Isaias Afwerki

Force in Play

Presiding over Eritrea's severance of diplomatic ties with Ethiopia

Ethiopian forces and their Tigray Peace Force allies entered Aksum in mid-October and took Bizet and Inticho on October 20, extending federal control across northern Tigray. Federal troops also pulled back from the border towns of Zalambessa and Rama while keeping up drone and artillery strikes on Tigrayan fighters in the central mountains.

Updated Oct 23

Force in Play

Has severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia; denies backing rebel groups

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending a 20-year standoff with Eritrea. Now he's publicly accusing Eritrean troops of massacring Ethiopian civilians during their joint war against Tigray—a war they fought together as allies.

Updated Oct 16

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: In power; party and military sanctions lifted

The US Treasury lifted sanctions on September 18 against Eritrea's ruling party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), its military, and two linked businesses. A five-year national emergency declared by President Joe Biden in 2021 expired without renewal, erasing penalties imposed after Eritrean troops joined Ethiopia's assault on Tigray fighters.

Updated Sep 20