News in Brief

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addresses Ethiopian Diasporas

On the African Union Summit (PM Abiy Statement, Translation)

The GERD as a site of cooperation (PM Abiy Ahmed article)

UK minister for Africa Vicky Ford concludes visit to Ethiopia

Africa and the African Union

The 43rd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) officially commenced on Thursday (January 20). The PRC Session will be held through videoconference, with the opening ceremony to be held virtually on January 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The opening ceremony included, among others, a statement by the Chairperson of the Commission and a statement by the Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC).

The 40th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council (Ministerial Session) and the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the A.U. (Heads of State and Government Session) will take place from 02-06 February 2022. The A.U. Heads of State and Government declared the Year 2022 as THE YEAR OF NUTRITION under the theme, “Building Resilience in Nutrition on the African Continent: Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development”.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) has addressed thousands of Ethiopian Diasporas who responded to ‘the Great Homecoming challenge’ and came to celebrate Christmas (Genna Holiday) in Ethiopia. Speaking on Sunday (January 16) evening at Grand palace in a fundraising dinner organized to welcome the Ethiopian diaspora, PM Abiy went in-depth to enlighten the diaspora on the current socio-economic and political state of the nation. (See article)

Prime Minister  Dr. Abiy Ahmed issued a statement on Monday (January 17) appreciating the decision of the African Union member states to convene the 35th AU Summit in person in Addis Ababa. The Prime Minister said Ethiopia is pleased with the current leaders of Africa for acknowledging Ethiopia’s historic and unwavering stance to advance African and Pan-African agendas. The implications of hosting the summit in Addis Abeba are immense. The Prime Minister said it would demonstrate peace and stability in the country. It would also create opportunities for us to restate our stance on the African Agenda and practically exhibit Ethiopia’s good status to our African allies. He also called on all Ethiopians to make the summit a success. (See Translation)

In a statement issued on Thursday (January 20), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to nurture the narrative over the Nile waters towards building peace, cooperation, mutual co-existence, and development of all our people without harming one another. “Nile in general and the GERD project, in particular, are opportune for such a higher purpose.” (See article)

The national committee established to oversee preparations to host the African Union Ministerial and Heads of State and Government Sessions has convened on Tuesday for deliberations. Stakeholders from various sectors took part in the meeting and tabled their plans ranging from protocol services and accommodations to safety issues for further deliberations. Presiding over the committee, State Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Burtukan Ayano, highlighted the importance of providing meticulous services to guests, as always. She said the in-person A.U. sessions are opportunities for Ethiopians to show the peaceful and stable realities on the ground, contrary to the relentless campaigns that sought to tarnish the country’s image. 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (January 18) extended best wishes to the faithful over the celebration of the Timket festival (Ethiopian Epiphany), which commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in River Jordan. The Premier noted that the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist was one of the phenomena in which God manifested his true love for humankind. The Premier underlined that Jesus Christ manifested his love, humility, and respect for humankind in being baptized in the Jordan River.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday (January 13) held a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. “The discussion was centered on current national and regional matters,” PM Abiy tweeted. “As always, Ethiopia appreciates a supportive and all-weather friend like Canada”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen on Friday (January 14), called for urgent action and response to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to those affected by drought in various parts of the country. This was disclosed at a regular meeting of the National Disaster Risk Management Committee, which reviewed efforts underway to strengthen the role of executive bodies in emergency response and coordinated leadership.

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Redwan Hussein, and members of the Defend Ethiopia Task Force met on Friday (January 14) and discussed current issues and ways to augment the group’s pro-Ethiopia activities. Ambassador Redwan appreciated the Defend Ethiopia Taskforce for mobilizing Ethiopians in the Diaspora to guard Ethiopia’s interests and voice concerns against the propagation of malicious information in the media and undue external pressures on Ethiopia.

On Tuesday (January 18), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia issued a statement expressing condolences over the deaths and injuries of civilians in the United Arab Emirates due to the terrorist attacks that targeted civilian establishments. The statement strongly condemned the cowardly act that neither the norms of humanity nor international law could justify. Ethiopia also reaffirmed, in the statement, its solidarity with the government and people of the United Arab Emirates at this trying incident.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians across the country on Wednesday (January 19) celebrated the Timket festival with various religious and cultural events, colorfully marking the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. In the morning, the faithful attended the masses, and the clergymen sprayed the holy waters onto the congregations who gathered in special places for the celebrations, remembering the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.

