News in Brief

Assessing Ethiopia-U.S.A. relations: Collaboration or confrontation? DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen

The campaign waged against Ethiopia’s handling of situations in Tigray is unfounded DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen

On the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights measures to investigate alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law in the Tigray region of Ethiopia (Press Statement)

On the Resolution of the League of Arab States on the GERD (Press Statement)

Africa and the African Union

The African Union (AU) on Wednesday (June 16)  has implored Member States to take decisive action to scale up efforts to address HIV among people who use drugs and in Prisons where prevalence remains higher than in the general population due to several factors such as stigma, discrimination and lack of access to commodities and services resulting in needle sharing. Addressing a side event held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level ‎Meeting (UN HLM) on AIDS, Mrs Cisse Mariama Mohamed, Director for Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development (HHS) at the AU Commission, reiterated the need for collective, sustained effort. The UN HLM took place in New York from 08-10 ‎June 2021.

Ethiopia calls upon ACHPR to immediately cease unilateral “Commission of Inquiry” process Ethiopia.  In the statement issued on Thursday (June 17) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to immediately cease the process it launched which is not acknowledged by Ethiopia and engage with relevant authorities in Ethiopia to finalize the modalities regarding the proposed investigation. (See article)

Ethiopia

The International Commission on the Futures of Education, chaired by President Sahle-Work Zewde, will be finalizing its final report in less than two months. According to office of the president, the Commission held a virtual meeting on Tuesday (June 15) to discuss the content of the report in detail. The Commission, comprised of renowned experts from all over the world, is preparing a report which is intended to spark and inspire a process of public debate, policy dialogue and collective action on the future of education.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated on Sunday (June 13) the Meskel Square to Mayor’s office project that costs 2.6 billion birr. This state-of-the-art project provides integrated facilities, including underground parking lot that accommodates 1,400 vehicles. The project will enable Meskel Square accommodate more than half a million people for religious and public outdoor holidays.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that “If we work hard the horn of Africa could become the arm of the whole continent” The premier made the remark on Sunday (June 13) in a message he delivered at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Meskel Square – Mayor’s Office’ project constructed with a cost of 2.6 billion Birr. During the occasion, Abiy called on African integration noting that countries in the horn could become the arm of the whole continent if they strive hard for prosperity.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Said on Monday (June 14) “A week from today, Ethiopians will cast their vote in the 6th National Elections, which will be the nation’s first attempt at free and fair elections, Premier wrote in his twitter “As we go to the polls to exercise democratic rights, let us to use the day to exercise civic duty and leave a generational print.”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in Jima town on Wednesday (June 16) to attend the closing of Prosperity Party’s election campaign. The Prime Minister also accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen, First Lady Zinash Tayachew and other federal and regional senior government officials.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday (June 17) has laid cornerstone for the construction of Mizan Aman town Airport. The Premier showed up at the town of Mizan Aman to officially launch the 3rd edition National Green Legacy program in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Friday (June 11) exchanged a phone call with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi. During their conversation, Demeke applauded the long-standing relationship that Ethiopia and China continued to enjoy with a deep sense of equality, respect, trust, and mutual interest, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, federal and regional government officials as well as members of the National Job Creation Council attended at the Commission performance evaluation meeting on Friday (June 11).  Demeke Mekonen who is Chairperson of the National Job Creation Council on the occasion appreciated the jobs created during the nine months despite various challenges including the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen attended a two-day national COVID-19 research summit that evaluated researches and innovations on COVID-19 over the past one year concluded on Saturday (June 12). Demeke said at the conclusion of the summit that the wave of COVID-19 was a big burden that highly challenged national capacity. He also said higher education institutions, research and innovation centers have contributed a lot in controlling and preventing the pandemic, starting from the first day COVID-19 was found in Ethiopia.

