*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…
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