A symposium aimed at strengthening the China-Africa partnership on Thursday (January 20) has been held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing under the theme “Towards a Greener, more Prosperous and Healthier Future Together”. The symposium was organized in collaboration with a team of African ambassadors to China and the Office of the United Nations in Beijing. The symposium, aimed at ensuring mutual benefit for Africa and China, focused on the implementation of some of the decisions made at the previous 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference in Dakar, Senegal.

Eritrea

The Epiphany (Timket) was colorfully celebrated on Wednesday (January 19) in the presence of the members of the Holy Synod and religious leaders under the restrictive guidelines imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The more than two-hour ceremony at the Epiphany Holy Water spot was broadcast live on Eri-TV and Dmtsi Hafash from 7:00-9:00 local time.

Kenya

The UK Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford has visited Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia to deepen partnerships on trade, education, and health, and discuss solutions to regional challenges including conflict and drought. While in Kenya, the Minister announced a £17 million package of UK funding to support almost a million people across East Africa affected by extreme weather events driven by climate change. In Nairobi, the Minister held an East Africa launch of the new British International Investment (BII) at an event alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Ukur Yatani, and a host of business leaders. BII confirmed a new £37 million investment into Equity Bank to boost small business growth in Kenya at the event. The Minister also announced that the UK will provide expert analysis and advice on how to boost green manufacturing jobs in Kenya (worth £400,000) and confirmed that UK engineering firm Atkins has been appointed to design Nairobi’s new Central Train Station, a flagship project to regenerate Nairobi’s Central Business District.

Somalia

President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, on Wednesday (January 19), received credentials from the new Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Somalia, Ahmed Bin Mohamed, at the Villa Somalia, SONNA reported. The diplomat conveyed warm greetings and messages from the kingdom to President Farmajo and expressed his commitment to promoting ties between the nations, thanking the government and people for the warm welcome.

Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Hussein Roble on Monday (January 17), visited government spokesperson, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu, who was injured in a suicide bomb attack and hospitalized at Erdogan overnight.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,  Abdisaid Muse Ali, on Sunday (January 16), discussed over the phone with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Amb. David Satterfield, bilateral relations, including enhancing security and economic cooperation, and exchanged views on regional developments.

South Sudan

Sudan and South Sudan on Tuesday (January 18) resumed talks on a railway line linking the two countries, amid hopes the initiative would accelerate the delivery of goods and facilitate the movement of people. South Sudan’s advisor on presidential affairs, Costello Garang Lual, said discussions were with different institutions and top government officials in neighboring Sudan to fast track the railway transport issue.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir welcomed the peace deal that his adviser signed with the SPLA-IO breakaway leaders, saying peace was paramount for stability and coexistence in the country. The media on Monday (January 17) reported that President Kiir had given all the authority to his security adviser to meet, discuss and reach a settlement that would end hostilities and fighting that had claimed lives and destroyed properties in the northern Upper Nile and border areas straddling neighboring Sudan.

Sudan

The President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Gen. Abdul-Fattah Al-Burhan, on Wednesday (January 19), assigned the acting undersecretaries of the ministries to carry out the duties of the ministers within the framework of a caretaker government to pave the way for holding the elections.

The President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, on Tuesday (January 18), received a phone call from the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the phone call, His Excellency reassured the situation in the United Arab Emirates, in the backdrop of the heinous terrorist aggression launched by the Houthi group, which targeted petroleum product tanks at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addresses Ethiopian Diasporas 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) has addressed thousands of Ethiopian Diasporas who responded to ‘the Great Homecoming challenge’ and came to celebrate Christmas (Genna Holiday) in Ethiopia. Speaking on Sunday (January 16) evening at Grand palace in a fundraising dinner organized to welcome the Ethiopian diaspora, PM Abiy went in-depth to enlighten the diaspora on the current socio-economic and political state of the nation.

