UN Security Council lifts sanctions against Eritrea

Eritrea congratulated by Ethiopia

Eritrea’s information minister congratulated all Eritreans and the country’s allies, even as he continued to question the legality of the sanctions. “The Government of Eritrea welcomes this belated decision to redress injustice, almost a decade after nefarious acts were taken inculcating indefensible harm on the country,’‘ read part of a statement from the information ministry.

The office of the prime minister of Ethiopia also congratulated Eritreans, saying the decision by the United Nations, would have ‘far-reaching effects in improving the stability of the Horn of Africa region’.

Ethiopia congratulates the people and Government of the State of Eritrea on the lifting of sanctions. pic.twitter.com/Ur4SBzCfR7

— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) November 14, 2018

The measures against Eritrea – which include a travel ban and asset freeze on certain people and entities – were imposed in 2009 after U.N. experts accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups in Somalia. Eritrea has denied the accusations.

In July, Ethiopia and Eritrea declared an end to their state of war and agreed to open embassies, develop ports and resume flights between the two countries after decades of hostilities. Then, Eritrea and Djibouti agreed in September to work on reconciling. Deadly clashes broke out between the Horn of Africa countries in June 2008 after Djibouti accused Asmara of moving troops across the border.