US Slaps Financial Sanctions on Eritrean Defense Forces Chief over Human Rights Abuse in Tigray Conflict

US Imposes Financial Sanctions on General Filipos Woldeyohannes

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned General Filipos Woldeyohannes, the Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), for his role in serious human rights abuse committed during the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

Rationale Behind the Sanctions

According to OFAC Director Andrea M. Gacki, today’s action demonstrates the US commitment to imposing costs on those involved in despicable acts that worsen a conflict already causing immense suffering among Ethiopians. The US urges Eritrea to withdraw its forces from Ethiopia immediately and permanently and for all parties to cease hostilities.

Humanitarian Crisis in Tigray Region

The Tigray conflict has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, with: * Hundreds of thousands of people in need of aid * Over 400,000 facing famine conditions Despite the Ethiopian government’s ceasefire declaration, fighting continues, with both sides restricting humanitarian access.

EDF’s Human Rights Abuses

The EDF, led by General Filipos, is accused of: * Massacres * Looting * Sexual assaults * Rape * Torture * Execution of civilians Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have reported systematic human rights abuses, including: * Forced evictions * Destruction of property * Use of violence against women and children

“Sorched Earth” Policy

The EDF’s actions amount to a “scorched earth” policy aimed at preventing IDPs from returning home.

Sanctions Against General Filipos

General Filipos is being sanctioned under Executive Order 13818 for his role in serious human rights abuse committed by the EDF during his tenure as Chief of Staff. As a result: * All property and interests in property owned or controlled by him are blocked and must be reported to OFAC * Prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions with General Filipos or any entities owned or controlled by him

Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

The sanctions are part of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which aims to impose tangible consequences on those responsible for human rights abuse and corruption.