News in Brief

Press Release (on expelled UN staff)

We affirm our full support for Sudan (Translated Statement of the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from Arabic)

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia speaks at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76)

Africa Union

The African Union (AU) through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) together with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) are set to move a step further to reaching their target of vaccinating at least 60 percent of the population, as they continue to lead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde had a discussion on Friday (October 01) with President Obasanjo, former Nigerian President and who was recently appointed by the African Union as a special envoy for the Horn of Africa. Tweeting following their meeting, President Sahle-Work said, “. There is always a window of opportunity for a peaceful political solution to any armed conflict that should never be closed.”

President Sahle-Work Zewde, speaking at the High-Level Event on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa on Thursday (September 30), emphasized that through robust, large scale public private partnerships and integration of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa, Africa’s pharmaceutical industry can be strengthened by allowing companies to achieve economies of scale.

President Sahle-Work Zewde received on Friday (October 01) the credentials of newly appointed ambassadors of Thailand, New Zealand, Denmark, Djibouti, Australia, the European Union and Egypt. The President expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepen and strengthen relations between Ethiopia and their respective countries.

President Sahlework Zewde has urged all citizens to contribute their share to the effort of rehabilitating displaced compatriots. The president said this while visiting displaced people from North Wollo and Waghimra zones of Amhara region sheltered in Dessie and wounded members of the National Defense Force receiving treatment in Desssie General Specialized Hospital on Saturday (September 25)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday (September 30) “Ethiopians today have held an election that would complete the country’s democracy.” The Premier stated that those Ethiopians, who had not been able to conduct the June 21 election held in the country due to several reasons, have today conducted elections that would complete the country’s democracy.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia issued a statement that reflected Ethiopia’s solidarity with the problems that the people of Sudan are facing currently. It expressed hope that Sudan would overcome its current ordeal with the wisdom and professionalism accustomed to the people of Sudan. It also stated that Ethiopia believes that Sudan should not, in any way, allow external interference, and apparent and hidden dictates.

The staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a fruitful discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on the need of accelerating the implementation of the ideals of the reform process that Ethiopia has been undertaking for the last 3 years to build a prosperous future for all Ethiopians. The meeting discussed what is expected of diplomats to better serve their country. The meeting was a conclusion to the 9-day training that the staff of the Ministry had been taking at Africa Leadership Excellence Academy in Sululta.

On the margins of the UNGA76 in New York,  Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia had a one-to-one discussion with the UN Secretary-General, UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Venezuela foreign minister, Indian External Affairs Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland, Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The discussion covered a range of topics of mutual interest, including the situation in the northern part of Ethiopia.

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia spoke at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76). He raised a lot of issues ranging from COVID-19 vaccination, climate change, the Tigray issue, the destructive role of the misinformation campaign in the international media in distorting facts, multilateralism, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and the role of Ethiopian peacekeeping missions. (See Speech)

As WFP announced on Tuesday (September 28), five convoys-171-trucks have entered Tigray over the past three weeks, carrying a combined total of 6,150 metric tons of food which is enough to feed 360,000 people for one month. WFP also announced that 61 commercial trucks have departed Tigray on Tuesday. It is recalled that the UN had announced on September 17 that only 38 out of 466 trucks that entered Tigray since 12 July returned.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen expressed his government’s readiness to work with the United Nations (UN) to rehabilitate displaced people and rebuild damaged facilities due to the insecurity in the country. Demeke made the remark on Friday (September 24) in his discussion with United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary General Amina Jane Mohammed. Demeke said the Government of Ethiopia is ready to work with the UN to rehabilitate displaced people and rebuild damaged facilities due to the insecurity in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confers on Saturday (September 25). On the occasion, the two sides discussed the internal situation in Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared seven individuals working for various international NGOs “persona non grata” and ordered them to leave the country in 72 hours. In letters issued to the individuals on Thursday (September 30), the ministry has declared the seven individuals listed below “persona non grata” for meddling in the internal affairs of the country. According to the letters addressed to each listed below, all of them must leave the territory of Ethiopia within the next 72 hours.