Due recognition and call for an increased engagement

First things first, the premier, on behalf of the people and the government of Ethiopia, delivered his utmost appreciation to the diaspora community for their firm solidarity and unwavering support during Ethiopia’s trying time. The premier underlined that the Ethiopian government duly recognizes several initiatives organized by the Ethiopian Diasporas including the #Nomore movement to defend Ethiopia and its interests. However, putting the immense potential that Ethiopians in the Diaspora have into consideration, PM Abiy urged them for expedited and upscaled contributions. 

This potential can never be unleashed unless the diaspora community moves away from ‘event generated’ mobilization and go in the direction of strong institutionalization of its engagement, the premier pointed out. Referencing the influence of some communities in foreign lands, the premier noted the urgency of creating a strong diaspora institution. Instead of division over ethnic lines, PM Abiy calls upon all Diasporas to stand together under the umbrella of Ethiopia so that the host nations cannot ignore their voices. 

The prime minister also invited the Diasporas to invest in massive eco-lodge projects launched by the government and are near to completion. He welcomed Ethiopians in the diaspora to acquire villas (rooms) that are part of resorts under development and being built by the government in Gorgora in the Amhara region, Wenchi in the Oromia region, and Koysha in the Southern region, stating that they do not need to start from scratch.

Bitter Decisions, Better future

Prime Minister Abiy also took the opportunity to clarify the raison d’etre for releasing prominent politicians accused of gross violation of the FDRE constitution. He reiterated that the decision also caught him by surprise, but it must have been made for the betterment of the nation. All of the government’s decisions, including the recent release of certain prisoners, are acceptable, however, as long as they are made pursuant to the three non-negotiable principles in Ethiopia: sovereignty, national interest, and national pride. He underlined: “We consider all viewpoints and implement those that are in line with our core principles and benefit to our country while ignoring those that are unhelpful. In the case of prisoners, we are of a belief that forgiveness is indispensable for our future, not our past.”

He made it clear that the decision was solely made by the government of Ethiopia, not an imposition from foreign bodies. In relation to this, he stressed that Ethiopia has not designated any country as an ‘enemy.’ While some nations recognize and appreciate Ethiopia’s history and recognize its growth potential, others disagree with our strategic objectives, he said. He indicated that the government will strengthen its ties with friendly nations, continue to inform those on the wrong side about their errors, and remind them that Ethiopia is still independent and “despite its poverty, Ethiopia will never compromise its dignity.”

Time, Resources, Plan and Leadership: critical for post-war reconstruction

Prime Minister Abiy also briefed the diaspora on what the government did regarding the rehabilitation of internally displaced people and post-war reconstruction of war-ravaged areas in Amhara and Afar. As per his report, except some villages most of the cities and towns in two regions are reconnected to the national grid and are utilizing electricity, Telecommunication connectivity is 100 % restored, about 40 general hospitals and 400 health centers have begun their basic services, 120 Commercial banks have also returned to operation. More importantly, about 1.2 million IDPs in the Amhara region have returned to their home. “This, however, should not deceive us that the rehabilitation process is over. It is far from over. Rather, it is now demanding our critical contributions in relations to Time, Resources, Plan, and Leadership.”

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On the African Union Summit (PM Abiy Statement, Translation)

Dear African brothers and sisters, 

I would like want to express my gratitude on behalf of the Ethiopian people for the African Union leaders’ decision to hold the AU summit in Addis Ababa. It is a crucial moment that necessitates the need to deepen our African fraternity more than ever.

Ethiopia has never regarded Africa as a secondary issue, but rather as a top priority. Our commitment to African independence has never wavered. The highest regard Ethiopia attaches to Pan-Africanism has always been significant. Ethiopia was committed to African issues in the past as it is in the present!

The actions of those who have been pushing for the AU summit to be hosted outside of Addis Abeba, citing the spread of the coronavirus and the security situation as excuses had saddened Ethiopia. The coronavirus pandemic had forced the postponement of one of the African Union’s biannual conferences. After three years, the Ethiopian government, in concert with other African countries and the African Union Commission, undertook various diplomatic efforts to reassign the first summit to Addis Ababa. African leaders who recognized the meaning of holding the summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s strong stance on African issues, the country’s role in the realization of the AU, and who acknowledged Ethiopia’s unwavering principle to resolve African matters by Africans, have preferred to hold the AU summit in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is delighted in this. Congratulations to all of us!

