AGP Executive Report

Libya Migration Crackdown: Libya’s eastern 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 and health workers—amid reports of mass crackdowns and abuses against migrants in detention. World Refugee Day Protection Gaps: On 20 June, civil society warned that despite global Refugee Day events under “Until everyone is safe,” asylum services remain weak; in Kenya, refugees have faced registration and documentation problems after the Department of Refugee Services closed offices in Nairobi in 2025. Tigray Rights Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch urged Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping security and mobilization proclamation that forces civilians into military service and threatens harsh punishment, warning it could deepen abuses after the 2020–2022 conflict. Eritrean Diaspora Martyrs Day: Eritrean nationals abroad marked Martyrs Day (20 June) with vigils, cultural programs and fundraising for the National Martyrs Trust Fund, reaffirming support for families of martyrs. Electricity-Water Climate Tradeoffs: A study tracking 3,139 power plants across Africa says expanding electricity to meet 2030 goals will strain water resources and raise emissions, with coal and thermal systems driving major impacts.

Libya Migration Crackdown: Libya’s eastern authorities (Benghazi) have banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia through all land, sea and air ports, with exemptions for diplomats and some health/education workers—amid reports of migrant deaths and UN warnings of abuses in detention. Human Rights Watch on Tigray: HRW urges Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping security and mobilization law, saying it forces civilians (including children) into service and threatens harsh punishment for dissent. Eritrea in the Diaspora Spotlight: Eritreans abroad marked Martyrs Day with events calling for renewed support for the Martyrs Trust Fund and pledges to back national development. Culture & Identity: A feature highlights the Mesob as a symbol of Eritrean women’s artistry and community life, while another piece remembers Dr. Kebire Abdulrahman Ahmed Younis, “Uncle Kebire,” in a personal tribute. Eritrea Mentioned in Sports: Eritrea’s Amanuel Mesel won the men’s title at the 50th Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, adding a fresh Eritrean moment to diaspora headlines.

Libya Border Crackdown: Libya’s eastern administration has banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia through all land, sea and air ports, with limited exemptions for diplomats and certain health/education workers—moves rights groups link to rising migration pressure and harsh treatment of refugees in detention. Eritrea Martyrs Day Abroad: Eritrean nationals in Ethiopia, Sweden, the US, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia marked 20 June with vigils, cultural programs and donations to the National Martyrs Trust Fund, including support for families of martyrs. Ethiopia Election Fallout: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party won a landslide parliamentary majority in elections marked by insecurity—no voting in Tigray and disruptions in Amhara and Oromia—while Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signals a push on Nile interests and Red Sea access. Tigray Conscription Warning: Human Rights Watch urged Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping conscription-and-dissent punishment proclamation, warning it echoes Eritrea’s abusive national service system. Refugee Football & Inclusion: A Refugee World Football Championship in Birmingham featured teams including Eritrea and Ethiopia, highlighting sports as a bridge for displaced communities. World Refugee Day Art: An “Resilience and Inclusion” exhibition in Addis Ababa showcased refugee artists from Eritrea and other countries, calling for stronger inclusion and dialogue.

Libya Entry Ban: Libya’s eastern Benghazi-based government says it has banned entry of nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia through all ports, citing a “reorganization” of foreign entry rules, with exemptions for accredited diplomats and some approved workers. Martyrs Day in the Diaspora: Eritrean communities marked Martyrs Day (20 June) abroad with candlelight vigils, cultural programs and contributions to the National Martyrs Trust Fund, including events reported in Sweden and the US. Local Commemoration: In Eritrea, Martyrs Day observances in Gash Barka and Anseba included wreath-laying at Barentu’s Martyrs Cemetery, candlelight vigils in Barentu and Keren, and a Keren walkathon with tree planting. UN Rights Warning: A UN expert says Eritrea’s human rights situation is deteriorating, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture and persecution of political opponents and religious communities. Ethiopia Election Fallout: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party secured a large parliamentary majority in June 1 polls, but voting was disrupted in parts of Amhara and Oromia and Tigray was again excluded, amid ongoing security concerns. Regional Security Lens: Human Rights Watch urges Tigray authorities to withdraw a sweeping conscription and dissent-punishing proclamation, warning it echoes Eritrea’s national service abuses.

