From rebel governance to state consolidation - Dynamics of loyalty and the securitisation of the state in Eritrea

► Eritrea is a contemporary case of successful state-making grounded in war. ► State creation and consolidation has been grounded in different dynamics of loyalty. ► State consolidation has seen a shift from mobilisation to securitisation policies. ► State consolidation is also based on a unique transnational political configuration. ► As a result Eritrea is one of the 'hardest' states in sub-Saharan Africa.