US announces visa restrictions for Ethiopian and Eritrean officials over Tigray conflict
WASHINGTON – An unspecified number of officials from Eritrea and Ethiopia will not be able to obtain visas for the United States over what Washington links to atrocities committed in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, in a war that has left thousands dead, according to unverified reports.
Since November 2020, Ethiopia’s national defense force [ENDF] with reinforcements from Eritrean troops and Amhara regional forces have pitched a tent in the Tigray region, where they are alleged to have persecuted the Tigray people’s liberation front [TPLF] fighters.
But even after the capture of Mekele, the regional administrative capital of Tigray, troops have targeted innocent civilians, according to several independent reports, leading to the current catastrophe, which has left many dead, others injured, raped or displaced.
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued travel restrictions aimed at those believed to be perpetrators of the violence. The names and identities of those targeted were not directly available to the media.
“Today, I announce a Visa Restriction Policy under Section 212 (a) (3) (C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on the issuance of visas to all current or former Ethiopian or Eritrean government officials, members of the security forces, or other individuals – including Amhara Regional and irregular forces and members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – responsible for, or involved in, undermining the solution to the Tigray crisis, “read the statement.
“This includes those who have perpetrated wrongful violence or other abuses against people in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, as well as those who have prevented access to humanitarian aid to those in the region. Immediate family members of such people may also be subject to these restrictions,” he added. he.
If those responsible for undermining a solution to the Tigray crisis do not reverse, they should expect further action from the United States and the international community, Blinken noted, adding: “We urge other governments to join us in taking these measures. “
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is at the center of the conflict, had initially dismissed reports of human rights abuses in Tigray but has since acknowledged that the troops have acted outside the borders. The Ethiopian government has helped the displaced from their homes.
But it is the continued stay of Eritrean troops in Tigray that has raised eyebrows, with several international partners now asking Ethiopia to order for their evacuation. Despite assurances from Addis Ababa, the troops continue to unleash innocent civilians, something that may have angered the United States.
“In addition, we have imposed extensive restrictions on economic and security assistance to Ethiopia and will adapt our trade defense policy to them,” he added. “We will continue humanitarian aid and some other critical aids to Ethiopia in areas such as health, food security, basic education, support for women and girls, human rights and democracy, good governance and conflict mitigation, in line with available authorities. to continue its current broad constraints on aid to Eritrea. “
People in Tigray continue to suffer human rights abuses, abuses and atrocities, and urgent humanitarian aid needs to be blocked by the Ethiopian and Eritrean military as well as other armed actors.
The United States further condemned in the strongest terms murder, forced relocation, systemic sexual violence and other human rights and violations. “We are equally appalled at the destruction of civilian property including water sources, hospitals and medical facilities taking place in Tigray.”
“We urge the Eritrean government to live up to its public commitment and immediately return its troops to internationally recognized Eritrean territory. Without an immediate cessation of hostilities and a rapid expansion of humanitarian access, current and significant food insecurity could lead to famine,” Blinkade noted.
Civilians in northern Ethiopia have suffered terrible burns in line with the use of white phosphorus, a potential war crime according to the Telegraph. Exclusive images and stories of witnesses and victims smuggled out of the Tigray War suggest that Ethiopian and Eritrean armies may have used powerful firearms in civilian areas.
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