President Isaias Afwerki has ruled Eritrea with an iron grip, dashing early hopes of democracy and development that once defined the country’s post-independence aspirations. At 79, Isaias now spends most of his time at a secluded rural residence outside Asmara, where he operates as the sole authority in a government that has not held a cabinet meeting since 2018.
When Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1991, Isaias was hailed as a reformist leader promising democratic transition. A new constitution was ratified in 1997, and national elections were anticipated. But war with Ethiopia in 1998 became a convenient excuse to suspend the democratic process indefinitely.
By 2001, dissent within the government peaked. A group known as the G-15 publicly demanded reforms, only to be arrested alongside independent journalists in a sweeping crackdown. The constitution was shelved, and any glimmer of press freedom or political pluralism extinguished.
Isaias dismissed democratic governance as chaotic and abandoned plans for multi-party politics. Over time, government institutions crumbled into the presidency’s orbit, leaving ministries leaderless and the legislature defunct. A failed military coup in 2013 and a proposed but unrealized new constitution in 2014 only reinforced the president’s tightening control.
Eritrea’s economy has since stagnated, weighed down by authoritarianism, lack of investment, and strict import controls. Youth are trapped in indefinite national service, pushing many to flee. Eritreans now make up one of the largest refugee groups in the UK.
Despite the domestic hardships, Isaias maintains a loyal base within the military and diaspora, who view him as a bulwark against foreign influence. Yet with no clear succession plan, growing disillusionment, and no roadmap for reform, Eritrea’s future remains uncertain.
As he nears 80, some speculate Isaias may be seeking redemption. His public appearance during Easter mass sparked hopes of change but for many Eritreans, those hopes have long been eroded by decades of repression and unfulfilled promises.
