Switzerland has announced the termination of its tiny Development Cooperation Assistance to Eritrea, a program that was only reintroduced in 2017 after being suspended for over a decade. The decision is largely driven by Eritrea’s refusal to comply with the “involuntary return” of rejected asylum seekers.
A spokesperson for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) stated on Swiss radio SRF that the decision was influenced by an external evaluation, which found insufficient progress in the area of migration.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) had initiated two vocational training projects in Eritrea in 2017, one is the Massawa Workers Vocational Training Center and the other at Don Bosco Technical School Dekemhare, with a limited budget of CHF 6 million (= US $6.7m). These projects were part of a pilot phase designed to assess the feasibility of Swiss cooperation in Eritrea, originally planned to conclude by the end of 2019.
The first evaluation of these projects was conducted at the end of 2018, with a subsequent review in May 2024. Despite initial plans to extend the program until May 2025, the decision to end the current phase was communicated in October 2024, following the finalization of the evaluation report in May 2024. The report underscored the challenges faced in achieving meaningful progress, particularly in migration-related issues, which ultimately led to the program’s discontinuation.
Switzerland’s engagement in Eritrea through the SDC dates back to 1993, with a cooperation office operating in Asmara from 2001 to 2006. The office primarily oversaw humanitarian operations before its closure in 2006.
Eritrea has consistently maintained a clear and unwavering stance regarding development cooperation with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. The country’s policy emphasizes full ownership of its development programs and categorically rejects any form of conditionality. Furthermore, Eritrea’s migration policy firmly opposes “involuntary” repatriation of its nationals, a position that has directly conflicted with Switzerland’s expectations.
The termination of Swiss development assistance to Eritrea underscores the challenges of aligning national policies with international cooperation objectives. While Switzerland sought to support vocational training and foster bilateral ties, Eritrea’s uncompromising stance on migration created barriers. This decision marks the end of a short-lived chapter in Switzerland’s Development Cooperation with Eritrea.
In related news, Switzerland’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Sylvain Astier, recently completed a productive five-day working visit to Eritrea. During his stay in Asmara, Ambassador Astier held meetings with various government officials and diplomats, engaging in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Beyond formal engagements, the envoy also took the opportunity to interact directly with Eritrean citizens in the streets and cafés of the capital. He expressed being profoundly touched by the openness, warmth, and peaceful demeanor of the people he encountered, describing the experience as both inspiring and enlightening. [TN]