Asmara sunshine

I am just back from a brief visit to Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. A very well organised city, pretty, very clean, no traffic jams, wide avenues and sidewalks, trees and shades, proud of its history and culture. Very safe, an example. But with serious economic difficulties, little investment, few jobs for the young people, too closed to the outside world.

A very tough political situation, with many controls and no space for democratic interaction.

Very poor relations with the UN, because of the border issue with Ethiopia. The leaders believe the UN did not push strong enough for the implementation of the ruling that would require the Ethiopians to withdraw.

The last country in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. But with time, this should evolve. People are eager for a more relaxed approach to dialogue and politics.