Many young people in Eritrea are leaving the country because of long national service, poor living conditions, and lack of freedom. Although the government says national service lasts 18 months, many youths are forced to serve for years. Some work in bad conditions with no sign of release. This has made many flee or plan to escape. The government says it cannot end the service due to threats from neighboring countries. At the same time, President Isaias Afwerki blames illegal migration and human trafficking on foreign countries trying to cause regime change. He has asked the UN to investigate. But many reports say harsh economic conditions and limited freedoms are the main reasons people leave. Eritrea is often listed among the top African countries with high migration rates, along with Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan. In 2017, Swiss authorities reported that Eritreans were the largest group of asylum seekers in their country, ahead of Syrians, Afghans, and Turks. While some youth still love their country and hope to return, most feel forced to migrate for a better life and future.
Almighty GOD, we plead for Your divine intervention in Eritrea to end the oppression against innocent civilians, especially the youth, for nothing is too hard for You (The Holy Bible, Jeremiah 32:17).
Pray for the end of the long and forced national service program in Eritrea. Pray for more freedom of expression in the nation. Pray for economic stability in the country. Pray for peace and hope to fill the hearts and minds of the Eritreans, especially the youth, to bring a true transformation to the nation (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 23:18).
News Source: Africanews
Image Source: Canva
