Key Sanctions and Embargoes on Eritrea

Key Sanctions and Embargoes on Eritrea:

1. 2009 UN Sanctions (Supported by the

U.S.):

The U.S. played a significant role in pushing for UN Security Council Resolution 1907, which imposed an arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes on Eritrean officials. The resolution was based on allegations that Eritrea was supplying arms to Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.

Despite repeated denials from Eritrean officials and a lack of concrete evidence in subsequent UN reports, these sanctions remained in place for nearly a decade.

The sanctions were finally lifted in 2018, after the UN Monitoring Group could not find conclusive proof of Eritrea's involvement with Al-Shabaab.

2. Executive Order 13664 (2014):

Under President Barack Obama, this executive order targeted individuals and entities involved in the conflict in South Sudan, which indirectly affected Eritrea due to its regional ties.

Eritrean individuals and businesses faced restrictions under the broad terms of this order.

3. 2021 U.S. Sanctions Under the Global Magnitsky Act:

In November 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed targeted sanctions on Eritrean entities and individuals, citing Eritrea's involvement in the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia.

Eritrea's military was accused of human rights abuses in the conflict, which Eritrea dismissed as part of a broader Western misinformation campaign.

4. Continued Restrictions:

Eritrea remains subject to export controls and financial restrictions under various U.S. regulations, often tied to its refusal to align with Western policies and its strong stance on sovereignty.

Criticism of U.S. Sanctions on Eritrea:

Lack of Evidence: The most significant criticism of U.S. sanctions is the absence of verifiable proof regarding Eritrea's alleged support for extremist groups.

Political Motives: Eritrea’s independent foreign policy and resistance to Western influence are often cited as the real reasons behind the sanctions.

Impact on Development: Sanctions have negatively affected Eritrea’s economy, limiting access to global markets and investment opportunities.

Eritrea’s Response:

Eritrea has consistently rejected the sanctions as unjust and politically motivated. The government has positioned itself as a self-reliant nation, arguing that external interference and economic restrictions are tools used by Western powers to suppress independent African nations.