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FINANCIAL SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON ERITREA OVER HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN ETHIOPIA

The United States has imposed financial sanctions on four entities and two individuals linked to Eritrea over its role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia. The move aims to target Eritrean actors who have contributed to violence in northern Ethiopia, resulting in a massive humanitarian disaster.

Designated Entities and Individuals

According to the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the individuals and entities designated today are:

  • Eritrean Defense Force
  • People’s Front for Democracy and Justice
  • Abraha Kassa Nemariam
  • Hidri Trust
  • Hagos Ghebrehiwet W Kidan
  • Red Sea Trading Corporation

Sanctions Imposed

The sanctions were imposed in response to the growing humanitarian crisis and expanding military conflict in Ethiopia. The US has accused Eritrean forces of operating throughout Ethiopia, committing massacres, looting, and sexual assaults.

“We condemn the continued role played by Eritrean actors who are contributing to violence in northern Ethiopia, which has undermined the stability and integrity of the state and resulted in a humanitarian disaster,” said Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Andrea M. Gacki. “Treasury will continue to use all our tools and authorities to target and expose those whose actions prolong the crisis in the region.”

Consequences of Sanctions

The sanctions:

  • Freeze all assets held by these entities and individuals within US jurisdiction
  • Prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions with them

Situation in Northern Ethiopia

The situation in northern Ethiopia has deteriorated significantly since the outbreak of military conflict in 2020, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and a growing humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. Eritrean forces have been responsible for much of the violence and human rights abuses, and their presence is seen as an impediment to ending the fighting.

International Response

The US has repeatedly called on Eritrea to withdraw its forces from Ethiopia, but so far, there has been no response. The international community has also condemned the crisis and called for a peaceful resolution.

Purpose of Sanctions

The sanctions are aimed at pressuring Eritrea to change its behavior and support efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully. They also aim to prevent any further destabilization of the region.

Humanitarian Assistance

The US Treasury Department has issued three general licenses to ensure that humanitarian assistance can continue to reach those in need. The licenses authorize certain transactions related to humanitarian aid, including:

  • Food
  • Medicine
  • Medical supplies

For more information on the sanctions and their implications, contact OFAC’s Sanction Compliance and Evaluation Division at:

(800) 540-6322 or (202) 622-2490 OFAC_Feedback@treasury.gov