News in Brief
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s statement on Ukraine crisis
Ethiopia, U.S.A. keen to cement bilateral ties
DPM & FM Demeke Mekonnen: IC should not be bought into TPLF’s victimhood narratives
Ethiopians Celebrate the 126th Anniversary of the Adwa Victory Day
Ethiopian Embassy in India organizes Virtual business forum on Ethio-India investment, trade and tourism opportunities
Africa and the African Union
In a statement issued on Tuesday (March 01) the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expressed concerns about the prevailing situation in Ukraine and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. IGAD appeals to all the parties involved in the conflict to show restraint and make use of all the available diplomatic channels to help resolve the situation in the interest of global peace and stability. IGAD further calls on all the parties to ensure protection and safe passage for the civilian population including those from the African continent living or studying in affected areas.
Ethiopia
Ethiopians across the country celebrated the 126th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa on Wednesday (March 02). Addressing the 126th anniversary of the victory of Adwa, President Sahlework Zewde said in order to get out of poverty, it is necessary to stand together and understand each other. “We must learn from the victory of Adwa that nothing will stop us if we stand together,” she said.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stressed the need for collaborative engagement of all citizens to eliminate hunger and famine that occur once in a decade in the country. In a message he posted on his Facebook page on Friday (February 25), Abiy wrote that Ethiopia has been facing drought every ten years that claimed lots of lives, affected elders and youth, and children. Drought and famine have been challenging Ethiopians more than the invasions by foreign aggressors, he said, noting that citizens should therefore collaborate more than ever to tackle the catastrophes like they do in defending the country from foreign aggressors.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday (March 02) said the Victory of Adwa has triggered Africans, Asians and South Americans to break the yoke of slavery and relieve the burden of colonialism. In his congratulatory message for the celebration of the 126th anniversary of the battle of Adwa, Premier Abiy said Adwa has also enabled the aforementioned continents to break the yoke of slavery and the burden of colonialism. He added the Victory of Adwa changed the racist narrative between blacks and whites, registering a shining testimony of black identity and heroism.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a statement issued on Thursday (March 03), said that Ethiopia closely follows the developments in Europe with great caution, calling all parties to exercise restraint in the Ukraine crisis. (See Statement)
Ethiopians across the country on Wednesday (March 02) have celebrated the 126th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa colorfully. The celebration in Addis Ababa at Emperor Menelik II square in the center of the city was especially colorful. It was 126 years ago, March 1896, that Ethiopians who had marched to Adwa from all corners of the country and fiercely fought against the colonial aggressor army of Italy at the Battle of Adwa. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen received on Monday (February 28) a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Marina Sereni. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnnen on Tuesday (March 01) met at his office and discussed with UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan. The two sides exchanged views over the election in Somalia, the reform process of the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM), and the need to stem the terrorist acts of Al-Shabab. The Deputy Prime Minister told the special envoy that Ethiopia, as a friendly country, has been closely following the election process in Somalia, further expressing delight over the peaceful manner that the process has been undertaken.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen received at his office on Thursday (March 03) Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America to Ethiopia. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed the Charge d’ Affaires to Ethiopia, expressing Ethiopia’s keen interest to cement bilateral relations with the United States of America. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnon on Wednesday (March 03) said Ethiopians celebrate Adwa not only as a Victory Day against tyranny but as a day that opened the gates of freedom for African brothers and sisters by inspiring anti-colonialism struggles. Demeke has extended a congratulatory message for the anniversary of the 126th Adwa Victory Day. In his message, Demeke noted that Adwa is not only celebrated as Victory Day against tyranny but as a day that opened the gates of freedom for “our African brothers and sisters by inspiring anti-colonialism struggles. (See Statement)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Redwan Hussein on Monday (February 28) has urged ambassadors to give due attention to global economic and political dynamics that may determine the building of a strong and resilient economy at home. Understanding homegrown economic reform would help to boost the economic diplomacy of the country, the state minister noted.
