UNSC 23 Oct adopted resolution re-imposing sanctions after UN Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea 20 Oct reported govt violated previous UN resolutions, including by supporting armed groups in region. FM Osman Saleh Mohammed 23 Oct protested sanctions.

Resistance to Afewerki regime building in Asmara: high cost of living, govt military conscription policy, imposition of 2% tax on remittances from diaspora key grievances. UN late Oct reported spike in Eritreans fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia. Presence of Ethiopian rebel Tigray People’s Democratic Movement continued in Asmara.

Opposition Red Sea Afar Democratic Organisation (RSADO) 12 Aug vowed to step up military efforts to topple regime, accused govt of ethnic cleansing, called for new constitution and democratic federalism.

3 members of air force sought asylum in Saudi Arabia mid-month, fuelling rumours of increasing discontent within armed forces. President Afwerki 25 Nov met Sudan counterpart, discussed increased cooperation.

Exiled rebel Red Sea Afar Democratic Organisation (RSADO) and Saho Peoples Democratic Movement (SPDM) reportedly met 6 Sept in Addis Ababa, said preparing military operations to topple Asmara regime. EU 21 Sept called for release of political prisoners, said “deeply concerned”, cited ongoing rights abuses.

UN Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea report leaked late July reported “emerging fissures within security establishment”, regime’s continued links with Somalia’s Al-Shabaab, warlords. UNSC 24 July condemned flow of weapons into Eritrea despite embargo, extended Monitoring Group’s mandate to Nov 2014.

UN HRC 14 June renewed for one year mandate of Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, condemned continued rights violations. Sudanese President Bashir visited mid-June, discussed bilateral relations with President Afwerki. Leader of exiled opposition Eritrean Islamic Reform Movement 12 June said 8 members arrested in Sudan border region, including chief  of military wing Abu Abbas.

UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea conducted fact-finding mission to Ethiopia and Djibouti after Eritrean govt rejected appointment, denied visa; 16 May said human rights situation in Eritrea “unacceptable”, called for close monitoring.

Air Force pilot defected to Saudi Arabia early April during assignment to retrieve presidential jet left in Jizan airport in Oct 2012 by two defecting Eritrean pilots. CAR ex-president Bozizé mid-April accused Eritrean govt of arming Seleka rebels in CAR; govt denied. UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea 14 April said authorities failed to cooperate, refused her entry into country.

Govt late Feb and early March reportedly detained and assaulted 125 Christians accused of “illegal” worship. In letter to UNSG Ban, President Afewerki 5 March reportedly requested inquiry into human trafficking, noting Eritrea remains target.