Isaias Afwerki

Isaias Afwerki is the president of Eritrea.

He has held this position since the country gained independence in 1993. He is also the chairman of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). This political party was formed in 1994 to transition from a rebel group to a governing body. Afwerki has been the central figure in Eritrean politics for many decades. His leadership has shaped the nation's history and its modern identity.

Afwerki's rise to power began with his involvement in the Eritrean struggle for independence. In 1966, he traveled to Sudan to join the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). He soon realized the ELF was a sectarian group that was often hostile toward Christians. To seek a more inclusive movement, he and two comrades formed a secret cell. They even signed an oath with their own blood to show their dedication. In 1967, Afwerki traveled to China for training. There, he studied Maoism and the tactics of guerrilla warfare.

After returning to Eritrea, Afwerki continued to challenge the existing leadership. In 1969, he led a group of fighters who defected from the ELF. This group eventually became known as the Ala group. By 1971, this movement founded the Selfi Natsinet, or "Independence Party." Afwerki wrote a document called "Nihnan Elamanan" to explain their goals. He argued for the unity of the entire Eritrean nation. This group later merged with others to form the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in 1973.

Internal conflicts within the EPLF defined Afwerki's early leadership. In 1974, a group of eleven EPLF leaders were executed after a brief trial. Following this, Afwerki began to consolidate his control over the organization. By the mid-1980s, he worked to replace founding leaders with people loyal to him. In 1987, he was elevated to the position of secretary-general. This marked the point when he gained unquestioned control of the EPLF. He became the primary icon of the resistance against Ethiopian rule.

The EPLF achieved a major victory in April 1991 by taking Asmara from Ethiopian forces. This success led to the end of a 30-year war for independence. In 1993, a United Nations-supervised referendum was held to decide the country's future. The vote resulted in Eritrea achieving de jure independence. Afwerki was subsequently elected as the first president of the new state. He has remained the head of state ever since that historic moment.

As president, Afwerki implemented various economic and social policies. In 1994, he started a national service program. This program required 18 months of service, including military training and agricultural work. He also focused on building infrastructure like power, transport, and telecommunications. The economy relies heavily on agriculture and mining. According to the World Bank, agriculture makes up one-third of the economy. Mining accounts for about 20 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Despite these developments, Afwerki's government faces significant international criticism. Many scholars and historians describe him as a dictator. They point out that Eritrea's constitution has never been enforced. Electoral institutions are considered effectively nonexistent. In 2001, Afwerki closed all independent national newspapers. He also arrested prominent opposition leaders, including members of a group called the G-15. In 2024, Reporters Without Borders ranked Eritrea last in the Press Freedom Index.

Human rights organizations have also raised serious concerns about his rule. Amnesty International has reported on the imprisonment of many political prisoners. A United Nations panel accused the government of systematic human rights violations. Some reports suggest the existence of labor camps and concentration camps. These issues have shaped how the world views Eritrea's political system. The country remains a highly centralized state under Afwerki's long-term leadership.