Ethiopian Minister of Justice Gedion Timothewos met with High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights Office Bachelet on Thursday (March 02) and briefed her on the situation of human rights in Ethiopia as well as provided updates on the Ministerial Task Force activities on the sidelines of the 49th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with “The_Diplomatist,” a magazine production company organized a virtual business forum aiming at uncovering Ethio-India investment, trade and tourism opportunities. Dr. Tizita Mulugeta, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, Robert Shetkintong, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, invited guests and more than 45 different Indian companies took part in this virtual event. (See article)
Eritrea
Eritrea, along with four countries on Wednesday (March 02) voted against the resolution over Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine” during the 11th Special Emergency Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Explaining Eritrea’s vote, Amanuel Giorgio Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the UN, said: “Eritrea’s vote is a demonstration of its uncompromising stand for peace. Its position is against internationalizing, incessant rhetoric, and impositions of unilateral sanctions, which regrettably further polarize international relations and escalate the situation with enormous implications for civilians. Instead, we have consistently opted for world regions to be given the needed space and solidarity to address political problems.”
Kenya
The 7th Programme for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA) was held in Kenya from February 28-March 04, 2022. On the margins of the Programme a representative from the Ethiopian embassy in Kenya participated in the discussion about the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia (LAPSSET) Corridor Project. Ethiopia’s representative at the event reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the realization of the Project since it fulfils the development, integration and prosperity aspirations of the people in the region.
Somalia
The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Hussein Roble on Tuesday (March 01) held a meeting with the Commanders of the Somali National Security Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the discussions focused on strengthening the security of the country, particularly in the capital Mogadishu. Prime Minister Roble instructed security agencies to focus on stepping up on the counter-terrorism operations across the country and to tighten the security in the capital ahead of the upcoming elections of the parliament’s Lower and Upper House and the presidential.
The United States conducted its first drone strike in Somalia since August on Feb. 22, according to AFRICOM. This strike was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) against Al Shabaab insurgents in Duduble, 40 miles northwest of Mogadishu. The strike came one week after Shabaab, Al Qaeda’s affiliate in East Africa, conducted a series of suicide bombings in Mogadishu in an attempt to disrupt ongoing parliamentary elections. The terrorist group has increased its number of attacks recently in a bid to delegitimize the FGS and undermine its support from the international community, especially the African Union.
Sudan
The President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, has affirmed Sudan’s keenness to enhance bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, and to advance joint cooperation between the two countries, due to the historical relations that bind them. This came when Al-Burhan met at the Republican Palace on Thursday (March 03) the Director General of Africa at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Moazzam Malik in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nader Yusuf, and the British Ambassador to Sudan, Giles Lever.
President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General, Abdel Al-Fattah Al-Burhan met, on Thursday (March 03), at his office in the Republican Palace, the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber in the EU Ambassador to Sudan, Robert Van den Dool. The meeting focused on the political situations in the country on the level of the current developments concerning the dialogue between the Sudanese parties which aims at reaching a national consensus to return the tractional path, besides stability and security issues in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan on Thursday (March 03) welcomed the decision issued by the UN Security Council regarding the classification of the Houthi militia as a terrorist group, in addition to expanding the ban on the delivery of weapons to Yemen, and condemning the attacks launched by the Houthi group against civilians and civilian facilities in each of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s statement on Ukraine crisis
A Call for Restraint
The past two years have made abundantly clear the level of interdependence within our global community. Issues we consider remote to our respective locations have in reality exposed our vulnerabilities in that no nation is an island. When the COVID19 virus emerged, the effects of individual national responses were felt throughout the world. Two difficult years later, as our global community emerges from the economic and health shocks of the pandemic, returning the lives of our people to a level of normalcy is a priority, particularly vulnerable sections of society. Whether it is a health pandemic or an armed confrontation, it is these vulnerable sections of our society that suffer the most.
Ethiopia has abundant lessons to share from its recent engagement in war. Our experience has shown the devastating consequence that war inflicts upon families, communities, livelihoods and the economy at large. While the material consequence of war can be thought to be easily replenished, it is the lasting impact on the fabric of society that scars nations.
It is with this recent recollection of war still fresh for many Ethiopians that my government calls upon all parties involved to exercise maximum caution in engagement and refrain from further exacerbating a sensitive situation.
As Ethiopia closely follows the developments in Europe with great caution, we urge all parties to exercise restraint in the Ukraine crisis. We express our concern at the escalating rhetoric that risks further intensifying the issue and call upon all concerned to explore the multiple pathways to reach an understanding.
