Financial Crime World

ERITREA SANCTIONS: US TARGETS GENERAL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN TIGRAY CONFLICT

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Introduction

The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on General Filipos Woldeyohannes, the Chief of Staff of Eritrea’s Defence Forces (EDF), for his alleged role in serious human rights abuse during the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

Background

General Filipos is being targeted under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for his involvement in massacres, looting and sexual assaults carried out by EDF forces in Tigray. The sanctions also accuse him of commanding troops that have committed rape, torture and execution of civilians.

Sanctions Imposed

The US has imposed property and interest freezes on General Filipos as well as restrictions on any entities owned or controlled by him. Americans are also prohibited from engaging in transactions with him, unless authorized by a specific license.

Quote from Andrea Gacki, Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control

“This designation demonstrates the United States’ commitment to imposing costs on those responsible for human rights abuses in Ethiopia,” said Andrea Gacki, Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Human Rights Abuses in Tigray

Human rights groups have accused EDF forces of committing widespread atrocities, including:

  • Forced evictions
  • Rape and torture
  • Execution of men and boys
  • Systematic house-to-house searches

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tigray have reported experiencing a humanitarian crisis with an estimated 5 million people in need of aid and over 400,000 experiencing famine conditions.

Escalating Conflict

Despite a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Ethiopian government in June, fighting continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.

Growing Trend of Holding Human Rights Violators Accountable

The Treasury Department has imposed similar sanctions on individuals and entities accused of human rights abuse and corruption in countries such as Venezuela, China, Russia and North Korea. The designation of General Filipos as a global human rights violator is part of this growing trend by the US to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses and corruption around the world.

Conclusion

The sanctions on General Filipos are seen as a move to pressure Eritrea to withdraw its forces from Ethiopia and end human rights abuses in Tigray. The US has been critical of Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict in Tigray and has called on the regime to withdraw its forces from the region.