Eritrea Rights Watch: A UN special rapporteur warned Eritrea’s human rights situation is worsening, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture, and persecution of political opponents, journalists, and religious communities. EU Pressure on Eritrea: The European Union urged Eritrea to launch credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses by its military in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, and to end indefinite national/military service and arbitrary conscription. Eritrea Martyrs Day: Eritreans marked 20 June with wreath-laying, candlelight vigils, walkathons, and cultural programs at home and abroad, alongside reported contributions to the National Martyrs Trust Fund and support for martyrs’ families. Ethiopia Election Fallout: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party won a landslide in June 1 polls, taking 438 of 501 seats, but voting was disrupted by insecurity and Tigray was again excluded from federal representation. Regional Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s foreign minister said the push for maritime access is about development and connectivity, stressing dialogue and regional stability. Diaspora & Culture: Eritrean-themed remembrance and identity pieces continued online, while World Refugee Day saw an “Resilience and Inclusion” art exhibition in Addis Ababa featuring refugee artists from Eritrea and others.

Eritrea Human Rights Watch: A UN special rapporteur warned that Eritrea’s rights situation is still deteriorating, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture, and persecution of political opponents, journalists, and religious communities. EU Pressure on Eritrea: The EU called for credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses by Eritrea’s military in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, and urged an end to indefinite national service, including alleged child conscription and forced labour. Martyrs Day at Home and Abroad: Eritreans marked 20 June with wreath-laying, candlelight vigils, walkathons, and cultural programs in Asmara, Barentu, and Keren, alongside diaspora commemorations and contributions to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Ethiopia Election Shockwaves: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party won a landslide in June 1 polls, taking about 90% of contested seats, as insecurity kept voting from parts of Amhara and Oromia and Tigray was again excluded. Horn of Africa Security: EEPA reports on mobilisation around El Obeid in Sudan, while separate reporting links Houthi transfers of Iranian military technology to Sudanese Islamist groups, with Eritrea’s coast mentioned as a storage route.

Eritrea Human Rights Watch: A UN expert says Eritrea’s rights situation is worsening, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture, and persecution of political opponents, journalists, and religious communities, while warning that the mandate’s future is uncertain. EU Pressure on Eritrea: The EU calls on Eritrea to carry out credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses by its military in Ethiopia’s Tigray, and to end indefinite national/military service, including alleged child conscription and forced labour. OCHA in Asmara: An OCHA delegation met senior Eritrean officials to review development priorities, climate-change impacts, and ongoing program activities, including visits to nutrition and water projects. Martyrs Day Across Eritrea: 20 June was marked with wreath-laying, candlelight vigils, walkathons, and cultural programs in Asmara, Gash Barka, and Anseba, alongside diaspora fundraising for families of martyrs and the National Martyrs Trust Fund. Ethiopia Vote Fallout: Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party won a landslide parliamentary majority, but elections were marred by insecurity, with 143 polling stations not opening and Tigray again excluded—raising fresh fears of renewed conflict.

UN Rights Pressure on Eritrea: A UN special rapporteur warned Eritrea’s human rights situation is worsening, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture and persecution, and said there are “reasonable grounds” to believe crimes against humanity may still be occurring. EU Demands Accountability: The EU urged Eritrea to carry out credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime and post-war abuses by its military in Ethiopia’s Tigray, and to end indefinite national/military service, including alleged child conscription and forced labour. OCHA Meets Eritrean Officials: An OCHA delegation held talks with senior government figures on cooperation and development priorities, including visits to nutrition and water projects. Martyrs Day Across the Diaspora and Regions: Eritreans in the US, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia marked Martyrs Day with vigils and cultural programs, while also contributing to the National Martyrs Trust Fund; inside Eritrea, events in Gash Barka and Anseba included wreath-laying, candlelight vigils, walkathons and support for martyrs’ families. Ethiopia Election Fallout (Regional Context): Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party secured a landslide parliamentary majority after June 1 polls, with voting disrupted in parts of Amhara and Oromia and Tigray excluded—developments that keep regional stability in focus.