Our tragic historical past as a global community coupled with the vast leaps and advancements, we have made in the 21st century beckon a more nuanced approach in our international relations and diplomacy. A zero-sum situation need not be our reality, especially when we can rely on the lessons of the past to draw us to greater heights of coexistence. The multilateral institutions and international norms we have built collectively need not be a site of isolation when we designed them to be a mechanism for problem solving, heightened diplomacy and collective development. Let not the failure of diplomacy be the reason millions of lives are uprooted and global shock waves felt throughout when the tools of creating international harmony are within our means.
Ethiopia expresses sincerest wishes for peace to prevail as all concerned parties explore peaceful alternatives to the current status quo.
May God bless you all!
March 3, 2022
The Prime Minister of the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
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Ethiopia, U.S.A. keen to cement bilateral ties
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen received at his office on Thursday (March 03) Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America to Ethiopia. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed the Charge d’ Affaires to Ethiopia, expressing Ethiopia’s keen interest to cement bilateral relations with the United States of America.
Speaking on the peace initiatives in Ethiopia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister explained the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission, the appointment of the Commissioners, and preparation for the commencement of the inclusive national dialogue sooner. He mentioned the lifting of the state of emergency and the release of high-profile political figures from prisons as positive steps that promote sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia.
Demeke also spoke about the efforts of the government of Ethiopia in implementing the recommendations of the joint UN-UEHRC investigations on alleged human rights abuses in Tigray, mentioning the need to probe into the human rights abuses perpetrated by the TPLF in the Afar and Amhara regions.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also explained the efforts of the government of Ethiopia in providing unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray. However, due to the TPLF’s attack and expansion of the conflict to the Afar Region, the safe passage of humanitarian supplies to Tigray is compromised, further obstructing humanitarian aid efforts. He said Ethiopia expects the U.S. government to hold the TPLF accountable for its atrocious acts and continued provocations in the Afar and Amhara regions. He also said measures, such as the exclusion of Ethiopia from AGOA eligibility and the proposed Draft Bill HR6600 do not commensurate with the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Tracey Jacobson, on her part, thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for the briefing and expressed her government’s concerns over human rights and humanitarian issues related to the conflict in the northern part of the country. She also expressed interest in further strengthening the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister finally reassured the Charge d’ Affaires of the Ministry’s readiness to work with her and render support for the successful undertaking of her duties and her mission in Ethiopia.
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IC should not be bought into TPLF’s victimhood narratives
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, had received at his office on Monday (February 28) a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Marina Sereni. At the onset of their discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister thanked the government of Italy for its uninterrupted development cooperation with Ethiopia. He also appreciated the outstanding construction works of “Webuild” (former Salini Impregilo) in Ethiopia, a company involved in the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam too.
Speaking on the current situation in Ethiopia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister described all of the positive measures that the government of Ethiopia has been undertaking to peacefully end the conflict in northern Ethiopia and establish long-lasting peace in the country. In this regard, he mentioned the federal government’s decision to withhold its troops from entering the Tigray region, the release of high-profile political figures from prison, and the decision to establish the National Dialogue Commission paving the way for national consensus.
Demeke stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, mentioning the federal government’s commitment to act according to the recommendations of the joint investigation of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the UN Human Rights Office into alleged crimes committed in Tigray. He said the government of Ethiopia wants the UN and the Ethiopian human rights institutions to conduct similar investigations into the atrocities committed by the TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions.
In line with the concerns of the international community and the responsibility of the federal government, he explained all the efforts made to provide unfettered humanitarian access to the Tigray region. Despite all the encouraging steps taken by the federal government, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said the TPLF failed to reciprocate and continued its provocative acts, mentioning the recent attacks on Afar. The Tplf has continued to massively recruit and train troops to further exercise its warmongering agenda on the neighboring regions disregarding peace efforts, he added. He said the International community, including Italy, should not be bought into the victimhood narratives of the TPLF that often use deception to conceal its anti-peace character.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, on her part, thanked Mr. Demeke for his briefing on the current situation in the country and for addressing the humanitarian and human rights concerns of Italy. She said her government appreciates all the encouraging efforts of the government of Ethiopia to build peace in the country. Marina Sereni further said Italy wants to keep on expanding its development partnership and diplomatic relationships with Ethiopia, an anchor state in the region. The discussion between the two sides was concluded in mutual understanding and pledges to further cement ties.