In this piece, Demeke Mekonnnen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia argues says that mutually beneficial relations based on a common understanding and respect are central to further enhancing the Ethio-U.S.A. relations to a higher level with a direct impact on policies and institutions on the ground. In this regard, he says, the US Senate resolution 97 is unhelpful to seek a lasting solution to the instabilities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. “Withholding development aid and programmatic support to Ethiopia will hurt ordinary citizens and taint the longstanding relations between the two countries. Efforts to nurture long-term economic, political, and diplomatic relations between the two nations should be based on collaboration, not confrontation.” (See article)

In a pre-recorded video message, Demeke Mekonnen , Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia said Ethiopia is disappointed by the campaign that is being waged against its handling of the situation in the Tigray region. He said what we need now is concrete support and, “a mission to undermine the unity, territorial integrity and the cohesion of the Ethiopian state, under the guise of humanitarian concern” is not acceptable. (See full speech)

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had held a virtual meeting on Tuesday (June 15) with Ethiopian Ambassadors stationed in neighboring countries on Ethiopia’s plan to share one billion seedlings to hosting nations. The plan was announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently as an integrated part of the third round Green Legacy Initiative launched this year intending to plant 6 billion seedlings in Ethiopia alone.

In his weekly media briefing on Wednesday (June 16), Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dina Mufti said internationalizing the issue of GERD is the usual trend of Egypt; but Ethiopia still rejects such tendencies. “On our side, we have firmly stated that Ethiopia is the source of the Blue Nile. We can utilize the river in a fair and right manner without harming one another,” he added.

Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister Sileshi Bekele has reiterated that the filling of the second round of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will go as per the schedule. Following the Meeting of Eastern Nile Council of Ministers in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (June 15), he said nothing will change with regard to the filling of the dam as it goes along with the construction in the coming rainy season.

Ethiopia rejected the “Resolution” of the Executive Council of the League of Arab States on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), issued on Tuesday (June 15) after its meeting held in Doha, Qatar. Ethiopia rejects the “Resolution” in its entirety, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. (See Statement)

The “Defend Ethiopia” task force in collaboration with Ethiopians and Eritreans living in the UK and the Ethiopian Embassy in London have organized and made a rally on Sunday (June 13) in Cornwell, South West England that hosts the G7 countries summit to protest the undue pressure on Ethiopia that compromises the country’s sovereignty.

Ethiopians living in South Africa rallied on Monday (June 14) in Pretoria to thank all, including the government of South Africa who stood by Ethiopia in its critical times, to call on others to respect the country’s right to handle its internal affairs, and to show support to all of the encouraging efforts that the federal government of Ethiopia is doing to see a developed and unified nation.

The Government of China donated medical supplies worth 400,000 USD on Friday (June 11) to improve the quality of health care provided for newborn babies in Ethiopia. The medical supplies are part of the project “Improving the quality of health care provided to newborn babies in two zones of Tigray and SNNP regions” launched in March 2020, it was learned.

The World Economic Forum announced its 2021 Technology Pioneers, young and growing tech companies taking on top global concerns with innovative technologies and business models. Technology Pioneers cohort is using new tech to protect the climate, improve healthcare and much more. Accordingly, the World Economic Forum announced on Thursday (June 17) Ethiopia as one of the pioneer countries in Innovating next-generation urban infrastructure through sustainable city parks.

Eritrea

Ambassador Isa Ahmed Isa presented credentials on Tuesday (June 15) to Gen. Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, as Ambassador of Eritrea to the Republic of Sudan. At the ceremony held at the National Palace, Ambassador Isa delivered a message of goodwill from President Isaias Afwerki and expressed that he will work in cooperation with the relevant bodies of Sudan to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Djibouti

President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh said the relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti is historical, robust, and unstirred by external influences. The president made the remark during his meeting on Friday (June 11) with a senior Ethiopian government delegation led by Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide.

Ethiopia and Djibouti on Friday (June 11) have agreed to enhance power supply cooperation, according to Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti. Ethiopian delegation, consisting of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) senior officials, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide discussed with Djiboutian counterpart on the ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries, specifically in the area of power supply. During the discussion, the two sides agreed to further bolster the existing power supply cooperation of the countries.

Chief of Staff of the National Defense Force of Ethiopia General Berhanu Jula held discussion on Friday (June 11) with his Djiboutian counterpart General Zekaria on the ways of further strengthening cooperation between the defense forces of the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides reiterated their government’s interest to replicate success stories of people-to-people engagements and exemplary economic ties between the two countries in the defense areas as well.

Somalia

Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble met Tuesday (June 15) with ambassador of Qatar to Somalia Hassan bin Hamza Hashem. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral co-operation ties between the two countries.  

One hundred Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers graduated on Wednesday (June 16) from British-led Company Collective Training in Baidoa, the capital of South West State in Somalia. This is the sixth iteration of an eight-week training programmes aimed at improving the SNA’s ability to combat the threats posed by al-Shabaab.

