The West is courting favour with Eritrea, putting aside human-rights concerns
Western governments, including the U.S., EU, and Canada, are increasing diplomatic engagement with Eritrea despite ongoing human-rights abuses and its military presence in Ethiopia, driven by strategic interests in the Red Sea region. The shift reflects a broader prioritization of geopolitical influence and shipping security over human-rights concerns. Critics warn that normalizing ties with Eritrea could embolden its authoritarian regime and worsen regional conflicts in Ethiopia and Sudan. Eritrea’s control of key Red Sea coastline is central to its newfound diplomatic appeal.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Open this photo in gallery:Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki steps down from the aircraft at the airport in Gondar, for a visit to Ethiopia, November, 2018. Mr. Afwerki, has ruled Eritrea without challenge for 33 years.EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP/Getty ImagesShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThe isolated regime of Eritrea, long shunned as one of the world’s most repressive dictatorships, is enjoying a sudden flurry of diplomatic attention from Western governments that increasingly value its strategic location on the Red Sea.The courting of Eritrea is the latest sign that the West is downplaying its traditional human-rights concerns in the Horn of Africa and instead prioritizing geopolitical factors such as shipping routes and military muscle in…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Globe and Mail
