Eritrean Official Sanctioned for Human Rights Abuse in Tigray Conflict
Washington - The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned General Filipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), for his role in perpetuating serious human rights abuse during the ongoing conflict in Tigray.
US Department of the Treasury’s Efforts
The designation is made under Executive Order 13818, which targets individuals involved in or complicit with serious human rights abuse and corruption. General Filipos is accused of commanding EDF forces that have committed:
- Massacres
- Looting
- Sexual assaults against civilians in Tigray
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Conflict
“The ongoing conflict in Tigray has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis that threatens hundreds of thousands of lives,” said Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Andrea M. Gacki. “Today’s action demonstrates the US commitment to imposing costs on those responsible for these despicable acts, which worsen a conflict that has led to tremendous suffering by Ethiopians.”
EDF Accused of Severe Harm
The EDF is accused of inflicting severe harm on the ethnic Tigrayan population in areas they control, including:
- Forced evictions
- Rape
- Murder
- Torture
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have reported witnessing these atrocities firsthand.
Sanctions and Consequences
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property belonging to General Filipos that are in the United States or under US jurisdiction must be reported to OFAC. The sanctions also block any entities owned 50% or more by one or more blocked persons.
US Commitment to Human Rights
The US is committed to protecting human rights and promoting accountability for those responsible for serious human rights abuse and corruption, as outlined in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.