News in Brief

A statement with respect to the Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR (Prime Minister Office of Ethiopia)

Diplomatic community in Ethiopia get briefed about the State of Emergency and current situations in the country

On immunities and privileges of intergovernmental organizations and their staff under the ”State of Emergency Proclamation Enacted to Avert the Threat Against National Existence and Sovereignty No 1/2021” [Ministry of Justice]

Press Statement on the Suspension of Ethiopia from AGOA Eligibility

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission issued a statement on the situation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on Wednesday (November 03/2021). In his statement, the Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said “he is following with deep concern the escalation of military confrontation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.” The Chairperson recalls his statement of 9 November 2020, and once again urges all parties to safeguard the territorial integrity, unity, and national sovereignty of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He further urges the parties to engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the country.

Ugandan Scholars said that the African Union (AU) is the right venue to lead the tripartite negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. The scholars who participated in a Webinar organized by the Ugandan Foreign Relation Council on Tuesday (November 02/2021) said that the Nile River is the continent’s largest river shared by many countries. They said Ethiopia is in the final phase of completing the construction of GERD, which is expected to be one of the largest hydropower dams in Africa and among the largest worldwide with a capacity to generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity.

Ethiopia

PM Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday (November 03/2021), the joint investigation report makes clear the TPLF triggered the conflict and committed the most egregious violations. This comes after the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a joint investigation reports on alleged human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law and refugee law committed in the context of the conflict in Tigray. In his statement, the premier said: “In many respects, the findings of the JIT are consistent with our own investigation. As the report makes it abundantly clear, the TPLF triggered the tragic conflict and committed some of the most egregious violations and abuses, many of which the international community has chosen to ignore or minimize.” (See Statement)

The House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) on Thursday (November 4, 2021) ratified a state of emergency that was issued by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday (November 2, 2021) under a title: “A State of Emergency Proclamation Enacted to Avert the Threat Against National Existence and Sovereignty, Proclamation No. 1264/2021”.This state of the emergency proclamation shall remain in effect for six months starting from its promulgation by the Council of Ministers. The House of Peoples Representatives may determine the cessation time of the proclamation before the end of the six months period. The state of the emergency proclamation will be applicable in all parts of Ethiopia with an understanding that the scope of application of the proclamation could be narrowed contingent on the magnitude of the problem that necessitated this proclamation. A body led by the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces – “State of Emergency Operation Command”- is established to enforce the proclamation. The structure and organization of the State of Emergency Operation Command shall be determined by the Prime Minister. Violations of the stated proclamation and directives issued pursuant to it that have been committed during the course of this state of emergency will entail criminal liability in accordance with ordinary criminal procedure rules even after the expiry of the state of emergency.

The Minister of Justice, Dr. Gedion Timotiwos, and State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan Hussien had provided a briefing on Thursday (November 04) to the diplomatic community in Ethiopia on current situations in the country and the State of Emergency that was declared on Thursday (November 04, 2021) by the House of Peoples Representatives.  Dr. Timotwos has provided a detailed overview of the State of Emergency Proclamation. (See article)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has issued a statement over the week protesting the decision of the government of the United States to Suspend Ethiopia from AGOA trade benefits citing the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia as a reason. Appreciating the human rights concerns of the United States Government over the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, the statement, however, said concerns over human rights issues do not warrant the decision of the US to suspend Ethiopia’s privileges over the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). “The decision is misguided and fails to take into account the commitment of the Government of the United States to value the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.” (See Statement)

A webinar Business Forum organized by AfrikaVerein (German Africa Business Association) in cooperation with the embassy of Ethiopia in Berlin and the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Ethiopia was held on Friday (October 29). More than 50 German companies have participated in the meeting that aimed to discuss the business opportunities in Ethiopia with German businesses.

Ambassador of Ethiopia in India, Ambassador Tizita Mulugeta, has participated in a two-day ‘Haryana-Africa Conclave, Series-1, which was held from 28-29 October 2021 in Haryana State. The conclave was held under the banner, ‘Transforming Haryana through a Go-Global Approach,’ focusing on expanding bilateral trade and connectivity between Africa and Haryana.

State Minister  Ambassador Birukan Ayano had a meeting on Monday (November 01/2021) with UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mohamed M. M. Fall on Monday (November 01). The two sides have exchanged views on the appointment of a new UNICEF country representative and other bilateral issues. Ambassador Birtukan appreciated UNICEF’s support to Ethiopia’s national efforts to ensure the realization of the rights of children and women.

