The Consequences of Mandatory Military Service in Eritrea

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 149 views

The Push Factor of Mandatory Military Service in Eritrea: Understanding the Consequences

Eritrea, a small country located in the Horn of Africa, has a unique and complex system of mandatory military service. The nation requires all citizens aged 18 to 40 to complete military service, which can last for several years. This requirement has significant consequences for individuals, particularly those who aspire to pursue higher education or other career goals. In this article, we will explore the push factor of mandatory military service in Eritrea and its impact on citizens.

What is a Push Factor?

A push factor is an event or circumstance that forces individuals to leave their home country or community. In the context of Eritrea, the mandatory military service requirement is a push factor that blocks individuals from pursuing higher education or other aspirations. This requirement can be a significant obstacle for young people who want to continue their education or pursue a career in a particular field.

The Consequences of Mandatory Military Service in Eritrea

The mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea has several consequences for citizens. Some of the most significant consequences include:

Limited access to education: The requirement to complete military service can limit access to education for young people. Many students are forced to drop out of school or delay their education to complete their military service.
Career limitations: The mandatory military service requirement can also limit career opportunities for individuals. Those who complete their military service may find it difficult to pursue a career in a particular field, especially if they have limited education or work experience.
Human rights concerns: The mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea has raised human rights concerns. Many individuals have reported being subjected to forced labor, torture, and other forms of abuse while serving in the military.
Brain drain: The mandatory military service requirement can also contribute to a brain drain in Eritrea. Many young and educated individuals may choose to leave the country to avoid serving in the military or to pursue better opportunities elsewhere.

The Impact of Mandatory Military Service on Eritrean Society

The mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea has a significant impact on the country's society. Some of the most significant impacts include:

Social and economic instability: The mandatory military service requirement can contribute to social and economic instability in Eritrea. Many individuals may feel forced to leave the country or to engage in illegal activities to avoid serving in the military.
Humanitarian crisis: The mandatory military service requirement has also contributed to a humanitarian crisis in Eritrea. Many individuals have reported being subjected to forced labor, torture, and other forms of abuse while serving in the military.
Limited economic development: The mandatory military service requirement can also limit economic development in Eritrea. Many individuals may choose to leave the country to pursue better opportunities elsewhere, which can contribute to a brain drain and limit economic growth.

The mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea is a push factor that blocks individuals from pursuing higher education or other aspirations. This requirement has significant consequences for citizens, including limited access to education, career limitations, human rights concerns, and a brain drain. The impact of mandatory military service on Eritrean society is also significant, contributing to social and economic instability, a humanitarian crisis, and limited economic development.
The Push Factor of Mandatory Military Service in Eritrea: A Q&A Article

In our previous article, we explored the push factor of mandatory military service in Eritrea and its impact on citizens. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea.

Q: What is the purpose of mandatory military service in Eritrea?

A: The purpose of mandatory military service in Eritrea is to provide national service and to defend the country against external threats. However, the requirement has been criticized for being overly broad and for forcing individuals to serve in the military for extended periods of time.

Q: How long does mandatory military service last in Eritrea?

A: The length of mandatory military service in Eritrea can vary depending on the individual's circumstances. However, the typical length of service is 18 months to 2 years. Some individuals may be required to serve for longer periods of time, up to 5 years or more.

Q: What happens if an individual refuses to serve in the military?

A: If an individual refuses to serve in the military, they may face severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. In some cases, individuals who refuse to serve may be forced to flee the country to avoid persecution.

Q: Can individuals be exempt from mandatory military service in Eritrea?

A: In some cases, individuals may be exempt from mandatory military service in Eritrea. For example, individuals who are over 40 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions may be exempt from service. However, exemptions are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to review.

Q: What are the human rights concerns surrounding mandatory military service in Eritrea?

A: There are several human rights concerns surrounding mandatory military service in Eritrea, including:

Forced labor: Many individuals have reported being subjected to forced labor while serving in the military.
Torture: Some individuals have reported being subjected to torture while serving in the military.
Abuse: There have been reports of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, while serving in the military.
Limited access to education and healthcare: Individuals who serve in the military may have limited access to education and healthcare.

Q: What can be done to address the push factor of mandatory military service in Eritrea?

A: There are several steps that can be taken to address the push factor of mandatory military service in Eritrea, including:

Reforming the military service requirement: The military service requirement could be reformed to make it more flexible and to allow individuals to pursue education and career goals.
Providing education and training opportunities: The government could provide education and training opportunities to individuals who serve in the military, to help them develop skills and gain experience.
Addressing human rights concerns: The government could take steps to address human rights concerns, including forced labor, torture, and abuse.
Promoting economic development: The government could promote economic development in Eritrea, to provide individuals with better opportunities and to reduce the push factor of mandatory military service.

The push factor of mandatory military service in Eritrea is a complex issue that has significant consequences for citizens. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the mandatory military service requirement in Eritrea, we hope to provide a better understanding of this issue and to promote discussion and debate.