• 2024-02

Isaias Afwerki

Isaias Afwerki:

Personal Information:

Education and Background:

Attended high school in Asmara
Studied civil engineering at Haile Selassie I University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but did not complete his degree

Political Career:

Became involved in Eritrean independence movement in the 1960s
Co-founded the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) in 1960
Led the ELF's military wing, the Eritrean People's Liberation Army (EPLA)
Played a key role in the Eritrean–Ethiopian War (1961–1991)
Became the first President of Eritrea in 1991 after the country gained independence
Re-elected as President in 1993, 1998, 2004, and 2010 (no presidential elections have been held since)

Policies and Controversies:

Implemented a one-party system in Eritrea, with the PFDJ as the only legal political party
Restricted freedom of speech, assembly, and religion
Imprisoned political dissidents and journalists
Implemented a system of compulsory national service, requiring all Eritreans between the ages of 18 and 40 to serve in the military or perform national service
Engaged in border conflicts with Ethiopia and Djibouti
Accused of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings

International Relations:

Has strained relations with neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia
Has been criticized by the international community for human rights abuses and authoritarian rule
Has received support from some countries, including China and Qatar

Current Status:

Remains President of Eritrea, despite the lack of presidential elections since 2010
Continues to face international criticism for human rights abuses and authoritarian rule
Eritrea is one of the most closed and repressive countries in the world