Media Statement
15 November 2018
South Africa welcomes the lifting of Security Council sanctions against Eritrea
The South African Government has welcomed a resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to lift sanctions against Eritrea.
The adoption of the resolution comes just over four months after the signing of the historic Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, and the President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, in Asmara, Eritrea, on 9 July 2018. This was followed by Ethiopia and Eritrea signing an Agreement on Peace, Friendship and Comprehensive Cooperation on 16 September 2018.
Reflecting on these developments, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, stated: “South Africa welcomes the decision of the UNSC and it is our hope that the lifting of sanctions against Eritrea will contribute to further advancing peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa.”
“The positive developments in the region over the last few months are further testament of the goal of Africa to silence the guns on the African continent by 2020 and are reflective of the political will by African countries to seek African solutions in resolving African problems,” added Minister Sisulu.
“We hope that the lifting of the sanctions will reverse the devastating economic impact that it has had on the region and in particular on Eritrea,” concluded Minister Sisulu.
Enquiries: Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya, MabayaN@dirco.gov.za / 083 645 7838
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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