IRC Ordered to Close Eritrea Operations

On November 1, the International Rescue Committee’s Eritrea program received notice of expulsion from the Government of Eritrea. The Minister of Labor and Human Welfare, Ms. Askalu Menkerios, informed the IRC in a letter that due to the recent signing of a Northeast Sudan Peace Agreement, IRC’s operating and work permits will be invalid as of November 15.

The IRC has been operational in Eritrea and Northeast Sudan since 2001. IRC’s programs include water, sanitation and small-scale agricultural support activities in Eritrea as well as primary health care, water, sanitation and livestock support in Northeast Sudan. IRC’s current funding levels in both countries amount to approximately $3.7 million U.S., the majority of which funds Eritrean programs. Current and planned activities in Eritrea and Northeast Sudan assist approximately 140,000 beneficiaries.

“We regret this sudden turn of events and hope that the people of Eritrea and Northeast Sudan continue to receive the level of assistance they need,” said IRC's International Programs director, John Keys.  “We’re glad for the time we’ve had on the ground in Eritrea for the past few years.”

IRC has requested clarification and reconsideration of the Eritrean government’s decision on expulsion and is awaiting a formal reply. In the meantime, due to the extremely short timeline for closure, IRC has initiated close-out procedures.