South Sudan

Construction of the road linking the South Sudan capital, Juba to the Jonglei state capital, Bor is nearing completion, a senior official said on Tuesday. This was disclosed by the Road and Bridges minister, Simon Mijok Mijak while briefing South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on the road construction progress.

Sudan

Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi and the visiting Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Saturday (June 12) discussed the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting agreed on the need to reach a comprehensive and satisfactory solution for all the riparian countries.

The head of the Sudan Sovereign Council urged Sudan and South Sudan Joint Border Committee (JBC) to quickly reach an agreement that would make the borders flexible and allow for social and economic interaction. The JBC members on Thursday (June 17) briefed Abdel Fattah al-Burhan about the outcome of a series of meetings on the border disputed areas held in Khartoum from Monday to Thursday.

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Assessing Ethiopia-U.S.A. relations: Collaboration or confrontation?

Mutually beneficial relations based on a common understanding and respect are central to further enhancing the Ethio-U.S.A. relations to a higher level with a direct impact on policies and institutions on the ground. In this regard, the US Senate resolution 97 is unhelpful to seek a lasting solution to the instabilities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Withholding development aid and programmatic support to Ethiopia will hurt ordinary citizens and taint the longstanding relations between the two countries. Efforts to nurture long-term economic, political, and diplomatic relations between the two nations should be based on collaboration, not confrontation.

The U.S.A. needs to avoid being perceived as interfering in the internal affairs of nations or enhancing insecurity and socioeconomic vulnerability in countries such as Ethiopia. Senate resolution 97 is a matter of concern to Ethiopians and the country’s leadership. However, it should be of equal concern to the Whitehouse, State Department, and other executive branches as it hinders opportunities to advance the U.S.A.’s long-term interests in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

What is at stake?

Ethiopia is critically important to cement strong, viable and sustainable partnerships and relationships with countries of the world-developed and developing.  Stable and vibrant Ethiopia is key not only for the stability of the otherwise turbulent Horn of Africa but also for the beneficial and mutual relationships with diverse nations and economies. Today, the country boasts a total population of 110 million – the second populous nation in Africa after Nigeria with the median year of 19.5 years.  Prior to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopia has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The robust and dynamic growth performance has improved the country’s capacity to finance its development needs and served as a magnet to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), principally from countries such as China, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020 (a midst of COVID-19), Ethiopia was the third-largest recipient of FDI in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), competing with natural resources-rich countries of the region. Interestingly, while most countries of SSA attract FDI to their extractive sectors, Ethiopia’s FDI flows have been destined to the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors of the country. These trends have also redirected international trade away from the traditional developed economies towards newly emerging economies, with China alone absorbing the lion’s share in the country’s imports and exports.  These global trends with an increasing shift in economic relations towards the developing South has diminished the role and significance of traditional development partners (USA, UK, and EU). The trends can serve as a signal for these partners to reestablish their relevance and reassert their strategic significance in Ethiopia and the rest of SSA. SSA is the region where developed countries have been ceding their historical significance in FDI and trade flows to China, India, and other emerging economies. 

Despite declining trade and investment flows between the U.S.A. and Ethiopia, the U.S.A. has been an important source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) particularly to the social (education and health) sectors of Ethiopia. The U.S.A. also provides preferential investment and trade benefits to Ethiopia and several countries of Africa through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Diaspora remittances have become important sources of financing mega-projects in Ethiopia in addition to supporting household consumption expenditures. Besides financial sources, the transfer of skills and knowledge of the Ethiopian Diaspora is vital for the country’s development. The largest sources of remittances and specific technical and know-how transfers are from the Ethiopian diaspora in the U.S.A. These show the vital supports of the U.S.A. for Ethiopia’s development endeavours and sustain partnerships of the two nations.

