KEYIR NEWS - The Government of Eritrea has confirmed the receipt of a letter from former United States President Donald J. Trump addressed to President Isaias Afwerki, signalling a renewed interest in mending bilateral ties and enhancing regional cooperation.
According to an official statement released by Eritrea’s Ministry of Information on Wednesday, President Trump conveyed his readiness to “reverse the damage inflicted” by the previous U.S. administration under President Joe Biden—particularly in relation to its foreign policy approach to Africa and the broader Horn region.
The statement, delivered via official channels, indicated that Mr. Trump emphasised his desire to re-establish diplomatic relations between the United States and Eritrea, promising an engagement rooted in mutual respect, trust, and pragmatic cooperation.
“The forthcoming chapter should be fruitful,” Trump is quoted as saying, “creating new opportunities for peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea basin.”
While the full contents of the letter have not been made public, Eritrean officials suggested the correspondence marks a notable departure from the tone of previous U.S. administrations, and may signal a shift in Washington’s approach to nations it has long maintained a cautious distance from.
During his presidency, Donald Trump adopted an “America First” foreign policy, which critics say deprioritised African affairs. However, his direct engagement with North Korea and emphasis on transactional diplomacy suggested a willingness to establish ties with historically isolated regimes.
Eritrea, which has endured years of diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions, could see Trump’s outreach as an opening for dialogue and possible normalisation.
The Biden administration maintained a policy of strategic caution towards Eritrea, especially in light of Eritrea’s involvement in the Tigray conflict in northern Ethiopia and concerns over human rights. This stance contributed to increased tensions and little diplomatic engagement between Washington and Asmara during Biden’s tenure.
Though Trump is no longer in office, his continued influence within the Republican Party and the possibility of a presidential comeback in the 2028 U.S. elections mean that foreign leaders are likely to engage him as a political actor with significant sway.
Analysts view the letter as symbolic but potentially consequential. “The Trump letter reflects a growing interest in reshaping U.S. policy toward the Red Sea corridor,” said one regional analyst based in Nairobi.
“It also reinforces Eritrea’s narrative that it seeks international recognition and cooperation without what it views as coercive preconditions.”
The Eritrean government has not yet issued a formal response to the letter, but sources suggest that consultations are ongoing within senior government circles. In the past year, Asmara has cautiously re-engaged with international partners and emphasised its desire for regional integration, economic reform, and sovereignty-driven diplomacy.
If Trump’s outreach translates into future U.S. policy or influences American diplomatic discourse, it could open a new chapter in Eritrean-American relations, potentially reshaping geopolitical dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea axis.
By STAFF REPORTER