News in Brief

Summary of State Minister Redwan Hussien’s briefings to Ambassadors of Members of UN Security Council and South American countries on pivotal issues in Ethiopia

On the EU’s decision to cancel the deployment of its observation mission for the upcoming elections in Ethiopia (Press Statement)

On the statement issued on the GERD and the Ethiopia-Sudan Border Dispute by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan (Press Statement)

Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya Hosts a Webinar on Promoting the ‘Land of Origins’ in Kenya

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Sunday (May 2) welcomes the decision by the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia to reinstate the 17 September 2020 Agreement as the basis for the upcoming elections, following the request by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo”. The Chairperson of the Commission commends President Farmaajo for putting the interests of the Somali people first. The Chairperson also welcomes the lead role accorded to the Prime Minister to prepare for peaceful, credible and transparent elections and ensure its security.

In related news, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) welcomes the restoration of diplomatic relations between its two sisterly member states of Kenya and Somalia and commends the presidents of the two countries for their statesmanship. In a statement issued on Wednesday (May 06) IGAD expressed hopes that the agreement will not only improve relations between the two sisterly neighbouring countries but also contribute to the promotion of security, stability and development in the wider Horn of Africa region.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has recognised Ethiopian soldiers for their contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia. The Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) soldiers on Sunday (May 02) received African Union medals and certificates after completing one year and six months of service in Somalia under AMISOM. The troops were deployed under the AMISOM Sector 4 in Beletweyne, Hiraan region, where they operated alongside the Djibouti Armed Forces (DJAF) and the Somali National Army to degrade Al-Shabaab terrorists. Ethiopia is one of the five AMISOM troop-contributing countries, alongside Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde held discussion with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in Niamey on Wednesday (May 05). The discussion focused on the current situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray regional state and border dispute with Sudan.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday (May 01) said despite the enormous difficulties Ethiopia has been going through, the renaissance of the country is certain and in the hands of its people. The premier made the remark in his greetings to Ethiopian Christians on the occasion of Easter that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (May 04) congratulated Ethiopians on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of patriots’ victory day which was celebrated on Wednesday. In a statement, the Prime Minister said that the day commemorates the victory of Ethiopian patriots over the fascist Italian forces. “We are learning three things from our patriots while commemorating the day- putting the country first, discharging responsibilities and maintaining unity,” he said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (May 04) has urged citizens that have not registered yet to utilize the extended period and get their voter cards. In his official account, he disclosed that the weekly evaluation of electoral preparations with regional chief administrators and the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has continued. Saying that voter’s registration is progressing well, the prime minister called on citizens that have not registered yet to utilize the extended period and get their voter cards.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen met the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday (May 6) and had held a very fruitful discussion on both bilateral and regional issues. During the meeting, Demeke briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa on current situation in Ethiopia. He updated the president on the ongoing humanitarian assistance in the Tigray Region and pointed out the work that has been done and the commitment of the government to investigate human rights allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia had held a discussion on Tuesday (May 04) with Comoros Foreign Minister, Dhoihir Dhoulkamal on bilateral issues and the tripartite talks over the GERD. On the occasion, the Foreign Minister of Comoros said that Comoros is keen to strengthen relationships between the two countries, particularly in culture, industry, vocational training, and the medical sector, including in efforts to fight COVID-19. He also said he had meetings with the leaders of Egypt and Sudan to talk about the GERD negotiations as a member of the AU Bureau and because Comoros considers the interests of the three countries as its own.

In his congratulatory message to the Ethiopia people on the 80th anniversary of Patriots Victory Day on Wednesday (May 5), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen noted that “given the current situation of the country, we are at a time when the patriotic spirit of our forefathers needs to be repeated by this generation.” The new generation must play its patriotic role in the mission of saving the country by denying time for the destructive forces to revive.