The engagements in and support of the U.S.A. to Ethiopia’s development efforts are also key to ensure and protect U.S.A.’s broader political, security and economic interests in the region. Ethiopia had also been included to benefit from the US Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in 2018 when the country was deemed eligible to access MCA resources based on a complex set of criteria consisting of governance, economic freedom, policy, and political stability, among others. Despite ample opportunities to solidify and expand Ethio-U.S.A partnership, the U.S.A. has become a marginal player in Ethiopia’s trade, investment, and finance that may have significant ramifications to the long-term economic and strategic interests of the U.S.A. in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

The way forward

What seems a political stalemate between the U.S.A. and Ethiopia today requires moving beyond traditional discourses and “outside the box” thinking.  This includes continuous efforts on both sides to recognize their mutual interests in the global sociopolitical situations and geopolitical landscapes in the Horn of Africa. They must understand their common but differentiated responsibilities in resolving challenges in the political and humanitarian arenas in Ethiopia and defusing regional tensions. The U.S.A. must be an honest and neutral party in finding lasting solutions to internal conflict in Ethiopia and regional tensions. Threats of sanctions or any punitive measures will seriously harm the US interest and undermine its credibility in the Horn of Africa.  Likewise, Ethiopia should continue efforts to open up democratic space and modernize its socioeconomic conditions. Such an approach is needed to build mutual trust and consensus between the two countries on issues of common interest, bilateral relations or in dealing with collective global challenges such as international terrorism or global warming.

There is an urgent need to seek the best way forward to advance mutually beneficial and collaborative relations. Forward-looking strategies based on mutual respect, interests and common understandings are necessary to foster genuine and mutually beneficial partnerships. Confrontational relationships and punitive measures will dampen opportunities for fostering mutual relationships and legitimize warlords at the expense of state-to-state relations.  In this context, the US Senate resolution 97 is misplaced, unwarranted and unhelpful to seek a lasting solution to the instabilities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.  The resolution instead of addressing the root causes of the crisis has unnecessarily focused on the consequences of the crisis. After all, the U.S.A. is fully aware of the ongoing efforts of the Ethiopian Government, the United Nations, and the broader international community to stabilize the Tigray administrative region, rehabilitate the victims and resettle displaced people. Core issues contained in the resolution such as, “protection of human rights” and “undertaking independent investigation for all allegations” require expanded support and genuine partnership by the U.S.A. Improving overall governance and resolving conflicts need collaborative relationships not punitive measures or threats of sanctions-targeted or otherwise.

The U.S.A. should recognize that what Ethiopia needs more today than ever before is peace and stability as well as sustained improvement in socioeconomic conditions. When these translate into improved aggregate national income and investment in infrastructure and economic transformation, no doubt, Ethiopia offers increased opportunities for market expansion for goods and services and can be an ideal location for investors from across the world, including the U.S.A. The U.S.A. should also recognize that Ethiopia has been the source of a global peacekeeping force through the United Nations. It has been among the few nations contributing to regional peace and stability, including in the global fight against international terrorism in a historically turbulent region of the Horn of Africa. Moreover, Ethiopia is also a diplomatic hub of Africa with its capital-Addis Ababa-hosting several international and regional organizations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The African Union (AU) is the regional organization, which is the pulse of Africa’s economic, political, and diplomatic relations with the rest of the world.  For any nation – superpower or otherwise-forging collaborative relationships with Ethiopia is vital to pursue their respective strategic interest in the African continent. The U.S.A. is not an exception in this.

Conclusions

The current hiccups in relationships between the U.S.A. and Ethiopia should not put their mutual, beneficial, and vital economic and strategic interests in Africa on a treacherous course.  Vibrant and stable Ethiopia is vital for the stability of the Horn of Africa and for the protection and promotion of strategic interests of its development partners, including the U.S.A. Therefore, what Ethiopia needs from its traditional development partners such as the U.S.A. is enhanced, expanded and robust financial, technical, diplomatic, and political supports. As much as Ethiopia needs the continued and expanded support of development partners, the country’s principal partners (particularly the USA) also need the progress and stability of Ethiopia as a regional partner to reckon with.

Despite the numerous short-term and intermediate challenges facing Ethiopia, history has shown us that the country can and will bounce back and re-emerge as a viable and dependable partner. Effectively addressing current political and socioeconomic challenges, including those related to COVID-19 can be temporary stumbles or hurdles, but these are not insurmountable. Therefore, it is vital that the U.S.A. stands by Ethiopia instead of brandishing its economic and strategic might against the country. It is critically important for the U.S.A. to recognize that its relations with Ethiopia are one of the oldest in the African continent not only in terms of diplomatic or state-to-state ties but also people-to-people relations. The ties between the two countries have overcome or withstood the tests of time. They have seen their shares of ups and downs as well as tensions between the two “unequal partners”. Despite all storms in state-to-state relations, ties between the peoples of Ethiopia and the U.S.A remain solid and beneficial for the two countries. In sum, despite the asymmetrical economic, strategic and development paths of the two countries, the relationships between the U.S.A. and Ethiopia have equally been beneficial to both parties. Admittedly, the moral of the US trade and economic supports to Ethiopia has been pro-poor and pro-development. Likewise, Ethiopia is a credible and principled partner of the U.S.A. in the turbulent Horn of Africa. The two countries should revitalize their mutually beneficial engagements and partnerships as they could not afford to ignore or undermine one another.

