The United States must immediately lift the illegal extraterritorial sanctions it has imposed on Eritrea and the Eritrean people. These unilateral measures, added to earlier United Nations sanctions, have isolated the country, inflicted economic hardship on ordinary citizens, and blocked cooperation on critical regional security issues.
United Nations Sanctions on Eritrea
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1907, adopted in December 2009, imposed an arms embargo and targeted sanctions on Eritrea. These measures were fully lifted in November 2018 by Resolution 2444 after improved regional relations.
Illegal Extraterritorial U.S. Sanctions (2021)
Despite this, the United States imposed its own illegal extraterritorial sanctions in November 2021 under Executive Order 14046. These measures targeted the Eritrean Defense Forces, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, the Red Sea Trading Corporation, and related entities. Unlike collective UN action, these unilateral American sanctions apply extraterritorially and harm both the Eritrean state and its people.
Violation of the United Nations Charter
Such sanctions violate the spirit of the United Nations Charter. Chapter VII grants the Security Council exclusive authority to impose collective sanctions under Article 41. Unilateral measures undermine this framework and have been criticized in UN human rights mechanisms for their harmful effects on civilians.
The Heavy Cost to Ordinary Eritreans
The sanctions have restricted access to the international financial system, including SWIFT, blocked foreign investment, limited banking, and prevented loans. Imports have grown more expensive, and development in energy, water, and infrastructure has been hindered. Ordinary Eritreans bear the heaviest cost.
Unlocking Red Sea Security Cooperation
Lifting these sanctions would open space for partnership on Red Sea maritime security. Eritrea’s waters remain free from piracy and Houthi attacks. The country can offer a safe corridor for shipping from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the Suez Canal along its 2,000-kilometer coastline.
Infrastructure and Capacity Needs
To fulfill this role, Eritrea needs reintegration into the global financial system. Access to capital is required for refueling stations, ship repair facilities, LNG terminals, and oil refineries. Modernizing the navy would further strengthen protection of commercial vessels.
Eritrea’s Responsibility: Political Reforms
At the same time, the Eritrean government must act. It should implement the 1997 Constitution, release political prisoners held without charge or trial, and take concrete steps toward openness and accountability. These reforms would strengthen Eritrea’s standing and readiness for cooperation.
A Clear Win-Win Path Forward
Ending the illegal extraterritorial U.S. sanctions is both a legal and practical necessity. It would relieve the suffering of ordinary citizens, restore economic access, and allow Eritrea to contribute to stability in a vital maritime corridor. This outcome is a clear win-win for Eritrea, the United States, and the international community. The time to act is now.