Eritrea, often dubbed the “North Korea of Africa,” remains shrouded in mystery and fear as tales of repression and human rights abuses emerge from its borders. With a population of 3.5 million, the nation is dominated by a repressive regime that has been in power since its independence in 1993. President Isaias Afwerki leads the single-party system, under which no general elections have ever been held, nor a constitution implemented. The country is notorious for its policy of indefinite military service—a condition likened to modern-day slavery by the United Nations.
The harsh realities of life in Eritrea have forced roughly a third of its population to flee, escaping poverty, repression, and the oppressive military service. Many seek refuge in neighboring countries like Ethiopia, which in 2023 alone sheltered 158,000 Eritrean refugees. The exodus is so significant that Eritrea's primary export seems to be its people, as many flee at great personal risk.
In 2023, Eritrea ranked as the fourth-biggest source of individuals arriving in the United Kingdom on small boats, with 2,662 arrivals. These escapees often face perilous journeys, including the threat of gunshot wounds and other injuries. Eritrea's military prisons held at least 14,000 people in 2014, according to UN estimates. Within this vast gulag system, prisoners endure unimaginable conditions.
“You could stand for a few minutes, but that was it,” a former prisoner recounted. “There is nowhere to go. My joints were constantly aching.”
These words reflect the harrowing experiences within Eritrea's secret prisons, which include underground cells and clandestine detention centers. Torture and sexual abuses of conscripts are commonplace, painting a grim picture of the state's treatment of its citizens.
“Whenever you go into prison, they don’t tell you how long you will stay,” shared a preacher.
The uncertainty and dread faced by detainees are compounded by the brutal conditions they endure daily. The psychological toll is immense, as illustrated by another former prisoner's haunting admission:
“It was almost a relief when someone died,” he said. “It gave you a chance to stretch your legs.”
The Eritrean government maintains tight control over religious practices, permitting only four state-sanctioned denominations. This restriction further exemplifies the lack of freedom in the country, as affirmed by a former detainee:
“If you raise your hand and speak out, they take you away. There is no freedom.”
The press-ganging of Eritrean citizens into military service exacerbated during the 2020-22 civil war in Ethiopia, where Eritrea fought alongside the Ethiopian government. This conflict saw even more citizens forced into military roles, perpetuating the cycle of fear and repression.
For those who manage to escape Eritrea's clutches, life remains fraught with challenges. Many find themselves in refugee camps or undertaking perilous journeys across treacherous landscapes and waters. Despite these dangers, they continue to flee in droves.
A poignant example of the struggles faced by Eritreans is captured in the words of one former prisoner who left behind family members struggling to survive:
“They were struggling to survive, and my salary was not enough to support them.”
These stories highlight the stark contrast between life in Eritrea and the world beyond its borders—a world where freedom is a distant dream for those trapped within.
Moreover, the impact of indefinite conscription and political oppression resonates deeply with families separated by these harsh realities. Betlehem, Dawit's daughter, offered a glimpse into her family's plight:
“We can only imagine what he has been through.”
For many Eritreans, their only hope lies beyond their nation's borders. This hope drives them to undertake harrowing journeys across land and sea in search of sanctuary. Yet even as they reach places like the UK, their struggles continue as they navigate complex immigration systems and face new challenges.