Ethiopia’s delegation in Lusaka 41st Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council

Ethiopia Participates in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development

Somalia and Kenya solidifying bilateral and regional ties

Africa and the African Union

The 41 Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union Commission Chairperson and the 4th Mid-year coordination meeting was held in Lusaka, Zambia (July 14-17). The meeting of the Executive Council among other agendas assessed the implementation of AU programs and decisions and examined recommendations to mitigate the negative impact of a host of crises on the African people.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a working visit to Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Republic of the Congo on July 24-28, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. While in Ethiopia during his planned trip, FM Lavrov will meet senior government officials, members of the diplomatic communities of various countries, and representatives of the African Union Commission.

Ethiopia

A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen participated in the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held from 14-15 July 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia. (See article)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen met on Friday (July 22) the Ambassador of Switzerland in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tamara Mona. Congratulating Switzerland for being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2023/24, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed hope that the country would, as always, take a balanced and reasonable position on global agenda items.

The ministerial and high-level segment meeting of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2022 (HLPF) was held from 5-18 July 2022 under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. The theme for the 2022 HLPF was “Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. As the world is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic amidst continuing crises, the HLPF reflected on how recovery policies can reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic on the SDGs and move countries on to a path to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda. Ethiopia was among the 44 countries that carried out their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2022 HLPF was also an opportunity to share information about new and ambitious SDG actions and initiatives by participating States, including the VNR countries, the UN system and other stakeholders. (See article)

The Ethiopian Electric Power announced on Tuesday (July 19) that it was able to generate more than 15,400 GWh of energy in the already concluded Ethiopian fiscal year. The performance has shown a decrease by 300GWh compared to the same period of the last fiscal year. Accordingly, the institution achieved 86 percent of its plan set to produce over 17,000 GWh of power. Out of the total energy generated, 14,900 GWh has been produced out of hydroelectric facilities while the remaining are from wind and geothermal plants. Currently, the country has 19 active power production stations.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia stated that 4.2 billion seedlings have been planted in various parts of the country until July 18 as per the already started annual Green Legacy Initiative. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Oromia and the Amhara Regional States have planted 263. 15 million and 469.8 million seedlings respectively in specific days so far. Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region has also planted 100 million trees within a day, according to the ministry. Most of the trees that have been planted are with greater significance for food security and soil and water conservation, the ministry said.

State Minister of Finance Dr. Eyob Tekalgn highlighted Ethiopia’s successful experience in developing a homegrown reform to implement sustainable financial practices and debt management. He was speaking at the 9th Conference of the Paris Forum on promoting sustainable financial practices to address debt vulnerabilities. The State Minister also called on the creditors to step up their efforts to finalize the G20 common framework for debt treatment by establishing a clear timeline. Ethiopia requested debt treatment under the Common Framework in line with the government’s strategy to reduce debt service obligations in the short term and achieve a stable macro-economic climate with moderate debt vulnerability, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The United Nations has revealed that Ethiopia alongside, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania will occupy more than half of the projected increase in the global population up to 2050. This was disclosed in a UN report which stated that the world’s population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050, before reaching a peak of around 10.4 billion people during the 2080s and expected to remain at that level until 2100.

Ethiopian Embassy in India hosted a trade and investment forum jointly organized with the Indian Chamber of International Business (ICIB) on Wednesday (July 20, 2022). Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Tizita Mulugeta, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India delivered their messages to the guests. The forum was aimed at addressing the business and investment opportunities available in Ethiopia as well as briefing the Ethiopian government’s foreign investment policies and incentive packages to Indian international investors and the business community.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ethiopia called on the international community to increase the assistance it provides as the support extended is far from the need when compared to a large number of refugees in the country. In an exclusive interview with ENA, UNHCR Deputy Country Representative Margaret Atieno said Ethiopia has a long-standing commitment to the protection of refugees. She noted that the UNHCR has 8 locations established with the Government of Ethiopia to address the protection need of refugees coming from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and the displaced community within the country itself.

Ethiopia is ranked 2nd in the overall medal table at the 18th World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA. At the championship, Ethiopia has so far won 3 gold and 3 silver medals and is ranked second following the United States with Kenya and Jamaica in third and fourth place respectively.

Djibouti

China supports the Horn of African countries against the severe drought in the region (July 20). Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China ” stated “In support of the Horn of Africa countries against the severe drought, China is speeding up efforts to provide emergency aid.” He notified the first batch of aid to Djibouti and Ethiopia have been shipped out and those to Somalia and Eritrea are ready for shipment.

