Politics
Eritrea May Alter Army Draft That Forced Thousands to Europe
- End of war-footing may lead to reform in national service
- Program sparked exodus from Horn of Africa country, UN says
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Eritrea says it will cut the size of its army as part of changes to a system of mandatory national service that the United Nations blames for propelling tens of thousands of people to flee to Europe and neighboring countries.
The official end to a two-decade war with neighboring Ethiopia means the country that sits on a key shipping route to the Suez Canal may be able to place some working-age people in industries such as infrastructure and agribusiness, and spur self-employment, according to government officials.