Seven players from the Eritrea national football team have gone missing after a historic win against the Eswatini national football team. The team won 4-1 on aggregate to reach the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years. However, only three of the 10 locally based players returned home. The seven missing players are believed to have disappeared while traveling through South Africa and later Cairo. This is not the first time Eritrean players have failed to return after matches abroad. Over 20 years, several players have left and asked for asylum. Rights groups say the government, led by Isaias Afwerki, is highly repressive, although officials deny this. One major issue is indefinite military service, which requires many citizens to join after school and prevents them from easily leaving. Because of this, many Eritreans try to escape the country and seek asylum abroad. Many people believe that strict government control, lack of freedom, and fear of punishment are key reasons why citizens risk leaving their country despite the dangers involved.

Pray against oppression and forced military service for all citizens in Eritrea. Pray for the Holy Spirit of GOD to turn the hearts and minds of the Eritrean authorities towards Truth, justice, and righteousness (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 21:1).

Almighty GOD, raise Deborahs, Baraks, and Gideons among the Eritrean people to fight for their rights and freedom. Raise the victory banner for the oppressed in the country (The Holy Bible, Judges 6:14).

News Source: BBC, Aljazeera

Image Source: Canva