Christians have been called to remember their fellow believers amidst intensifying persecution in Eritrea. Oft dubbed the "North Korea of Africa," the state cracks down on dissent, and an Open Doors spokesperson has called for believers not to “be blind to the suffering of our persecuted brothers and sisters."
Open Doors are one of several charities which have called for the release of seven church leaders in Eritrea who have been held without charge for over 20 years. The men are yet to stand trial, and their families have not been allowed to visit them, in a situation emblematic of the suffering of Christians all over the country.
Mussie Eyasu (name changed for security reasons), an Eritrean Christian who was part of an underground church before eventually fleeing the country 17 years ago, told en about what he feels is a worsening predicament.
He said: “In Eritrea, only a few state-approved churches are allowed to operate but Christians who belong to unregistered churches like evangelical, Pentecostal, or other independent fellowships face harassment, arrest, or imprisonment. [The authorities] see them as illegal and agents of the west.
“Sadly, the situation has not improved over time; if anything, it has grown worse, as the government sees Christians as a threat to national security. Significantly, despite the suffering, the church in Eritrea remains strong, and faith in Christ gives believers courage to endure.”
Eyasu has experienced hardship on a personal level, with both of his parents having spent time behind bars. Asked what it is like to have relatives in prison for their faith, he said: “It is very painful and tough because families often do not know where their loved ones are being detained, or if they are alive. Prisoner handling in Eritrea is very harsh and many believes are kept in overcrowded, inhumane conditions, sometimes in shipping containers under the burning sun.”
Eritrea has been likened to North Korea due to its brutal authoritarian regime under President Isaias Afwerki, who has been in charge since 1993. However, persecution of its Christians tends to receive less coverage than in the likes of North Korea and Nigeria.
Asked why this is, Eyasu said: “Eritrea is a small and relatively new country that is often overlooked in world news. Its government is very secretive, [there is] no internet access except [that which is] very limited and controlled by the state, and there is little free press to report on what is happening.
“Many people in the west also know Eritrea more for migration and the refugee crisis, not for the faith of its people. This means the suffering of Eritrean Christians is often hidden and much attention is not given internationally.”
Open Doors spokesperson Jo Newhouse added: “Eritrea is 'conveniently' out of sight and out of mind for many, and what happens there does not have the perceived potential to impact the rest of the world, unlike North Korea's missile testing. This is also how the Eritrean government prefers it. The less international attention they have, the easier they can continue their authoritarian agenda."
