News in Brief

Ethiopia lauds initiatives of Israeli delegation of health professionals led by MPs

National Dialogue in Ethiopia: A Bird in the Hand

Ethiopian Embassy in India and Ethiopian Investment Commission organized Investment promotion forum

Ethiopian Embassy in Belgium hosts a roundtable on Pharmaceutical Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia

Africa and the African Union

African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting on Thursday (April 14) at the office of the latter. During their discussion, they noted the constructive peace-building initiatives that the Ethiopian government has been undertaking so far, mentioning, among others, the recently declared indefinite humanitarian truce. The two sides also underscored the need to support the peace initiative of Olusegun Obasanjo in Ethiopia under the auspices of the AUC. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to resume the AU-led trilateral negotiation over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said on Monday (April 11) that people are suffering from severe drought in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. According to a report, the situation is critical as it has not reached this magnitude in the last 40 years. IGAD, which has an eight-country trade bloc in Africa, through its Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) said at a press briefing in the Kenyan capital Nairobi that as a whole, the East Africa region this year has recorded higher temperatures and less than normal rainfall.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewede on Thursday (April 14) called on Ethiopia and Israel to further cement their longstanding relationship with expanded engagements in investment, agriculture and health sectors. The President made the remarks while receiving the medical professionals and members of the Israeli parliament who have been visiting conflict-affected areas in Ethiopia to provide support for the reconstruction efforts of damaged health institutions. The delegation led by former Israeli Deputy Minister of Security and current member of the Israeli parliament, Gadi Yevarken along with other members of the Knesset Emilie Moati and Vladimir Beliak also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen. (See article)

In honor of Ethiopian returnees from Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday (April 13) hosted around 250 returnees for an Iftar dinner at the Office of the Prime Minister. It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian Government has been returning thousands of Ethiopians over several months and will continue doing so until its citizens return to their homes.

Aside from addressing current and age-old challenges, conducting inclusive National Dialogues is critical for bolstering a culture of trust and collaboration among Ethiopians, while restoring social values that have been significantly eroded over the years. The national discussion provides Ethiopians with an opportunity to define a new course toward peace, political tolerance, national unity, political and economic equality, and a common Ethiopian destiny. Prime Minister Abiy issued a statement last week calling on Ethiopians not to waste the opportunity furnished under the National Dialogue. (See article)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen received at his office on Thursday (April 14) a delegation of medical professionals led by Israeli Member of Parliament Gadi Yevarkan. The delegation, which includes three members of Israel’s parliament and medical professionals, has visited Gondar aiming to assist in the reconstruction of damaged health facilities due to the conflict in the northern part of the country.

The Embassy of Ethiopia in India in collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) organized an investment promotion forum with the support of the Foreign Cooperation Department, Government of Haryana from April 6-8, 2022 in the two vibrant cities of Haryana, Gurugram and Chandigarh. The forum was held with the purpose of expounding Ethiopia’s investment opportunities to the business people of Haryana state with a special focus on pharmaceuticals, textile and garment and agro-processing sectors. (See article)

A round table dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector was hosted by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels on April 7, 2022. The event was aimed at showing the pharmaceutical companies in the Benelux countries about the investment and export opportunities in the sector in Ethiopia. The roundtable was conducted in a hybrid format that included virtual and physical attendance. (See article)

Ethiopians in Belgium on Wednesday (April 13) have rallied in front of the U.S. Embassy in Brussels to protest HR6600 and S3199 resolutions. The demonstrators denounced the resolutions as they are partial. They further stated that the bills do not commensurate with the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and the United States.

The World Bank on Wednesday (April 13) approved a 300 million USD grant for the Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia Project. In its press release, the Bank said the International Development Association (IDA) grant has a national geographic scope that initially prioritizes support to the Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia, and Tigray regions that have been highly impacted by the recent conflict and host large numbers of internally displaced peoples (IDPs).

