The article highlights the authoritarian reign of Isaias Afwerki, president of Eritrea, who has governed with a heavy-handed approach reminiscent of former dictator Mengistu. Following Eritrea's independence in 1991, expectations for democratization and economic growth were swiftly quashed as Afwerki established a repressive regime, prioritizing military ambitions over democratic values. The illusion of freedom gave way to a reality where Eritreans became subjugated to the president's geopolitical desires, extinguishing hope for a liberal democracy. The author argues for urgent international action to end Afwerki's continual oppression.
"Isaias impresses me as remarkably similar in temperament and attitudes to Mengistu, exhibiting a stubborn, fundamentally authoritarian personality that has stifled Eritrea's potential for democracy and prosperity."
"The euphoria of independence was short-lived as Isaias rejected the prospect of a prosperous democracy, instead governing Eritrea as a garrison state focused on military ambitions."
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