News in Brief

Ethiopia and European Union hold annual Political Consultation

Ethiopia’s Delegation to the US concluded visit with success in the bag

Ambassador Redwan Hussein confers with US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Tracey Jacobson

Ethiopia, Djibouti ink Memorandum of Understanding to develop oil storage facility in Djibouti

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack perpetrated by Al Shabaab militants against an African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) base in the Middle Shabelle region, southwest of Mogadishu, on Tuesday (May 03). The Chairperson pays tribute to the Burundian peacekeepers who lost their lives helping to bring peace and stability to Somalia. The Chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Burundi, and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded as a result of the attack.

In related news, the Executive Secretary of IGAD expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers, the Governments, and peoples of Burundi and Somalia. He wished the injured a speedy recovery. Workneh says IGAD is confident that these attacks will neither deter nor alter the determination of IGAD and international partners to support the people of Somalia in their search for lasting peace and stability.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC), of the African Union on Wednesday (May 04) called on the Sudanese military authorities to create an environment conducive to dialogue in the country ahead of an intra-Sudanese process. In a statement dealing with the unconstitutional change of government in Sudan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, and Mali, the PSC welcomed the efforts by the tripartite mechanism to hold an inter-Sudanese dialogue to restore the constitutional order in the country and expressed its commitment to support the process.

Ethiopia

Ethiopians have celebrated on Thursday (May 05) the 81st Patriots Victory Day around the Victory Monument at Arat Kilo vicinity, in the capital in the presence of President Sahle-Work, patriots, and various segments of the community. Members of the diplomatic community and several gusts have also attended the event held to commemorate gallantry and sacrifices paid by the patriots to defend the sovereignty of the nation.

Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) held their annual political dialogue on Friday (May 06) in Addis Ababa as per Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean, and the Pacific States. The two sides deliberated issues of mutual interest, including humanitarian and accountability measures taken concerning the conflict in northern Ethiopia and the EU-Ethiopia relations considering various socio-economic matters. (See article)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, received at his office on Friday (April 29) the World Food Program (WFP) Country Representative to Ethiopia,  Claude Jibidar. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated the WFP’s continued humanitarian assistance to people affected by manmade and natural disasters in Ethiopia. He said the federal government is exerting efforts to support the more than 20 million Ethiopians who suffer from conflict and drought. Given the gravity of the situation, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stressed the need for expedited emergency relief support to affected Ethiopians from humanitarian partners like WFP.

The Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister  Ahmed Shide, travelled to the United States to attend the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in 2022 and engage in diplomatic activities. The delegation participated in a number of bilateral and multilateral consultations during their two-week stay in Washington, DC. (See article)

State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein discussed on Wednesday (May 04) with the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson, about current situations in Ethiopia. Ambassador Redwan spoke in detail about the destructive acts of the TPLF, from igniting the conflict to failing to reciprocate the various peace initiatives of the government.  He said the military adventures of the TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions caused unspeakable destruction to life and property. Thanking Ambassador Redwan for the briefing, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson expressed her country’s commitment to providing all necessary support to Ethiopia to help it peacefully solve its problems. (See article)

Ethiopia and South Sudan have inked MoU for joint power infrastructure integration represented by their water and energy ministers. The construction of the power infrastructure is to be carried out in two phases; the first with 357 Km covers areas from Gambella Sub Station to Malakal town of Sough Sudan, while the second stretch from Dedesa-Tepi Sub Station to Medina Juba of South Sudan with 700 Km length.

The European Union (EU) is ready to support Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission to work resolutely and resolve the contentious issue in a peaceful and lasting manner, the Head of the EU Delegation to Ethiopia said on Thursday (May 05). Speaking to the media, the Head Ambassador Ronald Kobia stated that the EU certainly committed to helping Ethiopia to overcome the current challenges and conduct a National Dialogue that will bring lasting peace. “I think overcoming the current challenges is the interest of Europeans and the people of Ethiopia and we are ready to support the National Dialogue Commission to conduct a successful deliberation in an unwavering manner.”

A convoy carrying humanitarian aid arrived in the capital of the restive Tigray region in northern Ethiopia this past weekend, the UN reported on Thursday (May 05). The 27 trucks delivered nearly 1,000 metric tonnes of food and other essential items to the city of Mekelle, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York. This was the fourth humanitarian convoy to reach Tigray since the transportation of aid resumed at the beginning of April 2022.

