually cause for hope in Eritrea. In 2016, a peace deal was brokered between Ethiopia and Eritrea, bringing an end to the two countries’ longstanding conflict. This deal has led to increased tourism, increased trade and increased investment from foreign countries.
The recent influx of money has had some positive effects on the economy, with some citizens seeing a rise in the quality of life. This economic growth could greatly improve the nation’s prospects, as it is a much-needed source of income for its citizens. Additionally, citizens may be able to access services such as healthcare and education, allowing citizens to lead a healthier and more fulfilled life.
However, many citizens remain skeptical that the recent developments will have any effect on the oppressive regime and its policies. The majority of citizens remain oppressed and the government continues to maintain a tight grip on its people. The prospects of a truly free and democratic Eritrea remain slim, and it is likely that the nation will remain in a state of authoritarianism for the foreseeable future.
The Power of the West
It is clear that the current situation in Eritrea is far from ideal. The tyrannical regime has caused extreme suffering for its citizens, and many of the country’s problems remain unresolved. While the international community has condemned the actions of the Eritrean government, its actions have had little effect. It is clear that Eritrea is in dire need of change, and that the only way this change can occur is if the West makes a concerted effort to address the country’s issues.
The West has the power to influence the situation in Eritrea in a number of ways. For starters, the international community can impose sanctions on the Eritrean government, or place pressure on the nation to make changes. Additionally, the international community can step up efforts to increase aid to the country and provide humanitarian assistance. Finally, the international community can work to increase awareness of the situation in Eritrea, in order to hold the government accountable for its actions.
The West has the power to create meaningful and lasting change in Eritrea, and it is imperative that it takes action. As the international community stands by and watches, the situation in Eritrea continues to worsen, and its citizens suffer. It is time for the West to take action and make changes before it is too late.
International Support and Advocacy
The international community can work to support the citizens of Eritrea in a number of ways. By voicing their support for the rights and liberties of Eritreans, the international community can work to apply pressure to the Eritrean government and urge them to make improvements. They can also provide more humanitarian aid, as well as increase access to education and health care. Finally, they can provide legal aid and protection to endangered individuals who are at risk of persecution.
Advocacy groups and NGOs can also play an important role in advocating for the rights of Eritreans. These organizations can work to bring awareness of the situation in Eritrea to the public, and can lobby for international pressure to be placed on the government. Additionally, these organizations can work with international agencies to ensure that aid and assistance is provided to those in need.
Although it is clear that change will not happen overnight in Eritrea, it is not impossible. With the help of the international community and advocacy groups, there is the potential to create lasting change and to ensure that the human rights of the Eritrean people are respected.
