MOGADISHU, (HAN) — The government of Eritrea is seeking ways to convince the United States to lift the long-standing sanctions imposed on the country. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Asmara are underway to reach an understanding on the issue, though no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
Eritrean diplomats have urged the U.S. to take steps toward removing the sanctions, which they say have had severe political, economic, and social impacts on the country. The diplomats have reportedly prepared a detailed proposal to present to then-President Donald Trump’s administration outlining their request.
Eritrea was originally sanctioned for its prolonged border conflict with Ethiopia—following its independence in 1993—its alleged interference in Somalia, and its political influence across the Horn of Africa region. The U.S. administration at the time backed a United Nations Security Council resolution to strengthen sanctions on Eritrea.
On December 23, 2009, the UN adopted Resolution 1907, accusing Asmara of supporting the militant group Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Thirteen countries voted in favor, one opposed, and one abstained.
Although relations between the U.S. and Eritrea have improved in recent years, the Trump administration did not take formal steps to lift the sanctions. Diplomatic efforts continue in Washington to persuade U.S. officials that the situation in Asmara has changed.