An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy of 20 trucks containing vital humanitarian assistance including food, seeds, water treatment materials, and medical supplies reached Mekele on Saturday (April 30) with the support and cooperation of the parties to the conflict. In related news, the WFP announced today (May 06) that a convoy of 64 trucks was on the way to the Tigray region.

After a four-day visit to Ethiopia last week, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called for a rapid scale-up of support to prevent a humanitarian disaster due to the drought in Ethiopia and the region. The director stressed that the effect of the drought in Ethiopia is devastating, and said, “In the Somali region, one of the worst-hit drought areas in the country, I met children and families who have literally lost everything. Their livestock have died and as a result, they have no source of income. They cannot feed their children and are on the move in search of food and water. We need to reach these families now before it is too late.”

Eritrea

Senior Eritrean delegation composed of  Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Adviser  Yemane Gebreab met on Thursday (May 05) with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan in Juba and delivered a message from President Isaias Afwerki. In his message, President Isaias reaffirmed the historic bonds of solidarity between the peoples of Eritrea and South Sudan since the days of struggle of the people of South Sudan for self-determination. President Isaias also stressed Eritrea’s resolute support for the independence and sovereignty of South Sudan and its right to address its internal matters free from external diktat. President Salva Kiir thanked Eritrea for its unwavering constructive position and briefed the delegation on developments in the country. President Salva Kiir stated that South Sudan was making progress towards peace, stability, and development despite acute difficulties.

Eritrea dismissed reports that its initiative to end political strife in neighboring Sudan was backed by Gulf countries (May 2, 2022). A newsletter on African affairs reported last week that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seriously concerned about the return of Sudan’s Islamists to power after the coup of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan last October. In response to the report, Yemane Meskel Eritrea’s Minister of Information in a tweet rejected the report, clarifying “First off, it is not in Eritrea’s DNA to undertake diplomatic tasks under the bidding of others. Secondly, periodic consultation with Sudan on issues of mutual concern is a norm,” he stressed. The reports were stating that the two countries, in an attempt to ward off the Islamist threat, decided to back the efforts of Eritrea.

Djibouti

Ethiopia and Djibouti on Wednesday (May 04) signed a deal to explore joint opportunities for the development of an oil storage facility in Djibouti Damerjog Industrial Park (DDIDFZE). The MOU intends to foster a conducive environment for future joint development of oil storage terminals. (See article)

The Inauguration ceremony of the former Ethiopian Chancery building renovation project in Djibouti was held on Thursday (May 05) in the presence of government officials and members of the diplomatic community. Ambassador of Ethiopia to Djibouti, Birhanu Tsegaye, the Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, the Foreign Affairs State Minister, Birtukan Ayano, and Djiboutian officials attended the inauguration ceremony.

Kenya

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs, Dr. Celeste Wallander met with Kenya Cabinet Secretary of Defence Eugene Wamalwa and Kenya Chief of Defence General Robert Kibochi in the United States – Kenya Bilateral Defense Forum announced on Wednesday (May 4). The talks reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Kenya Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces. The two sides discussed a range of topics including regional security; cybersecurity; security cooperation; U.S. Africa Command mission; Massachusetts National Guard accomplishments and plans; and climate change.

The meeting of the Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Technical Boundary Committee (JTBC) opened in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday (4 May 2022). In its two-day deliberation, the Joint Technical meeting reviewed the 2019 Mombasa Report (JTBC) on the inspection and maintenance work, discussed the security situation and sensitization along the border area between Ethiopia and Kenya, reviewed the budget and work plan, and finally deliberated on the experience from Kenya- Tanzania Border Inspection and Maintenance Work. The boundary treaty between Ethiopia and Kenya was signed in 1970.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia in Kenya, Meles Alem paid a courtesy call on the President of Kenya, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta on Thursday (May 05). The President appreciated Ambassador Meles Alem for his outstanding diplomatic service that contributed a lot to further cementing the longstanding relationships between the two countries. He said the diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations, as well as various regional integration projects, have taken roots during Ambassador Meles’ tenure in Kenya. As a genuine friend, Kenya will always stand by Ethiopia in times of need, the President said, adding his country’s commitment to cementing ties between the two countries. Ambassador Meles, on his part, thanked the people and government of Kenya for their heartfelt hospitality rendered to him during his three-year stay in Kenya.

