Pray for Eritrea

Eritrea has been called the North Korea of Africa because of how severely the government restricts the people’s freedom. It was once an Italian colony, seized by Great Britain during World War II. After the war, the UN gave it to Ethiopia, which ignited decades of conflict still being dealt with today. Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, but the two nations are constantly on the brink of a third major war.

As the nation has struggled for its freedom, so have the citizens. The unelected leaders restrict their speech and religion, and almost all 18-year-olds, including women, are required to serve in the military indefinitely. This service requirement means most members of the population work in the military without enough pay. It is common for people to experience torture, inhumane treatment, sexual violence, forced labor, and abuse, and large numbers are fleeing the country. An estimated half of the population is impoverished, but the exact data is hidden from the public. Malnutrition is widespread, and around half of the children under five have experienced stunted growth.

The government only permits four religious groups: Sunni Islam, the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran. There are some reports of repression within those four groups, but persecution is particularly severe toward other religions. Christians outside of the approved groups are persecuted, imprisoned, and tortured. Many believers gather secretly in house churches. Pray that the Lord would preserve His people in Eritrea and grant them freedom from the strong grasp of political and religious oppression.