News in Brief

Ethiopia stands firm against Gray War

Nairobi successfully hosts the 39th IGAD Extra-ordinary Summit

Ethiopia, South Sudan ties neither transactional nor about the equation of diplomatic nicety

Africa and the African Union

To ensure Africa is at the forefront of defining its own narrative and promoting the continents’ development framework Agenda 2063 to African and global audiences the African Union (AU) Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) launched the African Union Media Fellowship. Accordingly, the African Union on Wednesday (July 04) that 15 AU Media Fellows are selected to advance Africa’s Agenda 2063 through storytelling.

Ethiopia

The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has approved 786.6 billion birr budget for the Ethiopian fiscal year which started on Thursday (July 07). The budget was approved with a majority vote and four abstentions after extensive deliberations today. Out of the total budget, 345.1 billion Birr is allocated for expenditure, 218.1 billion Birr for capital budget, and 209.4 billion Birr to subsidize regional states. It was also announced that 14 billion Birr is allocated to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The budget bill focuses on debt payment, humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that Ethiopia is now battling against gray war, consisting of information warfare and diplomacy. Responding to a question raised by the members of parliament (MPs) on Thursday (July 08) regarding the recent massacre committed by terrorists, the Prime Minister said the gray war is mostly waged as part of global information war against Ethiopia. According to him, this gray war against the country has included cyber, information and other coordinated wars. The prime minister explained that the gray war is an information war that caused the killings of innocent civilians intended to dismember the country. (See article)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held discussion on the sidelines of the 39th IGAD Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday (July 08). The leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues and agreed to work together to resolve differences between Ethiopia and Sudan peacefully. They also noted that the people of Ethiopia and Sudan have many values ​​in common, and stressed that in the light of this the countries should solve problems only through dialogue and discussion.

Addressing the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA20) Heads of State Summit in Dakar, Senegal on Thursday (July 07) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen said significant financing is needed for post conflict recovery in Ethiopia as the country is moving forward with a peace process and addressing drivers of fragility. According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ethiopia has sustained significant losses due to the conflict in the northern part of the country that necessitated the World Bank’s and other partner’s expedited reconstruction support.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its heartfelt condolences on the death of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia strongly condemns the cowardly attack that claimed the life of Mr. Abe, who played an instrumental role in deepening the historical ties between the two countries and took the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) to a new height,” said the Ministry in a statement today (July 08).

The National Dialogue Commission said it will start to discuss on some of the issues on the agenda in the first quarter of the upcoming Ethiopian fiscal year as it is entering the main preparation phase after completing the preparatory works. National Dialogue Commission Chairman, Professor Mesfin Araya told the media on Monday (July 04) that the commission has completed its preparatory works and is entering the main preparation phase in order to hold dialogue in the second and third months of next Ethiopian year.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF2022) Second Open Consultations and Multi stakeholder Advisory Group /MAG/ meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 06-08 July 2022 in a hybrid format. During the meeting, Huria Ali, State Minister of Innovation and Technology, assured the international community of Ethiopia`s readiness and commitment to make the 17th upcoming Internet Governance Forum /IGF/ 2022, which will be held from 28 November to 2 December 2022, in Addis Ababa.

The Mines and Petroleum Ministry inked an agreement with the Turkish company Calik Holding to cooperate in natural gas exploration and development. According to the agreement will invest in fertilizer manufacturing plant and gold production in Ethiopia. Mines and Petroleum Minister, Takele Uma and representatives of the Turkish company signed the agreement on Tuesday (July 05).

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will play a pivotal role in boosting regional integration through promoting energy supply, South Sudanese scholar said. The GERD, a hydropower dam that Ethiopia is constructing on the Abbay/Blue Nile River, will be the hub of clean and renewable energy supply by increasing the country’s electricity supply and export to East African countries. As result, it is expected to be catalyst for people-to-people relations as well as trade between states of the region. During an interview with the media, Juba University Assistant Professor Ter Tongyik Majok said building a dam is of paramount importance for Ethiopia and crucial for regional integration.