Human Rights Pressure: The EU urged Eritrea to launch credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime abuses in Ethiopia’s Tigray, while a UN expert warned of crimes against humanity, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and persecution. Martyrs Day in Asmara: Eritrea marked 20 June with wreath-laying at the Martyrs Cemetery, live broadcasts, candlelight vigils, and walkathons, alongside nationwide cultural and environmental campaigns. Diaspora Support: Eritreans in Germany reported contributing over 140,000 euros to families of martyrs and the Martyrs Trust Fund. OCHA Engagement: An OCHA delegation met senior Eritrean officials and visited nutrition and water projects, including solar-powered services and integrated organic agriculture. Regional Security Watch: Reports say Yemen’s Houthis transferred low-cost Iranian drone and missile technology via smuggling routes, with islands near Eritrea’s coast allegedly used for temporary storage before shipment to Sudan. Aid and Governance: Eritrea’s government said it disbursed over 6.2 billion Nakfa to families of martyrs since 2004.

Martyrs Day Commemorations: Eritrea marked 20 June with a major ceremony at Asmara Martyrs Cemetery where President Isaias Afwerki laid a wreath, followed by a procession, performances, and live broadcasts on Eri-TV and Radio Dimtsi Hafash; candlelight vigils and walkathons were also held across Asmara and in regions like Gash Barka. Government Support for Martyrs’ Families: The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare said Eritrea disbursed over 6.2 billion Nakfa to families of martyrs from 2004 to 2025, alongside investments aimed at helping families become self-supportive. Diaspora Solidarity: Eritreans in Germany reported contributing more than 140,000 Euros to support martyrs’ families and the Martyrs Trust Fund. Human Rights Pressure: The EU urged Eritrea to conduct credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime rights violations in Tigray, while a UN expert warned of crimes against humanity concerns, citing enforced disappearances, detention, torture, and persecution. Humanitarian Engagement: An OCHA delegation met senior Eritrean officials to review development priorities, climate impacts, and visited nutrition and water projects.

Human Rights Pressure: The EU urged Eritrea to launch credible, independent investigations into alleged wartime abuses by its military during and after Ethiopia’s Tigray war, while also calling for an end to indefinite national/military service and alleged child conscription. UN Warning: In Geneva, UN special rapporteur Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker warned that “reasonable grounds” remain to believe crimes against humanity may still be occurring in Eritrea, citing enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, torture, and persecution of political opponents, journalists, and religious communities. Humanitarian Coordination: An OCHA delegation led by Eden Wosornu met Eritrean senior officials in Asmara to review cooperation and development priorities, including visits to nutrition and water projects and integrated organic agriculture. Martyrs Day Support: Eritrean nationals in Germany reported contributing over 140,000 Euros to support families of martyrs and the Martyrs Trust Fund, as Eritrea also announced large-scale government disbursements to martyrs’ families. Diaspora & Governance: Eritrea’s national organizations abroad held activity assessment meetings in Italy, with officials briefing on homeland priorities and regional developments.

UN Human Rights: A UN special rapporteur warned in Geneva that Eritrea faces “reasonable grounds” for crimes against humanity, citing enforced disappearances, prolonged incommunicado detention, torture, and persecution of political opponents, journalists, and religious communities. Humanitarian Coordination: An OCHA delegation led by Eden Wosornu met Eritrean senior officials in Asmara on 18–19 June to review development priorities, climate-change impacts, and ongoing program activities, including visits to nutrition services and solar-powered water supply projects. Martyrs Day Support: Eritrean nationals in Germany reported contributing over 140,000 Euros to support families of martyrs and to augment the Martyrs Trust Fund. Martyrs Welfare Funding: Eritrea’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare said it has disbursed more than 6.2 billion Nakfa to families of martyrs since 2004, including monthly support under Proclamation No. 137/2003. Diaspora Community Life: National organizations in Italy held a virtual activity assessment meeting for the first half of 2026, with Eritrean diplomatic and community leaders reviewing progress and setting recommendations.

