By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
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Washington, 20 September 2026 The United States has lifted sanctions on the Eritrean Defence Forces, the ruling People's Front for Democracy and Justice and other entities after the executive order underpinning the measures expired.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Friday it had removed all individuals and entities designated under Executive Order 14046 from its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
Those removed include the Eritrean Defence Forces, the ruling PFDJ, Red Sea Trading Corporation, Hidri Trust and senior Eritrean officials.
OFAC also removed guidance and frequently asked questions related to the sanctions program from its website.
Eritrea's Ministry of Information welcomed the decision, saying the sanctions imposed in 2021 were unjustified and had caused incalculable damage to the country.
The ministry said the decision could mark an important step toward strengthening constructive relations and cooperation between Eritrea and the United States.
Executive Order 14046 was issued on September 17, 2021, as the conflict in northern Ethiopia caused widespread deaths, displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The latest action ends sanctions imposed under that executive order, but does not amount to the removal of all other US restrictions affecting Eritrea or Ethiopia.