Kenya

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held an official State visit to the Republic of Kenya last week following the invitation of President Uhuru Kenyatta, during which the two Heads of State held bilateral talks of common interest. President Uhuru Kenyatta received his Somalian counterpart at State House, Nairobi, Kenya in which the High-level delegation of the two sides shared views on the bilateral, regional, and Multi-lateral issues of common interest with an emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties between the people of the two regional countries. (See article)

The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise said that Gibe, one of its cargo ships, has docked in Mombasa Port in Kenya after 23 years of absence. Gibe arrived at the port at the end of last week and is unloading Kenyan cargo that took off from Sohar Port in Oman. “With this, our company continues to be the first and only African shipping company to connect Africa with another continent with trade,” the state-owned enterprise said. “This is the first time that an Ethiopian ship has arrived in Mombasa since the last voyage of our ship Admas (Horizon) arrived there 23 years ago, making this trip historic.”

Somalia

President of Somalia, Hassan S. Mohamud, held an official state visit to Kenya at the invitation of Kenyan counterpart H.E Uhuru Kenyatta. The two Presidents had bilateral talks that focused on strengthening the strategic cooperation and historical relations between Somalia and Kenya. (July 17). A joint communique was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the two countries after the meeting between the leaders of the two countries.

President of Somalia, Hassan S. Mohamud, was awarded Djibouti’s Highest Medal of Honor by President of Djibouti, Ismail O Guelleh, at an official dinner reception held in honor of the President and his delegation at the Presidential Palace, reaffirming the deep bond and brotherly ties between the two nations. (July 18)

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), on Wednesday (July 20) held discussions in Mogadishu with Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, focusing on the AU’s support in the implementation of the Somalia Transition Plan.

The new commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Gen. Michael E. Langley, who appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday (July 21), said that Al Shabaab has increased its operations. The new commander requested that his command increase air supplies to increase the fight against the Al Shabaab group, which he said are carrying out plans outside of Somalia. He described Al Shabaab as one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in Africa.

South Sudan

Senegalese President, Macky Sall, held an official visit to South Sudan (July 18), to support the peace efforts. Mr. Sall, also the current chairperson of the African Union (AU), was received by his South Sudan counterpart, Salva Kiir at the Juba International Airport. “I have come to support the peace process in South Sudan and to plea to you and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to work together to bring peace,” Mr. Sall said, it’s reported.

Sudan

European Union (EU) diplomats to Khartoum Wednesday (July 20) reiterated the need for an agreement paving the way for the resumption of the democratic transition process and reaffirmed their readiness to support Sudan.Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dafa Allah al-Haj Ali, met a delegation headed by the EU Representative in Sudan, including the ambassadors of Spain, France and the charges d’affaires of the embassies of Sweden, Germany and Italy.

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Ethiopia’s delegation in Lusaka 41st Ordinary session of the African Union Executive Council

A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen participated in the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held from 14-15 July 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The opening ceremony, included, a statement by the Chairperson of the Commission, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Senegal who is also the Chairperson of the Executive Council.

In his opening remarks, Chairperson of the Commission Moussa Faki, recalling the context within which the meeting was held noted that it was marked by a series of crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.  He indicated that these challenges affected the health systems and economies of African states and also exacerbated security and humanitarian challenges on the continent.  He also mentioned that despite these challenges leaders continued to be faithful to the objectives set in different projects, including those contained in Agenda 2063.

Speaking on the way forward, he indicated the need to review existing modalities to improve the economic and political governance of the Continent to position the continent in a better place on the international scene. He also mentioned the need to deploy funds more efficiently and improve budget execution.

Following the opening remarks, the meeting considered, among others, reports of the Permanent Representative Committee which focused on the 2023 budget of the Union, Audit matters, and the ongoing implementation of the transitional plan. Furthermore, the meeting discussed the report on the conference of state parties of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) on the hosting of the AMA headquarters and phases one and two on the operationalization of the Africa CDC including the revision of its statutes and the establishment of the Africa Epidemics Fund.

Moreover, the implementation report of the African Union theme of the year for 2022 on nutrition and the report of the Ministerial follow-up on the Implementation Plan of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 were discussed. The meeting also considered and adopted the draft agenda and working documents of the Fourth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the Bureau of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), scheduled to take place on 17 July 2022 in Lusaka.

