AGP Executive Report

Eritrea-EU Human Rights Clash: Eritrea’s Foreign Affairs Minister Osman Saleh told the diplomatic community in Asmara that the EU-backed Special Rapporteur mandate has become a “persistent obstacle,” stressing sovereign equality and non-interference. Refugee Pressure in the Region: Uganda’s refugee system is under strain as funding cuts reportedly slash support by over 50%, threatening food, education, healthcare and livelihoods for more than two million people. Sudan War Spotlight: MSF used a virtual reality exhibition in Madrid to spotlight displacement and suffering in Sudan, including the story of a West Darfur displaced technician. Libya Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says Libya’s authorities are fueling xenophobic protests and carrying out mass detention and collective expulsions of migrants and refugees. Saudi Death Row: A report describes Ethiopian prisoners in Saudi Arabia facing execution despite a royal pardon, including accounts of beheadings. Eritrean Youth Profile: A feature highlights pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea an “Africa’s pharmaceutical hub.” Diplomatic Note: South Sudan’s foreign minister touts recent diplomatic gains and deeper participation in regional and global bodies.

Eritrea–EU Human Rights Council: Eritrea’s Foreign Affairs Minister Osman Saleh told the diplomatic community in Asmara that the Special Rapporteur mandate has become a “persistent obstacle,” stressing sovereign equality, non-interference, and “genuine cooperation” while refusing to reopen long-standing arguments. Horn of Africa Governance Debate: A new analysis argues Eritrea’s authoritarian system is structural, pointing to the burial of the only ratified constitution and the absence of parliament, courts, free press, or elections as drivers of recurring regional conflict. Diplomatic Farewell: South Africa’s outgoing Ambassador Perseverance Mbuzeli praised Eritrea’s resilience and self-reliance, highlighting strengthened bilateral and cultural ties and regional cooperation. Diaspora Youth & Development: A profile spotlights Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, tying youth ambition to national capacity-building. Regional Security Framing: An op-ed claims Eritrea is pursuing a “low-cost” strategy to weaken Ethiopia, raising security concerns across the Horn. Humanitarian Awareness: MSF used a free virtual reality exhibition in Madrid to spotlight displacement and suffering in Sudan, including the lived experience of a Sudanese technician now working in Chad.

Diplomatic Farewell: South Africa’s Ambassador Perseverance Mbuzeli Kumsha wrapped up his Eritrea mission, praising deepening bilateral ties and Eritrea’s resilience, self-reliance, and cultural heritage. Human Rights & International Scrutiny: A new Eritrea-focused piece argues the country’s authoritarian system is driven by the absence of accountability and oversight, warning that unchecked personal rule can make conflict recur by design. EU-HRC Tensions: Eritrea’s Foreign Affairs Minister Osman Saleh briefed the foreign diplomatic community in Asmara, reiterating Eritrea’s principled stance on the Special Rapporteur mandate and the political cost of keeping it alive. Opposition Warning: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accused the regime of sustaining its rule by exploiting regional crises, saying it is prepared to pursue comprehensive political change. Security Narrative on Ethiopia: Getachew Reda, a PM advisor, renewed claims that Eritrea poses a “low-cost” destabilization threat to Ethiopia via proxy armed groups. Domestic Capacity Building: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students across trades, with officials urging graduates to strengthen nation-building. Diaspora & Youth Profile: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed highlighted a push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub.

Eritrea-Horn Security: Eritrean opposition Green Revolution Movement accuses the Asmara regime of sustaining its rule by backing armed groups and exploiting regional crises, warning it poses a major threat to Horn stability. Eritrea-Ethiopia Tensions: Getachew Reda, PM advisor, says Eritrea’s main threat to Ethiopia is a “low-cost” destabilization strategy using proxy forces rather than direct war. Eritrea Domestic & Human Capital: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduates 143 students across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing and woodwork, as education officials stress skills for nation-building. Somalia-Al-Shabaab: Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab remains a stalemate around Mogadishu; analysts urge military training overhaul, stronger federal coordination, and more humanitarian access plus dialogue. International Migration Politics (UK): UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s “Ukrainian-style” refugee sponsorship plans face backlash, with critics warning it could bring thousands more arrivals, including from Sudan and Eritrea. Sudan Conflict Update: EEPA reports renewed fighting in North Darfur, with civilians fleeing and calls for UN action over atrocity risks.

