News in Brief
Africa’s appeal for true universality of UNSC
Joint Communique Issued at the End of the Official State Visit by H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Call for Climate Action at UNGA and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative’s potential to avert drought in the HoA
Least Developed Countries’ and LLDCs’ main agendas at the UNGA77
Africa and the African Union
The annual UN General Assembly summit, which ended on Monday, featured speeches from developing nations about the importance of including Africa as a permanent member of the Security Council, where five countries are assigned as the primary responsible states for global peace and security. African leaders continue to call for fair representation in the council and demand a permanent seat for Africa. (See article)
Upon the joint invitations of M.Rachid Talbi El Alami and Enaam Mayara, respectively, Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the House of Councilors of the Kingdom of Morocco , the Bureau Members of the Pan-African Parliament( PAP) held a three-day working visit (24-27 September) to Morocco aimed at exchanging experience. The visiting delegation is led by M. Fortune Charumbira, President of the PAP, and composed of all four vice presidents, including Dr Ashebir W. Georgis, who is a member of the House of People’s Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Second Vice President of the PAP, Lomi Bedho, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and International Relations and Conflict Resolution Rapporteur of the PAP, is also among the visiting delegation.
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Thursday (September 29) on his first official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the 28th and 29th of September 2022. During the course of the visit, the two leaders held bilateral discussions, accompanied by high-level officials from the two countries. They raised and discussed various issues of mutual and regional concern, ranging from collaboration to overcoming threats of terrorism and extremism to bilateral economic cooperation. (See Communique)
Support and solidarity for Ethiopia’s green legacy initiative expansion could be part of the solution to the dire drought in the Horn of Africa region. (See article)
The 77th UNGA was held while the whole world is suffering the multiple consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which continues to aggravate the devastating impacts of the food, fuel, and financial crises. Among the top issues that were raised with grave concerns during this year’s diplomatic gathering was how the current international environment is disproportionately affecting developing countries, undermining their national and regional endeavors to meet the sustainable development goals, fight the adverse impacts of climate change and finance national programs. To amplify their voices in the face of such a global environment, developing countries held various meetings. Among these, the annual least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and the entire developing countries (G77 plus China) met at ministerial level on the sidelines of the UNGA77 during the High Level Week. Ethiopia, as a member of the three groups, actively participated and delivered statements, presenting its national positions on common issues of concern. (See article)
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem, briefed the media on Thursday (September 29) about Ethiopia’s participation in the UNGA77 and various diplomatic activities over the week. Ethiopia’s participation in the 77th UNGA was very successful, and the Ethiopian delegation led by Demeke Mekonnen made good use of the multilateral platform, he said.
The Ministry of Finance, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and National Dialogue Commission signed a program document that enables them to financially support the national dialogue process in Ethiopia. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday (September 28), UNDP has allotted 2.2 million USD to finance the national dialogue process and will administer a financial buffer to be opened to collect funds from development partners for the 3-year program.
Many positive developments, like tree seedling plantations in Ethiopia, also benefit South Sudan, said Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai, on Friday (September 23). The delegation, led by the South Sudanese Vice President, concluded a three-day working visit to Ethiopia, saying many positive developments like the Green Legacy in Ethiopia certainly benefit South Sudan.
The decision to open up the banking sector to foreign investors will help to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), advance financial inclusion, and create service competitiveness, said Finance Minister Ahmed Shide on Thursday (September 29). In an exclusive interview, the Finance Minister said the National Bank of Ethiopia is working on the details of the regulatory aspect, which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers, and then to Parliament in the coming few months.
Safaricom said on Thursday (September 29) that it has expanded its network coverage in Ethiopia, with a recent large-scale customer pilot in Awoday and Gondar cities. The two cities bring the number of cities the telco has carried out pilot tests to ten, joining Dire Dawa, Hara, Haramaya, Bahir Dar, Adama, Bishoftu, Modjo, and Debre Birhan. The pilot in Awoday and Gondar is part of Safaricom’s city-by-city regional network roll-out as it intends to switch its network and services in 25 cities in Ethiopia by April 2023 even as it gears toward the national launch in October.