Dear fellow Ethiopians,

It is very well known that our African brothers and sisters are at the forefront of our challenges and joys. The identities we share, the history that binds us, and the common challenges we face are enormous. Ethiopia is like a second home for them. Coming to their homeland, Ethiopia, Africans should be treated as natives, not as strangers. We must stretch our hands and open our hearts to welcome and treat them. We should strive to let them have a lasting good impression, delightful stay and tranquillity until they return.

The implications of hosting the summit in Addis Ababa are immense, as it demonstrates our peace and stability while also allowing us to restate our stance on the African Agenda and practically exhibit Ethiopia’s good status to our African allies and reap economic benefits in general. As a result, it is expected of all of you to make the summit a success.

Security forces, hotels, transportation providers, as well as entertainment and tourist destinations, all need extensive preparations. We must embrace and accommodate our African sisters and brothers who are coming here with Ethiopian courtesy, comfort, and safety..

Former South African President Nelson Mandela, the great freedom fighter and the father of forgiveness, once said, “Ethiopia always has a special place in my imagination.” He said this because Ethiopia had welcomed him with affection. Our African brothers and sisters deserve the same treatment, we should welcome and accommodate them with the Ethiopian hospitality that we are so proud of.

Ethiopia can be a winner if it thrives in all areas. One of these is keeping our promises that we made to Africa. Ethiopia’s stance toward the African Union will never change under any circumstances. We honour the promise we made. I would like to thank our African brothers once more for their understanding of our position.

God bless Ethiopia and her people!

January/16/2022

The Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

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The GERD as a site of cooperation (PM Abiy Ahmed article)

Ethiopia has an ambition to build a modern economy based on agriculture, manufacturing and industry. It is committed to developing social infrastructure with quality education, health systems and the provision of clean water for its people. Ethiopia also aims to nurture a clean environment able to sequester carbon and emit net zero carbon; to maintain biological diversity and to build a resilient ecosystem that is not exposed to climate vulnerabilities.

The key to realizing such ambitions however, is rooted in energy. For Ethiopia, the most comparative advantage in its energy generation needs is hydropower, as it is blessed both by topography and water resources. 

Electricity is a basic infrastructure lacking in Ethiopia and over 53% of my fellow citizens or about 60 Million people do not have access. Without electricity no country has ever managed to defeat poverty, brought about inclusive growth, secured a dignified life for its citizens, and managed to attain sustainable economic, social and environmental development. Hence, why Ethiopia believes that the Nile waters can be developed reasonably and equitably for the benefit of all people of riparian countries, without causing significant harm.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a good example that is demonstrative of the principle of cooperation. The dam has been constructed through the earnest contribution of all citizens of Ethiopia and holds multiple benefits for the two downstream countries of Sudan and Egypt, as well as the East African region at large.

A large volume of the Nile water body, amounting to about 85%, originates from the highlands of Ethiopia. As a transboundary resource, this water traverses through Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. The Ethiopia side comes from the tributaries of Abbay, Baro and Tekeze rivers while the other 15% of the Nile comes from other upstream Nile riparian countries. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, (GERD), is under construction near the border with the Sudan, where all tributaries of the Abbay join the main stem of the river. This consequently makes the location ideal to maximize electricity generation.

The major function of the GERD is to manage the highly variable flow of the Abbay and produce 15,700-Gigawatt hour per year electricity since for Ethiopia electricity remains a resource that is enormously lacking. Large quantity of the flow (about 90%) occurs within four months of the rainy season and during the rest of the year the mighty Abbay trickles like a small river. The dam is needed to regulate this variable flow by reducing flooding and augmenting dry flow.

Ethiopia’s intention in constructing the GERD is to enable the regulation function so that electricity generation from the infrastructure is uniform throughout the year. This means, as a hydropower dam, the GERD does not consume water. Rather the water continues to flow downstream uninterrupted.

The benefits for downstream countries are often untold. In Sudan, for example, the GERD provides ample protection against devastating floods and the effects of water shortage during drought and dry periods. It will help Sudanese water infrastructure to be operated optimally as they receive regulated flow.

This means that more electricity could be generated from existing infrastructure and adequate and regular water could flow in the river downstream throughout the year to enable reliable water supply for people, agriculture, and the ecology. The GERD also brings more energy to the already interconnected systems of Sudan and Ethiopia as well as to others.

