Anyone who follows Eritrean politics closely, knows that Eritrean state officials are not in the business of offering empirical proof. Instead, they use a well-worn script. Full of long-winded jargon, it functions as a systematic diversion from meaningful conversation. Even if they agree to share details, it is hard to trust their self-reported facts typically collected through dubious mechanisms. As a result, the international community resorts to recycling dated facts about Eritrea. For example, the casual mention of an estimated 5,000 Eritreans fleeing the country each month is standard fare, though it is up for debate. Or the fact that Eritrea has an estimated of 10,000 political prisoners.

Recycling old images and tired ideas is also at the heart of what Eritrean state media does. Unless covering President Isaias Afwerki (since 1993), the state media continuously re-use the footage and stories of the 30-year old independence war. Flimsy development projects are disproportionately hyped. Newsworthy events are routinely ignored unless they get out control, and then the Minister of Information only responds in a tweet.

The Eritrean government attempts to control its narrative in two ways: outright denial and widespread policing, which promotes fear and extends to the diaspora. Whether in the news media or asylum offices of the West, the Eritrean narrative has been reduced to the bare minimum.

Here I want to challenge this stale narrative by using personal testimonies and small incidents that paint a clearer and more detailed picture of life in Eritrea. Personal testimonies make the elites nervous and agitated. Recounting small incidents is like taking snapshots from different angles. And as the viewer and reader, I rely on you to interpret and to create a coherent narrative.

Here there is no script.