Eritrea
On the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, the Eritrean senior delegation, led by Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Iran and Cuba. At the meeting with Hossein Amir Abdollahhian, Foreign Minister of Iran, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in all sectors. Likewise, at the meeting the Eritrean delegation held with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Foreign Minister of Cuba, they conducted an extensive discussion focusing on strengthening bilateral relations as well as on global developments of interest to the two countries.
Djibouti
In response to a request for donations for national causes, the Ethiopian Community Association in Djibouti handed over to Berhanu Tsegaye, the Ethiopian Ambassador in Djibouti, 1,446,000 Djiboutian francs ($8,169 dollars) on Tuesday (September 27). Ambassador Berhanu Tsagaye thanked the leadership and members of the Ethiopian Community Association for their support, which he described as admirable and setting an example for others. The association’s executive director affirmed that they would continue to respond positively to any requests made by their country.
Kenya
Kenya won on Thursday (September 29) as the official host of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation world conference in 2024.
Kenya opens on Thursday (September 29) the 13th Parliament, The Parliament of Kenya, Nairobi.
Somalia
Somalia’s state media said on Monday (September 26) that the military had pushed al-Shabab terrorists out of large parts of the country’s central area in the latest gains in a large-scale offensive. An offensive by the Somali tribal militia backed by the Somali government was launched in the Hiran region a few weeks ago against al-Shabab militants, liberating several key townships before moving on to Galgaduud and then the Bay region in the south.
South Sudan
South Sudan and Djibouti have signed an MoU to lay a fibre-optic cable from Djibouti to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, via Ethiopia. Djibouti’s fibre optic is not the first telecommunications infrastructure that South Sudan has connected to. In January 2020, Liquid Intelligent Technologies (LIT) announced the installation of a 200km fiber backbone to connect the Uganda border to Juba. South Sudan’s Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services said South Sudanese and Djibouti government officials would establish a technical committee to oversee the project.
Sudan
The Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, returned to Sudan on Saturday (September 23) after his visit to New York to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and met several world leaders on the sidelines of the session. In a press statement at Khartoum airport, the Director of the Political Department of the Sovereignty Council and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ali El Sadig, who accompanied El Burhan, said that in addition to attending and addressing the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, El Burhan also held meetings on the sidelines with a number of heads of state and regional and international organizations.
Africa’s appeal for true universality of UNSC
*******************
The annual UN General Assembly summit, which ended on Monday, featured speeches from developing nations about the importance of including Africa as a permanent member of the Security Council, where five countries are assigned as the primary responsible states for global peace and security. African leaders continue to call for fair representation in the council and demand a permanent seat for Africa.
While addressing the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, reminded us that everyone has a shared planet and a common destiny, and overcoming collective challenges requires concerted effort and trusted global leadership.
“We are gathered here because our forefathers, learning from the tragic episodes of human history, decided to establish the United Nations as the guardian of peace. However, we are yet to achieve true universality in the main organs of the United Nations. Africa has no permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Our quest for African solutions to African problems is yet to be given the respect and support it deserves. We believe these considerations underpin the credibility of the Council on the continent,” he said.
Demeke also stressed that African problems are sustainably addressed when approached in the true context of the region and taking full account of the strategic interests and aspirations of the countries concerned. Demeke is of the opinion that only upholding regional solutions could start to reduce the proliferation and over-extended stay of African issues in the UN Security Council.
Macky Sall, the President of Senegal and also the current chairman of the AU, also mentioned this misrepresentation. “I reaffirm our request that Africa can finally be represented where decisions that affect 1.4 billion Africans are being made,” he stated.
But this time, the reform pleas were joined by Western nations. In his speech, President of the United States Joe Biden said all Security Council members should use the veto only in “rare, extraordinary situations” and called for an expansion of seats. He backed permanent seats for Africa and Latin America and reiterated past US support for the bids of Japan and India.
“The time has come for this institution to become more inclusive so that it can better respond to the needs of today’s world,” Biden said.
The US is not the only state that supports Africa’s quest for a UNSC permanent seat. Africa’s appeal is probably the least disputed one as it is backed by both veto powers and other powerful nations. China made it clear that it supports UNSC reforms in a manner that increases the representation and voice of developing countries so that the small and medium-sized countries have a larger voice.
France also expressed its support for “a greater representation of African countries at the Security Council, including among permanent members”. The UK also supports the creation of permanent African representation on the Council. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, supported Africa’s cause in the UNSC during his visit to Egypt, Uganda, Congo, and Ethiopia at the end of July 2022. Japan, India, Germany, and other powerful nations also support Africa’s representation.