A joint preliminary investigation report conducted by Ministry of Justice and the Federal Police Commission on crimes committed by the terrorist TPLF in Amhara and Afar regions was released on Friday (October 19, 2021).The report revealed that 483 people were killed, 165 injured and 109 raped in three zones of the regional states which the terrorist group invaded following the unilateral ceasefire declared by the federal government in June 2021.

Ethiopians commemorate the Northern Command assault memorial, one year after the massacre that the terrorist TPLF staged on the members of the National Defense Forces of Ethiopia stationed in Mekele on Wednesday (November 03/2021). Supported by treachery and treason organized by turncoat officers entrenched in the Northern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), terrorist TPLF’so-called’ Special Forces attacked the headquarters and divisions of the Command on a restive midnight of November 4, 2020, and cold-bloodedly murdered officers who were not in action. The terrorist TPLF’s heinous act on November 4, 2020, was commemorated in cities across the country.

The United States has donated on Tuesday (November 02/2021),1,552,590 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which the U.S is sharing with Ethiopia through COVAX.This new donation brings the total number of COVID-19 vaccines provided to Ethiopia by the U.S. to around four million doses since July 2021.

The long standing development cooperation between Ethiopia and Turkey will be strengthened, Plan and Development Minister said on Wednesday (November 03/2021). Plan and Development Minister, Fitsum Assefa discussed with the management bodies of Turkey’s Development and Cooperation Agency. The two sides discussed on ways to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relation between Ethiopia and Turkey.

Eritrea

Eritrea said it rejects the EHRC and UNOHCRC joint investigation team findings. Eritrea has reacted to a United Nations report, questioning its credibility. ritrea’s information minister tweeted Wednesday (November 03/2021) that Eritrea rejects the report’s credibility.

Djibouti

Ethiopian owned NOC Djibouti launches a 1.3 million dollars project in Djibouti. As part of expanding investments in neighboring countries, NoC Djibouti has signed an agreement with a China Construction to significantly renovate and modernize a service station worth 1.3 million dollars on Wednesday (November 03, 2021). Minister of Energy and Natural Resource, H.E Yonis Ali Guedi, Minister of Interior, H.E Said Nouh and Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E Berhanu Tsegaye and scores of high level officials have attended the inaugural ceremony.

Somalia

Somali Government on Thursday (November 04/2021), designated Deputy Representative of the African Union Commission as ‘Persona non grata’ and ordered him to leave the country within 7 days, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with sponsorship from the Government of Italy, has commenced constructing a 68-bed health facility for soldiers and officers of the Somali National Army (SNA) (November 02/2021).The construction of the SNA hospital is being implemented under the Early Recovery and Stabilization programme. Under the programme, AMISOM undertakes Quick Impact Projects to extend services through the construction of schools, health facilities, police stations, safe water projects, and provide tools of work to the Somali security forces

Sudan

The head of the military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday (November 04), said they want Abdallah Hamdok to form a new and independent cabinet to achieve the transition in Sudan. Al-Burhan was speaking at a meeting gathering some supporters of the military takeover. Al-Burhan criticized the coalition of the political forces that formed a joint transitional government with him for two years. He further said he would appoint an “independent prime minister” to form a new transitional government, adding that Hamdok remains his favourite candidate for the position. “While I’m speaking, you should know that we sent some people to meet him and discuss the proposition with him,” he stressed.

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A statement with respect to the Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR

We take note of the report of the Joint Investigation Team (“JIT”) of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released into alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in the context
of the conflict in Tigray region. I would like to extend my appreciation to the leadership and staff of these two institutions for their endeavor to conduct a professional and credible human rights investigation in very difficult circumstances.

Although we have some serious reservations concerning some aspects of the report, we recognize and accept the report as an important document that complements our on-going effort to provide redress to victims, ensure accountability, and take preventive measures. The report documents the harrowing suffering and pain that ordinary Ethiopians have endured since the onset of the conflict. The accounts of those whose dignity and humanity have been
violated in the context of the conflict is heartbreaking.

Despite the concerns we communicated to the JIT, we are heartened by the fact that the joint investigation dispels some of the insidious and baseless accusations that have been leveled against the Government of Ethiopia. The JIT findings have clearly established the claim of
genocide as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis. The report also concluded the often-repeated allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit. Specifically, the report stated it did not find evidence to support the claim of “deliberate or willful denial of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Tigray or the use of starvation as a weapon of war.” We have always known these allegations were false but our enemies have worked tirelessly to mislead the international community.

The fact that these fabricated allegations were treated as fact and repeated around the world by news outlets is a sad commentary on the level of due diligence accorded to news reporting when it comes to African affairs. Sadly, a number of countries have relied on these false news reports to take foreign policy measures that greatly undermined our long-standing relations with them. Today, these sinister allegations are laid to rest as products of a well-organized and orchestrated disinformation campaign. We hope the report will cause these nations to reconsider and review policies enacted based on false information.

