Integrated Country Strategy - ERITREA

USA
Tigrai Online 3/11/2023

Chief of Mission Priorities

Eritrea’s destabilizing military involvement in the conflict in northern Ethiopia that began in November 2020 destroyed any hope that the 2018 Eritrea-Ethiopia peace agreement would usher in a new era of stability and development in the Horn of Africa. Eritrean forces committed widespread and serious human rights abuses in Tigray. In August 2021, the United States imposed Global Magnitsky sanctions on the head of the Eritrean Defense Forces and in November, under Executive Order 14046, sanctioned several Eritrean entities and individuals. Since September 2021, the Embassy has maintained an NSC-endorsed policy of “disciplined confrontation” with the Eritrean government under which it rigorously challenges government mis/disinformation, seeks to isolate Eritrea’s toxic regional influence, and limits its engagement with political-level regime officials. The policy supports the Administration’s goal to defend and advance American values abroad, including by combatting threats to free societies by limiting Eritrea’s anti-democratic and destabilizing influence in the Horn of Africa. Our primary strategic policy goal is to cultivate Eritrea’s next generation and prepare for a post-Isaias era.

Embassy Asmara’s team consists of 12 USDHs, six EFM/EPAP hires, and 237 LE staff, led since 2010 by a Chargé d’Affaires because the Eritrean government will not accept the credentials of an American ambassador. In addition to the Chargé, the current USDH staffing pattern includes a Deputy Chief of Mission, Management Officer, Pol/Econ/Public Affairs Officer, Regional Security Officer, Security Technical Specialist (currently staffed with a one-year TDYer, will be vacant again starting in late 2022), Consular Officer, Information Management Officer, entrylevel Information Management Specialist, Office Management Specialist, an EFM RSO Office Management Assistant (currently vacant), a part-time EFM Community Liaison Officer, an EFM General Services Assistant, and an EPAP Assistant PAO. In 2022, we expect to add PAO and GSO positions. This ICS aligns the Embassy’s ends with its modest means, i.e., our mission goals and objectives are realistic for a small post with a limited budget operating in one of Africa’s most repressive and impoverished dictatorships, which is also hostile to the United States.

Embassy Asmara’s #1 priority is to protect and assist U.S. citizens. Most of our ACS “customers” are Eritrean-Americans. We provide routine consular services and emergency assistance during during arrests, deaths, child abductions, destitution, and criminal victimization. The Consular Section also supports several retired dual nationals living in Asmara. The Embassy is revitalizing its American Liaison network, refreshing its list of American citizens, and bringing online a new emergency contact system. Through careful screening of visa applicants, information sharing with the Eritrean government, and (at the moment, limited) law enforcement cooperation, the Embassy seeks to prevent potential malefactors from travelling to the United States.

Monitor and Report on Developments in Eritrea. Embassy Asmara’s diplomatic reporting is the only reliable U.S. source of information and context on Eritrea for U.S. policymakers. Eritrea has no independent media and Voice of America is the only international media in country, which is represented by a (presumably regime-approved) Eritrean national. The regime also tightly controls information that most other countries would make publicly available.

Promote fundamental human rights, democracy, and American values: Eritrea has one of Africa’s worst human rights records. The regime of President Isaias Afwerki is repressive and totalitarian. Dissent and civil society are not permitted. A liberal constitution was drafted but never adopted. There is no freedom of speech or assembly, and religious freedom is limited. Citizens are subject to arbitrary arrest and detention. Eritrea is ranked as Tier 3 for Trafficking in Persons due to its mandatory, indefinite National Service program, which is in essence forced labor, and is designated as a Country of Particular Concern for international religious freedom. In 2021, the European Union imposed human rights-related sanctions on Eritrea. Our carefully calibrated approach to advancing human rights uses diplomatic engagement; exchange programs; our Embassy Facebook page and other public diplomacy programming; American Center activities; visits by U.S. officials; and collaboration with local like-minded diplomatic missions.

Support regional peace and security: Eritrea’s foreign policies are inimical to and actively seek to thwart U.S. interests. In a coordinated effort to reduce Eritrea’s ability to engage in destabilizing regional activities and end its involvement in the conflict in northern Ethiopia, the Embassy works closely with Washington to encourage regional partners, EU members, and others to limit high-level engagement with and support of President Isais’ regime and to curtail the ruling PFDJ party’s diaspora fundraising.

Counter malign Chinese influence: China maintains a large embassy in Asmara and has a very active public outreach program. In late November 2021, Eritrea signed, in response to U.S. sanctions, a Memorandum of Understanding with China to join the Belt and Road Initiative and hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Yi in January 2022. China gets favorable treatment by and placement in Eritrea’s state-run media (there is no independent local media). However, China’s shoddy business practices and suspicions of its intentions provide an opening for us to counter Chinese narratives and highlight the dangers of Chinese investment to Eritrea’s economy.

Prepare for the post-Isaias era: Our diplomatic engagement and public diplomacy programming are focused on laying the groundwork for better relations in the post-Isaias era by building ties with the Eritrean people. The president is in his late seventies. He will not rule forever. Our public diplomacy programs, including the American Center, which attracts 100-250 visitors per day, are designed to cultivate close relations with students, educators, artists, intellectuals, businesspeople, religious leaders, technocrats in the government, people with disabilities, and other civil society contacts. We also coordinate closely with local diplomatic counterparts who share our values and vision for a more democratic Eritrea.

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