1. Mr. Adele Khodr, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia.

2. Mr. Sonny Onyegbula, Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy Team Leader: United Nations  Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights.

3. Mr. Kwesi Sansculotte, Peace and Development Advisor: UNOCHA

4. Mr. Saeed Mohamoud Hersi: Deputy Head of Office: Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia.

5. Mr. Grant Leaity, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator: Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia.

6. Ms. Ghada Eltahir Mudawi: Acting Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator: Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia.

7. Mrs. Marcy Vigoda, Head of office: Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia

Ethiopians, people of Ethiopian origins and friends of Ethiopia living in the United States rallied on Wednesday (September 29), protesting undue pressures against the government of Ethiopia. They called on the Biden administration to reconsider its executive order that threatened Ethiopia with unjustified sanctions.

Ambassador Tizita Mulugeta, Ethiopian Ambassador to India, had a productive conversation with the president of the Global India Business Forum on Wednesday (September 29). Ambassador Tizita emphasized the need to work together to promote Ethiopia’s trade and investment opportunities. The two sides agreed to organize an industry-specific Indian business delegation to Ethiopia.

Ambassador Jemal Beker, Consul General of Ethiopia to the Kingdom of Bahrain had a productive discussion on Thursday (September, 30) with the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry of Bahrain on a range of issues, including security, protection, rights and privileges of Ethiopian Citizens. The two sides have agreed to promote and protect the rights of Ethiopian citizens and resolve their problems together as they emerge.

Eritrea

Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, made a statement to the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations on Saturday (September 25). In his statement, Osman Saleh, said: “The injustices meted on Eritrea by powers who feel they can trample the sovereignty of nations and peoples at their whim must indeed come to an end.”

Sudan

Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese gathered peacefully, on Tuesday (September 28) in central Khartoum to demonstrate their support for the democratic transition and strengthening civilization of the state.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia said it is full of hope and confidence that Sudan has the ability and wisdom to find solutions to its problems on its own, without the need for external interventions. In a statement, it issued on Tuesday (September 28) the office further stated that it also has trust in the ability of the institutions of Sudan, which emerged from the requirements of the Sudanese people in order to achieve their hopes and aspirations, which were manifested in the principles of its glorious revolution. (See Statement)

South Sudan

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan Mike Edeng said sanction could not be a solution to solve the problems in Ethiopia. The newly appointed South Sudanese minister made the remark during his discussion with Ethiopia’s ambassador to South Sudan Nabil Tuesday (September 28). On the occasion, ambassador Nabil has extended a congratulatory message to the Minister sent from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen.

Somalia

Election of five from the 11 seats of the Upper House seats from Somaliland was held and concluded at Afisiyone camp in Mogadishu following the election of six seats there. Mohamed Hassan Irro, Chairman of the Federal Electoral Implementation Team commended the election which started on Wednesday (September 29).

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Press Release (on expelled UN staff)

As a founding member of the United Nations, Ethiopia has through the years amply demonstrated its commitment to the UN Charter. UN agencies, in particular, those in the humanitarian area also had a long presence in Ethiopia providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to millions. It goes without saying that Ethiopia appreciates all the support that these UN agencies have been extending to our people in need of assistance.

It should be recalled that the Government of Ethiopia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Coordination Mechanism for Humanitarian Access in the Tigray Regional State with UN agencies on November 29, 2020. This MoU entrusts these agencies with the task of providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to the affected population.

In connection to the current situation in the Northern part of Ethiopia, we had sadly observed that some UN staff have failed to fulfill their mission independently and impartially in accordance with the abovementioned MoU and the relevant principles of the UN. These serious violations have been brought to the attention of the relevant UN high officials and other international partners on multiple occasions, but to no avail. Despite these communications of concern, the grave violations persisted. As such, as a measure of last resort, the Government of Ethiopia had to ask some officials of UN agencies to leave the country.