In many respects the findings of the JIT are consistent with our own investigation. As the report makes abundantly clear, the TPLF triggered the tragic conflict and committed some of the most egregious violations and abuses, many of which the international community has chosen to ignore or minimize. We are mindful that the temporal and geographic scope of the report is very limited and extends only to events that transpired in the Tigray region until the end of June 2021. As a result, the report does not include the horrific brutality that the
terrorist group has committed against civilians in Afar and Amhara regional states. It does not address the campaign of massacre the TPLF’s proxies and allies have committed in places like western Oromia. However, the finding of the JIT, consistent with our on-going investigation, establishes the TPLF forces have committed horrific acts of human right violations ranging from “ethnic-cleansing,” torture, mass killing, sexual violence and attacks, and other atrocities
prior to June 2021.

Following the unilateral ceasefire and withdrawal of all government forces from Tigray region at the end of June 2021, TPLF chose to expand the conflict into neighboring Afar and Amhara regions and continued to commit similar acts of atrocities in these regions. These wanton acts of cruelty by the terrorist group and its affiliates underscore the need to neutralize its capability to wreak havoc and brutalize civilians.

I would also like to acknowledge the fact that the report provides troubling accounts of violations and abuses that have been committed by some of our troops and regional security forces. As has been communicated to the public previously, our government takes these
allegations seriously and we are committed to bring perpetrators to justice. The report includes some of the measures that have been taken in this regard by our law enforcement agencies and the military tribunals. However, we acknowledge the need to redouble our
efforts. Our investigation is on-going and we will continue to approach the matter in a comprehensive and concerted manner with a view to provide redress to victims, ensure accountability and undertake preventive measures.

To accomplish this goal, I am establishing a high level inter-ministerial task force, composed of the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Peace, the Minister of Social and Women’s Affairs, a state Minister of Finance, and a state Minister of Foreign Affairs. The task force will have the mandate to craft, adopt, and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that would enable us to investigate the allegations included in the report, bring all perpetrators of serious crimes to justice, and provide the redress and the psycho-social support needed for victims of these violations, in particular, victims of gender-based atrocities. This task force shall also have the mandate to establish a specialized joint civil-military investigative and prosecutorial unit with the requisite operational autonomy to ensure accountability through a transparent and robust legal process.

We welcome the assistance and cooperation of our friends and allies as well as international institutions based on our needs and requests, as we continue to ensure the prevalence of the rule of law, the protection of human rights under democratic principles, and continue our political and economic reform to build a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

November 3, 2021

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Diplomatic community in Ethiopia get briefed about the State of Emergency and current situations in the country

The Minister of Justice, Dr. Gedion Timotiwos, and State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan Hussien had provided a briefing on Thursday (November 04) to the diplomatic community in Ethiopia on current situations in the country and the State of Emergency that was declared on Thursday (November 04, 2021) by the House of Peoples Representatives.  Dr. Timotwos has provided a detailed overview of the State of Emergency Proclamation. He said the State of Emergency was found indispensable because Ethiopia has faced an existential threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity that could not be averted through regular law enforcement mechanisms. According to the Minister, the main reasons that necessitated the state of emergency include,

• the government’s legal duty and moral responsibility to safeguard the existence and sovereignty of the nation from internal and external enemies;
• the terrorist TPLF and its affiliates pose a grave and imminent danger against the existence and sovereignty of the country;
• the gravity of the killings, looting, and other cruel and inhuman attacks that are being perpetrated by the terrorist TPLF and its affiliates against civilians in several parts of the country;
• an understanding of the severity of the threat posed by individuals who live among the civilian population and work as operatives of the TPLF and its terrorist affiliates to the security of the state and the nation;
• the terrorist TPLF is working in close cooperation with foreign powers that desire to weaken and destroy Ethiopia;

He also explained the provisions of the State of Emergency Proclamation that deal with the authorities/responsibilities given to and restrictions/obligations imposed on the State of Emergency Command Post- a body that implements the proclamation. He said the Chief of Staff of the ENDF will lead the day-to-day implementation of the State of Emergency overseeing a committee, which will be established to implement the proclamation. This committee will comprise representatives from various law enforcement bodies of the country. According to Dr. Timotiwos, there will also be another committee which will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister,   Demeke Mekonnen, to address the political, administrative, and economic aspects of the implementation of the State of Emergency. He also discussed the temporal and geographic scope of the proclamation. He also addressed some concerns on diplomatic immunities and privileges. He said, “Without prejudice to diplomatic immunities indicated under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, substantive and procedural laws inconsistent with this proclamation shall remain suspended during the implementation of this proclamation.” Regarding the treatment of international organizations and intergovernmental organizations, Dr. Gedion read a clarification that was posted on the Twitter Page of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. It reads, “the suspension of substantive and procedural laws inconsistent with this proclamation does not affect immunities and privileges that emanate from host country agreements and other international treaties and instruments concerning intergovernmental organizations or any international organization that enjoys a similar status under international law.”