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The campaign that is being waged against Ethiopia’s handling of the situation in the Tigray region is unfounded, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen

Ethiopia stands ready to work positively and constructively with all its partners to scale up humanitarian assistance, rebuild social cohesion, and restore basic services in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Therefore, what the country needs at this critical moment is the support of friends and partners and not uncalled for pressure that would complicate the situation further.

What is saddening is the attempt to dictate terms to the country in ways that are not helpful. We do not consider this a friendly act. That is why the Ethiopian government cannot be expected to accept with equanimity this condescending approach. We are indeed disappointed by the campaign that is being waged against Ethiopia. 

In this regard, it is extremely regrettable to see that some within the international community have embarked on a mission to undermine the unity, territorial integrity and the cohesion of the Ethiopian state, under the guise of humanitarian concern. We urge these individuals and partners to desist from these unhelpful activities. 

In this regard, accusations labelled against Ethiopia of using hunger as a weapon of war on its own citizens, is an egregious falsehood, and in no way calculated to help foster peace, harmony and stability.   It should be noted that, in the first round of humanitarian response, effort was made to reach out to 4.5 million people in the Tigray region through the delivery of food and non-food items. In the second and third rounds, the relief efforts were able to reach out to 5.2 million people. So far, 170,798 metric tons of foods, worth $135 million have already been distributed. Currently, 6 operators namely World Food Program, World Vision, CARE, Relief Society of Tigray, Food for the Hungry and the Ethiopian government are providing food assistance in the region.

The Ethiopian government has not only demonstrated its willingness and commitment to work with the international community to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, but it has also provided full and unfettered access for humanitarian actors to operate in all parts of the region, through a simplified  blanket approval process.  In the areas where safe movement of humanitarian cargo are strained, military escort is offered as a matter of last resort to reach those in need.

In this connection, we wish to point out here that we have credible evidence, indicating that some actors have attempted to smuggle weapons to arm the terrorist cell under the guise of humanitarian assistance. This is unacceptable.

There is no doubt about the enormity of the challenges in the Tigray region. It is through working with the government to accelerate the humanitarian response to reach out to every person in need that will address the problem.  The Ethiopian government is well aware of its responsibilities towards its own citizens and its obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Ethiopian government is using every ounce of its strength to mobilize all the necessary resources from within the country to reach out those in need, but its resources are limited. This is where the support and solidarity of the international community becomes all the more critical. We are grateful to those who lent a helping hand in this regard.

We wish to reiterate once again that the Ethiopian government remains ready and committed to work closely with those partners willing to engage positively and constructively to protect lives and livelihoods.  

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On the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights measures to investigate alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law in the Tigray region of Ethiopia (Press Statement)

It is to be recalled that the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, during the meeting of the African Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), held on 9th March 2021 at the Heads of State and Government level, has clearly expressed its willingness to engage the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to conduct a joint investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia during the law enforcement operation. To that effect, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia held a follow-up discussion with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the way forward on 11th March 2021 in line with the political guidance from the Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council. Accordingly, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission released a statement on the same day appreciating Ethiopia’s initiative and underlining the importance of engaging our own AU treaty bodies. Furthermore, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has written a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia accepting the proposal for a joint investigation. In response, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia has written back to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights commending its interest to engage and designating a focal institution.

It is, however, regrettable to note that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights made a unilateral announcement on the establishment of a “Commission of Inquiry” which is completely outside the scope of the invitation by the government and lacks legal basis. While the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic Ethiopia was engaged in good faith to facilitate the necessary conditions for the joint investigation, the unilateral announcement of ACHPR on establishing a “Commission of Inquiry” undermines the cooperative spirit and the ongoing efforts of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to formalize the modalities of the stated investigation. It is also inconsistent with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as the Rules of Procedure of the Commission itself.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights as an African Union institution has an obligation to engage with member states in constructive and principled partnership. It still has the opportunity to rectify this unfortunate and unhelpful step and engage in good faith in a joint investigation which it has already accepted. Such unhelpful actions by the Commission will not advance the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in the continent and will rather undermine mutual confidence with member states. By choosing to proceed in such a misguided direction, the Commission will only defeat the very purpose it is established for. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reiterates its readiness and once again calls upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to immediately cease the process it launched which is not acknowledged by Ethiopia and engage with relevant authorities in Ethiopia to finalize the modalities regarding the proposed investigation.

