The three measures, targeted as they are specifically on the regime, are supposed to help it see the light.  According to Susan Rice, the US representative to the UN, “We do not see this as the door closing on Eritrea, but on the contrary, we view this as another opportunity for Eritrea to play a more responsible and constructive role in the region. We did not come to this decision with any joy – or with anything other than a desire to support the stability of peace in the region. “  

Yemen, which never fully recovered from its 1994 civil war, is in the middle of a crisis, having failed to reconcile the differences between the exiled opposition and the government. This has presented Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki with yet another opportunity to add to his chess board, which already includes Ethiopian, Sudanese, Somali and, most recently, Djibouti opposition groups. 

Although, as usual, no explanation has been offered, the motive behind the latest moves is likely to be an effort to cut back on expenses and to deploy the missions towards friendlier territories. 

What has not been reported that he is set to carry out a similar task with the Eritrea-based Ethiopian opposition groups.  Three individuals have been assigned with this task: Mr. Yemane Gebreab, the political director of the ruling and sole legal party, the People’s Front for Democracy & Justice (PFDJ); Brigadier General Tekle Kiflay and Colonel Teame (aka Mekele.)