Somalia

Somalia will hold its presidential elections on May 15, announced the parliamentary committee that is organizing the vote on Thursday (May 5). The two Chambers, the lawmakers who were sworn in for a 275-member lower house of parliament and a 54-seat upper house will jointly vote for the new president, who will lead the country for the next four years. Dozens of candidates including incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and the leader of Somalia’s oil-rich Puntland region, Said Abdullahi Dani, are running for president.

The armed group al-Shabab attacked on Tuesday (May 03) an African Union mission troop camp in the Shabelle region in central Somalia, it’s reported. A senior Burundian officer told the media at least 30 were killed and another 22 were badly wounded during the attack. Initially, authorities in Burundi announced 10 killed and dozens injured. Al-Shabab announced over 173 soldiers were killed. It was the first time the terrorist group raided the AU base since the mission changed its name from AMISOM to ATMIS. IGAD, AU, Turkey, Qatar, US, UK, and UN strongly condemn the terrorist attack.

South Sudan

South Sudan on Friday (April 29) lauded an initiative by the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to bring together the rival local communities in the disputed border area. The UNISFA Force Commander and Acting Head of Mission, Maj Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, is preparing to convene a conference for the traditional leaders of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes. The purpose of the meeting, which will take place in Entebbe Uganda on 16-19 May, is to revitalize the local peace process between traditional local leaders.

Ethiopia has agreed with South Soudan to export 100 MW of electric power to South Sudan over the next three years, quadrupling the target gradually, according to the Ethiopian Electric Power. This was disclosed during the visit of the South Sudanese delegation, led by Energy and Dam Minister, Peter Marcello, to the National Grid Control Center in Addis Ababa on Thursday (May 05).

Sudan

South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol on Monday (May 02) revealed plans to reopen the cross-border corridor between Sudan and South Sudan in a bid to boost trade (May 2, 2022). “We want Sudan to open the border for the citizens of the two countries to move freely with their goods and services,” Abdelbagi said during the celebration of Eid Al-Adha in Juba.

A Joint envoy visits Sudan on Monday (30 April 2022). Senior officials from France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union have concluded a joint visit to Khartoum to show support for the people of Sudan and a civilian-led transition toward Democracy. They called for immediate progress towards a civilian transitional government, agreed through the Sudanese-led political process being facilitated by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission to Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union (AU), and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). In this respect, they welcomed the facilitators’ announcement that they would convene a meeting to this end on 10-12 May.

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Ethiopia and European Union hold annual Political Consultation

Ethiopia and the European Union (EU) held their annual political dialogue today (May 06) in Addis Ababa as per Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean, and the Pacific States.

The two sides deliberated issues of mutual interest, including humanitarian and accountability measures taken concerning the conflict in northern Ethiopia and the EU-Ethiopia relations, taking various socio-economic matters into consideration.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen led the Ethiopian delegation and the EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Roland Kobia chaired the meeting representing the EU side.

In his opening remarks, Demeke presented an overview of the various confidence-building measures that the Government of Ethiopia has been undertaking to end the conflict in the north and ensure lasting peace in the country.

He mentioned, among others, the declaration of the humanitarian truce which paved unimpeded access to humanitarian support, the support of the peace initiatives of Olusegun Obasanjo as High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and the proposed all-inclusive national dialogue.

As part of the Ethiopian delegation, the Minister of Justice, Dr. Gedion Timotheos spoke on accountability measures taken by the government to address concerns over human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and Gender-based violations committed by all parties during the conflict in the north.

In this regard, he walked the audience through the formation of the inter-ministerial task force to investigate atrocities, the UN-EHRC joint investigation and efforts made to implement the recommendations, as well as the ongoing and scheduled prosecution of the perpetrators.

Commissioner for the National Disaster Risk Management Commission of Ethiopia,  Mitiku Kassa explained the steps taken so far to ensure unimpeded humanitarian support to the Tigray region citing improved procedures related to visa issuance, reduction of checkpoints, and increment in the amount of cash humanitarian operators are allowed to carry while operating in the region, among others.