Ambassador Redwan, for his part, made remarks emphasizing missed opportunities for peace and signaled the way forward. He said all the pretexts which led to the attack of the ENDF could have been addressed through dialogue. The TPLF and the international community also failed to capitalize on the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire, he added. He further said the chance for peace is not closed yet. He said Ethiopians should not have to continue witnessing destructions to lives and properties. He appreciated the mediation efforts of Olusegun Obasanjo and the mediation offers and calls for peace made by some neighboring countries, namely Kenya and South Sudan. He said the government of Ethiopia has always been consistent in its demands. He said the federal government of Ethiopia expects the other side: (1), to refrain from expanding its terrorist actions; (2), to stop colluding with other disgruntled elements; (3), to accept the legitimacy of the government; and, (4), to show goodwill to address all issues around the table. He finally underscored the need for the International community to put pressure on the TPLF to stop expanding the conflict.

To watch the recorded video of the session, please click here on our YouTube Channel: (Dr. Gedion Timotiwos’ presentation:  https://youtu.be/xEju0X35o-0 )  ( Amb. Redwan Hussien’s remarks: https://youtu.be/aNZbkB8TdPo )

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On immunities and privileges of intergovernmental organizations and their staff under the ”State of Emergency Proclamation Enacted to Avert the Threat Against National Existence and Sovereignty No 1/2021” [Ministry of Justice]

It is to be recalled that a “State of Emergency Proclamation Enacted to Avert the Threat Against National Existenceand Sovereignty No 1/2021” has been issued by the Council of Ministers on November 2, 2021. The Proclamation, under article 8(2) stipulates that  “Without prejudice to diplomatic immunities indicated under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, substantive and procedural laws inconsistent with this proclamation shall remain suspended during the implementation of this proclamation.” The Government of Ethiopia would like to provide assurances to concerned intergovernmental organizations that for the purpose and duration  of this proclamation, the immunities and privileges which intergovernmental organizations and their staff enjoy pursuant to other international treaties or host country agreements concluded with the Government of Ethiopia will be considered as being analogous to and enjoying a similar exempt status from the State of Emergency proclamation as the diplomatic immunities and privileges provided for under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.  Therefore, the suspension of substantive and procedural laws inconsistent with this proclamation does not affect immunities and privileges that emanate from host country agreements and other international treaties and instruments concerning intergovernmental organizations or any international organization that enjoys a similar status under international law.

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Press Statement on the Suspension of Ethiopia from AGOA Eligibility

The Government of Ethiopia understands the human rights concerns of the United States Government over the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia. We believe that such concerns over human rights issues do not warrant the decision of the US to suspend Ethiopia’s privileges over the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The decision is misguided and fails to take into account the commitment of the Government of the United States to value the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.

Removing the preferential agreement will affect the livelihoods of more than 200.000 low-income families, mostly; women who have got nothing to do with the conflict. It will also considerably impair the lives of one million people who engage in the supply chain ecosystem.

What Ethiopians expect from the International community, and the US, in particular, at this time is an unbiased assessment of the critical situation and supply of the much-needed humanitarian support to affected people. Unjustified intimidation to jeopardize the economic livelihoods of innocent citizens, which we believe is propelled by the enemies of Ethiopia behind the scenes, will not give a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Government of Ethiopia is deeply dismayed by the failure of the United States to properly acknowledge efforts made to address concerns on both the humanitarian aid and human rights issues in connection with the conflict. Reducing security checkpoints from 7 to 2, among others, has shown our commitment to address the concerns of the International Community over some bureaucratic hurdles. The Federal Government also supported the joint investigation by the UN Human Rights Office and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into alleged violations of human rights committed in Tigray. The Government of Ethiopia has also been supportive of investigations over the issue by independent domestic institutions. Accordingly, punitive measures were taken over perpetrators of atrocities.

The time calls for concerted efforts from all responsible bodies, both in Ethiopia and abroad, to mitigate the unprecedented challenges posed by the actions of the TPLF. Removing the duty-free arrangement will, by no means, ease up the problem. We, therefore, urge the United States Government to reverse its decision that may only embolden the terrorist group while endangering the aspirations of Ethiopians to extricate themselves out of poverty.

Office of the Spokesperson 03 November 2021