Two members of the Eritrean resistance, speaking via a secure connection, described conditions inside the country. "Essentials like water, electricity or petrol have disappeared," they said. Food is so expensive that even middle-class families find it difficult to find enough to eat.
They said tension in the capital, Asmara, is high, with reports of trucks filled with Ethiopian "mercenaries" - from the Tigray People's Democratic Movement (TPDM), known locally as Demhit, which Eritrea supports - ringing the city. The last round of compulsory military service failed, with only around 50 of the expected 400 conscripts reporting for duty. "We think it is highly likely that Demhit will carry out a door to door sweep to round up recruits," said Sami (not his real name).
[view whole blog post ]