Summary
Julia Paravicini, a senior correspondent at Reuters, shares insights from her recent reporting trip to Eritrea, focusing on the capital city of Asmara and the political climate surrounding the country. Paravicini describes Asmara as a city seemingly frozen in time, with its architecture preserved but the economy struggling under decades of sanctions. She notes a surprising presence of youth in the city, who often engage in state-mandated jobs while also taking on additional work to make ends meet. Conversations with locals reveal a palpable fear of discussing politics, reflecting the repressive environment under the long-standing regime.
During her discussions with Eritrean officials, Paravicini finds them surprisingly open about internal issues, including the lack of elections and the absence of a succession plan for President Isaias Afwerki, who has ruled since independence. Officials express a desire to counter narratives from Ethiopia, emphasizing that they do not seek to destabilize their larger neighbor. However, they acknowledge ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Ethiopia's claims to Eritrean territory and the potential for conflict.
Paravicini also touches on Eritrea's relationships with regional powers, including Egypt and the United States, highlighting a cautious optimism about renewed engagement following the lifting of sanctions. Despite the strategic importance of Eritrea's coastline, officials remain defensive about foreign involvement, asserting their sovereignty. The future of Eritrea remains uncertain, particularly for its youth, who yearn for change but feel constrained by the oppressive political landscape.
Show Notes
In this episode of The Horn, Alan is joined by Reuters journalist Giulia Paravicini to discuss her recent visit to Asmara, Eritrea’s capital. They talk about everyday life in one of the world’s most isolated countries, Giulia’s conversations with Eritrean officials and the future of the aging regime. They explore how Asmara views Ethiopia’s push for sea access and why Eritrean officials fear an attack on the southern port of Assab. They also discuss Eritrea’s alleged support for Ethiopian opposition groups, reports of Eritrean troops entering Tigray during the recent fighting and whether the two neighbours could still slide into outright war. Finally, they examine Eritrea’s regional relationships, particularly its growing ties with Egypt and renewed engagement with Washington, and whether the country can capitalise on the increasing strategic importance of the Red Sea.
For more, check out Giulia’s recent reporting for Reuters “Inside one of the world’s most secretive countries” and “As Iran war smolders, shunned Eritrea looks to come in from the cold”, as well as our last episode “Ethiopia and Eritrea, On the Cusp of War” and our Horn of Africa page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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