Djibouti

A delegation led by the Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, paid a two-day official visit to Djibouti over the week. The delegation met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and conveyed a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The discussion between the two sides covered trade ties between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Kenya

The 39th Heads of State and of State and Government Extraordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government was held on Tuesday (July 5), 5th of July 2022 in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya, chaired by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan. (See article)

Kenyans will now be able to participate fully in the presidential debate set for this month through social media platforms opened by the Presidential debate team. They will be able to post their questions via WhatsApp, Email and SMS code on gubernatorial, deputy presidential and presidential debates to be held on July 11, 19 and 26 respectively. Speaking during the signing of a partnership with Mkenya Daima and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Editors Guild President Churchill Otieno says the questions posted will guide the debates.

Somalia

Turkish President Recep Erdogan met on Wednesday (July 06) with his visiting Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital Ankara. In a joint press conference after their meeting, the Turkish president stressed the importance of Somalia’s stability and security for the whole African horn, noting Turkiye will continue to stand with Somalia in the international arena. For his part, the Somalian president told the press conference that he discussed with Erdogan the humanitarian situation in his country caused by severe drought. The President pointed out that the Turkish government has shown its full support to the people and government of Somalia, at a time when they are struggling in a difficult situation, coming to aid when Somalia was most in need.

The Somali government has granted operating licenses to Türkiye’s participation bank Ziraat Katilim as the first Turkish international bank to operate in the Horn of Africa country. After a meeting in the capital Mogadishu on Saturday (July 02), directors of Somalia’s Central Bank said in a statement that it has granted two international banks to operate in Somalia. “License applications from two international banks, Türkiye’s Ziraat Katilim and Egypt’s Banque Misr, have been approved”, said the Central Bank of Somalia in a statement.

The Somali national army killed at least 40 al-Shabaab terrorists while carrying out military operations in the Middle Shabelle region, Somali National News Agency reported on Saturday (July 02).

At least five soldiers were killed and several injured in a roadside blast targeting African Union forces in Somalia on Saturday (Saturday 02). A convoy of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hit a landmine on the outskirts of Marka, the provincial capital of the southwestern Lower Shabelle region. The five soldiers killed were Ugandans serving in the AU mission, according to local media reports.

South Sudan

A discussion Forum under the theme: “Ethiopia-South Sudan People-to-People Relations and South Sudanese Struggle for Independence” was held on July 5, 2022, in Juba. The event was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba in observance of the celebration of the 11th Independence week of the Republic of South Sudan and to commemorate the two nations’ longstanding fraternal relations. (See article)

A delegation headed by Tut Guluak, Advisor for Security Affairs to the President of South Sudan, arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday (July 05) to discuss border issues and enhance security, stability, and peace in the region, in addition to discussing the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA). In a press statement via the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Guluak said that he carries a written message from the President of South Sudan, Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit, to the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the current head of IGAD, Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, regarding issues of security and stability in the region.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has welcomed recent talks aimed at resolving the border disputes between Sudan and Ethiopia. On Tuesday (July 05), Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he had reached an agreement with the leader of neighbouring Sudan to peacefully settle the border dispute.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has lauded the Sudanese military leadership’s decision to return the country to civilian rule. Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Monday called on political forces to agree on a civilian transitional government without them, further stressing the need to establish a national security council. Kiir’s advisor on security affairs, Tutkew Gatluak Manine disclosed that Kiir spoke to al-Burhan and appreciated the progress made in the discussions, assuring him of his continued support towards finding a lasting solution to the situation in neighbouring Sudan.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian as the new force commander of its mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The UN, in a statement issued Tuesday, said Subramanian from India will replace Lt. Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his tireless dedication, invaluable service as well as effective leadership.