Egypt also benefits from water conservation at the GERD instead of wastage of billions of cubic meters of water to evaporation and in downstream flood plains. The GERD also helps to prevent future spillage that overtops the Aswan Dam.

Globally and in the Nile region, the GERD as a clean renewable energy source would help to reduce emission that could avoid up to 10.6 million tons of greenhouse gases if it were produced from fuel, coal or gas plants. Hence, development of the GERD plays an important role in meeting and increasing renewable energy generation share towards Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 7 and better water management of Goal 6 of the SDGs, as well as meeting many targets of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

For the Nile region and for all its citizens, the GERD has a potential to stabilize energy mix. Hydropower, due to its nature of flexible operation and suitability, can be put in operation in a matter of minutes and can enhance harnessing of other energy sources of solar and wind energy that are variable depending on weather and climate. Undoubtedly, it will also enable affordable energy provision to the region.

While perceived negative factors have been made more visible in the GERD discourse, the positive attributes rather outweigh the opposing rhetoric and downplay the potential for cooperation to mitigate negative factors, if such factors exist.

It is time for our three countries of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan to nurture the narrative towards building peace, cooperation, mutual co-existence and development of all our people without harming one another. Nile in general and the GERD project in particular are opportune for such a higher purpose.

God bless Ethiopia and its people!

January 20, 2022

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UK minister for Africa Vicky Ford concludes visit to Ethiopia

The UK Minister for Africa Vicky Ford has completed her three-day visit to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda that aimed to deepen partnerships on trade, education and health, and discuss solutions to regional challenges including conflict and drought. In Ethiopia, she met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Minister of Justice, Gedion Timotheos, the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and the State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Redwan Hussein to discuss routes to a peaceful end to the conflict in northern Ethiopia, and the UK support for post-conflict recovery.

In meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, she said she had expressed the UK’s concern over conflict in the north and hoped for lasting peace in Ethiopia. “I welcomed the recent prisoner release and National Dialogue. We discussed the United Kingdom and Ethiopia’s standing partnership and the UK support for rebuilding.” Discussing with Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, she said the UK is a long-term supporter of Ethiopia’s economic reforms that are encouraging more private investment and helping to build growth, jobs, and opportunities.

In meeting State Minister, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, she had a detailed discussion about current issues in Ethiopia and the relationship between the two countries. She said as a longtime friend of Ethiopia, the UK would like to work with the country on many issues, including investment which necessitates a peaceful environment to operate.

She appreciated the decision of the government of Ethiopia not to lead its military forces into the Tigray region as commitments of the Ethiopian government to have peace in Ethiopia. She also appreciated the release of prisoners as a good sign from the Ethiopian government and ongoing efforts to have an all-inclusive dialogue for lasting peace in Ethiopia. The minister spoke on the need to hold people accountable for sexual violations in conflict areas and noted the commitment of the government to look into the matter starting from cooperation during the joint investigation of UN-EHRC.

The State Minister, on his part, reiterated the continuous efforts of the government to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into the Tigray region. He said the government is willing to allow daily U.N. humanitarian flights to Mekelle and extra cash for humanitarian operators in the region.

Ambassador Redwan said the TPLF wasted multiple opportunities to make peace in Ethiopia. He said the TPLF started the conflict without a sufficient cause and expanded it, mocking the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire declared by the government. Above all, he said the TPLF has continued to shell Abala city in the Afar region unprovoked, further obstructing the humanitarian supply to Tigray. He also further stressed that the TPLF has continued obstructing humanitarian operations by misusing fuel reserves and discarding safety arrangements made for truck drivers.

Regarding the drone attacks in the region, he said that it would be unfair and a baseless complaint since the TPLF has continued training militants and attacking adjacent regional states. Ambassador Redwan called on the international community to balance the attention it gives to the humanitarian concerns and human rights violations in the Tigray region with the wrongs of the TPLF.  He said the international community should squarely condemn the wrongdoings of the TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions and take into account the humanitarian needs of affected people there. Finally, Ambassador Redwan appreciated the U.K. for being interested in Ethiopia’s current situation and continuing as a reliable partner in development and democratization efforts.

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