ICERAS

The Eritrean government maintained an iron grip on its population at home and abroad. It continued to repress the population’s rights, including freedom of opinion, religion, and expression, and forced much of its adult population into indefinite military/national service. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia escalated, notably over Ethiopia’s ongoing quest for access to the sea.

The country has had no elections since independence in 1993, and the unelected president, Isaias Afewerki, in power since then, has not implemented the country’s constitution guaranteeing civil rights and limiting executive power. The legislature has not met since 2010. No political party except the ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice has been allowed to exist. Unlawful detentions and enforced disappearances, particularly of perceived critics, government officials, journalists, and alleged draft evaders, are widespread. READMORE