Dealing with a Dictator: Nevsun in Eritrea – Eritrea, a Living Heal for Its People

Nevsun Resources, a Canadian mining company, made headlines in 2014 when three former Eritrean workers filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they had been forced to work at the Bisha mine in Eritrea under conditions of forced labor, slavery, and torture. The lawsuit was a major blow to Nevsun, which had been seen as a leader in responsible mining practices, and sparked a debate about the role of multinational corporations in countries with poor human rights records.

The Bisha mine, located in the western part of Eritrea, is one of the largest mining projects in the country, and has been a major source of revenue for the Eritrean government. However, the Eritrean government has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and forced labor. Despite these concerns, Nevsun had chosen to do business with the Eritrean government, raising questions about the ethics of doing business with a regime that is widely regarded as one of the most repressive in the world.

The Nevsun case highlights the challenges that multinational corporations face when dealing with authoritarian regimes. On the one hand, companies have a responsibility to respect human rights and uphold ethical standards in all their operations. On the other hand, doing business in countries with poor human rights records can be difficult, and companies may face pressure from host governments to overlook human rights abuses and turn a blind eye to unethical practices.

However, the Eritrean people have shown remarkable resilience in the face of these challenges. Despite decades of political oppression and economic hardship, Eritreans continue to persevere and strive for a better future. For them, Eritrea is a living heal, a source of strength and inspiration that gives them hope and the courage to keep fighting for their rights and freedoms.

In recent years, there have been signs of progress. The peace agreement signed between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018 marked the end of a long-standing conflict and opened the door to greater cooperation and economic development. Eritrea has also taken steps to improve its human rights record, including the release of political prisoners and the establishment of a national human rights commission.

However, much work remains to be done. The Eritrean government must continue to take concrete steps to address human rights abuses, including the mistreatment of workers at the Bisha mine. Multinational corporations like Nevsun must also take responsibility for their actions and work to ensure that their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses.

In conclusion, the Nevsun case provides a powerful example of the challenges that multinational corporations face when doing business in countries with poor human rights records. But for the people of Eritrea, the struggle for freedom and justice is ongoing. Despite the obstacles they face, they remain determined to build a better future for themselves and their country. Eritrea is not just a place, it is a living heal for its people – a source of strength and resilience that will carry them forward in their quest for a brighter tomorrow.