News in Brief

US special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman’s visit to Ethiopia

Press Release Concerning Criminal Investigation on Crimes Committed in Axum City (Attorney General)

Africa and the African Union

AUC Welcomes USA’s Decision for Waiver of Intellectual Property Rights for Covid-19 Vaccines on Friday (May 07). The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed the announcement of the United States of America to support South Africa and India’s call for the temporary waiver of intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organization.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union condemned the presence of a Darfur holdout rebel group in the displacement camps in westerns Sudan. On Monday (May 10), the PSC made public a communiqué adopted on 13 April after discussions of the findings of a report by a field mission that visited Sudan from 30 March to 1 April 2021. The Council “Expresses deep concern over the non-signing of the Peace Agreement by the Abdul Wahid Nur movement and condemns its infiltration and presence in the camps of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) which threatens the security of IDPs,” reads the communiqué.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde arrived in Uganda on Wednesday (May 12) to partake in the swearing-in ceremony of Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It is to be recalled that Uganda’s election commission last January declared Yoweri Museveni the winner of the presidential election.

President Sahle-Work Zewde discussed with leaders of several countries on bilateral and regional issues on Thursday (May 13). President Sahle-Work who has attended the presidential inauguration of Uganda exchanged views with Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyata on bilateral and regional issues focusing on current developments in the Horn of Africa.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the current Chairperson of the African Union on Tuesday (May 11). He reiterated that Ethiopia continues to be committed to African solutions for African problems and an AU-led process under the facilitation of the current Chair.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the launching ceremony of the New Mobile-Payments Service on Tuesday (May 12). The new service, called Tele Birr, is a community-friendly and comprehensive mobile money transfer and trading system that aimed to boost financial service inclusion in the country.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended to Ethiopian Muslims a message of congratulations on the 1,442nd Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday (May 12), stressing the need for steadfast unity of Ethiopians more than ever. He noted in his message that Muslims gather for Eid prayers demonstrating that there is unity and strength in gathering.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has visited on Thursday (May 13), Bilal al-Habashi Museum that holds invaluable heritages that depict Islamic history in Ethiopia. The Museum demonstrates heritages that promote the history of Islam in Ethiopia and Muslims in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen discussed on Monday (May 10) with the U.S. special envoy to the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman ways to cementing relationships between the two countries. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke noted the longstanding relationship between the two countries and underscored the need to further cement it. (See article)

The Attorney General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has recently issued a statement on its independent investigations that it has carried out on the allegedly committed crimes in Tigray, in particular the “Axum Massacre,” which was the subject of international outcry. The investigation took 3 months, according to the Attorney General, and testimonies of 95 witnesses and documentary evidence. (See statement)

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia received at his office and held discussions today (May 11) with Mr. Philippe Beauverd, Interim Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross to Ethiopia. Mr. Demeke appreciated ICRC for always being there on the ground to help civilians in Ethiopia during conflicts and natural disasters, such as drought and pandemics.

In his message to Ethiopian Muslims on the 1442nd Eid al-Fitr celebration, on Wednesday (May 12) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen called on Ethiopians to fulfill their responsibilities by focusing on issues that solidify unity and support needy compatriots as well as realize peace. “Our primary responsibility is to support the needy and ensure a lasting peace by focusing on issues that strengthen our unity,” he said.

Foreign Affairs State Minister, Radwan Hussein had a briefing, on Friday (May 07) 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. In his briefing on the situation in Tigray, Ambassador Radwan 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.

The spokesperson of the Ministry, Ambassador Dina Mufti gave a briefing on Saturday (May 08) to international media outlets stationed in Addis Ababa about the status of the GERD negotiations, the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue, and the upcoming general elections.

In his biweekly media briefing on Tuesday (May 11), Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dina Mufti said the election process is well underway as voter registration is surging and the code of conduct has been mapped out. Airtime has been allotted for the contending political parties and now the campaign is well underway, the spokesperson added. Concerning international observers, Dina said various groups have indicated their desires to observe the general election.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and European Union (EU) Institutions, Hirut Zemene presented her letters of credence on Tuesday (May 11) to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. President von der Leyen warmly welcomed Ambassador Hirut recalling her last visit to Ethiopia in 2020.

Ambassador Shibru Mamo presented in Zoom his letter of credentials to Her E. Dame Susan Dugan, the Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday (May 10). On the occasion, Ambassador Shibru and Ms. Dame Susan Dugan exchanged views on ways to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ambassador Yibeltal Aemero on Thursday (May 13), held a discussion on bilateral and regional issues with Adarahim Abdoulaye, Dean of African Ambassadors accredited to the Sudan and Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the Republic of Sudan. During the discussion, Ambassador Yibeltal briefed Ambassador Adarahim on the situation in the Tigray region and the process of conducting the 6th National Election in Ethiopia as well as Ethiopia’s position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the border issue with Sudan.

