Thread by @saracreta

*THREAD*

Almost 1 year ago, I wrote on how EU was spending millions in #Eritrea on projects using forced conscription.

A key partner in the project is the Red Sea Trading Corporation, completely owned & operated by the ruling party.

More on @repubblica
repubblica.it/solidarieta/em…

#Europe accused of financing #Eritrean project based on 'forced labour'?

#EU spokesperson was saying that this project is part of a new approach to engaging with #Eritrea, which has the improvement of the lives and rights of Eritreans at its core.

@EU_Commission reply here ⬇️

#EU accused of supporting forced labour in #Eritrea?

I know they've seen my follow up-email, so why EU hasn't reply on

* Role of Red Sea trading
* Mechanisms to assure transparency of EU funds
* Reforms on the national service taking place before the starting of the project

For some background on the Red Sea Trading Corporation (AKA 09)

* Owned by #PFDJ
* Only import-export company based in #Asmara
* Involved in illecite transition & trafficking weapons according to the monitoring Group on #Somalia & #Eritrea

More on how UNOPS, a UN agency, should monitor, but it's clearly not, as not on the ground.

Simple: The Eritrean govt is monitoring an #EU project.

Interesting - but not surprising - that #Italy is in favor.
nytimes.com/2020/01/08/wor…

Parliamentary questions on #EU-funded project in #Eritrea
ec.europa.eu/trustfundforaf…

"..The EU-funded project only finances the procurement & supply of material and equipment ­the EU does not pay for labour..." europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document…

& the role of Red Sea Trading Corporation?

The #EU states it will work with the Red Sea Trading Corporation – fully owned & operated by the Eritrean government.

The Red Sea Trading Corporation has been involved in illegal activity in the Horn of #Africa, including illegal arms trade.
securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BF…