In September 2021 President Biden signed into law sanctions aimed at targeting those involved in perpetuating violence in the northern Tigray region, including both government forces and their opponents, primarily the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. To date, the only body sanctioned is the Eritrean military, due to its involvement in the conflict.
Sanction Name
Sanctions With Respect to the Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Individuals considered to have been complicit in actions that threaten the peace and stability of Ethiopia, including corruption; serious human rights abuses; obstructing humanitarian assistance; targeting civilians or attacking UN or African Union personnel.
• Military or security forces operating in Northern Ethiopia can also be sanctioned, as well as entities, government bodies and political parties that have contributed to the crisis or blocked peace efforts. This includes senior individuals in the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Eritrea or its ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Amhara regional government, or the Amhara regional or irregular forces, on or after 1st November 2020.
Exemptions
1. There are exemptions for humanitarian and other actors operating in Ethiopia including the UN, several arbitration organisations, global development banks and humanitarian organisations.
2. NGOs operating in Ethiopia in the food and medical care sector are exempt from the sanctions, as are organisations promoting democracy and the rule of law, education programmes, health or those engaged in conservation efforts.
3. There are exemptions for those delivering food, seeds, fertilisers and livestock to Ethiopia, as well as exemptions forth delivery of medicine and medical devices.