Dubai-based ports operator DP World and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport signed an agreement to develop the road linking Ethiopia to Berbera in Somaliland into a trade and logistics corridor. DP World and its partners plan to invest up to $1 billion over the next 10 years to develop supply chain infrastructure along the corridor, the company said in a statement on Thursday (May 06). This will include dry ports, silos, warehouses, container yards, cool and cold chain depots, freight forwarding and clearing activities, the company said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia said in a statement that “Ethiopia has learnt with disappointment” the EU’s decision to cancel its planned election observation mission to Ethiopia. The Ministry further said that “it is very unfortunate to have learnt that the issue of communications equipment was put forth as a deal-breaker for the EU to observe one of the most hoped-for democratic elections in the country’s history,” adding that the “demand has come as a surprise to the Government of Ethiopia, as none of these elements were a bone of contention in past elections.” While external observers could add some value to strengthen the quality of electoral processes, they are neither essential nor necessary to certify the credibility of an election; and the validity and legitimacy of Ethiopia’s election is determined solely by Ethiopian laws, institutions and ultimately by the people of Ethiopia, the statement added. (See full Statement)

The United Nations is disbursing $65 million for humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, $40 million of which will go to the aid operation in the northern Tigray region. More than 16 million people need assistance across Ethiopia, including an estimated 4.5 million in the Tigray region. The U.N. is allocating $40 million to emergency needs in Tigray, including shelter and clean water. The U.N. says the remaining $25 million will fund humanitarian operations in the rest of Ethiopia, including in response to drought in the Somali and Oromia regions. Despite the additional funds, the U.N. warns that the current humanitarian response across Ethiopia, including in Tigray, is not sufficient. Both additional funding and safer and unhindered access are needed to meet the growing needs.

In his weekly media briefing on Tuesday (May 4), Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson Ambassador Dina Mufti said Sudan has been giving provocative statements since it invaded Ethiopian territories in November 6, 2020. Ethiopia has over tolerated the aggression because of its commitment for peaceful resolution of the border dispute. However, Dina noted that the Sudanese have continued violating Ethiopian territories, looting Ethiopian properties, and giving out negative propaganda particularly the recent statement on Benishangul-Gumuz, which is a nonstarter and a statement that has been ill-conceived.”

The 80th Anniversary of the Patriots Victory Day was celebrated colorfully around Victory Monument in the capital on Wednesday (May 5) in the presence of senior government officials and veterans and juniors of the patriots.  The victory Day commemorates gallantry of Ethiopian Patriots in the five years struggle against Italian forces the end of the Fascist aggression in the country.

The Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia has issued a statement on Tuesday (May 04) refuting the recent statements of the Sudan on the GERD and the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue as unwarranted, provocative and increasingly bellicose propaganda campaign. It says Sudan’s mentioning of the Benishangul Gumuz regional state while talking about the GERD and border issues is contemptible. (See full statement)

The Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines (Nairobi Office), Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and the Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK) organized a tourism promotion webinar on 22 April 2021. (See article)

Ethiopian Ambassador to Italy, Demitu Hambisa presented her letter of credence to Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday (April 30). On the occasion, Ambassador Demitu and President Sergio Mattarella exchanged views regarding the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between the two sisterly countries which existed for centuries.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Turkey, Adem Mohammed, presented his letter of credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday (May 5) at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. President Erdogan welcomed the new Ethiopian envoy and wished him a successful tenure in Turkey.   On the occasion, the two sides discussed on ways of further strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Turkey and President Erdogan said Turkey attaches great importance to its relationship with Ethiopia.

UNESCO acknowledges Ethiopia’s efforts to press freedom on Wednesday (May 5). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized Ethiopia’s achievement in adopting new media law as a tool to ensuring freedom of expression. Whilst addressing World Press Freedom Day held here under the theme ‘Information as Public Good,’ UNESCO Representative to Ethiopia Yomiko Yocozeco (PhD) said that the organization acknowledges Ethiopian government’s adherence to keeping the rights of freedom of expression.

