Eritrea's Stagnation Under Isaias Afwerki: Three Decades of Unfulfilled Promises

Isaias Afwerki, who came to power in Eritrea amidst great promises for reform, has since become synonymous with autocracy and stagnation. Despite earlier hopes for democracy post-independence, decades of repression have resulted in widespread disillusionment among Eritreans, with many fleeing the country in search of freedom and opportunities.

For many Eritreans, the initial optimism that surrounded Isaias Afwerki's rise to power has turned to despair as he marks 32 years of leadership. The president, once viewed as a beacon of reform in Africa, spends his days in seclusion at a rural residence outside Asmara, governing without a cabinet since 2018 and effectively consolidating all power in his hands. Ordinary Eritreans seek his audience with dwindling hopes, knowing well that he has never allowed elections during his tenure.

In contrast to his current autocratic rule, the 1990s were full of promise. Following the victory of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) against Ethiopia in 1991, Isaias emerged as a charismatic leader symbolizing hope for both his nation and the international community. In his early speeches, he condemned the long-standing leadership styles of older African leaders, pledging a commitment to democratic principles and the creation of a new constitutional framework.

Eritrea celebrated its independence in 1993 amid great jubilation, further bolstered by She has secured praise from notable Western leaders like Bill Clinton. However, just as the nation anticipated its first elections in the late 1990s, conflict erupted with Ethiopia, marking a shift in Isaias’s approach. The war provided a pretext for him to indefinitely delay promised democratic reforms, while several high-profile calls for reform from his inner circle culminated in their arrest in 2001.

The early years of the 2000s, which had seen some level of freedom and plurality, came to a sudden end after a major purge of independent media and dissenting voices. The clampdown on the G-15 reformists cemented Isaias's autocratic rule, which he further justified by dismissing the necessity of political parties altogether.

As the years passed, Isaias’s regime faced increasing isolation, leaving Eritrea with an economy burdened by mismanagement and restrictive policies. His recent comments reflect an awareness of economic pressures; however, he remains steadfast in rejecting foreign aid, arguing instead for a self-reliant approach. Under a shadow of oppressive national service, many Eritreans, particularly youth, grapple with despair and loss of hope, prompting hundreds of thousands to abandon their homeland in search of better lives abroad.

Despite a history marked by repression, Isaias retains a base of support among military factions and some segments of the diaspora who view his leadership as essential for national sovereignty. As speculation swirls around his potential successors—particularly after an alleged grooming of his eldest son—the future of Eritrea remains uncertain.

As Isaias nears his 80s, those within and outside the nation anxiously await changes or a potential power transfer, but for now, the Eritrean people continue to experience the grim realities of life under his enduring rule.