After decades of tension between the two countries, Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a peace agreement last year. Much has been made in the media of the rapprochement, but we have yet to see any concrete improvements for Eritrea’s citizens, who live in one of the worst countries in the world for human rights. There’s been a surge in Eritreans leaving the country following the opening of the border; according to the UN’s Refugee Agency 9,905 Eritreans, mostly women and children, arrived in Ethiopia between 12 September and 13 October, and the number continues to rise.

Sunday 17 February

Despite all this, Eritrea has just been elected to the UN Human Rights Council. Pray today that UN Member States will continue to put pressure on Eritrea, and that its new position as a member of the HRC will not enable it to end the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea.

Monday 18 February

Give thanks for the work of the Special Rapporteur Sheila Keetharuth, who championed justice for the many victims of human rights violations. Pray that her successor Daniela Kravetz will come up to speed quickly and make a similarly positive impact on the human rights situation in Eritrea.

Tuesday 19 February

Pray for 73-year-old Berhane Abrehe, imprisoned last September for writing two books challenging dictatorship. His wife has been detained since early 2018 in reprisal for one of their children leaving the country. Pray today that God will keep his hand of protection over them and the thousands of others who are detained in appalling conditions for spurious reasons.

Wednesday 20 February

Mr Abrehe was arrested the day before the 17th anniversary of a huge crackdown in 2001, when pro-reform government officials were forcibly disappeared, independent media outlets were shut down and journalists were jailed. Many are rumoured to have died in the harsh conditions they endured. Pray that Eritrea will release the remaining officials and journalists, and allow freedom of the press.

Thursday 21 February

Initial reports of Eritrea releasing 400 Christian prisoners, soon after relations with Ethiopia began to improve, turned out to be false. In reality only 35 people were released, a full four years after signing a document they’d been told would guarantee their freedom – a document where they promised to leave their churches. Ask God for a miracle today, for all the prisoners to be released.

Friday 22 February

Worryingly, many who crossed the newly-opened border to Ethiopia last year were told that the country is no longer accepting Eritrean refugees; this may be due to the media fanfare about the rapprochement. Until there are concrete improvements in human rights, it’s vital that countries continue to offer safe haven to refugees from Eritrea. Pray that the truth will be known, and it will convince governments to accept these people in their dire need.

Saturday 23 February

Almighty God, we call on your mighty name to ask you to act powerfully in Eritrea, setting prisoners free and reuniting families. At the UN, let the truth about the country be known, and move the hearts of those in power to take strong action where it’s needed. We trust in you to bring freedom and justice throughout the nation. Amen.