At its 13th regular session held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (May 06), the House of Peoples’ Representatives unanimously (with one abstention) approved the recommendation of the Council of Ministers to designate The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)” and “Shene” as terrorists.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki on Thursday (May 06) in the afternoon hours received and held talks at Denden Guest House, with the US Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman. In the four hours meeting, President Isaias Afwerki underlined Eritrea’s readiness to work in cooperation with the United States in the effort to resolve the problems in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Jeffrey on his part explained the perspective of the United States Administration on the prevailing situation in the Horn of Africa. The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab.

President Isaias Afwerki, met and held talks with Sudanese leaders in the afternoon hours of Wednesday (May 5). In their meeting at the Aljemhuria State House, President Isaias Afwerki and Gen. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to further consolidate their bilateral ties rooted in common history and shared values.

Kenya

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Meles Alem last week paid a courtesy call on the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, Raychelle Omamo at her office. During the meeting, Ambassador Meles briefed Cabinet Secretary Omamo the tripartite negotiations on the GERD, Dr. Arkebe Eqoubay’s candidature as the Director General of the UNIDO, the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue, the situation in Tigray as well as the upcoming national elections in Ethiopia. Ambassador Meles highlighted that Ethiopia is firmly committed to the guiding principles and philosophies of the African Union – “African Solutions for African Problems”- to effect a peaceful resolution of the issues surrounding the GERD and the Ethiopia-Sudan border.

Somalia

Somalia in a recent statement declared that it was restoring diplomatic relations with neighbouring Kenya almost six months after severing ties, accusing Nairobi of meddling in politics. Relations between the countries have also been tense over the ownership of potential oil and gas deposits, some of which lie off the coast of Jubbaland, one of Somalia’s five semi-autonomous states. “Now diplomatic relations are restored,” deputy information minister Abdirahman Yusuf told a news conference in Mogadishu, saying the Gulf Arab state of Qatar had helped in the process. Kenya’s foreign ministry said that it took note of the Somali government’s announcement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says “looks forward to furthering normalization of relations by the Somali authorities including with regard to trade, communication, transportation, people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges.” It also acknowledged the support of Qatar in particular in its efforts to normalize relations.

South Sudan

The Ethiopian ambassador to South Sudan, Nebil Mahadi on Monday (May 3) met South Sudan’s Vice President and Chairman of Infrastructure cluster, Taban Deng Gai and discussed issues of common concerns between the two nations. During the meeting, Nebil said Ethiopia’s support to South Sudan is consistent; reiterating his country’s effort to ensuring the September 2018 revitalized peace agreement is fully implemented. On the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the ambassador said it is a pan-African project intended for power generation, stressing that more than 65 million Ethiopians do not access electric power. “Ethiopia is urging Egypt and Sudan to respect its sovereign right to use Nile water for current and future generations,” he stressed.

Military officials from South Sudan and Rwanda have agreed to strengthen military and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Rwanda’s Defence Minister, Maj. General Albert Murasira and South Sudan’s Defence and Veteran Affairs minister, Angelina Teny in Kigali, Rwanda on Tuesday (May 04). Teny said the closed-door meeting between the two parties mainly focused on the implementation of the revitalized peace deal in South Sudan.

Sudan

The US Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffery Feitman has arrived on Friday (May 07) in Sudan starting a two-day visit during which he will discuss with the government senior officials on ways to de-escalate tensions in the region. The US official will meet the Head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister, Dr. Abdalla Hamdouk and other officials to review means for de-escalation of border tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia. The issue of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is also expected to loom high in the agenda.

Sudanese officials warmly welcomed on Tuesday (May 4) the visiting U.S. Senators Christopher Coons and Chris Van Hollen who arrived in Khartoum to discuss democratic transition and border issues. According to the foreign minister Mariam al-Mahdi, Hamdok briefed the delegation about the measures taken by the transitional government to implement the Juba Peace Agreement, its efforts to achieve the transition towards democracy and the completion of the transitional authority structures and the government’s efforts to address the economic situation.”

