United States lifts unilateral sanctions on Eritrea

Asmara, 19 September 2026 – The United States announced yesterday – through an announcement posted on the US Department of Treasury Website – that it had lifted the unilateral sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the Biden Administration on 17 September 2021 under Executive Order No.14046.

Although the imposed sanctions were not warranted by any metrics and had indeed caused incalculable damage to the country, the positive decision to lift them now is expected to mark an important step towards strengthening constructive relations and cooperation between Eritrea and the United States.

The unilateral sanctions targeted the Eritrean Armed Forces, senior Government officials and key trading enterprises.

It is to be recalled that, in a congratulatory message sent to the people and Government of Eritrea on the occasion of its 35th anniversary of independence last May, President Donald Trump had stated that it was time for the two countries to put the previous era behind them, move forward and work together for shared peace and prosperity.