The Ethiopian Muslim community reaffirmed its firm solidarity and support for the completion of the flagship project of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Thursday (May 13). Tens of thousands of Ethiopian Muslims sent a symbolic message and demanded a swift completion of the GERD while observed the 1442nd Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki on Friday (May 07) 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.

Somalia

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), made up of regional peacekeepers, will extend its mission in this country through December 31, 2021, official sources reported. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union reported that the decision to extend its mission was adopted by agreement with general consensus. Following the PSC agreement, a permanent decision-making body for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts, the UN Security Council (UNSC) must give the go-ahead to the AMISOM mission in Somalia. Media outlets reported that the African Union (AU) and UN’s initial plan was for AMISOM, a peace support operation with 22,000 forces on the ground, to withdraw from Somalia gradually in the coming days.

Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble left Jeddah on Tuesday (May 11). At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was seen off by Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, and a number of officials.

Sudan

In an exclusive interview with Dialogue Horizon on Wednesday (May 12) Sudanese former Irrigation Minister, Dr. Osman Altoom Hamed said that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is very beneficial to Sudan in many aspects. He passionately discusses how the GERD will have enormous benefits to Sudan and serve as a stepping stone to create a more robust and vibrant regional economic integration among the countries in the Horn with a possibility of extending beyond.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed discussed the Emirati initiatives on the border dispute between Sudan and Ethiopia and the stalled Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Al-Burhan arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday accompanied by the Sudanese Cabinet Minister Khaled Omer Youssef. He and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince held a meeting to discuss the two issues after his arrival to the United Arab Emirates.

The United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for six months and requested a viable exit strategy. In a resolution endorsed on Tuesday (May 11), the Security Council extended until 15 November 2021 the mandate of UNISFA as set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 1990 (2011).

Yibeltal Aemero, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Sudan held discussions on Tuesday (May 11) with Dr. Gibril Ibrahim Mohamed, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Sudan on issues of common interest. Ambassador Yibeltal Aemero stressed that Ethiopia supports and follows positive developments in Sudan with keen interest and underscored the need to overcome current and temporary challenges through negotiation.

In an exclusive interview with Dialogue Horizon on Wednesday (May 12) Sudanese former Irrigation Minister, Dr. Osman Altoom Hamed said that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is very beneficial to Sudan in many aspects. He passionately discusses how the GERD will have enormous benefits to Sudan and serve as a stepping stone to create a more robust and vibrant regional economic integration among the countries in the Horn with a possibility of extending beyond.

South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dissolved the country’s parliament as part of the September 2018 peace agreement. Kiir’s decision was announced on the state-owned television on Saturday (May 09). The new Parliament will, in accordance with the 2018 peace deal, have up to 550 lawmakers, the majority of them from the governing party (SPLM). On the other hand, 100 members will form the Council of States, up from 50. The lawmakers will, however, not be elected, but nominated by the different parties.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has issued a decree reconstituting the country’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA). The decree, announced on the state-owned television, comes days after the South Sudanese leader dissolved both the TNLA and the Council of States.

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US special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman’s visit to Ethiopia

US Special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman visits Ethiopia to discuss various issues of mutual interest with higher government officials. The Special Envoy had candid discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonen and Dr.Eng.Seleshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation. Before coming to Ethiopia, the Special Envoy visited Egypt, Sudan, and Eretria. The Discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister focused on the situation in the Tigray region, the AU-led tripartite negation process over the GERD, and the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute. 

Noting the long-standing and enduring relationship between Ethiopia and the US, the Foreign Minister underscored the need to strengthen this relationship. Mr. Feltman on his part said that Ethiopia is a strategic partner of the United State and reiterated the US’s commitment to continue to work with Ethiopia on the area of common interest such as peace and security issues and development cooperation.

Discussing the situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, Foreign Minister, Demeke explained the undergoing humanitarian assistant, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts that the government has been undertaking, the achievements so far as well as the challenges. Appreciating the US’s contribution in terms of humanitarian assistance, the Minister called for enhanced and tangible support from the international community to meet the needs that the government, by and large, has tried to cover.

Concerning the growing call for national dialogue, the Foreign Minister explained the government’s readiness to engage with legal opposition parties, members of civil society, the private sector, elders, scholars, prominent personalities, and others to promote civilian dialogue in the Tigray region. This, he noted, has already been commenced with the discussion held between the Prime Minister and Tigrayan Elites, and a road map was finalized to further engage the people at the grass-root level.

