Repressive, secretive and highly militarised: Eritrea, the east African country facing UK visa ban threat
Country has not had an election in 33 years and has withdrawn cooperation with UK on migrant returns
TL;DR
- Eritrea is described as one of the world's most secretive and repressive states.
- The country is under an authoritarian regime led by President Isaias Afwerki since 1993.
- Eritrea has not held national elections since gaining independence and its constitution is unimplemented.
- Independent newspapers were shut down in 2001 after internal dissent.
- A compulsory national service system can last for decades, leading many to flee the country.
- Eritrea has withdrawn cooperation with the UK on migrant returns, leading to a potential UK visa ban threat.
- The nation practices economic self-reliance and rejects foreign aid.
- Eritrea is strategically located in the Horn of Africa with an extensive Red Sea coastline.
- The country is involved in recent tensions with Ethiopia over accusations of aggression and troop movements.
- Eritrea has denied accusations of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).