An estimated 50,000 Eritrean nationals have been deployed in the so-called ‘national service’, but the total number of those forced into national service, low-paid labour, military, and military reserve is estimated to be close to 250,000.

The damaging socioeconomic impact of the destructive ‘national service’ agenda has reached far beyond those in active deployment: Families have been torn apart leaving them destitute and dysfunctional and rural communities faced inadequate numbers of able men and women who take care of vital farming and livelihood chores.

Hence, one of the key objectives of Vision 2030 during the early stages of transition is to put short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies into effect that will reverse the immense damages caused during dictatorial rule. Job creation is key in that process.