Thanking humanitarian partners for the support they rendered to the drought and conflict-affected people in Ethiopia, he stressed the need to expand the support base in many parts of the country, including Amhara and Afar, and give proper attention to long-term development and rehabilitation efforts.

Speaking at the event, the European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia, Roland Kobia said the dialogue is timely for both parties given the challenging situations they have faced now, mentioning the conflict and drought in Ethiopia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Europe.

Discussing the Russia and Ukraine issue, diplomats of the European Union stressed the violation of the UN charter due to the actions of Russia, while the Ethiopian side reiterated the country’s position, which calls upon both Russia and Ukraine to peacefully solve their problem through negotiation.

Aside from humanitarian issues and accountability measures for alleged human rights violations, the dialogue also covered situations about the business landscape in Ethiopia from the perspective of European investors stressing predictability and peace for building a thriving economy.

The representatives of the European Union also appreciated the peacebuilding measures of the government of Ethiopia and its commitments to come up with amicable solutions to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan and the trilateral negotiations over the GERD.

Both parties appreciated the opportunity that the Political Dialogue offered them to genuinely reflect on pivotal issues of common interest exchanging wishes to meet in the next round with pledges to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two sides.

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Ethiopia’s Delegation to the US concluded visit with success in the bag

The Ethiopian delegation, led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, traveled to the United States to attend the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in 2022 and engage in diplomatic activities. The delegation participated in a number of bilateral and multilateral consultations during their two-week stay in Washington, DC.

The main summit, which took place from April 18 to 24, was attended by the leaders of the two global financial organizations as well as delegates from countries all around the world. The economic consortium addressed the global debt crisis, which has worsened as a result of unequal post-pandemic recovery, as well as the global economic turbulence caused by the conflict in Ukraine. In summary, the meeting was convened as a result of a slew of crises colliding.

The Meeting and sideline engagements

The Ethiopian delegation actively participated in the debt reform and restructuring talks. The World Bank issued crisis packages at the end of the meeting, which combine international finance with the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development approach, with implementation set for late 2022. More extra foreign exchange reserve assets known as special drawing rights are likely to be used by the IMF (SDRs). The Forum’s new Resilience and Sustainability Trust will seek $45 billion in funding for this project.

Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and his delegation met with IMF managing director  Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines and had fruitful discussions. The two sides talked on Ethiopia’s economy’s resilience in the face of repeated shocks, ongoing economic reforms, and working with the fund to develop Ethiopia’s economy and address difficulties. The meeting also emphasized the importance of completing the G-20 common framework as soon as possible and mobilizing resources to promote reforms.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with World Bank Country Director Ousmane Dione on April 21, 2022, to address a variety of concerns, including the impact of present challenges, growth, and World Bank assistance.

The Minister and Country Director also addressed the status of reforms, the Bank’s portfolio performance, and ways to expand World Bank-Ethiopia cooperation. Minister Ahmed also thanked the World Bank for its recent assistance with the Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities Project.

The Country Director, for his part, has underlined his commitment to pipeline projects, which are eager to assist the government in maintaining a sustained focus on medium-term development priorities.

Diplomatic engagements with US

Ahmed Shide and his delegation have met with important US government departments such as the US Treasury, USAID, the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, and others to discuss their concerns. The diplomatic move aims at restoring the historic, strategic, and crucial Ethio-US relationship, which has been harmed by misinformation.

The delegations met with USAID Administrator Samantha Power to discuss strategic cooperation between the two nations as well as Ethiopia’s current political and economic developments.  Ahmed stated that Ethiopia is dealing with a number of issues, including the conflict, the recent drought in the Horn of Africa, and the impact of the current global trend of rising commodity prices on Ethiopia’s food security.

The Minister emphasized the Ethiopian government’s main goals, which include preserving Ethiopia’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, addressing the dire humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict, and healing the divisions and wounds within Ethiopia’s social and political landscape in order to pave the way for peace and reconciliation.