Sudan

Acting Foreign Minister Ali Sadiq on Wednesday (July 06) confirmed the withdrawal of the military component from the political process and non-interference in the activities would-be-formed civilian government. Following his return from the IGAD summit with General al-Burhan, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq briefed foreign diplomats in Khartoum about the recent measures announced by the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council.

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Ethiopia stands firm against Gray War

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the Ethiopian Parliament on Thursday (July 08) covering a number of issues, in particular the death of civilians in the country and the information wars the country had to grapple with. In addition to fighting anti-peace forces on the battlefield, Ethiopia has already had to contend with media warfare campaigns carried out by both domestic bandit forces and foreign forces, he said. According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia is holding firm and gaining stronger, in contrast to the opponents’ aims. In response to questions on the most recent terrorist massacre raised by members of parliament (MPs), the prime minister stated that the Gray war is primarily fought as part of a worldwide information war against Ethiopia.

Tenacity in the face of Gray War

The PM asserts that in this coordinated gray war against the nation, there have been cyberattacks, informational attacks, and other forms of warfare. The country’s various ethnic groups have been the target of extensive attempts to sow discord. In addition, these enemies are causing the death of innocent civilians, adding insult to injury, despite the efficacy of the security forces.

“For example, if there is a killing planned for the next day in a village of Welega, Oromia Region, and the media outlets in many countries know this beforehand and produce reports on casualties immediately. Even before we are going to hear the information and deploy the security force, there are forces to exacerbate the situation.”

Arch-enemies of Ethiopia have attempted to destabilize the nation in recent years by sowing resentment along racial and religious lines. Due to the sacrifice made by law enforcement agencies, numerous evil deeds are curbed every day. Our reform efforts have made it easier for the nation to fend off foreign intervention and withstand aggression, Abiy noted.

The premier also stressed that it is difficult to fight the digital war with limited capacity, technology, finances, and manpower, despite the security forces’ success fighting for the continuity of the Ethiopian state. Strengthening national unity and harmony is the only way to counterattack. “We must ignore rhetoric that sows division and destruction,” he underlined.

He further stated that a strong security institution is being built to protect the existence of the country, adding that the government’s defense and preparedness measures have been strengthened to thwart the planned attacks on Ethiopia. “Despite all the pressures and wars waged against Ethiopia, the country will never be defeated by those dark forces.”

The broad roadmap for peace

In response to a question regarding the ruling party’s decision to hold peace talks with the terrorist TPLF, the premier told the House of People’s Representatives that the Ethiopian people and government always place a high priority on peace. He noted that this began to show up even prior to the terrorist group’s attack on the Northern Command. As a result, holding peace talks is in the public’s interest as well as in line with our policy, he said. However, as the premier emphasized, the process would strictly follow the country’s national interest. “Our enemies are using these internal forces to harm our country,” the PM said, adding that whether “we decide for peace or for war, it would always be based on our national interest.”

Abiy said, “We are ready to sacrifice our lives if Ethiopia’s unity and interests are in danger.” There is nothing wrong with the Prosperity Party choosing to resolve the dispute through peaceful means, he said, but the success or failure of the negotiation depends on the procedure. “There is no force that can stop us from moving forward,” Abiy reiterated while acknowledging the enormous challenges Ethiopia is facing. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finally stressed that the Ethiopian people and government have prioritized peace throughout history.

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Nairobi successfully hosts the 39th IGAD Extra-ordinary Summit 

The 39th Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Extra-ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government convened successfully on Tuesday (July 05) in Nairobi, Kenya. The President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan and Chair of IGAD, General Al Burhan, chaired the meeting.

Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu, President of Djibouti Ismail Guelleh, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, General Al Burhan of Sudan, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of Sudan, Mahadi Mohammed Gulaid, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Vincent Bamulajangi Ssempijja, Defence Minister of the Republic of Uganda and various High-level government officials and heads of international organizations attended the Extra-ordinary Summit. 

