US Vows to Strengthen Relations with Eritrean Government

US State Department has announced that it is looking forward to strengthen its relationship with the Eritrean government. The statement marks a shift in US foreign policy towards Eritrea. The statement has been released on the occasion of Eritrean Independence Day. Eritrea its celebrating its 34th Independence Day today.

“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate Eritreans around the world on the 34th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. On this occasion, we recognize the deep spirit that motivates Eritrean history and culture, and our shared interest in promoting peace and prosperity for the Horn of Africa. I look forward to strengthening our relationship with the people and Government of the State of Eritrea in the years ahead,” the US Secretary of State said in a statement on Friday.

Eritrea, for years, remained under sanctions imposed by the US and western allies. It was cut off from SWIFT banking system. It accused US of backing Ethiopia’s Tigray People’s Liberation Front to undermine Eritrean interests. The sanctions were lifted after 2018 peace deal between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Targeted sanctions were again imposed on Eritrean military officials for their involvement in Ethiopian civil war which erupted in November 2020.

Eritrean President, in his meetings with Russian and Chinese Presidents last year, urged them to build an alternative world order to protect the world from the “hegemony” and “tyranny” of US imposed world order.

Eritrea US relations saw signs of change when Eritrean government welcomed President Donald Trump on winning the Presidential Election. US diplomats appointed in Asmara have been suggesting that the US policy of isolation of Eritrea is not working and it should be replaced by engagement.

In past statements on Eritrean Independence Day, the US State Department would talk of engagement with Eritrean people not Eritrean government. But this year’s statement clearly mentions US interest in building relationship with the Eritrean government.

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