Therefore, in order to avoid confusion regarding the measure taken by the Government, we wish to highlight some of the following breaches:   which these individuals have committed in violation of their professional code of conduct:

1.  Diversion of humanitarian assistance to the TPLF;

2.  Violating agreed-upon security arrangements;

3.  Transferring communication equipment to be used by the TPLF;

4.  Continued reticence in demanding the return of more than 400 trucks commandeered by the TPLF for military mobilization and for the transportation of its forces since July 2021; and

5.  Dissemination of misinformation and politicization of humanitarian assistance.

Ethiopia is deeply disappointed by the fact that some countries are urging the United Nations Security Council to consider this matter. This is a blatant violation of Ethiopia’s sovereign prerogative on matters of national security. We are confident the Security Council will reject this undue politicization of humanitarian assistance.

We are confident that the provision of humanitarian assistance will not be affected due to this measure. In fact, TPLF’s continued attacks against civilians, forced displacement of people, the killing of cattle, destruction of economic assets, and commandeering of more than 400 trucks happen to be major factors that are exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Unfortunately, some within the international community seem to be intent on downplaying such behavior on the part of the TPLF and problematize the legitimate exercise of a sovereign prerogative by the Government of Ethiopia.

The Government of Ethiopia reiterates its firm commitment to the principles of multilateralism and values enshrined in the UN Charter, while at the same time calling upon the United Nations to continue to uphold the principles of impartiality and neutrality. We will continue to cooperate with the UN and its agencies whose objectives correspond to the task of alleviating the suffering of our people during these difficult times. The Government of Ethiopia would like to make it abundantly clear that cooperation with multilateral agencies, including those of the UN will continue, provided that their activities do not undermine the sovereignty of Ethiopia and pose a threat to its national security interests. We urge the UN to expeditiously replace these personnel to allow the continuation of our cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance. We will work with the UN Secretary-General, the Humanitarian Coordinator, and the Resident Coordinator to facilitate the early deployment of the new personnel.

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We affirm our full support for Sudan (Translated Statement of the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from Arabic)

The Horn of Africa is going through a phase in which the challenges facing us, especially our experiences in Ethiopia and Sudan, are joining forces in building democratic foundations for societies with the security and stability necessary to achieve the ambitions of our two peoples for development, prosperity and social justice. Whenever there is confusion here and there, and whenever external evil forces notice that we have slipped into internal conflicts or an economic crisis, we see the overwhelming desire of those forces that plan to attack us, in order to impose their hegemony, and their willingness to interfere in our internal affairs and violate our national sovereignty.

We, the government and people of Ethiopia, are closely following, with sincere intention, and fraternal sympathy for what is happening in the brotherly Sudan, and our agenda in this regard is crystal clear. As we proceed primarily from the bonds of brotherhood, the common destiny and the civilizational communication that extends throughout history. We wish Sudan to overcome its current ordeal with the wisdom and professionalism accustomed to our brothers and people in Sudan. We believe that Sudan should not, in any way, allow external interference, and apparent and hidden dictates.

We are full of hope and confidence that Sudan has the ability and wisdom to find solutions to its problems on its own, without the need for external interventions, and we also trust in the ability of its institutions, which emerged from the requirements of the Sudanese people in order to achieve their hopes and aspirations, which were manifested in the principles of its glorious revolution.

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Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia speaks at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76)

25 September 2021                                                                        

New York

Mr. President,

Allow me to start by congratulating you and the sisterly country, Maldives, on your election as president of the Seventy-Sixth Session of the General Assembly.

My appreciation also goes to Mr. Volkan Bozkir, for his able guidance of the Seventy-Fifth Session.

Congratulations is also in order for Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for once-again winning the vote of confidence to serve the United Nations.

I also thank the host country for the facilities availed to us in the midst of a global pandemic.

Mr. President,

This year’s General Assembly takes place while we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic rattled all aspects of public and private life. It also revealed the power of innovation and the enormous potential of scientific research to serve humanity.

I would like to take a moment to applaud the scientists, engineers, and everyone who have played a part in the discovery and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Evidently, science can serve humanity only if good faith and rationality guides politics. Unfortunately, Africa, with negligible vaccination rate is left waiting for the drips from the surplus of others due to vaccine nationalism.

