Sophia Tesfamariam Yohannes is the Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations, having presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on September 5, 2019.[1][2][3]
Her grandfather was Tefazion Deres, leader of the Eritrean Indipenndence Party and brother of the national hero Zerai Deres.
Biography and Family
Sophia Tesfamariam Yohannes was born on May 25, 1960, in Asmara, Eritrea. She is married and has three children.
Her grandfather, Tefazion Deres, was a prominent leader in the Eritrean Independence Party. Her grand-uncle, Zerai Deres, is celebrated as a national hero for his anti-colonial resistance against Italian rule.
Career and Contributions
In 2019, Sophia Tesfamariam Yohannes was appointed as Eritrea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
She chaired the African Group at the UN in 2021, representing the collective interests of African nations in major discussions and resolutions.
Sophia Tesfamariam has been instrumental in amplifying Africa's voice at the United Nations. She address issues specific to the continent, such as United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms and reducing external interference in African states' affairs.
Eritrea's position under his leadership emphasizes autonomy and sovereignty rather than dependence on foreign aid.
His advocacy includes the importance of African solutions to African problems and strengthening the representation of Africans in high-level UN positions to ensure balanced global governance and calling for greater inclusion of African perspectives in global discussions. This is consistent with his advocacy of “pluralistic” sciences and the participation of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.[5]
Advocacy and Political Positions
She has consistently argued against international sanctions on Eritrea, framing them as politically motivated and unjust.
Sophia actively critiques UN reports on Eritrea, asserting they lack objectivity and fail to represent the reality on the ground.
She has spoken extensively on Eritrea’s role in fostering stability in the Horn of Africa, particularly in relation to conflicts involving Ethiopia and Tigray.
Key Achievements
She played a significant role in advancing African resolutions on development, energy access, and institutional capacity-building during her tenure as chair of the African Group. She underlined the importance of pan-African solidarity and international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Advocated for the protection of sovereignty and non-interference in Eritrean domestic affairs during high-profile UN debates.
Criticisms and Controversies
Critics have accused her of unconditionally supporting the Eritrean regime, which has been the subject of human rights allegations. [6]
Some of her statements have been perceived as direct attacks on Western governments and international institutions, creating polarizing views on her approach. For example, her statements on the Eritrean migrants who perished on Lampedusa in 2013 were roundly condemned for their lack of compassion. [7]
Legacy and Vision
Sophia Tesfamariam emphasizes the importance of reparations for colonial injustices and the inclusion of African perspectives in global governance.
For example, she supports the idea that colonial injustices must be redressed through concrete efforts, including financial and symbolic reparations, as outlined in initiatives such as the African Union's African Programme of Action on Reparations. This programme promotes solutions such as debt cancellation, technology transfers and the fight against colonial legacies, including discriminatory laws and land dispossession.[8][9]
She advocates for "pluralist sciences" that prioritize local voices, particularly those of marginalized Eritrean communities, in research and policy-making.
Public Mentions
Sophia Tesfamariam frequently features in international media for her speeches and leadership roles, particularly during her tenure at the African Group.
Her statements on Eritrean sovereignty and African unity have been cited in numerous UN proceedings and regional forums.