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Ethiopians Celebrate the 126th Anniversary of Adwa Victory Day
Tens of thousands of youth, elders and patriots flooded the streets of Addis in different directions showing their zeal to the celebration of the 126th anniversary of the Victory at Adwa. The celebration at Emperor Menelik II square in the center of the city was especially colorful and attended by senior Ethiopian government officials, elders, diplomats and representatives of foreign countries, among others.
In his congratulatory message for the celebration of the victory, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Adwa has also inspired Africans, Asians and South Americans to break the yoke of slavery and the burden of colonialism. He said: “We are fortunate to be able to celebrate the Victory of Adwa where our brave mothers and fathers have registered great triumph by rejecting colonialism and slavery as well as inferiority and humiliation.”
Addressing the 126th Adwa Victory Day commemoration, President Sahle-Work Zewde said Adwa is a result of unity, coming together, and listening to one another. “We must not forget that we are standing on the shoulders of our heroes who have chosen death over colonialism and sacrificed their lives for the cause.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonnen on his part said Ethiopians celebrate Adwa not only as a Victory Day against tyranny but as a day that opened the gates of freedom for African brothers and sisters by inspiring anti-colonialism struggles.
Lessons for Contemporary Africa
The victory of Adwa is very symbolic and that is why it still resonates, however, still African nations have to learn and pass the lessons to the new generation. This year, Ethiopia is celebrating the victory of the Adwa Battle in a united action against those who vowed to disintegrate and destroy the statehood of the nation in the Northern part of the country. As the result of the barbaric war that the TPLF has waged on Ethiopia, millions of citizens are displaced in the Amhara and Afar regions.
It is not only Ethiopia, but Africa also remains under neo-colonial rule wherein its political, economic, and cultural freedom still remained elusive. Africa is in a war for its soul. The war transcends from Mali to Somalia, from Libya to Mozambique and a number of countries in between.
Having the past glorious history of victories, Ethiopia is capable enough to prevail and repeat the Adwa victory in partnership with its African brothers and sisters. Therefore, Ethiopia needs to take the driving seat in Africa’s struggle for self-worth, dignity, unity, resistance, confidence, self-reliance and freedom from undue interventions. For another victory, Africans should unite as humans, not give in to the tribal divide and rule tactics colonialists left behind which still persists as vile ethnicism.
The No More Movement, the new pan African movement against the neocolonial interventions, could be one of the tools to realize the renaissance of Africa. The No More movement shall be institutionalized and better spread to the whole of Africa. Once institutionalized, the movement could foster brotherhood among Africans, identify common causes and mobilize massive support. It could be instrumental to achieve AU’s Pan African Vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.
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Ethiopian Embassy in India organizes Virtual business forum on Ethio-India investment, trade and tourism opportunities
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with “The Diplomatist,” a magazine production company organized a virtual business forum aiming at uncovering Ethio-India investment, trade and tourism opportunities. Dr. Tizita Mulugeta, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, Robert Shetkintong, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, invited guests and more than 45 different Indian companies took part in this virtual event.
Ambassador Tizita Mulugeta in her opening remarks underscored the forum as a useful event to acquaint the business community of India with the opportunities and potentials of investing and doing business in Ethiopia. She also explained in detail, the endeavours the Government of Ethiopia is making to create a favourable condition for foreign investors interested to establish their presence in Ethiopia.
The Government of Ethiopia, with the vision of making the country a leading manufacturing hub in Africa, placed a high focus on industrial parks development, the Ambassador stated. She indicated that the government has so far constructed and operationalized around 20 state-of-the-art industrial parks which are located along key development corridors with a distinct specialty in a priority sector.
Robert Shetkintong, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia stated even during the trying time of covid-19 pandemic, around 35 Indian companies have got their investment license from the Ethiopian Investment Commission. This shows how Ethiopia has many untapped and enormous investment potential for foreign investors, the Ambassador indicated.
Participants also raised queries regarding investment and trade opportunities in Ethiopia and a reflection was given from the Ambassadors and invited speakers.
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