Several bilateral and regional meetings were held on the sidelines of the IGAD Summit. Among others, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan to discuss current regional and bilateral issues. After the meeting, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that in the discussions with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the two sides have agreed that the two countries have plenty of collaborative elements to work on peacefully. The Premier stated: “Our common bonds surpass any divisions. We both made a commitment for dialogue and peaceful resolution to outstanding issues.” Various meetings with bilateral and regional concerns and interests between and among countries were held on the sidelines of the summit.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu, among other issues he addressed, said the 39th IGAD Summit is a clear demonstration of the regional leaders’ commitment to multilateralism in addressing common challenges and taking advantage of opportunities available.

The peace and security situation and the drought scourge in the region call for a concerted and collaborative approach led and owned by us. He further remarked: “The summit is an unmistakable sign of our solidarity and immensely improves the standing of our organization. It also sends a clear message to the region and international community that leadership is seized of the pressing matters in the region”.

Later on, after the assembly regional bloc issued a communiqué stating in detail the agendas addressed and agreements and commitments reached between the regional countries. The 39th Summit of IGAD praised the regional countries for their contributions toward various issues of mutual concern and to peace and security and the development of the region.

Concerning Ethiopia, among other accomplishments, the communiqué stated that IGAD “Appreciated the positive steps taken by the government of Ethiopia towards humanitarian access and the peaceful resolution of the conflict affecting the northern part of Ethiopia and the National All-inclusive dialogue; and in this regard, IGAD expressed its readiness to support the ongoing efforts”.

IGAD also expressed support to the Sudanese-led and owned peace talks and the facilitation role of the trilateral AU-IGAD-UN mechanism as well as South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement with a call to solve outstanding issues.

In a nutshell, the Assembly stressed that the 40-years-high drought coupled with the shortage of food supplies due to the conflict in Ukraine, Covid-19, and heavy flooding are undermining humanitarian and health situations in the region and called on international partners for support.

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Ethiopia, South Sudan ties neither transactional nor about the equation of diplomatic nicety

A discussion Forum under the theme: “Ethiopia-South Sudan People-to-People Relations and South Sudanese Struggle for Independence” was held on July 5, 2022, in Juba. The Ethiopian Embassy in Juba organized the event in observance of the celebration of the 11th Independence week of the Republic of South Sudan and to commemorate the longstanding fraternal relations between Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The Ambassador of Ethiopia in South Sudan, Nebil Mahadi, Taban Deng Gai, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairperson of the Infrastructure Cluster, Rebecca Joshua, Chief Whip in the TNLA, Victoria Anib Majur, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, SPLM/A Veterans and Youth Leaders were in attendance.

In his speech, Ambassador Nebil Mahdi said, “the relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan is neither transactional nor about the equation of diplomatic nicety, rather it is built on the socio-cultural origin and the enduring principles which have been guarded by the priceless lives lost in the struggle for freedom.” He encouraged the people who were part of the struggle for the freedom of South Sudan to write their stories so that the current and coming generations will not be deprived of the real background knowledge on how the two nations are deeply intertwined.

Vice President Taban Deng Gai said that the two countries share lots of commonalities and have maintained their relations through various engagements. In this regard, he spoke about efforts to interconnect the two countries by road infrastructure and environment-friendly electric energy from Ethiopia to South Sudan. Indicating the importance of the event to the overall relationship between the two countries, the Vice President recommended the need to carry on such events regularly.

Discussions were made following a presentation by Temesgen Teshale on “Ethiopia-South Sudan People-to-people Relations and South Sudanese Struggle for Independence”. In line with this, Rebecca Joshua called for the writing of shared stories between the two People. The SPLM/A veterans highlighted Ethiopia as a mother of independence not only to Africa and beyond.

Secretary-General of the South Sudan National Youth Union, Urio Ajuonga, encouraged such constructive forums to continue, emphasizing its importance to the youth. Highlighting that the LAPSSET project creates job opportunities and fosters development among the countries, he appealed for focus to the project.

Participants noted that consecutive Ethiopian Leaders, from Emperor Haileselassie to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have supported and stood with South Sudan.