The National committee established to oversee and facilitate the Eid-to-Eid call had a virtual meeting on Thursday (April 14) with Ethiopian mission leaders regarding ongoing preparations to facilitate the homecoming process. The leaders of Ethiopian missions in neighboring countries, Europe, and North America have participated in the meeting.

WFP and UN led-humanitarian convoy headed to Mekelle on Thursday (April 14), with 47 trucks loading food, nutrition & other life-saving supplies and 3 fuel tankers. The move shows Ethiopia’s commitment to the recently announced humanitarian truce.

More than a million cattle have died due to the ongoing severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region. The drought, which is said to be the worst drought to hit Ethiopia’s southeastern Somali region in 40 years, has severely affected the region’s pastoral farming community, Somali region president Mustafa Muhammed said. Noting that the drought has affected nine zonal administrations across the region, Muhammed warned that the already dire situation would further exacerbate if the drought persists. He called for swift and concerted efforts to prevent the drought-induced humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa took part in World Travel Market Africa and the side events of the African Tourism Investment Summit held from April 11 to 13, 2022 at Cape Town International Convention Center. In the three-day event, Ethiopian tourist destinations and tourist site projects that are open to foreign investors were promoted.

Eritrea

A senior Eritrean delegation composed of Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab visited the Republic of Sudan on Tuesday (April 12). The Eritrean delegation delivered a message of President Isaias Afwerki to General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Republic of Sudan. In his message President Isaias underscored Eritrea’s hope that Sudan, with President Al Burhan’s leadership, will overcome the serious political, economic, and security challenges it has been facing. President Al Burhan, on his part, thanked President Isaias for his support and stated that despite domestic and external difficulties, the situation was moving on a positive trajectory. The Eritrean delegation also met and held extensive discussions in Khartoum with Gen. Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, Vice President of Sudan, and Dr. Jibril Ibrahim, Minister of Finance, focusing on the enhancement of bilateral relations of partnership and cooperation as well as regional developments.

Kenya

The former Prime Minister of Kenya and The African Union High Reprehensive for Infrastructure Development, Raila Odinga received Meles Alem, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Kenya on Wednesday (April 13). Raila, who noted that Ethiopia and Kenya are strategic partners, called for a concerted effort to exploit the huge potential the countries are endowed with. The High Representative underlined that the Lamu, South Sudan and Ethiopia infrastructure is a game-changer mega project that brings closer the three countries.

Kenya is keen to work with Ethiopia to sustainably utilize the potential of the blue economy to expedite the national development of the two countries, the Kenyan Blue Economy Sector coordinator Dr. Francis O. Owino said on Sunday (April 10). The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

Somalia

More than 80% of Somalia’s new parliament members were sworn in Thursday (April 14). The chairperson of the Somali Federal Election Committee, Muse Guelleh Yusuf, hailed the event, held at the Mogadishu airport compound, as “a major breakthrough in the Somali electoral process.” “It was a historic breakthrough ending a long and exhausting electoral process that lasted nearly two years. Some 290 lawmakers have been sworn in today and the rest are expected to be sworn in in the coming days,” Yusuf said. But, he added, “we are missing some 25 seats which remain unfilled in the Hirshabelle and Jubaland states.”

The United Nations has issued an inter-agency appeal for immediate funding to enable a scale up of life-saving assistance in Somalia amid a biting drought that threatens the lives of almost 40 percent of the country’s population. In a joint press release on Tuesday (April 12), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said the new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report that found six million Somalis are facing extreme levels of food insecurity reflects a rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

Somalia’s first women-run radio and television outlet, Bilan media, opened in the capital, Mogadishu. United Nations-supported Bilan Media will produce content aimed at addressing issues affecting women and championing women’s rights in the country. The launch of Bilan Media in Mogadishu marks another leap in the effort by women to secure their place in Somalia’s patriarchal public arena. Bilan Media is scheduled to go on the air on April 25th.

South Sudan

Finance Minister of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide said Ethiopia will continue to strengthen its economic ties with South Sudan. The minister received a South Sudanese delegation led by Minister of Finance and Planning Agak Achuil Lual on Saturday (April 09). Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to set up a joint ministerial committee between the two countries.

