Isaias Afwerki

Isaias Afwerki is the long-serving President of Eritrea, having held power since 1993 when the country gained independence from Ethiopia. A former leader of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front, he is known for consolidating a one-party state with limited political freedoms. His governance has been characterized by efforts to maintain national sovereignty, military conscription, and economic development despite criticism over human rights issues. Afwerki's leadership has significantly shaped Eritrea’s political and social landscape, making him a central figure in the country's modern history.