In addition, the economic devastation in developing countries from the pandemic is yet to be addressed by meaningful economic and financial measures.

We hope, countries with the means, would advance cooperation that is cognizant of the global nature of the problem. With this pandemic, there is no isolated safety. No one is safe until everyone is safe.

Mr. President,

The true dignity and freedom of people lies with their ability to sustain themselves. Poverty and dependence on foreign aid cause political, governance, security, and human development challenges.

Global-warming is the most alarming driver of poverty. Agrarian and pastoralist communities and economies like ours with these livelihoods face an existential challenge.

The impacts of climate change are destroying arable land and biodiversity thereby disrupting our food system. Production of cash crops suffer from quality and quantity problems. Perennial flood and drought are straining the emergency readiness we have in place.

The targets under the environment and sustainable development agenda are overdue and can no more be overtaken by events. 

Hopefully, COP-26 will pave the way for climate financing and support to programs such as the Green Belt and Green Legacy afforestation initiatives that are restoring a long-lost ecosystem.

Mr. President,

In the past few years, we heard from this podium voices of justified concern and call for rule-based world order and viable multilateralism.

Ethiopia, has always been steadfast in its support for multilateral institutions. Our position emanates not from rhetoric but from our tragic ordeal during the days rule-based order was left in the shambles. 

We commend the declaration of return and renewal of commitment to multilateralism. At the same time, we see a glaring need to reiterate the fundamental values of sovereign-equality, non-interference, and cooperation based on mutual benefit and respect.

Multilateralism stands on the shoulders of states that ably-guard their sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Multilateralism will meet its objective only if states are able and free to manage their domestic and external affairs.

Indeed, our human aspirations are inherently similar. However, our viewpoints that are underpinned by our diversity in cultures, history, and socio-economic reality will not always be fully-aligned. 

This diversity shall be viewed as an asset and no one amongst us should wish to prevail over the other, especially when it comes to values and policies dealing with our internal and external affairs. 

Mr. President,

Three years ago, my country, Ethiopia embarked on a promising journey of reform. The changes we introduced, ushered-in democracy, human rights, human development, and regional stability. It also opened avenues for dialogue and unity among divergent political and interest groups. 

Tapping into Ethiopia’s rich history and enormous potential, the reform charted our inevitable and bright future – placing Ethiopia as a new horizon of hope.

It overturned a complex network of corruption, illegitimate political power, and illicit financial flows — installed at the cost of national interest and the detriment of regional peace.

The reform, however, was not without challenges.  As any other democracy, our democratic process is an attempt to find a balance between stability and disruption.

In Ethiopia, groups that consider equality as subjugation are making their best effort to create and prolong anarchy. 

At the hands of these lords of instability, we went through unimaginably inhumane attacks against citizens, instigation of violence, and destruction of property, that culminated in an attack against the Ethiopian army. 

On the night of November four last year, in a scheme orchestrated by a criminal group, the Ethiopian National Defense Force was attacked from within. The unsuspecting men and women in uniform were slain. 

The Government of Ethiopia, took the necessary measures to avert the grave danger imposed on us.

Mr. President

While the government was addressing humanitarian needs, the disruptors applied their cruel design to aggravate human suffering.

We were also caught by surprise, and to-be-honest, unprepared for the twisted propaganda campaign.

Little did we know the power of privatized politics and foreign policy that clouds the truth from policy decisions.

The criminal enterprise and its enablers created and advertised horrific imagery of faked incidents. As if the real misery of our people is not enough, story lines are created to match not the facts but preconceived stereotypical attitudes.

The Government of Ethiopia meeting-out its obligation to fulfil humanitarian needs, the declaration of humanitarian ceasefire, the commissioning of investigations, and accountability measures have not mitigated the propaganda campaigns.

At this stage, we are nearly convinced humanitarian assistance is a pretext for advancing political considerations.

Accused by agenda-and-revenue driven media, convicted by misguided politics, we are now facing a unilateral coercive measure. Ethiopia opposed coercive measures, when it was applied against others, we advise against its application on Ethiopia. Prescriptions and punitive measures never helped improve situations or relations.

