The U.S. has announced visa restrictions against Ethiopian and Eritrean officials, as well as restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia, due to the conflict in Tigray region.
Altaghyeer: Agencies
On Sunday, the Biden administration announced visa restrictions against Ethiopian or Eritrean government officials, as well as restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia, due to the conflict in Tigray region.
According to a statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the sanctions include current or former officials, members of the security forces, or other individuals.
The restrictions also include Amhara regional and irregular forces and members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) who are complicit in undermining a resolution to the Tigray region crisis.
“This includes those who have conducted wrongful violence or other abuses against people in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, as well as those who have hindered access of humanitarian assistance to those in the region”, the statement read.
Blinken said if officials failed to resolve the crisis, they should anticipate further actions from the U.S. and the international community.
Further Demands
He also called on other governments to join the U.S. in taking these actions.
The State Secretary also expressed Washington’s concerns about the ongoing crisis, as well as other threats to Ethiopia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.
“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the killings, forced removals, systemic sexual violence, and other human rights violations and abuses.”
Blinken renewed his country’s commitment to support efforts to resolve the crisis and help Ethiopians push for reconciliation and dialogue to overcome the current divisions.
The U.S called on the Ethiopian government to hold accountable all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.
They also called for the Eritrean government to live up to its public commitment and immediately return its troops to internationally recognized Eritrean territory.
Blinken affirmed that they will continue humanitarian assistance and certain other critical aid to Ethiopia.
