Introduction
The quote “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain” from Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight, spoken by the character Harvey Dent, captures a recurring historical pattern. This pattern is especially evident in the context of leaders who rise to power during crises, often positioning themselves as saviors or reformers, only to eventually become oppressors. This narrative can be traced back to Roman rulers and continues to be relevant in modern times. Today, we examine one such example in the East African country of Eritrea, focusing on its recent history and the authoritarian rule of President Isaias Afwerki.
Historical Context
Eritrea, located at the strategic juncture of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, declared independence from Ethiopia in May 1993. The country’s ruler, Isaias Afwerki, has held power since then, without a single election to support his mandate. Eritrea’s political and social landscape is shrouded in mystery, ranking among the worst in the world for press freedom, economic freedom, and religious freedom. The country’s severe repression has led to one of the highest rates of outward migration globally.
The Path to Independence
To understand how Eritrea came to be under the grip of a dictator, it’s essential to delve into its history, demography, and relations with its political environment. Eritrea’s diversity is immense, with half the population being ethnic Tigrinya, including Afwerki himself. The Tigrinya people are a predominantly Christian ethnic group in the central highlands, speaking the Tigrinya language. They share close ties with the Tigray people of northern Ethiopia. Another significant group, the Tigre people, who practice Islam and speak the Tigre language, make up about 30% of Eritrea’s population. The remaining 20% consists of various other ethnic groups, each with distinct customs and languages.
Despite this diversity, precise population statistics are challenging to ascertain, as Afwerki has never allowed a population census during his 30 years in power. Afwerki was born in Asmara, the modern-day capital, in 1946. At that time, Eritrea was under British administration, following Italy’s defeat in World War II. In 1952, a UN resolution federated Eritrea within the Ethiopian Empire under Emperor Haile Selassie. However, by 1962, Eritrea was forcibly annexed, becoming a province of Ethiopia, sparking widespread discontent and the beginning of the Eritrean War of Independence.
The War of Independence
The Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), a militant organization with leftist leanings, launched the independence struggle in the 1960s. Isaias Afwerki joined the ELF in 1966 but soon founded a splinter group, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), in 1970. The EPLF eventually became the dominant faction in the fight for independence. Unlike the ELF, which was marked by infighting and ethnonationalism, the EPLF was founded on Marxist principles, garnering significant support from the Eritrean public.
The EPLF waged a sustained guerrilla campaign against Ethiopia throughout the 1980s. The Ethiopian Civil War, which began in 1974, further destabilized the region. The overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie by the Derg, a Marxist military dictatorship, and subsequent internal conflicts weakened Ethiopia, allowing the EPLF to make significant gains. By 1991, the Ethiopian government collapsed, and Eritrea declared independence in 1993, following a UN-supervised referendum.
Afwerki’s Rule
Afwerki, having led the EPLF to victory, was well-positioned to assume leadership of the newly independent Eritrea. Initially hailed as a Renaissance African leader, Afwerki soon revealed his true intentions. Eritrea under his rule has become one of the most repressive regimes globally. The country operates without fundamental governance structures, such as a parliament, functioning constitution, or legal opposition parties. Afwerki has never held elections, maintaining a firm grip on power through severe repression.
The suppression of civil liberties in Eritrea is extreme. Independent media outlets were banned in 2001, and the country consistently ranks last in press freedom. The government’s mandatory military service is notorious, often extending indefinitely, with many Eritreans spending decades in the military. The UN has described the conscription system as “slavery-like,” with harsh penalties for those who refuse to serve.
Migration Crisis
The harsh conditions in Eritrea have led to a massive exodus of its population. Despite having one of the world’s highest birth rates, Eritrea’s population growth is stunted due to large-scale emigration. In 2019, around 12% of the population migrated, with Eritreans making up a significant portion of those attempting to reach Europe by sea. Many cite the unbearable conditions and risk of severe punishment or death if returned as reasons for fleeing.
International Relations and Conflict
Eritrea’s foreign policy under Afwerki has been marked by volatility and risky decisions. Relations with Ethiopia have been particularly strained. Following Eritrea’s independence, the two countries went to war in 1998 over the disputed town of Badme. Although a ceasefire was reached in 2000, tensions persisted until 2018 when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed renounced Ethiopia’s claims to Badme in exchange for access to Eritrean ports.
Afwerki’s actions have often alienated potential allies. His decision to send Eritrean troops into Tigray during the recent conflict further isolated Eritrea internationally. Instead of seeking reconciliation, Afwerki has aligned Eritrea with countries like Iran, China, and Venezuela, distancing it from Western nations and some African neighbors. His undermining of the African Union, in collaboration with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has also weakened Eritrea’s standing in the region.
Conclusion
The story of Eritrea under Isaias Afwerki is a stark reminder of the dangers of absolute power. Once hailed as a hero of independence, Afwerki has become a villain in the eyes of many Eritreans and the international community. His repressive regime has driven countless Eritreans to flee their homeland, seeking safety and freedom elsewhere. As Eritrea faces an uncertain future, the lessons from its recent history are clear: the concentration of power in the hands of one individual can lead to unimaginable suffering and oppression.
FAQ Section
Q: What led to Eritrea’s war of independence? A: Eritrea’s war of independence was sparked by Ethiopia’s forced annexation of Eritrea in 1962, which led to widespread discontent and the formation of militant groups like the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and later the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF).
Q: How has Isaias Afwerki maintained power in Eritrea? A: Isaias Afwerki has maintained power through severe repression, banning independent media, and not holding any elections. The country operates without a functioning parliament, constitution, or legal opposition parties.
Q: Why is Eritrea considered one of the most repressive regimes in the world? A: Eritrea is considered one of the most repressive regimes due to its severe suppression of civil liberties, mandatory indefinite military service, lack of press freedom, and the absence of democratic governance structures.
Q: What has been the impact of mandatory military service in Eritrea? A: Mandatory military service in Eritrea, often extending indefinitely, has led to widespread human rights abuses, with many Eritreans spending decades in the military under harsh conditions. This has been described as “slavery-like” by the UN.
Q: How has Eritrea’s foreign policy affected its international relations? A: Eritrea’s foreign policy under Afwerki has been marked by volatility, leading to strained relations with neighboring Ethiopia and isolation from many international partners. Afwerki’s alignment with countries like Iran, China, and Venezuela has further distanced Eritrea from the West and some African neighbors.
