Today Eritrea celebrates independence. On 24 May 1991 the country won its independence from Ethiopia after a 30-year struggle. At the time there were high hopes that Eritrea would become a model of African democracy, but the sad reality is very different.

Eritrea has one of the world’s most repressive regimes, and is sometimes called the North Korea of Africa. There is no press freedom, military service is indefinite, and thousands of citizens are imprisoned – including around 2,000 Christians. In 2002 all churches were banned with the exception of three ‘approved’ denominations.

However, the UN’s decision last year to set up a Commission of Inquiry into human rights in Eritrea has raised hopes of international action to address the appalling suffering of Eritrean citizens. CSW worked hard to secure this and we’re convinced it was only possible because of your prayers!

This week please:

• Pray for an end to Eritrea’s cruel and inhuman practice of imprisoning detainees in shipping containers in the desert;
• Pray that the thousands of Eritreans imprisoned unjustly would be given their freedom;
• Give thanks for the work of CSW’s Africa and Middle East team, and their partner organisations;
• Pray that the Commission would be able to make a thorough and comprehensive report, and the international community would take action;
• Ask God to protect witnesses who have been brave enough to give testimony, even though this could endanger them;
• Pray that the Commission’s work would be a significant milestone on the journey to peace and freedom for Eritrea’s people;
• Thank God for the late Somalian Ambassador and his work which was key to securing the Commission, and pray for more diplomatic support at the UN.