The Minister highlighted the conflict’s huge overall effects on Ethiopia, especially the major humanitarian situation, as well as the government’s commitment to a cease-fire as a courageous move toward reconciliation and long-term peace. The meeting provided an update on key government actions, including the government’s declaration of an indefinite humanitarian cease-fire to remove any barriers to humanitarian operations and to allow for easy movement of humanitarian personnel to meet the full range of humanitarian needs of affected populations in the Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions.

The Minister also updated the meeting on the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce established to implement the recommendations of the UNOHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Joint Investigation, as well as the progress made thus far. The government recognizes the need to step up efforts to compensate victims, enforce accountability, and prevent recurrence.

The group also examined how to address food insecurity issues caused by the catastrophic drought in the Horn of Africa, as well as rising global commodity prices.

For her part, the USAID administrator welcomed recent progress in expanding humanitarian access in northern Ethiopia. She also emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to ensure the unhindered and long-term supply of humanitarian aid, as well as substantial support for the reconstruction of crucial infrastructure and the restoration of important services in northern Ethiopia.

The administration also reaffirmed the US government’s continued support for Ethiopians working to achieve long-term peace. She also mentioned that USAID has committed more funds to a regional drought response initiative that will begin in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

The Minister also met with Molly Phee, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, for a productive meeting. The meeting focused on the long-standing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the United States, including strategies to expand essential economic and commercial collaboration, positive progress toward peace, and the necessity for ongoing humanitarian aid delivery in northern Ethiopia.

Citizen Centered Diplomacy

During his visit to Iftar (Ramadan dinner) program hosted by Ethiopian Diaspora in Washington, DC, the Minister highlighted that the Eid to Eid Homecoming program would have immense economic importance apart from its religious value.

“There is no doubt that Ethiopia will triumph through the combined efforts of all Ethiopians. As a Muslim Committee, you are taking positive actions that may lead to the nation’s rescue. As a result, we’d want to express our gratitude for your efforts” he said.

 Ahmed also encouraged the Diaspora to continue supporting their homeland with such incentives.

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Ambassador Redwan Hussein confers with US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Tracey Jacobson

State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein discussed on Wednesday (May 04) with the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson, about current situations in Ethiopia.

Ambassador Redwan spoke in detail about the destructive acts of the TPLF, from igniting the conflict to failing to reciprocate the various peace initiatives of the government. He said the military adventures of the TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions caused unspeakable destruction on life and property. The ambassador also explained the efforts of the Ethiopian government in providing humanitarian support to the Tigray region and creating unimpeded humanitarian access for partners.

Speaking on the alleged humanitarian abuse in the Tigray region, Ambassador Redwan reiterated the investigations run by pertinent bodies in the government, including the joint UN-EHRC investigation. He said the international community underappreciated both the government-led and the joint investigations in Tigray while downplaying the atrocities committed by the TPLF in Amhara and Afar. He said the international community should tell the TPLF to evacuate its troops from the areas it occupied in adjacent regional states without conditions, further reaffirming his country’s readiness to work closely with impartial bodies that are genuinely interested to take concerns of the government into consideration.

Thanking Ambassador Redwan for the briefing, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson expressed her country’s commitment to providing all necessary support to Ethiopia to help it solve its problems in a peaceful manner. She said she would work hard to revitalize the relationship between the two countries, further pledging that the United States would scale up humanitarian support to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia, Djibouti ink Memorandum of Understanding to develop oil storage facility in Djibouti

Ethiopia and Djibouti signed Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint opportunities for the development of oil storage facility in Djibouti’s Damerjog Industrial Park on May 4, 2022 in Djibouti.

The MoU was signed by  Mamo Merhertu, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, and  Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free zones Authority and Great Horn Investment Holding.

The MoU intends to create conducive environment for future joint development of oil storage terminal in Djibouti which will ultimately take the existing well-founded strong economic ties between the two sisterly countries to a higher level.

To this end, it envisages several collaborative mechanisms to set up an oil storage facility in Damerjog to provide storage services to petroleum products destined for the gateway demand of both Djibouti’s and Ethiopia’s markets as well as Transshipment.

The signature of the MOU was attended by Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and Berhanu Tsegaye, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the FDRE to the Republic of Djibouti.

During the signing ceremony of the document, the high-level officials of both countries underscored that the new initiative is critically important to ensure a sustainable oil supply to Ethiopia’s oil demand which roughly increases by 10 percent every year.

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