Martyrs Support: Eritrea’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare says it has disbursed over 6.2 billion Nakfa from 2004 to 2025 to families of martyrs, including monthly support since 2004 and investments to help families become self-supportive. Diaspora Governance: Eritrean national organizations in Italy held a virtual activity assessment for the first half of 2026, with leaders reviewing programs and calling for stronger participation. Health System Spotlight: WHO’s Africa Regional Director visited Eritrea and toured facilities including the Azel Pharmaceutical Factory and Orotta Cardiac Center, highlighting strengths and ongoing challenges in the health sector. Regional Tensions: The U.S. announced targeted visa restrictions on TPLF hardliners over alleged actions that could reignite conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Horn of Africa Watch: EEPA reports RSF mobilization around El Obeid in Sudan, with SAF aerial operations responding amid wider displacement and climate pressures. Community Life: A new Eritrean-Ethiopian-Mediterranean cafe, Fùl Café, opened in Cincinnati’s Lower Price Hill, bringing Eritrean coffee culture and local flavors to the neighborhood.

Diaspora & Human Rights: A new report says the UK Home Office knew its AI age-check tool for small-boat migrant children was flawed, yet rolled it out anyway—flagging lower accuracy for Eritrean and Sudanese cases. Justice & Safety: In Glasgow, two teens (16 and 17) deny murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay with a sword and frying pan; one defendant is described as originally from Eritrea. Eritrean Community Life Abroad: A homeless Eritrean man in Germany told of nine years on the streets, saying his documents are “in the system” but he lacks physical papers and resources to return home. Regional Politics: The US announced targeted visa restrictions on TPLF hardliners accused of undermining peace in northern Ethiopia, as tensions rise. Horn of Africa Watch: EEPA reported RSF mobilization around El Obeid in Sudan, with SAF aerial operations responding. Asmara & Environment: Eritrea marked the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a national workshop in Asmara, urging rangeland conservation and community action. Culture & Identity: A Cincinnati café, Fùl Café, opened with Eritrean, Ethiopian and Mediterranean dishes, including an Eritrean-style coffee ceremony.

AI and migration checks: The UK Home Office knew an AI tool used to estimate the ages of small-boat migrant children was flawed, with the lowest accuracy reported for nationalities including Eritrea and Sudan—yet it plans to roll it out anyway. Asmara environment push: Eritrea marked the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a national workshop in Asmara under “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” calling for community action to tackle climate change, drought, and rangeland degradation. Health system spotlight: WHO’s Africa Regional Director visited Eritrea, touring facilities including the Azel Pharmaceutical Factory and Orotta Cardiac Center, and discussed strengths and remaining challenges in the country’s health sector. Martyrs Day mobilization: Ahead of June 20, popular environmental sanitation and tree-planting campaigns were carried out across Eritrea, including at Asmara Martyrs Cemetery and major hospitals. Human rights at UN: A Geneva UN Human Rights Council statement said Eritrea rejects the Special Rapporteur’s report as methodologically flawed and disconnected from on-the-ground realities. Community culture abroad: A new Eritrean-Ethiopian-Mediterranean café opened in Cincinnati’s Lower Price Hill, featuring an Eritrean coffee ceremony and dishes rooted in regional traditions.

World Cup & Eritrean links: A World Cup feature notes Eritrea was withdrawn from African qualifying just before its first match, denying the team a chance to play. Local culture & food: A new cafe in Cincinnati, Fùl Café, opened in Lower Price Hill with Eritrean, Ethiopian and Mediterranean dishes, including a coffee ceremony using a traditional Jebena. Eritrea in global rights debate: At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, CIVICUS urged action over Eritrea’s closed civic space, citing suppression of expression and long-term detention of journalists. Martyrs Day sanitation in Eritrea: Popular environmental sanitation campaigns were carried out in Asmara and other areas ahead of 20 June, including work at Martyrs Cemetery, Halibet Hospital, and Keren. Eritrea energy dependence data: A ranked graphic highlights Eritrea among countries most dependent on Middle East oil imports, underscoring vulnerability to supply shocks. Regional diplomacy: Ethiopia renewed criticism of Egypt and Eritrea, alleging they undermine stability and engage with TPLF-linked dynamics.