08/06/2019 Eritrea (International Christian Concern) – It has been just over a month since the government in Eritrea seized control of all Catholic run health facilities in its borders. This was a move by the government who said that the church did not need to run them because there were state run facilities in each of the cities. The government also claimed that the Catholic clinics were being used as a means to evangelize to the civilian population, which has been illegal in Eritrea for decades.

These rules, among others, has earned Eritrea the name of “North Korea of Africa”. It communist led government has long revoked the freedoms of press, religion, and speech. Its population, especially evangelical Christians has had to live in fear of indefinite imprisonment for no reason. Secret police arrest and harass anyone who gathers in groups, and many of those arrested are held for decades or until they die. They are also held in the poorest and harshest conditions, often being thrown in metal shipping containers in desert temperatures with dozens of others.

There was hope that after the end of the war with Ethiopia, that these rules and restrictions might be lifted. This has not happened. It appears as if Isaias Afwerki, the longtime dictator, has become more and more paranoid and restrictive on his own people. Due to this, the population continues to flee the country in droves. More than 10% of the population has left the country over the past decade.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].