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi will travel to Khartoum soon for talks with Sudanese officials on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said foreign minister Mariam al-Mahdi on Monday (May 03). According to the official Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP), al-Mahdi made the announcement of the visit after a meeting in Kinshasa with the chairperson of the African Union. “President Tshisekedi will visit Khartoum soon to discuss all these questions with a view to finding a win-win solution, ” said the Sudanese top diplomat according to ACP.

The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) announced on Wednesday (May 5) that the head of the mission, Volker Perthes, would leave this week for Juba, the capital of South Sudan, before the coming peace talks scheduled on May 25 between Sudan transitional government and Sudan People’s Movement – faction of Abdul-Aziz Al-Hillo. UNITAMS stated that the head of the mission will meet with the mediation team of the Republic of South Sudan and the People’s Liberation Movement – faction of Abdul-Aziz Al-Hillo and other parties.

*******************

Summary of State Minister Redwan Hussien’s briefings to Ambassadors of Members of UN Security Council and South American countries on pivotal issues in Ethiopia

State Minister, Ambassador Redwan Hussien had a separate briefing sessions on Thursday (May 06) with Ambassadors of the members of the UN Peace and Security Council and South American countries residing in Ethiopia on critical issues in the country. He covered the situation in Tigray, the GERD negotiation, the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and the upcoming 6^th General elections.

In his briefing on the situation in Tigray, Ambassador Redwan said the government has made significant strides in addressing many of the concerns of the international community. In this regard, he said the issue of access to humanitarian support has been adequately addressed with the notification system that is now in place. Some of the pocket areas that were inaccessible are now being reached out through military escort, he added.

The issues related to visa extension and permits to communication equipment have also been addressed by the government, he explained. In this regard, those who contribute significant humanitarian support on the ground, such as the USAID are being granted visa extension permits, and a guideline has also been introduced to respond to requests for permits to use communication equipment, he said.

Although more than 192 staff members of UN-Agencies and international NGO’s are operating in the region, Ambassador Redwan said the government is still covering 70% of the relief support in the region. According to the State Minister, food and non-food items were delivered for 4.5 million beneficiaries in the first round and have been delivered for 2.7 million beneficiaries in the second round. He called on the international community to scale up support to people in need in the region.

While noting the UN-EHRC joint investigation on alleged human rights abuses, he informed Council members that the Attorney General has been conducting a separate investigation and a briefing will be given to the media to announce the outcome of its investigations.

On the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, Ambassador Redwan explained how Sudan took unfair advantage of the situation in the Tigray region to invade Ethiopian territories. Recalling the OAU decision to respect colonial borders, he expressed serious disappointment over Sudan’s claim of the Benishangul Gumuz regional state. He explained that Sudan is serving the interests of a third party and said that the international community should have called out Sudan for its aggressive behavior.

Discussing the GERD, the Ambassador said Sudan’s concerns are adequately addressed and the Foreign Minister of Egypt has also admitted in his recent address to the parliament that the Dam would cause no significant harm to his country. The viable way out to end the impasse over the GERD talks is to continue and finalize the AU-led tripartite negotiation process under the chairmanship of the DRC president. He expounded on the understanding reached to enhance the role of observers and experts to assist the DRC Chairmanship in moving the process forward.

Speaking about the election, he said Ethiopia is prepared to make it peaceful, free, fair and democratic. He said about 30 million voters have already registered and the number exceeded those registered during the 5th general election. The announcement of the EU not to send its observers for the election is regrettable, he noted and he explained that Ethiopia was ready to discuss further some of the outstanding issues. He expressed hope that the EU will reconsider its decision.

The Ambassadors have appreciated the briefing and noted the progress made in Tigray, particularly in allowing access to the region with simple notification and ongoing efforts in addressing quests for visa extension and access to communication equipment.  Ambassador Redwan responded to some of the questions raised by the Ambassadors following his briefing.

*******************

On the EU’s decision to cancel the deployment of its observation mission for the upcoming elections in Ethiopia (Press Statement)

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has learnt with disappointment of the decision of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to cancel the deployment of its observation mission for the upcoming general elections.