The UN should seize the current impetus and go for meaningful action. Accepting Africa’s bid could be a good start as there is no direct opposition against African representation. The UN needs to reform itself to cope with the dynamics of the multipolar world order. This will help boost the UNSC’s legitimacy and efficacy.
Africa cannot be kept voiceless while it is the subject of over 70 percent of the UNSC’s work and over 60 percent of the council’s resolutions. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for, it is high time for a sensible review of what the UN stands for in the contemporary world, taking into consideration global realities. Africa should not remain a junior partner without meaningful input or a role in the system of international governance.
*******************
Joint Communique Issued at the End of the Official State Visit by H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
30 September 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia in his first official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the 28th and 29th of September 2022.
During the course of the visit, the two leaders held bilateral discussions, accompanied by high level officials from the two countries. They raised and discussed various issues of mutual and regional concerns ranging from collaboration to overcoming threats of terrorism and extremism to bilateral economic cooperation.
The two leaders agreed to work on specific priorities while considering the need to focus on key common issues paramount to the relationship of the two countries.
In this connection, the two leaders:
1. Agreed to nurture and strengthen the longstanding bilateral ties and relationships between the two countries and peoples based on respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.
2. Paid tribute to the gallant Ethiopian Defense Forces. who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace, stability and nation building in Somalia.
3. Reiterated their resolve to effectively collaborate in the fight against their common enemy, terrorism and extremism and directed their respective security agencies to strengthen existing mechanisms of cooperation and agreed to exchange intelligence
4. Both Leaders applaud the recent successful offensive by the SNA against Al Shabab in the regions of Hiraan and Galmudug.
5. The Leaders call upon the UNSC to consider the request of the Federal Governments of Somalia for the lifting of the arms embargo imposed on the country for more than 30 years to ensure that Somalia is sufficiently equipped to effectively address the security threat posed by the Al Shabab terrorist groups.
6. Emphasised the need to work together, minimise the effects of undue external interferences that could potentially undermine their joint effort for peace and stability in the region and effectively combat terrorism.
To this effect, they have agreed to hold regular bilateral consultations and to collaborate in multilateral and regional forums to promote their common national interests on the basis of mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two countries.
7. The leaders noted that the two countries and the sub-region at large, are facing recurrent drought and other multifaceted natural disasters induced by climate change, threatening the livelihoods of the peoples of the region. They emphasised in this regard, the imperative to collaborate and the need to redouble efforts to overcome these challenges. They also called upon international partners to continue to support affected communities including in the area of building long term livelihood resilience.
8. The leaders agreed to increase scholarships and trainings granted by Ethiopia for the civil servants and security forces of the Federal Republic of Somalia with a view to enhancing the implementation capacity of government agencies.
9. The two leaders emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and infrastructure as well as communications in addition to the well-established political and security collaborations.
10. Directed the respective government offices to hold the Joint Ministerial Commission in rotating manner in the soonest possible time, to discuss and set directions and implementation mechanisms on issues of mutual interest.
Issued in Addis Ababa, on this 30th Day of September 2022.
//
*******************
Call for Climate Action at UNGA and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative’s potential to avert drought in the HoA
UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 boldly states that we must take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. In his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (September 20), UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the dire climate emergency, urging global cooperation and action to avert the crisis. He underlined that even though “global greenhouse gas emissions need to be slashed by 45 percent by 2030 to have any hope of reaching net zero emissions by 2050” and “must be the first priority,” climate action is being put on the back burner—despite overwhelming public support around the world. He called on all developed economies to tax the windfall profits of fossil-fuel companies. Those funds, the Secretary General said, should be re-directed in two ways: to countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis; and to people struggling with rising food and energy prices, among others.
The Secretary General further indicated that we should invest in solutions that lead to sustainable economic growth. He pointed to three. First, renewable energy. Second, help countries adapt to worsening climate shocks. And third, addressing the loss and damage from disasters. He urged that it’s high time to move beyond endless discussions. “Vulnerable countries need meaningful action,” Mr. Guterres said. Such cooperation “is a fundamental question of climate justice, international solidarity, and trust,” he added.
As stipulated in the legally binding global agreement to tackle climate change and its negative impacts, world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris reached a breakthrough on 12 December 2015: the historic Paris Agreement. The Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to: substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 degrees; review countries’ commitments every five years; provide financing to developing countries to mitigate climate change; strengthen resilience and enhance abilities to adapt to climate impacts. The Agreement is a legally binding international treaty and it entered into force on November 4, 2016. Today, 193 parties (192 countries plus the European Union) have joined the Paris Agreement.
In the same manner, support and solidarity for Ethiopia’s green legacy initiative expansion could be part of the solution to the dire drought in the Horn of Africa region. Demeke Mekonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, on Wednesday (September 21) in New York to discuss Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and the advancement of renewable energy in the country. Demeke mentioned during the conversation that Ethiopia is making efforts to mitigate climate change and is giving building a green economy special attention. In this regard, Mr. Demeke emphasized the advantages of the Green Legacy Initiative for both Ethiopia and its neighbors.
The efforts being made to ensure Ethiopia’s economic and social development through the development of its potential renewable energy resources were brought up during the discussion.
Using the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of a renewable energy development project, Demeke noted that other riparian nations besides Ethiopia will benefit from the project. Demeke reiterated that Ethiopia is always open to dialogue and underscored that outstanding issues regarding the filling and construction of the dam can only be settled through dialogue. The executive director of the United Nations Environment Program praised Ethiopia for its commendable efforts to realize a green economy. The UN will support Ethiopia’s efforts to encourage the development of renewable energy sources. She also said that negotiations should settle the Renaissance Dam dispute.
In his remarks to the General Assembly, Demeke Mekonen asserted that climate disasters and their destructive impacts are preventable, stressing that countries must realize their climate finance commitments to build resilience and mitigate impacts. States require focused coordination, non-politicization, avoidance of securitization, and cooperation in good faith in order to achieve emission reduction targets. He indicated that though Africa is not responsible for the historic emissions that caused the climate crisis, “we are making the most tangible contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change”. Reiterating the expanding afforestation Ethiopia has embarked on, he said, “The Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative contributed to a strong culture of afforestation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke, announced, “We are also on a path to sustainable energy transformation and green growth,” which could be a concrete solution to avert the drought happening in the Horn of Africa region.
*******************
Least Developed Countries’ and LLDCs’ main agendas at the UNGA77
The 77th UNGA was held while the whole world is suffering the multiple consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which continues to aggravate the devastating impacts of the food, fuel, and financial crises. Among the top issues that were raised with grave concerns during this year’s diplomatic gathering was how the current international environment is disproportionately affecting developing countries, undermining their national and regional endeavors to meet the sustainable development goals, fight the adverse impacts of climate change and finance national programs.
To amplify their voices in the face of such a global environment, developing countries held various meetings. Among these, the annual least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and the entire developing countries (G77 plus China) met at ministerial level on the sidelines of the UNGA77 during the High Level Week. Ethiopia, as a member of the three groups, actively participated and delivered statements, presenting its national positions on common issues of concern.
At the Forty-Sixth Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of G-77 held in New York on September 23, 2022, Ethiopia underscored the importance of “supporting the full recovery of developing countries from the impacts of COVID-19 and other global crisis affecting them. Ethiopia also called for attention on the global agenda to the multiple challenges facing developing countries to support their national efforts to meet the sustainable development goals.
The Ethiopian delegation underlined the unique challenges that developing countries, particularly least developed ones, continue to face and have been aggravated by the multiple impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and global geopolitical tensions. Decades of hard-earned development gains have been reversed. The triple crisis—food, fuel, and finance—is posing serious challenges for developing countries, undermining their efforts to meet the sustainable development goals. The financing gap to meet the Addis Ababa Action Agenda is widening, threatening the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Global tensions and rivalries are on the rise, shrinking the policy space of developing countries. The intensification of climate change is disproportionately affecting climate vulnerable countries and regions, including the Horn of Africa, which is currently facing a climate-induced drought.
Ethiopia also highlighted that the imposition of unilateral sanctions against developing countries is undermining national efforts to reduce poverty and create jobs. Such undue pressures are contrary to the Charter of the UN and the principles and aspirations of our group, Ethiopia stressed.
Given the complex and multiple challenges, Ethiopia underlined that “it is high time to reinvigorate our group and speak with a united voice.” In this regard, the Ethiopian delegation mentioned that the upcoming G77 Third South Summit, which will be held in December 2023 in Uganda, would offer us “a historical opportunity to consolidate our group, amplify our common cause for development and chart a new path for all developing countries while reaffirming our principles of solidarity, mutual respect and national ownership.”
Focusing on practical solutions, Ethiopia emphasized the importance of rescuing the SDGs by accelerating their implementation and of taking urgent and concrete global action to tackle the catastrophic consequences of climate change, including by fulfilling ODA and climate finance pledges.
After underlining the need to address the digital divide, the delegation informed the ministerial gathering that Ethiopia is finalizing its preparations to successfully host the 17th UN Internet Governance Forum from November 28 to December 02, 2022. The delegation said that “this Forum would be an excellent opportunity to harness the benefits of the internet for a sustainable and common future. We look forward to welcoming Member States and representatives of multi-stakeholders to Addis Ababa.
The delegation also spoke about national policies and programs that the Ethiopian government has continued to implement to ensure its inclusive agenda of prosperity. Despite the challenges we face due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic, the Ethiopian government has continued to accelerate its political and economic reforms to restore peace, reduce poverty, expand socio-economic facilities and transform our economy. The delegation highlighted that Ethiopia is implementing a 10–year development plan which “integrates the SDGs and has registered concrete results in boosting our economy, including in enhancing export earnings and mobilizing domestic resources.” The delegation stated that Ethiopia successfully implemented the Green Legacy tree planting program by planting 25 billion seedlings in just four years, demonstrating its efforts in combatting climate change. “We believe national efforts like ours should be supported by our development partners. We are committed to consolidating our south-south cooperation, which has continued to play an important role in our journey to shared prosperity. ” Finally, the delegation reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to contribute to the timely and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
At the 21st Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Land-locked Developing Countries held in New York on September 22, the Ethiopian delegation called for a revitalized global partnership to address the unique development challenges LLDCs continue to face due to their geographical locations. The delegation described how ” the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the triple crises of food, fuel, and finance, and climate change are further exacerbating their challenges, undermining their efforts to meet the Vienna Program of Action as well as the 2030 Agenda. Due to COVID, LLDCs faced high transport costs and supply chain disruptions. “
The delegation also shared national efforts made to implement the Vienna Program of Action—a 10-year UN development plan designed to garner international support for LLDCs. Ethiopia, in this regard, has already integrated the Vienna Program of Action into its national programs. With a view to contributing to the effective implementation of our common ten-year program, the delegation stated that “we have taken coordinated and comprehensive policy measures. Deep and successful institutional reforms have been implemented to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our logistical sector. In this regard, logistical issues have been elevated to a cabinet level integrated with the transport ministry. This demonstrates the political commitment that the Ethiopian government has given to further strengthening our transport and logistical sector. “
The delegation also highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment and efforts to implement a comprehensive transport strategy. In close coordination with our neighboring countries, the delegation added that “we have partnered to modernize the port services that we continue to use” with the objective of promoting regional trade and integration. In this regard, regional infrastructural projects, including roads and train systems, have been successfully executed, enhancing economic regional cooperation. Ethiopia is also actively promoting and harnessing the benefits of the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The delegation pointed out that Ethiopia has also registered a very encouraging result in its export sector, increasing earnings to a record level. The delegation stressed that such performance “would encourage us to redouble our efforts to further integrate Ethiopia into the global value chain.” Speaking about the importance of structural transformation through industrialization, the delegation highlighted the opening of environmentally friendly industrial parks and a free trade zone, with the objective of creating a favorable business environment for domestic and foreign investors.
Furthermore, the delegation stated that Ethiopian Airlines has continued to provide its world-class service, connecting Africa and facilitating trade and cooperation. No doubt, its service during the pandemic has saved lives and contributed to the resilience and solidarity Africa has demonstrated to address the impacts of the COVID pandemic.
Finally, acknowledging current challenges, Ethiopia called for enhanced international support, particularly in the areas of sustainable transport and logistical systems, in line with national development priorities.
Both ministerial meetings adopted declarations calling for enhanced global cooperation in support of developing countries, particularly the most vulnerable, to accelerate the timely and full implementation of the internationally agreed development programs.
*******************
Leave Your Comments Here