Eritrea’s Top Defense Official Sanctioned for Human Rights Abuse in Tigray Conflict
US Imposes Sanctions on General Filipos Woldeyohannes
The United States Treasury Department has slapped sanctions on Eritrea’s top defense official, General Filipos Woldeyohannes, for his role in human rights abuses committed during the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
Background on the Conflict
- The conflict in Tigray began with a military campaign by Ethiopian forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has led to widespread human rights abuses and a severe humanitarian crisis.
- General Filipos Woldeyohannes, chief of staff to the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), is accused of overseeing massacres, looting, and sexual assaults carried out by EDF troops against civilians in Tigray.
Sanctions Imposed Under Executive Order 13818
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated General Filipos Woldeyohannes as a foreign person who has engaged in serious human rights abuse during his tenure. This designation will restrict all property and interests in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons that belong to him.
Consequences of the Sanctions
- The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the US government to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in Tigray.
- The move is also part of a broader effort by the US to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in Tigray, where an ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Response from the US Government
“The Treasury Department will continue to take action against those involved in serious human rights abuse around the world,” said Director of OFAC Andrea M. Gacki. “Today’s action demonstrates our commitment to imposing costs on those responsible for these despicable acts.”
Call for Ceasefire Negotiations
The US government is urging Eritrea to withdraw its forces from Ethiopia and for the parties to the conflict to begin ceasefire negotiations.