All possible efforts were made by the Government to conclude the Administrative Arrangement for the deployment of the mission, but these were to no avail. When the EU requested to observe the 6thnational elections earlier this year, the Government of Ethiopia immediately accepted and started negotiating in good faith on the draft agreement for the deployment of the observation mission. All concerned government institutions and the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) were engaged in the process, and while work was underway to finalize the Agreement, the Government also welcomed and facilitated the visit of the Exploratory Mission of the EU to Ethiopia two month ago. The Exploratory Mission had a productive stay and held discussions with various stakeholders. This was the impression the Government obtained from the Mission upon the completion of its work and whose recommendations later on led to the decision by the EU to deploy the observer mission.

While the Government was working tirelessly and expeditiously hoping to reach an agreement on the modality of the deployment, it is very unfortunate to have learnt that the issue of communications equipment was put forth as a deal-breaker for the EU to observe one of the most hoped-for democratic elections in the country’s history. The Government of Ethiopia, from the beginning, has made it abundantly clear that VSAT services can only be provided by the Ethio-telecom while accepting additional requests by the EU to import related equipment. As an important strategic partner and staunch supporter of the reform process, this demand by the EU has come as a surprise to the Government of Ethiopia, as none of these elements were a bone of contention in past elections. At a time when the telecommunication infrastructure in Ethiopia has made huge strides employing the latest available technologies, questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of its services is not a convincing reason to take the hasty decision of cancelling the mission’s deployment.

In the same vein, the EU has also rejected the proposal by the Ethiopian side to include in the Agreement that statements or public comments by the observer mission prior to the issuance of its preliminary findings and conclusions not be prejudicial to the election process or influence the perception of the public, on the result of the election to be announced only by NEBE. This concern stems from the fact that in the past, such pronouncements by other EU observer missions had serious repercussions on the country as a whole.

The Government is committed to make the upcoming elections free, fair, and democratic and is determined to continue working with all stakeholders to make it so. While external observers could add some value to strengthen the quality of electoral processes, they are neither essential nor necessary to certify the credibility of an election. The validity and legitimacy of Ethiopia’s election is determined solely by Ethiopian laws, Ethiopian institutions, and ultimately, by the people of Ethiopia.

Spokesperson Office

04 May 2021

*******************

On the statement issued on the GERD and the Ethiopia-Sudan Border Dispute by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan (Press Statement)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia had to issue this press statement because of the unwarranted, provocative and increasingly bellicose propaganda campaign by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan against Ethiopia. Ethiopia has for long refrained from reacting to the numerous fabricated stories appearing in the press statements of Sudanese institutions and remarks by government officials taking into account the historic and fraternal relations between the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and the Sudan. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia with a view of putting the record straight would like to make the following points very clear to the brotherly people of the Sudan and the international community at large.     

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sudan in its press statement issued on 1st May 2021, has once again attempted to mislead the people of the Sudan and the international community on issues related to the Ethiopia-Sudan boundary and the trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia, as an old independent and sovereign country, has time tested reputation in respecting international treaties and obligations it has signed.

The unfounded statement of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry only aims at covering up the continuing aggression committed by the Sudan since 6 November 2020, in violation of international principles, bilateral agreements and established joint boundary mechanisms. The unprecedented hostile military actions by the Sudan, the current Chair of our regional organization, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has resulted in the looting and burning of properties, killing of civilians as well as, the displacement of thousands of Ethiopians.

Ethiopia strongly believes that all the recent actions and vitriolic propaganda campaigns of the Government of the Sudan against Ethiopia do not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the peace-loving people of the Sudan. Ethiopia has been consistently calling the Government of the Sudan to reverse its aggression and resolve the boundary issue in accordance with bilateral agreements and joint boundary mechanisms to finalize the re-demarcation process.

The reference in the Sudanese statement to the Benishangul Gumuz Region of Ethiopia is indeed utterly ridiculous. It is common knowledge that Ethiopia’s historic territories in the west would have been extended beyond what is now Ethiopia`s boundary if it was not for the existing boundary agreements.