The UNITAMS, African Union and IGAD mechanism announced on Tuesday (April 12) that the Sudanese people would hear good news in the coming days. Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan head of the Sovereign Council and UNITAMS Head, Volker Perthes, AU Envoy Mohamed Hacen ould Lebatt and IGAD Envoy Ismail Wais discussed their efforts to hold a Sudanese-led dialogue to restore the civilian-led transitional government and end the current political crisis. In a statement issued after the meeting, AU representative to Sudan Mohamed Belaiche said that the tripartite delegation stressed the need for a suitable atmosphere before the process through the lift of the state of emergency, the release of political detainees and end of violence against protesters.

Sudan

Vice-President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, on Thursday (April 14) welcomed the announcement of the leadership of the Republic of South Sudan, forming unified command of the regular forces, in the implementation of the restructuring agreement signed on the third of current April. Daglo said in a statement over his Facebook Account, that it is an important step toward implementing security arrangements and completing the requirements of the peace and stability process in the country.

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Ethiopia lauds initiatives of Israeli delegation of health professionals led by MPs

An Israeli delegation of health professionals led by former Israeli Deputy Minister of Security and current member of the Israeli parliament, Gadi Yevarken along with other members of the Knesset Emilie Moati and Vladimir Beliak has visited Ethiopia over the week. The visit was aimed to assist in the reconstruction of damaged health facilities due to the conflict in the northern part of the country.

The visit was said to have been made under the auspices of the Society for International Development Israel (SID Israel)- an umbrella organization that brings together over 170 Israeli private companies, government agencies, civil society organizations, academic programs, and institutions. During its two-day stay in Ethiopia, the group met with President Sahle-Work Zewde, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, the Amhara Regional State officials, and the President of the University of Gondar. The medical professionals treated patients and conduct urgent operations in Gondar.

In meeting the Israeli delegation on Thursday (April 14), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressed his appreciation to the Israeli delegation for taking such a constructive initiative at this critical time. He said this timely initiative demonstrated the friendly relations between Ethiopia and Israel and would help cement the longstanding ties between the two countries. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and Members of the delegation stressed that the initiative should transcend the short-term objectives of reconstructing damaged health institutions. As part of the long-term objective, the Israeli delegation expressed a keen interest to work closely with the Black Lion Hospital and other health institutions in Ethiopia.

Before its departure from Ethiopia, the Israeli delegation had also a meeting with President Sahle-Work Zewde. During their discussion, President Sahle-Work Zewede appreciated the initiative of the Israeli delegation and called on Ethiopia and Israel to further cement their longstanding relationship with expanded engagements in investment, agriculture and health sectors.

It is to be recalled that the TPLF, disregarding the Ethiopian government’s declaration of a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire on June 28, 2020, had invaded the Amhara and Afar regional states and committed unimaginable atrocities on civilians and public services, including schools and health facilities.  The Amhara Health Office report, following the expulsion of the TPLF from the region, indicated that the TPLF destroyed 82 government health offices, 40 hospitals, 453 health stations, 1,850 health posts, four blood banks, and an oxygen plant. The Afar Regional State Health Bureau also reported that the TPLF made a hospital, 17 health centers, and 42 health posts out of operation during its invasion of the region.

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National Dialogue in Ethiopia: A Bird in the Hand

Ethiopia has begun an optimistic but difficult transition to multi-party democracy in a response to the more than three years of huge anti-government protests that propelled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to office in early 2018. Momentous pledges were made and kept. Political prisoners were released, the media was resurrected, and exiled opposition members returned to the country in the first year of the reforms introduced by the new administration. A new ruling party was founded, which has fostered more inclusive politics by drawing marginalized regional political parties to the center.

However, as political space opens up and media outlets gain more independence, petty or substantial disagreements along ethnic, religious, and political lines have become chronic, culminating in conflict and displacement in many parts of the country. As a result, resolving differences and conflicts through broad-based and inclusive public debate that fosters national consensus became indispensable.

