Dear

I am writing with respect to the sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the UN Security Council (Resolution 1907 – 2009) with the backing of the British Government. The sanctions imposes arms embargo, travel restrictions and asset freeze against Eritrea on the allegation that Eritrea has provided support to Somali insurgents and in relation with its alleged border dispute with Djibouti.

I am astonished that the sanctions are imposed in the absence of any credible evidence. Our community leaders had met the representatives of the government and they were told that the evidence used is classified.

It has been evident for a while that the British Labour government has consistently adopted a policy that is neither just nor balanced when it comes to the Horn of Africa. For example, policies were advanced that are in favour of Ethiopia even when it violated the final and binding Eritrea-Ethiopia border ruling reached at the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The British government’s unconditional financial support to Ethiopia has allowed the country to increase its military budget which in turn is used to threaten and invade neighbouring countries. It disturbs me to note that taxpayers’ money is being used to create a situation that has caused destraction and immense suffering of the people of the Horn of Africa. It has been difficult to understand how such measures will protect the interest of Britain in the area. I am very much concerned that the policy of the British government has been perpetuating the suffering of ordinary people and the sanctions against Eritrea will lead to further bloodshed.

I would like to know how the British government can justify supporting the sanctions against Eritrea given the fact that:

a) The UN Envoy for Somalia had admitted that despite the talk about Eritrea supplying arms to Somalia, there was no hard evidence to link it with these accusations. b) It is proven fact the situation in Somalia is made worse by Ethiopia’s invasion; c) The Arms monitoring Group equally charged Ethiopia for violating the Somali arms embargo; d) Ethiopia is currently occupying Eritrea’s sovereign territory in violation of the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and UN resolutions;

I would be grateful if you could approach the relevant department and seek explanation as to why the British government has opted for such drastic and unjust measures.