The attempt by the Government of the Sudan to mix the boundary treaties with the unjust, exclusive and colonial-based bilateral “agreements” on the utilization of the waters of the Nile is regrettable. As far as Ethiopia is concerned, it has repeatedly expressed its position regarding those colonial-based agreements, whose sole aim was and still is to deny the rights of upper riparian states, including Ethiopia, to use the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia, therefore categorically rejects any and all attempts to preserve a self-appropriated water quota among the downstream countries. The insistence of downstream countries to monopolize the waters of the Nile and politicization of technical issues are the main challenges that the trilateral negotiations have faced. 

Ethiopia calls for the peaceful resolution of the boundary issues with the Sudan based on the existing joint boundary mechanisms and finalizing the trilateral negotiations on the GERD in accordance with the Declaration of Principles (DoP) of 2015. In fact, it is not clear, to whose interest that the current authorities in the Sudan have suddenly changed their position, although they had repeatedly pointed out that the GERD has enormous benefits to the Sudan.

Ethiopia highly values the historical and brotherly relations that exist between the two countries and thus still committed to address all related issues through dialogue and negotiations. It once again calls upon the Government of the Sudan to desist from an unhelpful campaign and commit itself to dialogue and peaceful resolution.  In this connection, Ethiopia looks forward to the engagement of the international community in encouraging the Sudan towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Spokesperson Office

04 May 2021

*******************

Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya Hosts a Webinar on Promoting the ‘Land of Origins’ in Kenya

The Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines (Nairobi Office), Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and the Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK) organized a tourism promotion webinar on 22 April 2021.

The webinar was organized to explore potential collaborations between businesses and institutions working in the tourism sector, promoting the different holiday/tourism packages offered by Ethiopian Airlines, and identifying interested and capable tour operators, influencers, and travel agents to Ethiopia for a familiarisation trip.

Tourism is the second-largest source of foreign exchange revenue earner in Kenya. More than 2000 tour operators and 400 travel agents operate in Kenya. About 2 million tourists visit Kenya annually for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves that distinguish Kenya from other tourist destinations globally. In these numbers, we see opportunities to make use of the enormous travel-related businesses and bring tourists to visit Ethiopia after their holiday in Kenya. The business-to-business collaborations and enhanced people-to-people relations will also contribute to the deepening of overall relations between Ethiopia and Kenya.

Mrs. Tsion Teklu, State Minister for Economic Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, opened the webinar. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Tsion indicated that Ethiopia has numerous cultural, natural, and historical heritage sites, including nine UNESCO world heritage sites. She also briefed the participants that the Ethiopian tourism sector is undergoing significant reform to accommodate tourists and businesses worldwide, including from neighbouring Kenya.

Meles Alem, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Kenya, moderated the session and stressed that the tourism sector significantly supports livelihood both in Ethiopia and Kenya, and the two countries should work together and utilize complementarities of their tourism sectors. He noted that, since Ethiopia’s tourism specialty lies in its national parks and historic sites, there is a huge opportunity to market Ethiopian tourism destinations for Kenyans and the enormous international community residing in Kenya.

Jean Njeri Kamau, Ambassador of Kenya to Ethiopia, on her part, indicated that Kenya is ready to work closely with Ethiopia in the tourism sector. The two countries can work closely and enhance their resilience during the current Covid-19 crisis and beyond.

After the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, many countries closed their borders to contain the spread of the virus, and these restrictions devastated vital industries such as tourism. The tourism sector is one of the worst-hit globally following the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic due to the government’s movement restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Ethiopia and Kenya are no different. Kenya and Ethiopia have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp in July 2020 and February 2021. The recognition helps to reinvigorate the tourism and hospitality industry after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CEO of Tourism Ethiopia, Ethiopian Holidays representatives, President of Ethiopian hoteliers, and representatives of Kenyan Association of Tour Operators, Kenyan Association of Travel Agents, and Tour Operators Society of Kenya made presentations aimed at promoting tourism sites in Ethiopia and Kenya in such a way that opens business-to-business interactions and joint projects.