Eritrea:
If you want to learn about Eritrea, take a taxi in Toronto, Canada; there is a huge contingent of Eritrean cab drivers in this city. They came here to get away from the 30-year-war, when Eritrea was breaking away from Ethiopia. Succession finally happened in 1991, followed by a period of peace, but in 1998 the war with Ethiopia started up again.
However, on June 1, 2000, Ethiopia declared that it had won back its territory from Eritrea and was ending the fighting.
Since then, things have been progressing well. Mines are being dug out of the beaches on the Red Sea, trees are being replanted, schools built, and oil reserves explored. The people have been putting in an effort to build their country, and are welcoming tourists.
In fact, Eritrea looks like it has its act together. There's a strong sense of community, as Eritreans work together to make their country work. The capital, Asmara, is clean, safe, and well organized, with well-run small and large businesses.
The only problem with this picture is that the government has cracked down on political dissent. President Afewerki, though, in an Atlantic Monthly article (check it out-April 2003 issue) says "...we will handle these matters in a way that won't damage our bilateral relationship and won't embarrass us or you." ("You" refers to the United States.)
Eritrea could be, then, a pretty interesting African country to visit right now.
This page last updated April 25, 2003.