Waves of protests hit Eritrea for 1st time in 25 years

For the first time in 25 years since it became independent, Eritrea has witnessed a wave of anti-government demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday in numerous parts of the Horn of Africa nation.

Demonstrations, according to numerous sources, have been held in the port town of Massawa, Agordat and in the capital city Asmara.

In a travel warning, the U.S. embassy in Asmara advised "U.S. citizens to avoid the downtown area [in Asmara] where protests appear to be more prevalent. Streets in the downtown area may be closed, police continue to maintain a significant presence."

According to Eritrean opposition sites, the demonstrations began after the closure by the government of an Islamic school.

Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in 1992 and has been led by Isaias Afwerki ever since.

Between 1998 and 2000, a fierce war opposed Eritrea and Ethiopia, reportedly claiming the lives of nearly 70,000 people. The war began after Eritrean forces had invaded the border town of Badme, where clashes have been .

There are currently more than 260,000 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia.