Publication

This commentary discusses some of the reasons why large numbers of Eritreans are fleeing their country despite the fact that the country suffers neither famine nor war nor terrorism. The author explains that this movement of people has, in the main, been caused by 1) harsh compulsory military service conditions for both men and women; 2) the repression of human rights and liberties instituted by the government following the country's 1998-2000 war with Ethiopia; 3) an underdeveloped economy; and 4) the relative isolation of Eritrea among the other countries in the Horn of Africa. She also suggests that reintegrating the country in regional structures could build trust and neutralize the Eritrean narrative of Ethiopian aggression and international conspiracy. In return Eritrea could be expected to curtail its military service and engage constructively in the region.