The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Friday that sanctions placed on Eritrea’s ruling party and its armed forces in 2021 have been lifted. The sanctions, originally imposed by the previous administration over humanitarian and human‑rights concerns linked to the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, are now being removed as part of a broader review of U.S. foreign‑policy tools.
Trump administration’s role highlighted
In a statement released by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials confirmed that several Eritrean individuals, including senior financial official Hagos Ghebrehiwet, have been taken off the sanctions list. The state‑owned Red Sea Trading Corporation was also removed.
Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel welcomed the decision, describing the original sanctions as “unwarranted” and damaging to his country. “In this respect, we welcome the gesture and remedial measures by the Trump Administration,” Gebremeskel told the Associated Press.
Background on the original sanctions
The 2021 sanctions targeted Eritrean entities for alleged involvement in the Tigray war, where Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian troops against regional fighters. The conflict, which caused widespread civilian suffering, ended with a peace accord in November 2022.
Red Sea security remains a priority
The delisting comes as the United States monitors heightened security risks in the Red Sea corridor. Recent Houthi advances in Yemen have increased threats to commercial shipping through the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a narrow passage that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Eritrea’s southern coastline and the port of Assab sit close to this strategic waterway, underscoring the importance of stable regional relations.
Implications for U.S. foreign policy
By removing the sanctions, the Trump administration signals a shift toward engagement with Eritrea, aiming to bolster stability in a region critical to global trade. The move may also facilitate cooperation on maritime security initiatives designed to protect vessels from piracy and missile threats.
While the decision has been praised by Eritrean officials, some human‑rights advocates continue to monitor the country’s record closely. The Treasury’s action reflects a balancing act between addressing past abuses and pursuing current strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
What comes next?
U.S. policymakers say the sanctions removal is part of a broader effort to encourage responsible behavior while safeguarding vital shipping lanes. Ongoing diplomatic dialogue with Eritrea and neighboring states will likely focus on ensuring that the peace accord in Tigray holds and that the Red Sea remains a safe conduit for international commerce.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
