Eritrea , Area: 121,144 sq km (46,774 sq mi)
Population (1997 est.): 3,590,000 (including about 350,000 refugees in The Sudan)
Head of state and government: President Isaias Afwerki
In 1997 the government of Eritrea continued its measured and resolute steps to reconstruct society and to create a unique brand of democracy. While the establishment of opposition parties was contemplated, the official rhetoric of the sole functioning political party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), seemed to discourage their formation. Nevertheless, strides were made toward the implementation of a democratic constitution. The constitution was ratified on May 23, 1997, but at the year’s end had yet to be implemented. The commitment to democracy could be seen, however, in the political structures that had been established, particularly at the regional level in the form of popularly elected local and district governments.
Though economic progress continued to be slow, Eritrea was able to rely upon strong political and economic support from the West, particularly the U.S. and Italy. Early in the year it was estimated that more than $300 million had been either invested or committed to business in Eritrea, and the PFDJ regime enthusiastically welcomed foreign direct investment. Most notably, new foreign investments in mining and petroleum exploration were made. Late in the year, however, the government began restricting foreign grants for health and education and informed a number of private agencies, including OXFAM-Canada, that it no longer required their aid.
Perhaps the most significant economic development was the unveiling of the new national currency, the nakfa, which was pegged to the Ethiopian birr. Steady progress was also made in the development of infrastructure such as roads and port facilities.
Relations with Ethiopia continued to be warm and supportive. In addition, Eritrea demonstrated its strong leadership in the region by sending military support to a joint international force in Africa’s Great Lakes region. Eritrea was also instrumental in providing leadership in the establishment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development as an effective instrument of regional economic cooperation.
Relations with The Sudan continued to be strained, with each country accusing the other of conspiracies to overthrow their respective governments. The Sudanese National Democratic Alliance, a united front comprising groups from northern and southern Sudan, bent on overthrowing the Sudanese government, set up headquarters in Asmara. In contrast to the troubles with The Sudan, Eritrea’s relations with Yemen improved significantly in 1997.
This article updates Eritrea, history of.