Aside from addressing current and age-old challenges, conducting inclusive National Dialogues is critical for bolstering a culture of trust and collaboration among Ethiopians, while restoring social values that have been significantly eroded over the years. Taking all the advantages into account, the federal parliament adopted a proclamation on December 29th to establish a commission that will officially establish a structure to facilitate the National Dialogue process.

The proclamation states that the National Dialogue Commission will be directly elected by the public. Ethiopians who had been waiting for this opportunity used all of their resources to submit the names of at least 632 candidates following a submission procedure that lasted until January 21, 2022. The House of People’s Representatives short-listed 42 candidates. Out of these, the parliament chose 11 commissioners to lead the National Dialogue Commission.

The commission’s main goal is to encourage consultation between different segments of society by identifying the core causes of disagreements on important national issues and determining the themes for debate. Meanwhile, the commission must ensure that National Dialogues are inclusive, directed by a competent and impartial authority, with a clear focus on the source of conflicts, guided by a transparent mechanism, and have a strategy to put the conclusions of the consultations into action.

Besides building trust among Ethiopians, the commission is expected to set the social and political foundations on which the current challenges can be dealt with in a sustainable manner, ensuring long-term peace and laying the groundwork for a strong national consensus and the establishment of a legitimate state.

While most of the national and international actors applaud the move as a step in the right direction, few hardliners, commentators, and foreign media outlets opted for a last-ditch attempt to discourage Ethiopians from giving their fullest support to the commission. They accuse the commission of lacking neutrality, transparency and inclusiveness, further claiming the electoral process of the commissioners is marred by backroom dealings.

Chairperson of the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council (EPPJC), Rahel Bafe (Ph.D.), called on Ethiopians to play an active role in the upcoming national dialogue. The Joint Council, a coalition of more than 53 legally registered political parties in Ethiopia including the ruling Prosperity Party, has been playing its part in enhancing the participation of parties in the political process. Rahel Bafe underscored that political parties in Ethiopia should bear responsibility for peace, political stability and sustainable development of the country.

Professor Mesfin Araya, the Commission’s Chairperson, emphasized that national dialogue is the best option for putting Ethiopia on a strong footing. However, he cautioned to be wary of claims that the dialogue alone will automatically fix all of Ethiopia’s problems. “The Agenda will be chosen from the public. Our role is to provide impartial facilitators who are fair to all participants in the deliberation. Anyone concerned about Ethiopia’s future should take part in the discussion. Everyone is welcome. The youth must participate in large-scale. The media must become more accessible to the general public and fight for peace. The commission has organized multiple tours to lower level governances such as zones and woredas to ensure inclusivity,” he underscored.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.), on his part, urged everyone from all walks of life to put up their best efforts to make the next National Dialogue a success. Abiy mentioned in a recent Tweet that the National Dialogue must be properly utilized and that all Ethiopians must sincerely assist the process with a strong sense of belonging.

He went on to say that if Ethiopians take advantage of the opportunity and nurture it like a gem, the National Dialogue will be a catalyst for change and a feasible means of laying a firm foundation for the country. “Right now, we should labor from dawn to dark to fully grasp the precious opportunity that has fallen into our hands: the inclusive National Dialogue, which is capable of unraveling the long-piled political issues that have been rolling for years and have now reached this point.” We shall lose this priceless opportunity if we dismiss it as a minor occurrence, and Ethiopia’s and residents’ fates would be strewn in vain.” In his statement, he urged contesting parties to fully participate in the National Dialogue, noting that they are the primary owners of the process and must contribute to its success and speed.

Overall, the national discussion provides Ethiopians with an opportunity to define a new course toward peace, political tolerance, national unity, political and economic equality, and a common Ethiopian destiny. So much has been lost and destroyed as a result of the conflict, but despite the suffering, Ethiopians remain hopeful that their collective will to overcome differences will bring them the peace they so desperately needed. Many people believe that the planned national dialogue will bring peace if everyone honors and fulfills the required commitment to make it happen.

