US GOVT Removes Ethiopia from a Trade Program Following Unrest
The United States Government under President Joe Biden has removed Ethiopia from a U.S. trade program after the African nation continued to ignore the "gross violations" of human rights during the ongoing Tigray region war.
Christine Juma 
In a letter believed to have been from Biden`s office, it stated that Ethiopia was in "gross violations of internationally recognized human rights."
According to the United States and the United Nations, Ethiopian forces have repeatedly blocked trucks providing aid and food, depriving many people in the area. According to the Associated Press, a large number of individuals have died of starvation.
This comes at a time In September, Biden issued an executive order threatening to impose penalties on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed over the unrest and deaths in the Tigray region unless steps were done to end the 11-month conflict.
Ethiopia has not completed the eligibility standards to remain a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, according to Biden, paving the way for sanctions against the country. The African Growth and Opportunity Act allows citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa duty-free access to the United States if they meet specific criteria, such as removing trade and investment barriers and promoting political diversity.
However, Biden also added that Ethiopia's removal from AGOA "would deal a serious blow to the welfare of millions of low-income workers."
Ethiopia's government responded immediately to the White House action, stating that the move would greatly affect them especially low-income earners.
Press Statement on the Suspension of Ethiopia from #AGOA Eligibility pic.twitter.com/jqtY8FL55B
— MFA Ethiopia
