Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa and bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, achieved independence from Ethiopia in 1993 following a 30-year conflict. The country operates under an authoritarian government led by Isaias Afwerki, who has served as president since independence and heads the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, the only legally permitted political party. No national elections have been held since the nation’s establishment as a sovereign state.
The country is characterized by significant restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms. A constitution ratified in 1997 remains unimplemented nearly three decades later. In 2001, the government shuttered all independent media outlets following publication of an open letter by senior ruling party officials advocating for constitutional implementation and democratic elections. International observers have documented reports of arbitrary detention and constraints on freedom of expression, opinion, and religion.
Eritrea operates as a highly militarized state with mandatory national service requirements. Secondary school students must complete their final year at a military training center, where they receive military training and political education before assignment to military or civilian service roles that can extend for extended periods. The compulsory conscription system and associated repression have prompted significant emigration, with estimates suggesting up to one-third of the Eritrean-born population resides outside the country.
Recently, Eritrea has become a focal point in bilateral disputes. Eritreans represented the most common nationality arriving by small boat to the UK in the year ending June 2026. Earlier this year, Eritrea halted cooperation with the UK regarding migrant returns, prompting the UK home secretary to threaten visa restrictions on all Eritreans unless the country accepts rejected asylum seekers and convicted criminals. Additionally, the country faces escalating tensions with Ethiopia, with both nations accusing each other of military aggression and border violations in the Tigray region.
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