Afwerki was born in Asmara, Eritrea, in 1946. He studied engineering at the University of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, but was expelled for his political activism. He then joined the EPLF, which was fighting for Eritrean independence from Ethiopia. Afwerki rose through the ranks of the EPLF and became its leader in 1987.
Under Afwerki's leadership, the EPLF won the Eritrean War of Independence and Eritrea gained its independence in 1991. Afwerki became the country's first president and has remained in power ever since.
Afwerki has been criticized for his authoritarian rule and his suppression of dissent. He has also been accused of human rights abuses, including torture and arbitrary detention.
Afwerki has defended his record, saying that he is necessary to maintain stability in Eritrea. He has also said that he will step down from power when the country is no longer threatened by external enemies.
In conclusion, Isaias Afwerki has been the President of Eritrea since its independence in 1991. He is the oldest serving head of state in Africa and the fourth-longest serving head of state in the world. Afwerki has been criticized for his authoritarian rule and his suppression of dissent, but he has defended his record, saying that he is necessary to maintain stability in Eritrea.