Eritrea’s Internal Politics: The Green Revolution political movement says the Asmara regime is a “major threat” to Horn of Africa stability, arguing it survives by exploiting regional crises and supporting armed groups, while pledging both political change and readiness to confront the regime militarily. Regional Security & Ethiopia: An Ethiopian PM advisor, Getachew Reda, argues Eritrea’s main threat is “low-cost” destabilization inside Ethiopia through proxy forces rather than direct war. Eritrea’s Education & Local Governance: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education, with Local Government and Adi-Halo HR, held an activity assessment on 2025/26 pre-education progress, highlighting free and compulsory basic education and the push to establish pre-schools nationwide. Women’s Affairs: The National Union of Eritrean Women’s Executive Committee reviewed first-half 2026 activities, citing expanded organizational capacity, vocational training, maternal and child health work, and efforts to end harmful practices. Human Capital Development: Mai-Habar Technical School graduated 143 students across trades including auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork. Diaspora & Youth Profile: A feature spotlights Eritrean pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub.

Eritrea–Ethiopia Security: Getachew Reda, a senior Ethiopian PM advisor, says Eritrea’s main threat is a “low-cost” destabilization strategy that organizes and finances armed groups inside Ethiopia rather than direct conventional war. Eritrea Opposition Claim: The Eritrean “Green Revolution” movement accuses the Asmara regime of surviving by fueling regional crises and says it is ready to pursue political change, including militarily. Regional Conflict Update (North Darfur): EEPA reports heavy fighting in North Darfur, with attacks around Um Baru and displacement pressures as civilians flee. Eritrea Governance & Services: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education and local government held an activity assessment on pre-education progress, while the National Union of Eritrean Women reviewed first-half 2026 work on maternal health, harmful practices, and organizational capacity. Education & Skills: Mai-Habar Technical School in Massawa graduated 143 students across trades including auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork. Diaspora/Youth Profile: Pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed highlights a push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, framing it as a youth-led national project. International Scrutiny on Eritrea: A new piece revisits the long arc of UN scrutiny on Eritrea, from Geneva-era activism to today’s pressure points. Humanitarian/Policy Spillover (UK): UK debate intensifies over Labour’s “safe and legal” refugee sponsorship plans, with critics naming Sudan and Eritrea among likely priority origins. Court Case With Eritrean Link (Glasgow): A Glasgow murder trial involving Amen Teklay—described as originally from Eritrea—hears cyber and social media search claims tied to the accused.

Eritrea’s political stakes in the Horn: The Green Revolution movement accused Eritrea’s ruling regime of fueling regional instability as a “low-cost” way to stay in power, saying lasting peace requires addressing Eritrea’s internal political crisis. Asmara governance and services: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education, with local government partners, held an activity assessment on pre-education progress for 2025/26, highlighting free and compulsory basic education and the push to expand village pre-schools. Women’s organization update: The National Union of Eritrean Women’s executive committee reviewed the first half of 2026, citing gains in organizational capacity, vocational training, maternal and child health, and efforts to curb harmful practices. Youth and skills pipeline: Mai-Habar Technical School graduated 143 students across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing, and woodwork, with officials urging graduates to strengthen nation-building. Regional security pressure: An Ethiopian national security conference report renewed claims that Eritrea’s main threat is organizing and financing armed groups inside Ethiopia rather than direct conventional war. Sudan spillover and displacement: EEPA reported heavy fighting in North Darfur, with civilians fleeing after RSF attacks and calls for urgent UN action over atrocity risks. International spotlight on Eritrea: A piece on the long arc of UN scrutiny revisited Eritrea’s 2009 Universal Periodic Review moment and the role of international pressure on rights and governance.

EU Migration Law: The European Parliament approved a new return-focused migration law, backed by a 418–218 vote, allowing EU states to set up return hubs outside the bloc, expand searches, extend detention, tighten entry bans, and change appeals—framed by supporters as a long-overdue shift. UK Deportation Backslide: A new UK investigation claims 4,300 previously deported migrants were back in Britain within four years, with 4,614 re-entry incidents recorded over five years, while the Home Office pushes new “safe and legal” routes. Eritrea in the International Spotlight: A fresh reflection on Eritrea’s first Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in 2009 highlights how independent Eritrean voices and civil society efforts gained visibility in Geneva. Eritrea–Ethiopia Security Tensions: Ethiopian officials again accuse Eritrea of a “low-cost” destabilization strategy via proxy armed groups, while Eritrean opposition figures warn the Asmara regime threatens Horn of Africa stability. Eritrea Domestic Governance: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education and partners held activity assessment meetings on expanding pre-education services, and the National Union of Eritrean Women reviewed first-half 2026 work on maternal health, harmful practices, and women’s political awareness. Regional Mobility Crackdowns: Libya’s eastern government banned entry for Sudanese, Eritreans, Ethiopians, and Somalis, citing a migration crackdown. Energy Access Push: Africa’s electricity access drive “Mission 300” secured about $1.4bn in co-financing, signaling continued international backing for faster grid connections.