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Ethiopian Embassy in India and Ethiopian Investment Commission organized Investment promotion forum

The Embassy of Ethiopia in India in collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) organized an investment promotion forum with the support of the Foreign Cooperation Department, Government of Haryana from April 6-8, 2022 in the two vibrant cities of Haryana, Gurugram and Chandigarh. The forum was held with the purpose of expounding Ethiopia’s investment opportunities to the business people of Haryana state with a special focus on pharmaceuticals, textile and garment and agro-processing sectors.

Ambassador Tizita Mulugeta, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, Daniel Teressa, Deputy Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission, D.S Dhesi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Haryana, Yogender Chaudhary, Principal Secretary of Foreign Cooperation Department, Government of Haryana, distinguished officials and industrialists in the pharmaceuticals, textile & garment and agro-processing sectors were present in the forum.

Recalling the two countries’ age-old relations, Ambassador Tizita appreciated the Foreign Cooperation Department of the Government of Haryana for organizing two successive events in this year with the aim of strengthening the multifaceted relations between Ethiopia and India. Ambassador Tizita requested Indian investors who took part in the forum to explore the untapped investment potentials of Ethiopia and underlined the readiness of the government and the Embassy in supporting their economic engagement in Ethiopia.

Daniel Teressa, Deputy Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission appreciates the huge role Indian investors are playing in the economic development of Ethiopia. He briefed the participants about Ethiopian home-grown economic reform agenda, the on-going economic liberalization and various incentives and support mechanisms provided by the government to foreign investors with the objective of realizing the country’s goal of becoming the leading manufacturing hub of Africa.

D.S Dhesi, Chief Principal Secretary to Honourable Chief Minister, Government of Haryana acknowledged Ethiopia’s dynamic and robust economic growth trajectory in the last two decades and highlighted the various potential areas of cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefit.

A detailed power point presentation on the sectors of pharmaceutical, textile & garment and agro-processing was presented by the Ethiopian Investment Commission team followed by one-to-one and B2G meetings. The Ethiopian delegation also undertook a visit to the research and development center of Mankind Pharma, one of the leading Indian pharmaceutical companies.

Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) and Foreign Cooperation Department, Government of Haryana signed a framework of collaboration to work closely in the areas of investment, trade and technology transfer.

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Ethiopian Embassy in Belgium hosts a roundtable on Pharmaceutical Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia

A round table dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector was hosted by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels on April 7, 2022. The event was aimed at showing the pharmaceutical companies in the Benelux countries about the investment and export opportunities in the sector in Ethiopia. The roundtable was conducted in a hybrid format that included virtual and physical attendance.

Among the panelists were Lelise Neme, Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Sandokan Debebe, CEO of Industrial Park Development Corporation (IDPC), Fasika Mekete, advisor to the Minister of Health, and a representative from the Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority. As the roundtable was a specific and focused event, some anchor Belgian pharmaceutical companies, including, Johnsson & Johnsson, Univercells/UNIZIMA, among others, were in attendance. Furthermore, representatives of regional Business offices of Belgium (AWEX & FIT), TRAIDE foundation (Dutch), Ethio-Belgian Association, and others attended the event.

A set of presentations were made on the need for the pharmaceutical sector development and policy directions, Ethiopian investment climate, access to and services in industrial parks, as well as certification and public procurement of pharmaceutical products.

Lelise Neme, in addition to Explaining the favorable investment climate in the country, invited anchor companies for a business visit to Ethiopia so that they can assess the situation and seize the opportunity to witness the enabling environment. Sandokan Debebe, on his part, explained the provision of access to the industrial parks, and more specifically he discussed the Kilinto industrial park, an industry zone dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector.

Ambassador Hirut Zemene moderated the roundtable, which was a fruitful interactive event. The participants drawn from the Benelux area for their focus on the pharmaceutical sector had a chance to exchange views with the Ethiopian officials, which is expected to encourage them to do business in Ethiopia.