The Impact of Eritrea’s National Service Program on Youth and Society

Eritrea’s National Service Program has been a defining feature of the country’s political and social landscape since its inception in 1995. The program requires all Eritrean youth, both male and female, to complete 18 months of military service followed by an indefinite period of national service, which can last for years or even decades.

The program has been lauded by the Eritrean government as a way to promote national unity, self-reliance, and the development of a skilled workforce. However, it has also been criticized for its impact on Eritrea’s youth and society as a whole.

One major issue with the program is that it has become a form of forced labor, with many individuals being conscripted into national service against their will. The lack of options for those who do not want to serve has led to high levels of emigration, as young people seek to escape the program and the lack of opportunities in the country.

The program has also had a significant impact on the education system in Eritrea. Students are often pulled out of school to complete their national service, and the government has been accused of using education as a tool for indoctrination rather than as a means of promoting critical thinking and intellectual development.

Furthermore, the long periods of national service have led to a brain drain, as many skilled professionals and educated individuals leave the country in search of better opportunities. This has had a negative impact on the development of the country and its economy.

There are also concerns about the impact of the program on mental health, as many conscripts are subjected to harsh conditions and mistreatment. Reports of physical and sexual abuse, as well as torture, are common.

In conclusion, Eritrea’s National Service Program has had a significant impact on the country’s youth and society as a whole. While the program has been lauded for promoting national unity and self-reliance, it has also been criticized for its impact on forced labor, education, and the economy. The negative impact of the program on mental health is also a major concern. As Eritrea seeks to move forward and address these issues, it will be important to consider the long-term impact of the National Service Program on the country’s youth and society.