Eritrea’s “Green Revolution” Challenge: The Eritrean Green Revolution movement says Asmara’s regime survives by fueling instability across the Horn, and warns that without sustained pressure on hardline TPLF elements, northern Ethiopia could slide back toward war. Eritrea–Ethiopia Security Tensions: Ethiopia’s PM advisor Getachew Reda argues Eritrea’s “low-cost” destabilization strategy relies on organizing and financing armed groups inside Ethiopia rather than open war, keeping regional peace fragile. Eritrean Domestic Governance: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education and local government offices held activity assessments on expanding free, obligatory pre-education, while the National Union of Eritrean Women reviewed first-half 2026 work on maternal and child health and ending harmful practices. Regional Migration Crackdown: Eastern Libya banned entry for Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Somali nationals via land, sea, and air, with limited exemptions—another sign of tightening migration controls across the region. Ethiopia Election Aftermath: Ethiopia’s election results were officially concluded, with the Prosperity Party winning majorities in federal and regional bodies, shaping the next phase of reforms and security policy.

Horn of Africa Security: Eritrea’s “Green Revolution” opposition movement accuses the Asmara regime of fueling regional instability to stay in power, saying it relies on supporting armed groups and may be prepared to confront the regime militarily while pushing political change. Eritrea-Education & Women’s Affairs: In Massawa, Mai-Habar Technical School graduated 143 students across auto mechanics, construction, electricity, electronics, plumbing and woodwork, as officials urged graduates to strengthen national development; in Asmara, the National Union of Eritrean Women held an activity assessment for the first half of 2026, highlighting work on maternal and child health, maternity waiting rooms, and ending harmful practices. Eritrea in Regional Migration Controls: Eastern Libya banned entry for Sudanese, Eritrean, Somali and Ethiopian nationals through land, sea and air crossings under its control, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some health and education workers. UK Refugee Policy (Eritrea Mentioned): UK plans for a Ukrainian-style refugee sponsorship scheme are set to expand “safe and legal” routes, with reporting suggesting Eritrea and Sudan could be prioritized and targets discussed around 10,000+ arrivals by 2030. Energy Access Backdrop: Africa’s Mission 300 electricity push reportedly secured about $1.4bn in co-financing from partners, led by the European Investment Bank, as global financiers step up support for power connections.

Eritrea–Ethiopia Security: Getachew Reda, Ethiopia’s East African Affairs advisor, says Eritrea’s main threat is a “low-cost” strategy of destabilizing Ethiopia through armed proxies and internal agitation rather than direct conventional war. Eritrea–Ethiopia Narrative Clash: A separate commentary argues Ethiopia’s “dragged into conflict” framing is meant to shield the Prosperity Party from scrutiny over hostility toward Eritrea since late 2023. Eritrea Domestic Governance: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education, with Local Government and Adi-Halo HR, held a 23–25 June activity assessment on 2025/26 pre-education progress, highlighting free basic education and village pre-school expansion. Women’s Affairs: The National Union of Eritrean Women assessed the first half of 2026, citing gains in vocational training, membership recruitment, maternal and child health, maternity waiting rooms, and efforts to end harmful practices. Refugee Politics Abroad: UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to launch a Ukrainian-style community sponsorship scheme that could resettle 10,000+ refugees, with Sudan and Eritrea likely prioritized. Regional Migration Crackdown: Libya’s eastern administration banned entry for nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with limited exemptions.

Eritrea Education & Local Governance: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education, with the Local Government ministry and Adi-Halo Human Resources Office, held a June 23–25 activity assessment on expanding pre-education services, with regional governors and partners reviewing progress and reaffirming the push for pre-schools in all villages. Women’s Union Oversight: The Executive Committee of the National Union of Eritrean Women assessed the first half of 2026 in Asmara, highlighting efforts on maternal and child health, maternity waiting rooms, vocational training, membership drives, and steps to curb harmful practices. Eritrea-Diaspora Political Call: A diaspora writer urges Eritreans abroad to support the Registration and Election Commission to elect a representative body aimed at democratization and rule of law. Regional Migration Crackdown: Libya’s eastern administration banned entry for nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia via land, sea, and air, with limited exemptions, as migration pressures and reported abuses in detention continue. Eritrea in Regional Security Debate: An Ethiopian official-linked piece argues Eritrea is pursuing a strategy of weakening Ethiopia, framing regional instability as tied to Eritrea’s survival calculus.

