The Eritrean government has to face reality - no dictatorship will last for ever. Isaias Afewerki has to admit that it is the people of Eritrea who have to rule the country, not him. In the late eighties and early nineties, we witnessed how one-party system countries collapsed one after the other. The massive arrest of the Eritrean intellectuals will not stop the people from achieving their democratic rights, freedom of expression, multi-party systems etc. If Afewerki continues with his dictatorial rule, his downfall is only a matter of time..
Ahmed Kayed, USA

Eritreans need a leader who thinks beyond conflict. It is a problem for many leaders in Africa to make the transition from leading an army to multi-party democratic leadership. The earlier he is forced out of office the better for the country.
Dr E. Hailu, UK

What makes this so sad is that the leader Isaias Afewerki arguably has, or had, until the events of last week a reservoir of goodwill among the majority of Eritreans, both for his service to the nation during the liberation struggle and since independence. And it was an incontrovertible fact that, prior to these past weeks events, had he stood for a contested real democratic election, (one was planned for December of this year) he would have probably easily won.

His party the PFDJ is the most organized and the only one with a base throughout the country. It would take years for any opposition party to build a similar base. Even more reason why the actions of the government in recent days is sad and irrational. Unless of course you are of the mindset that says that allowing for a loyal opposition, enabling free and open criticism, and for a free press is a sign of weakness. No, Mr. Afewerki, it's a sign of strength.
Ali, U.S.A.

The opinion on open debate concerning current Eritrean situation is split into two camps. While the older generation would like to solve the problem with Ethiopia first (border demarcation, war reparation etc.) the younger generation supports the reformers who want to have open debate and change in leadership now. I believe last week's action of arresting the reformers and shutting down the private press was wrong, but in the minds of those who oppose open debate, it was inevitable.
Negusse, Norway

There are those who restlessly strive to reverse the independence of Eritrea, and to this effect they look for any crack in the institution of the Government of Eritrea. The Eritrean government's action to foil any thing that threatens the integrity of Eritrea therefore is justifiable. The United States can be cited as an example when it frantically runs every where to detain the terrorists that can disturb the well being of the peace loving Americans.
D.S., Eritrean/Virginia beach

The repression is not justified. Isaias and his cronies are taking this action to avoid answering the question that everyone is asking: who is responsible for the disaster that the country is in? It is clear to most Eritreans that Isaias is a liability who is not fit to lead any society in the modern era. His leadership style is out of step with the information age of our times. Even the Chinese have abandoned Maoism but Isaias does know any better and he has too much blood in his hand to leave his post graciously. He is frightened and is reacting like any creature would.
G Ghebreziabher, Canada

What is taking place in my country did not take me by surprise. What do you expect from a regime with a very short-sighted and archaic ideology? What is being done is geared up to cover up the regime's blunder with the war and to prolong its stay in power. Here is my prediction: as much as they try to save their face and stay in power, they will lose their grip of power and will hasten their inevitable fall. History is repeating itself, remember the former military junta of Ethiopia with Mengistu as its leader.
Gidey, USA

President Issayas has yet to show convincingly the evidence for the alleged crimes of the 11 arrested men. A vague accusation with little proof has been provided, but we have yet to see conclusive proof. We all await the fair trial for his critics.
Kerim Ali, UK

It is not an overreaction at all. Restrictive measures were necessary to maintain peace and order and to assure the orderly and normal function of our society, well in accordance with the mandate of our nation.
M. Filli A, USA

Isaias has always been a despot, so his overreaction to someone questioning his totalitarian regime is not surprising. I only hope that Eritreans who worship Isaias as the all-knowing, all-good fatherly figure will open their eyes to how their trust and sacrifice for liberty has been severely abused.
Blain, USA

Isaias Afewerki has proved to be a tyrant time and again! He has provoked many military conflicts in the region although his last adventure backfired. I only hope that he realises what he has been doing before a backlash happens.
Johny Daniel, USA

Of course Isaias Afewerki is overreacting but isn't that the nature not only of him but of many other autocratic, corrupt, dictatorial leaders right across the continent? Until Africa gets leaders who are wholly committed to democracy, this story will just be repeated over and over again and will go largely unnoticed.
Tewodros Sile, Ethio-Eritrean in UK

This is not an overreaction. Mr Isayas has always behaved in such a manner when the question is that of his survival in power. It is a familiar African process which will continue until the point where the president will be forcefully ousted.
Demissie, Germany

The ruling class in the Eritrean government is acting in the interests of power. The opposition is only asking for transparency and the application of the constitution. President Isayas and his clique have correctly figured out that the application of the constitution will only expose their true undemocratic colours and accelerate their demise.
Girma W. Selassie, Washington DC, USA