Regarding the 2023 Budget, the Executive Council adopted a total amount of USD 654,878,933. It was also decided that due to the effects of Covid-19 and the Russia Ukraine crisis as well as food insecurity on the continent the budget will continue to be an austerity budget, calling for further prioritization and rationalization. On this issue, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressed his concern in relation to the sources of financing whereby 67 percent of the budget of the Union is supported by external partners. He underscored that Africa should own its development and security agenda by showing more commitment and taking responsibility for its own agenda.

On the transitional Plan Demeke Mekonnen commending the work carried out by the commission, underlined that the process of migrating existing staff from the old structure to the new one should be fair, impartial and based on the objective results of the ongoing Skills Audit and competency Assessment.

Regarding the Africa CDC, the Executive Council endorsed the amendments of its statute which mandates it to be an autonomous body of the Union charged with the responsibility of prevention and control of diseases in Africa and headed by a DG at a proper grade. The statute also provides Africa CDC with a new governance structure that allows for strategic leadership and ownership by member states at the highest level.

Sideline Meetings

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen had also sideline meetings with the foreign ministers of Namibia and Somalia, and the Ethiopian Community members residing in Lusaka. Following Demeke’s meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Ms. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the two sides signed Memorandum of Understanding to put the bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Namibia in a higher gear.

On the occasion, Demeke said that the agreement signed between the two sides would empower the two countries to broaden and improve their historical relationship in a variety of sectors. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on her part, recalled Ethiopia’s all-around support in fighting Apartheid in Namibia and bringing Namibia’s issue to the United Nations making a significant contribution to strengthening the Namibian people’s struggle. The Minister also stressed that Namibia has a keen interest in deepening the existing cooperation in various fields and that this agreement is part of that.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonen had also a discussion with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, Balal Mohamed Osman about bilateral matters and issues of peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed delight that Somalia has held successful elections and formed its government. He highlighted that the two countries should step up their efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism, while noting the various areas in which the governments of the two countries should cooperate.

The Acting Foreign Minister of Somalia, Balal Mohamed Osman, on his part, stated that the country’s new administration has given peace the topmost priority and that it would continue to cooperate with Ethiopia in this regard. The minister pointed out that the partnership of the two countries should be strengthened in the efforts to destroy the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. In order to further solidify relations between the two nations, an agreement has been reached to hold the bilateral joint commission meeting, which was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his stay in Lusaka, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting with members of the Ethiopian community residing in Zambia. Among other things, the meeting noted that there are a number of Ethiopians who are in detention centers in Zambia for trying to illegally cross the country’s borders heading to South Africa. The Ethiopian community members explained their efforts to support the Ethiopians in various detention centers in Zambia and requested the Government of Ethiopia to repatriate these citizens to their homeland. Noting the absence of an Ethiopian mission in Zambia, the community members expressed their wishes for alternative solutions to get consular services in Zambia. The community members reiterated their commitment to continue to actively encourage and support noble causes in Ethiopia, further stressing the importance of strengthening relationships with Zambia considering its strategic importance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, on his part, said that the Ethiopian Government’s is ready to begin repatriating its citizens over the week from Zambia in close collaboration with partners. He said the Government is working on creating awareness of the pitfalls of illegal migration and tackling the root causes of the challenge by expanding

employment opportunities for the youth in the country. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister pledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia would create strong ties with the Ethiopian community association in Zambia to address the requests of Ethiopians residing in the country. He stressed that the Government of Ethiopia would continue to build upon opportunities to further strengthen its ties with African countries and expand its sphere of influence on the continent.   

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Ethiopia Participates in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development

The ministerial and high-level segment meeting of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2022 (HLPF) was held from 5-18 July 2022 under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. The theme for the 2022 HLPF was “Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. As the world is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic amidst continuing crises, the HLPF reflected on how recovery policies can reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic on the SDGs and move countries on to a path to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda.

The HLPF also reviewed in-depth the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education, 5 on gender equality, 14 on life below water, 15 on life on land, and 17 on partnerships for the Goals. It took into account the different impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across all Sustainable Development Goals and the integrated, indivisible, and interlinked nature of the Goals.

