Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki has ruled the country for 32 years without holding elections. Once seen as a hopeful reformer, he promised democracy in the 1990s but later became increasingly authoritarian. After a war with Ethiopia in 1998, elections were postponed, and in 2001, the government shut down independent media and jailed critics. The 1997 constitution was never implemented, and the cabinet has not met since 2018. Eritrea’s economy is weak, and many young people are stuck in indefinite national service. Thousands have fled the country to escape repression and hardship. Isaias lives mostly in a retreat near Asmara, receiving guests like a king. While he still has support among the military and some in the diaspora, there is no clear successor or opposition. Many Eritreans are frustrated and hopeless, waiting for change. Despite this, Isaias shows no sign of stepping down or reforming the country’s political and economic system.
Pray for the end of the oppressive regime in Eritrea. Pray for a political transformation and open doors for democracy in the country, for nothing is impossible with the LORD (The Holy Bible, Luke 1:37).
Pray for the Eritreans to have access to all their needs and rights in their homeland. Pray for the immediate release of all the imprisoned innocent victims (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 23:18).
In the Mighty and Marvelous Name of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, we say to the nation of Eritrea and its people, ‘Live!’ Amen (The Holy Bible, Ezekiel 16:6).
News Source: BBC
Image Source: Canva