The two sides also discussed issues related to the tripartite negotiations over the GERD and the Ethio-Sudan border dispute where Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s Commitment to peacefully solve the matters. In this regard, Mr.Jeffery Feltman expressed his country’s unwavering commitment to support Ethiopia’s efforts that aimed to bring amicable solutions to the parties involved in the GERD negotiations. In connection with the Ethio-Sudan border conflict, the US Special envoy asked to reduce the tension and asked to follow a peaceful way approach which has been Ethiopia’s position from the beginning of the dispute. 

Speaking on the national elections the Minister underlined the commitment of the government to make sure that the upcoming national election will be one of a kind in the country’s political history, given the various measures that have been taken, including freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the Government is committed to consolidate these gains by making the upcoming election legitimate, fair and peaceful.

US Special envoy also discussed with Dr.Eng.Seleshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy on the construction progress and AU-led trilateral negotiation process on the GERD.  Mr.

Feltman reaffirmed his country’s Sincere and impartial support as well as firm commitment to help the three countries find a win-win outcome under the AU-led process.

The US Special envoy also made a tour in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and held discussions with Dr.Abrahm Belay, Head of the Tigray region Interim Administration and visited IDPs centers.

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Press Release Concerning Criminal Investigation on Crimes Committed in Axum City

Attorney General

A criminal investigation has been underway for the last two months by a team of investigators and prosecutors from the Federal Attorney General and Federal Police for alleged crimes committed in different localities of Tigray Region in relation to the Law Enforcement Mission. During the investigation, until May 3, 2021 testimonies of 95 witnesses and documentary evidence have been taken and collected by the investigation team.

From the testimonies and documentary evidences collected, it has been established that TPLF had recruited, trained and deployed about 2,500 para-military personnel from civilians in major cities of the region to conduct urban warfare prior to the entry of ENDF to the City of Axum. As an instance, in Axum city alone, 1,500 youth received one-day “training” on how to shoot guns during the period from 10 to 18 November 2020 in different rounds to confront the ENDF.

It is established from the evidences that the ENDF entered Axum on 19 November 2020 and remained in the city until 27 November 2020. During this period, it has been ascertained that five individuals have died by cannon artillery which was intended for military targets of the TPLF. Another civilian was due to confrontation with law enforcement forces regarding breach of the curfew imposed by the state of emergency proclamation.

On 27 November 2020, when the ENDF left the city to carry out another law enforcement mission, a small number of Eritrean troops arrived in two vehicles and were stationed in the mountainous area of the city. At this point, TPLF cadres spread a rumor to the effect that the Eritrean army entered the city to surrender and not to fight and instigated the 1500 youth that they had trained earlier to raise arms and capture the Eritrean soldiers.

Simultaneously, members of the TPLF Special Forces and militia in the Adet area entered the city to fight in Axum. Meanwhile, the former mayor of the city of Axum joined the TPLF forces in the woods, wrote a letter ordering for the distribution of weapons stored in five locations, including those stolen from the ENDF’s Northern Command. At one location alone, 400 units of weapons was withdrawn as per the direction of the latter. This was confirmed by testimonies from the youth, as well as members of the Special Forces.

After such preparation, the TPLF forces had opened an attack on the Eritrean soldiers who were settled in the mountainous area of the city. The heavy fighting between the forces took from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM until ENDF’s help had arrived. At this moment, the TPLF forces had backed to city. According to the words of the 95 witnesses, 93 individuals had been killed due to the fight. According to the same testimony, it is established that the great majority of those killed in the said incident, though they were not in uniform, were members of the fighting force of TPLF who engaged the Eritrean forces and ENDF.

In Relation to the allegation of Rape, to this date, testimonies of 116 victims of rape have been recorded by the police. The criminal investigation has managed to identify members of the Federal Police and ENDF involved in the crime. As a result, the case with the members of the Federal Police has been transferred to the Regional Prosecution Office whereas the case of members of ENDF who was alleged to involve in the crime has been transferred to the military court.

Due to TPLF’s sinister act manifested in the release of tens of thousands of notorious criminals from prison and attiring them with ENDF’s and Eritrean military uniforms, it has been found to the investigation team extremely difficult to identify the culprits of the offence. The investigation is still underway and investigators are identifying the perpetrators of the crimes mentioned above and are gathering further evidences that would uncover the offenses and bring the perpetrators to justice. The investigation team is still collecting testimonies from religious leaders and funeral service providers as well as collecting medical evidences from medical institutions. It is the firm belief of the Attorney General that with strong collaboration between federal and regional law enforcement agencies and with the relentless support from the people, the law enforcement mission will succeed with its objective in bringing peace and security to the region and ensuring the accountability of the perpetrators of the crimes before justice.