Ethiopia was among the 44 countries that carried out their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2022 HLPF was also an opportunity to share information about new and ambitious SDG actions and initiatives by participating States, including the VNR countries, the UN system and other stakeholders.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), through its outcome on “The Future We Want”, established the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in 2012. The HLPF is the central United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level. It is the apex of the architecture for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda established by the 2030 Agenda and General Assembly resolution 70/299. The General Assembly in its resolution 67/290 decided that the forum meets annually under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council for eight days, including a three-day ministerial segment, and every four years at the level of Heads of State and Government under the auspices of the General Assembly for two days.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation that was led by the Minister of Planning and Development,  Fitsum Assefa (Ph.D.) participated in the High-Level Political Forum on SDGs. Ethiopia presented its second Voluntary National Review report, the second one since 2017, and highlighted the progress it has made amidst an international context marked by multifaceted shocks.

Ethiopia, as a country focused on its long-term development needs, has made strides in articulating sustainable development as reflected in its constitution, development policies, strategies, and plans for achieving national, regional, and global peace, prosperity, and stability. The country’s Constitution has recognized the centrality of sustainable development that is inclusive and green. Besides, Ethiopia has incorporated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its development plans (GTPs and the now ten-year development plan), budget, and flagship programs.

In 2017, Ethiopia presented its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDGs at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. But substantive changes, which are pertinent to the successful implementation of the SDGs, occurred in 2017 both domestically and globally. On the domestic front, there have been changes in the political leadership since the spring of 2018, new approach has been adapted to economic management and domestic reforms, as well as a new development roadmap branded as the Ten-Year Development Plan with a new development vision and priorities developed. The country has also faced risks of conflict, climate-induced drought, floods, and desert locust invasion. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent geopolitical tensions and wars have caused unprecedented disruptions to national and global economies. These changes posed challenges to the implementation and achievements of SDGs in Ethiopia as well.

This year Ethiopia has been allowed to share the progress it has made on SDGs, best practices, and challenges with the rest of the world. Ethiopia’s VNR 2022 report not only documented the progress of the 17 SDGs but also illustrates how the country has managed overlapping shocks and remained resilient under challenging circumstances. The report highlighted that despite the progress made, challenges remain that have adversely impacted the implementation of SDGs. Ethiopia on the occasion assured to continue to address the challenges identified in the report through accelerating the implementation of the ongoing reforms, adopting the right policies, building and renewing partnerships, and taking the necessary remedial measures in the remaining period. Given that achievements require a concerted effort involving different stakeholders, Ethiopia vowed to continue to strengthen its engagement with development partners during the implementation, follow-up, and review of the SDGs going forward.

During the presentation of the report, Minister Fitsum highlighted that Ethiopia has achieved significant strides in reducing poverty and hunger, and improving health, education, and gender outcomes. In this regard, Poverty has declined from 23.5 percent in 2015/16 to 19 percent in 2019/20. She added that Ethiopia has also made progress in increasing enrolment rates, reducing stunting and food wasting, and improving both maternal and child health. The government’s allocation of on average 61 percent of its budget to pro-poor sectors in 2015/16-2020/21 was appreciated on the forum. The Minister also declared how implementations of synergistic social protection programs are helping to protect the most vulnerable groups of the population to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in the country. Nevertheless, she didn’t shy away from acknowledging both domestic and global shocks have adversely impacted the progress of SDG implementation.

In terms of achieving prosperity for all, the Minister revealed that with a low tax to GDP ratio and narrow tax base Ethiopia has made substantive progress in achieving economic growth and improving key infrastructures with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita expanded by 6.03 percent per year between 2015/16 and 2020/21 with access to infrastructure improved with increased access to electricity and reduced share of rural population located within 5km of an all-weather road. Fully electrified by renewable energy sources, the Addis Ababa light railway and the Ethio-Djibouti railway are cited as better ways to facilitate bulk transport and reduce carbon emissions and pollution. However, the Minister expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic, internal conflict, and drought have taken a heavy economic toll on the country by lowering the expected dividend from Ethiopia’s comprehensive reform.

Ethiopia’s effort in addressing climate change and other environmental issues has featured prominently in the high-level political forum around the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). As a result, it was stated that Forest coverage in Ethiopia has increased to 19.5 percent due to the massive mobilization of citizens in natural resources conservation. Ethiopia’s investment in and relies on clean and green sources for energy transition was also highlighted in the review forum. The Forum has also taken the audience of Ethiopia’s improved endeavors that provided drinking water services, with access to clean drinking water reaching 58.5 percent in 2020/21.

The Minister added that while recurring internal conflicts caused casualties and damaged economic and social infrastructures, Ethiopia has made efforts to ensure peace and accountability through establishing democratic institutions and legal reforms. According to her, the government has established an autonomous human rights council that is rated with an A status that is fully in compliance with Paris principles, a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up established to ensure its human rights commitment, and an independent National Dialogue Commission is established to facilitate an inclusive dialogue and reconciliation process that would build consensus and lay a firm foundation for nation building.

The Minister also thanked the international community and development partners as Ethiopia benefited from increased Official Development Assistance, Foreign Direct Investment, and remittance inflows. In addition, she pointed the country has managed to undertake far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency and Trust Fund to coordinate and mobilize the global diaspora community in national development activities. However, the global environment has become unfavorable and hostile to effective cooperation which could deter the implementation of SDGs, the Minister added.

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, national wheat program, mobilization of the Ethiopian public for development as well as the resilient air transport system by Ethiopian airlines were highlighted as best practices from Ethiopia during the progress review. Finally, the minister referred to the current challenges of developing countries which need global responses and cooperation, and call upon the international community for a strong and sustainable partnership through balancing humanitarian and development support. She called on development partners to support Ethiopia’s effort through direct SDGs funding mechanisms and technical assistance for building back faster and better.

As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member states to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country-driven. These national reviews are expected to serve as a basis for the regular reviews by the high-level political forum (HLPF) meeting under the auspices of ECOSOC. As stipulated in paragraph 84 of the 2030 Agenda, regular reviews by the HLPF are to be voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involve multiple stakeholders.

The voluntary national reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The HLPF adopted a Ministerial Declaration at the end of its ministerial days.

Ethiopia’s full voluntary national review report can be accessed through the following website-https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2022/VNR%202022%20Ethiopia%20Report_1.pdf

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Somalia and Kenya solidifying bilateral and regional ties

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held an official State visit to the Republic of Kenya last week following the invitation of President Uhuru Kenyatta, during which the two Heads of State held bilateral talks of common interest.

President Uhuru Kenyatta received his Somalian counterpart at State House, Nairobi, Kenya in which the High-level delegation of the two sides shared views on the bilateral, regional, and Multi-lateral issues of common interest with an emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties between the people of the two regional countries.

At the conclusion of the official visit, a joint communique was issued stating the wide range of agreements reached by the two sides. It’s stated that the two countries emphasized the importance of cordial bilateral relations, bonds of heritage, and shared destiny that exists between the people of Kenya and the people of Somalia, which are defined by a common desire for peace, stability, prosperity, and respect for the sovereign and territorial integrity of both Kenya and Somalia.

In the joint communique, it’s also stated: “The two Presidents recommitted to the fight against terrorism, and to ensure success, directed the security agencies of the two countries to coordinate their efforts in this fight to ensure the safety and protection of the citizens of both countries, while upscaling the fight against terrorism.” Kenya and Somalia stressing the need for cooperation to curb the current challenges related to the drought in the Horn of Africa have “Agreed that Kenya and Somalia will collaborate with other regional and international actors to provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance to mitigate the effects of the current drought in the Horn of Africa region.”

Furthermore, the two countries have agreed that the Kenya Airways (KQ) scheduled flights to Mogadishu will resume immediately based on the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). The BASA will be reviewed by the relevant Authorities. The two sides further agreed to facilitate, diversify and promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, it is stated.

The two leaders also directed the relevant agencies of the two countries to implement the issuance of Courtesy Visas free of charge/gratis, on arrival, for Dignitaries, Senators, and Diplomats who hold Diplomatic Passports and a Note Verbale from the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, included among the agreements reached stated in the communique. The regional countries further notified that they greed on the opening of the border between the two countries in order to ease the movement of people and enhance trade in goods and services.

The leaders, also regarding enhancing cooperation in a range of particular sectors, “directed that the Joint Commission for Co-operation (JCC) between Kenya and Somalia be convened in Mogadishu in August 2022 to discuss and agree on matters of mutual interest such as joint security activities, defense, agriculture, trade, intelligence exchange, health, education, training in various fields, and continuous review of the visa regime.” They at the conclusion also mentioned that they directed the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs to ensure the implementation of the issues agreed upon by the two Presidents within two weeks from the date of the Joint Communique (July 15).

The official visit to Kenya was among President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visits to regional countries following his election.

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