On the Resolution of the League of Arab States on the GERD (Press Statement)

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Ethiopia is dismayed by the “Resolution” of the Executive Council of the League of Arab States on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issued on 15 June 2021 after its meeting held in Doha, Qatar. Ethiopia rejects the “Resolution” in its entirety. In fact, this is not the first time the League of Arab States issued a statement regarding its misguided positions on the GERD. As a result of its egregious support to the baseless claims of Egypt and the Sudan regarding the GERD, the League of Arab States has already squandered its opportunity to play a constructive role. It should be abundantly clear that futile attempts like this to internationalize and politicize the GERD will not lead to sustainable regional cooperation in the utilization and management of the Nile.

The League of Arab States should know that utilization of the Nile waters is also an existential matter for Ethiopia. It is about lifting millions of its people out of abject poverty and meeting their energy, water and food security needs. Ethiopia is exercising its legitimate right to use its water resources in full respect for international water laws and the principle of causing no significant harm. Ethiopia firmly believes that it is only through cooperation and dialogue that the water security of any of the Nile Basin states can be achieved. The Nile is a shared resource and not an exclusive property of Egypt and the Sudan. That is why it is perplexing that the League of Arab States places particular emphasis on the water security of the two downstream countries in complete disregard to the interest of the rest of the Nile riparian states, which are the sources of the river. There is no better example than this to demonstrate the organization’s unhelpful and misguided approach towards the Nile issue.

From the outset, Ethiopia has done everything possible to accommodate the concerns of the two downstream countries in good faith with the hope of ushering in a new era of cooperation among the Nile Basin countries. It is the intransigence of both Egypt and the Sudan, which has made it extremely difficult to make any meaningful progress in the tripartite negotiation. During the South African-led negotiation, it was Egypt and the Sudan that disrupted the negotiations seven times.

Despite the tremendous efforts by the DRC to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of the trilateral negotiations at the meeting held in Kinshasa from 3-5 April 2021, the two countries deliberately undermined the possibility of agreeing on a roadmap for the continuation of the negotiations. Ethiopia agreed to seven of the nine proposals contained in the draft communiqué prepared by the DRC, while Egypt and Sudan rejected the substantive parts of the communiqué. The two countries worked in concert to ensure the failure of the Kinshasa meeting by raising unrelated procedural issues. It is, therefore, regrettable that the League of Arab States decided to take a position on the AU-led negotiation without verifying the facts.

The League of Arab States also seems to be oblivious of the fact that the tripartite negotiation between Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan are guided by the Declaration of Principles (DoP), which the leaders of the three countries signed in 2015. The filling of the GERD will be conducted as per the plan in accordance with the DoP and the recommendation of the research group composed of experts from the three countries. Hence, Ethiopia categorically rejects the futile attempt by the League of Arab States to dictate terms regarding the filling of the GERD. As a regional organization, it would have been only appropriate for the League of Arab States to encourage the three parties to reach a win-win solution instead of its unhelpful, partial and unreasonable position.

What is even more disappointing is the attempt by Egypt and the Sudan to unnecessarily politicize the GERD negotiation and try to make it an Arab issue. This clearly shows their lack of fidelity to the AU-led tripartite process. The GERD is an African issue, which needs an African solution. The disagreement between Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan can only be resolved through good faith negotiation and compromise in the spirit of finding African solutions to African problems. It is precisely because of this reason that the United Nations Security Council referred the matter to the African Union.

Therefore, the League of Arab States should desist from making such unhelpful statements, which will only serve to antagonize the relations between the three countries and undermine the tripartite negotiation. It should instead encourage Egypt and the Sudan to engage in good faith negotiation to find a win-win solution and lend its full support to the ongoing AU-led process in this regard. Once again, Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to the Declaration of Principles and remains fully engaged in the AU-led tripartite negotiation process to find a mutually beneficial outcome on the GERD issue.

Spokesperson Office

15 June 2021