Mr. President

The prudent measures we will continue to take are commensurate with the existential challenge we face. Despite the undue pressure, we shall live up to the solemn obligation to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of Ethiopia.

While cooperation and concern from our friends is welcome, we underline the need to employ constructive approach, cultivate trust and create understanding. Attempts to extend support or even opine on an internal issue of a state requires full understanding about the complexities of the problem. 

It shall be noted, the challenge we are facing is not limited to the boundaries of Ethiopia. The entire region is facing the destructive path paved for it by this group. Supporting Ethiopia overcome this criminal group is helping sustain regional peace.

Dialogue has always been our preferred course of action. Accordingly, Ethiopia is open to candid initiatives for peace. In this connection, we will work with the African Union and the High Representative for the Horn of Africa towards an Ethiopia led national dialogue.

We only hope, the African Union will be given the space to apply its own wisdom. 

I also underscore my government’s unreserved commitment for the provision of humanitarian assistance and facilitate the operation of our humanitarian partners that adhere to the principles of neutrality, independence and humanity and the laws of the country. Apart from this, no excuse will justify any attempt to intervene in our internal affairs.

Mr. President,

Had it been for the plans of the internal and external destabilizers, Ethiopia would have turned into rubles where the greedy and the archaic feast and thrive. 

Not only that, the political map of the Horn of Africa would have altered, worsening its existing volatility.

With the resilience of its people, and the foundational cultural and religious diversity that made up Ethiopia’s society, Ethiopia will continue overcoming its adversaries.

Ethiopia will always be a beacon of freedom and symbol of peace. As a nation that had never posed threat to security of other states, we will maintain our support to regional and global stability.

At this historic juncture, Ethiopia demands and Ethiopia deserves a similar cooperation it extended to others in the aftermath of attacks targeting their institutions.

Mr. President,

The political and security landscape in Africa is on a path of adversity. Forcible overthrow of governments, joint military exercises, aggression, renewed appetite for intervention in sovereign countries, subversion and mercenaryism, normalized and renewed scramble for natural resources, secret military pacts, geo-political competitions and others are becoming pervasive.

Unless we swiftly change course, this will be yet another round to destabilize Africa and disenfranchise Africans in the determination of our destiny. We hope there will be more countries to lift the banner of multilateralism rather than the vagaries of unilateralism. 

Accordingly, Ethiopia stands ready to avail bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic solutions to resolve the border dispute with Sudan. It is incumbent upon our two governments to work for peace for the sake of our people that have the strongest bond of fraternity.

Mr. President

The past year has also seen a milestone for the people of Ethiopia. Our experiment with democracy ascended one level with a free, fair, peaceful, and credible election with an unprecedented level of voter turnout. 

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam – a hydroelectric dam project we fully financed underwent a second-year filling. Hopefully, we inspired others to develop local capability to plan, finance, and complete renewable energy projects.

However, our humble attempt to light the houses of millions of Ethiopians and create hope for our youth is politicized before global bodies. This peoples’ project also received unending threats.   

Ironically, we are accused and threatened for drinking from our water.  On the matter of the Nile and the GERD, our confidence is in the might of the truth, wisdom and justice that has always defined our path for cooperation. 

The generational desire to use our natural resources will not be stopped by a colonial legacy and monopolistic cause. We hope our negotiating partners are prepared for a win-win outcome under the African Union led process.

Mr. President,

I would like to conclude my statement with a very important note on the role of my country in peacekeeping. 

Our troops successfully completed missions in Darfur and Abyei.  They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the most isolated mission areas, facing active intercommunal clashes, unconventional warfare methods, border disputes, and unabated administrative obstructions.

Our troops have done justice to the most cherished name of their country through their service and sacrifice.  I pay them my respects and express our pride. 

With the impending transition of the peacekeeping mission in Abyei, I would like to convey our best wishes for our two neighbors to amicably resolve their territorial dispute. We hope the sacrifices we made will not be in vain.

I thank you, Mr. President, and assure you of Ethiopia’s full support for successful completion of your PRESIDENCY OF HOPE.

I thank you

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