Isaias Adwerki

Isais Afwerki is the first and current President of Eritrea, having held the position since the country gained independence in 1993, He is one of Africa's longest-serving leaders and has maintained power through a one-party dominated by the People's front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), which he helped establish. Isaias is known for his strong, central leadership and his focus on self-reliance, although his government has been criticized for its authoritarianism and human rights abuses. 

Early Life and Education

Isaias Afwerki was born on February 2, 1946, in Asmara, which was then part of Italian- administrated Eritrea. He grew up in a period of colonial rule, first under Italy and then briefly under British administration before Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia. Isaias attended Prime Makonnen High School in Asmara, where he excelled academically. In 1965, he enrolled at Haile Selassie I University in Addis Ababa to study engineering but left in 1966 to join the Eritrean independence struggle.

Eritrean War Of Independence 

Isaias Afwerki became involved in the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991, as part of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). He later broke away from from the ELF due to ideological differences and co-founded the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (ELF) in 1970, which became the dominant force in the fight against Ethiopian control. Isaias rose to a leadership position within the EPLF due to his military prowess and organizational skills, eventually becoming the group's Secretary-General in 1987.

The EPLF, under Isaias's leadership, was instrumental in the eventual defeat of Ethiopian forces in Eritrea. On May 24, 1991, Asmara fell to the EPLE, marking the de facto independence of Eritrea. In 1993, following a UN-supervised referendum, Eritrea officially declared independence from Ethiopia, and Isaias Afwerki became the nation's first president.    

Presidency

Isaias Afwerki was formally inaugurated as Eritrea's president on May 24, 1993. His government initially focused on reconstruction and development, aiming to create a self-sufficient state. Isaias promoted a model of "self-reliance" seeking to minimize foreign dependency, which shaped both domestic policies and international relations.

However, over time, Eritrea developed into a one-party state, with the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) becoming the sole legal political party. No national elections have been held since independence, and the country has faced accusations of widespread human rights abuses, including restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The mandatory national service program, which was originally meant to last 18 months, has been indefinitely extended for many Eritreans, leading to widespread criticism from international organizations. 

Isaias's rule has also been marked by conflict with neighboring Ethiopia. Between 1998 and 2000, Eritrea and Ethiopia fought a brutal border war, which left tens of thousands dead. Although a peace agreement was signed in Isaias in 2000, tensions remained high for nearly two decades. In 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki signed a historic peace agreement, officially ending the state of war between the two countries.

Foreign Policy and Relations

Isaias has pursued a foreign policy that emphasizes Eritrean independence from international influence, especially from Western powers. His government has frequently clashed with the United States, European Union, and the United Nations over issues ranging from human rights to regional conflicts.  

Eritrea has maintained a controversial relationship with regional actors such as Sudan, and Somalia. At various times, it has been accused of supporting rebel groups in neighboring countries, leading to its diplomatic isolation and international sanctions. Despite this, Eritrea has maintained strong ties with countries like China, Russia, and the Gulf states. 

Personal Life and Legacy 

Isaias Afwerki is married to Saba Haile, and they three children. Despite his long tenure as president, he is known for his relatively simple lifestyle, avoiding the ostentatious displays of wealth often associated with long-serving leaders. Isaias is fluent in Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. 

While many Eritrea's credit him for leading the country to independence, his legacy is deeply controversial due to his authoritarian governance style. Eritrea is often described as one of the most repressive states in the world, with limited political freedoms and an economy that struggles under state control. Nonetheless, Isaias remains a central figure  in Eritrean politics, and his influence countries to shape the country's future.