Education & Women’s Affairs: Eritrea’s Ministry of Education held a national activity assessment on pre-education progress for 2025/26, with regional governors and partners reviewing expansion of pre-schools in all villages and training for about 6,000 female pre-school teachers; the National Union of Eritrean Women also assessed the first half of 2026, highlighting efforts to strengthen organizational capacity, expand vocational training, recruit new members, boost women’s political awareness, and advance maternal and child health while tackling harmful practices. Eritrea-Diaspora Politics: A new diaspora appeal urges Eritreans abroad to back the Registration and Election Commission’s work to register justice-seeking, pro-democracy citizens, arguing it should help elect a representative body for Eritrea’s democratization. Regional Migration Pressure: Eastern Libya announced a ban on entry for nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia through land, sea, and air ports, with exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers—amid UN warnings that Libya hosts over 900,000 migrants and refugees and rights groups report crackdowns and abuses. Eritrea in Regional Security Debate: An Ethiopian national security conference report claims Eritrea is pursuing a strategy of weakening Ethiopia by tying its survival to Ethiopia’s internal stability.

Eritrea–Ethiopia Tensions: Ethiopia’s national security conference heard a warning that Eritrea’s “survival calculus” is tied to weakening Ethiopia—arguing a stable, united Ethiopia would undermine Eritrean strategic foundations. Libya Migration Crackdown: Eastern Libya’s Benghazi administration has banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia through land, sea and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers—amid UN warnings that Libya hosts over 900,000 migrants and refugees and rights groups report abuses in detention. Diaspora Politics Call: A new op-ed urges Eritreans abroad to back diaspora registration tied to electing a representative body for democratic change, framing it as a step toward ending dictatorship and restoring rule of law. Human Rights Alarm in Tigray: Human Rights Watch says a Tigray security and mobilization proclamation enables forced conscription and harsh punishment for dissent, calling for its withdrawal as tensions with the federal government rise. Regional Mediation Note: US experts credit Qatar’s diplomacy with helping secure a US–Iran ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting Qatar’s wider mediation track record in regional conflicts.

Libya Migration Crackdown: Libya’s eastern-based administration in Benghazi has banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia through land, sea, and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some education/health workers—moves coming as UN figures put the migrant population in Libya above 900,000 and rights groups warn of detention abuses. Eritrea-Linked Rights Pressure: On World Refugee Day, EEPA reported ongoing protection gaps, including Kenya’s closure of refugee services that left asylum seekers unable to register or get documents—an issue that directly affects Eritreans among other Horn of Africa nationals. Tigray Conscription Under Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch urged Tigray authorities to withdraw a security and mobilization proclamation that forces civilians into military service and threatens harsh punishment, warning of a conscription drive that echoes Eritrea’s national service abuses. Ethiopia’s Post-Election Focus: After a landslide parliamentary win, Ethiopia’s leadership signaled renewed attention to Nile and Red Sea priorities, with Abiy Ahmed framing the vote as a mandate for foreign policy action. Regional Security Spillover: A separate report on Ethiopia’s internal security narrative criticized attempts to portray Ethiopia as “dragged into war,” arguing the rhetoric is used to deflect responsibility for hostility toward Eritrea.

Strait of Hormuz and Seafarers: A new UN-backed push follows the war-linked Strait of Hormuz disruption, with over 1,500 ships and about 20,000 seafarers trapped and dozens of confirmed ship incidents reported since late February—highlighting renewed calls for stronger protections and safer crew changes. Libya’s Entry Ban: Libya’s eastern administration in Benghazi has banned entry for nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia through land, sea, and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers—raising alarms as migrants are pushed back into detention systems reported for abuses. Tigray Conscription Under Fire: Human Rights Watch urges Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping security and mobilization proclamation, saying it enables forced military service, harsh punishments, and door-to-door roundups after the TPLF ousted interim regional leadership. Ethiopia Election Fallout: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party won a landslide in parliamentary polls, securing 438 seats, while voting was disrupted in parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia due to security concerns—renewing debate over political space amid ongoing unrest. Red Sea Diplomacy and Regional Stakes: Commentary links Ethiopia’s post-election focus on Nile and Red Sea access to wider Horn-of-Africa power competition, as regional security and maritime routes remain central to policy choices.