Embassy of the United States, Asmara
LocationAsmara, Eritrea
Address179 Alaa Street Asmara, Eritrea
Coordinates15°19′44″N 38°56′6″E / 15.32889°N 38.93500°E / 15.32889; 38.93500
Websitehttps://er.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States in Asmara is the diplomatic mission of the United States in Eritrea. U.S. interest in Eritrea is aimed at reconciling regional disputes, particularly with Ethiopia and Djibouti, promoting democratic and economic reforms, addressing human rights issues, and encouraging Eritrea to contribute to regional stability. Nonetheless, at the Eritrean Government's request, the United States no longer provides bilateral assistance, and there is no military-to-military cooperation between the two nations.[1][2]

History

The United States recognized the Republic of Eritrea on April 27, 1993, after the country's independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Full diplomatic relations between the United States and Eritrea were established on June 11, 1993, when Asmara was elevated to embassy status, with Joseph P. O'Neill acting as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.[3]

Relations between the two countries have been strained due to Eritrea's record on human rights and civil liberties, as well as its handling of political dissidents and the press. The Eritrean government's authoritarian regime, which is controlled entirely by the president and the sole political party, has yet to implement the constitution or conduct national elections since 1991.[1][2]

Eritrea's relationship with the U.S. has been further complicated by President Joe Biden's statements at the United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022. Biden emphasized the importance of Africa's success for global prosperity and acknowledged the existence of democracies in Africa, such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Somaliland, and South Africa. However, he also indicated a willingness to overlook issues of corruption and human rights violations in certain contexts, although Eritrea was specifically mentioned as an exception due to its particularly troubling record. Eritrea's trajectory under President Isaias Afwerki's leadership has been marked by authoritarianism, severe restrictions on civil liberties, and involvement in regional conflicts, notably in Ethiopia and Tigray.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Policy History". er.usembassy.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  2. 1 2 "U.S. Embassy Asmara, Eritrea". diplomacy.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  3. ↑ "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Eritrea". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  4. ↑ "It's Time to Get Serious About Eritrea". nationalinterest.org. The National Interest. January 10, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
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