News in Brief
Ethiopia’s participation at the UN COP27
African Union PSC applauds the signing of the Pretoria Peace Deal
Senior Commanders meet in Nairobi on the Implementation of the CoHA
Ethio-Canada Business and Investment Convenes in Toronto
Ethiopia, Djibouti Business Community Vow to Scale up the Exemplary Ties
Africa and the African Union
On November 16-17, the AUC, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Nordic Africa Institute, and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies convened a high-level roundtable on the theme “Regional Economic Communities, the African Union, and Peacebuilding in Africa.” The forum addresses, among other aspects, how strengthening the nexus between peace, security, and development through accelerating regional integration will ensure durable peace and security on the continent.
On Friday, (November 9), Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, addressed the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). His remarks focused on climate action priorities, including the fact that the stated African common negotiating position was inspired in the past by, among others, the Great Green Wall project, the Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the African Renewable Energy Initiative. It was subsequently refined through the development of new instruments such as the Strategy on Climate Change and Resilient Development 2022–2032, the Green Recovery Plan of Action 2021–2027, the Framework Plan for Risk Reduction with the establishment in 2021 of the African Multi-Risk Early Warning System, and the Vision on Energy Transition, etc.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened on Wednesday (November 9, 2022) its 1120th session to receive a briefing on the agreement for lasting peace through a permanent cessation of hostilities between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). (See article)
Following the signing of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the African Union Commission organized a meeting in Nairobi as a way forward towards the full implementation of a peace deal signed by the parties to the conflict to end a two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia. (See article)
Ethiopia
On Tuesday (November 15), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the 2nd Year 4th Ordinary Session of the House of People’s Representatives that our diplomacy is undergoing extensive reform work. “There will be significant and long-term change as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to reform.” “The principles of our country’s diplomacy are freedom, equality, and justice,” he said. “We believe in solving African problems with African solutions. We need a win-win solution. The past three months have seen efforts made to build positive relationships with the neighboring nations, and progress has been observed. “We would like to thank everyone, both close to home and abroad, who contributed as a person or a nation to the peace and prosperity of Ethiopia.”
The Ethiopian delegation to the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27), led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), made a remarkable contribution to the successful completion of the global forum held in Sharm el-Sheikh starting on Sunday (November 6–18, 2022). (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen briefed the staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (November 18) on the current issues and addressed the question raised by the participants. The Deputy Prime Minister, who recalled that the government persistently showed commitment to return the country to the right track, noted the agreement is a testament to its determination for peace.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonen, held discussions on Thursday (November 17) with the Special Envoy of the European Union for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber, about the peace agreement and regional issues in his office. During the discussion, Minister Demeke said that the Ethiopian Government worked hard to reach a peace agreement because of its desire to resolve the problem in the North peacefully. He also noted that the Government is committed to the implementation of the peace deal
The Embassy of Ethiopia in London, in collaboration with the Minister of Tourism and Ethiopian Airlines, promoted its tourism potential at the 43rd World Tourism Market event from November 7–9 at ExCel London. (See article)
The 4th Ethiopia-Canada Business and Investment Forum, organized in collaboration with WAFA Marketing and Promotion, MineAfrica Inc., and the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, was held in Toronto, Canada (November 7–10, 2022). (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation led by Binalf Andualem, Minister of Peace of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, participated at the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing (“No Money for Terror”), which is being held in New Delhi, India, from November 18–19, 2022. The conference, which was graced by Prime Minister Naredra Modi, who also delivered an inaugural message at the opening, is organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India and is attended by more than 50 states and 20 plus multilateral organizations.
Ethiopia participated in the Algiers SMEs Exhibition, which took place from November 12 to 14, 2022. Ethiopian small and medium enterprises exporting coffee, leather, and handicrafts participated in the 1st International Conference and Exhibition on Arab small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) held in Algiers, Algeria. Aster Coffee Processing, Enabe Buna, Fentaye, Bekelech & Friends, Abrish & Families Leather, and Dingoza Handicrafts represented Ethiopia at the event.
A medal pinning ceremony took place for the Ethiopian Peacekeeping Battalion-3 (UNMISS ETH-BATT-3) members in the Republic of South Sudan on Tuesday, (November 15). The event was attended by the Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan, Ambassador Nebil Mahdi, diplomats and military attachés from the Embassy, leaders and members of the Battalion, leaders and members of the Nepalese and Rwandese peacekeeping forces, as well as higher military leaders and community representatives from the surrounding communities of the Drupi area in Juba.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the Republic of Cuba, Genet Teshome, conferred with Ambassador Luis Alberto Amorós Núñez, Director for the Directorate of Sub-Saharan Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, at his office. During the meeting, Ambassador Gent briefed the Director on the latest developments in Ethiopia, notably the signing of a peace agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF.
The Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia announced on Thursday (November 18) that an amendment has been made to the embargo on some imported goods entering the country for an indefinite period.
Ethiopia and Mexico are looking forward to deepening their economic, political, and social ties as an exhibition depicting the 73-year old diplomatic relations of the two nations opened on Thursday (November 17) in Addis Ababa. The photo exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Mexico in Addis Ababa in collaboration with Dashen Bank.
Eritrea
The State of Eritrea Statement at UNFCCC-COP was delivered by Minister Tesfai G. Selassie on Wednesday (November 16). Eritrea, he said, joins the voices of the global south in calling for meaningful and immediate action by those who contribute the most to global warming and also have the financial means to curb and reverse it.
Djibouti
Ethiopian and Djiboutian Business communities held on Monday (November 14) a Business-to-Business and Government-to-Business forum in Djibouti. The multisectorial Ethiopian delegation, led by Dr. Girma Amente, Vice President of the Oromia Regional State, and the President of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, Youssouf Moussa Dawaleh, held B2B and G2B discussions on trade, tourism, and investment at the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce. (See Article)
Kenya
Ethiopia has officially started exporting electricity to Kenya as of Thursday, (November 17, 2022. The Ethio-Kenya 500-kilovolt power transmission line and converter substation has officially started selling electricity to Kenya.
On Thursday, (November 17), the President of Kenya, William Ruto, commended Ethiopia, and the leadership on both sides, in particular, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, for committing to the cessation of hostilities. He pledged continued support to ensure the successful implementation of peace in the region.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to set up a regional office in Nairobi, its co-chair, Bill Gates, announced on Wednesday, (November 16). After the meeting with Bill Gates, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, stated Kenya’s commitment to partnership.
Somalia
President of Somalia, Hassan S. Mohamud, met with General Ibrahim Jabir of the Sudan Sovereign Council, who conveyed to him a message from the President of the Sudan Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah Abdulrahman Al Burhan, and announced that Sudan commended Somalia’s ongoing fight against international terrorism.
President of Somalia, Hassan S. Mohamud, held a phone conversation on Thursday (November 17) with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sent his condolences to the people and government of Turkey following the recent terrorist attack in Istanbul. He also reiterated Somalia’s support and solidarity with the Turkish people in their fight against terrorism.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir officiated on Thursday (November 17), the signing ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2025 between the South Sudanese government and UN agencies in South Sudan.
South Sudan welcomed on Tuesday (November 15) the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), vowing to support and cooperate with the world body in maintaining peace and security within the region.
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Ethiopia’s participation at the UN COP27
The Ethiopian delegation to the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27), led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), made a remarkable contribution to the successful completion of the global forum held in Sharm el-Sheikh starting on Sunday (November 6–18, 2022).
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held its annual conferences to deliberate collective action towards combating the challenges brought by climate change over the past three decades. This year, the 27th session of the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP27), hosted in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, gathers heads of state and government as well as thousands of delegates from countries around the world. At COP27, parties took concrete steps toward achieving the climate goals they agreed on in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Calling for its implementation, COP27 discussed a range of issues, including the urgency of increased climate finance to achieve adaptation and mitigation actions in developing countries, such as Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed (PhD) arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh on November 6, 2022, to engage in the Climate Implementation Summit and took part in the first part of the two-day High-Level Segment for the Heads of State and Government, held from November 7–8, 2022. The Premier mentioned that he held discussions with leaders of several countries on bilateral and strategic issues alongside COP27. He met with leaders of continental and international organizations to discuss issues of mutual interest. He reaffirmed that Ethiopia shares the global community’s concerns and is determined to contribute to their resolution. Moreover, parallel to the Summit, six high-level roundtables were held on different topics, including: food security, just transition, innovative finance for climate and development, and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
The Prime Minister conveyed that the East African region has seen recurrent droughts and floods, but by turning these crises into opportunities, Ethiopia has been able to fortify its resilience, safeguard its developmental accomplishments, and protect its natural resources. Ethiopia has also shared its success stories in combating the negative impacts of climate change through its flagship programs, including the Green Legacy Initiative, cluster wheat farming, and the Transition to Green Energy.
The Premier emphasized the importance of increased climate finance for developing countries, stating that Africa, the most affected continent by climate change, accounts for less than 5% of greenhouse gas emissions but receives less than 5% of climate funds, and that this must be significantly improved. He further stressed that pledges made by developed countries must be translated into actions, and that they must also pledge themselves to new and additional commitments. Ethiopia has also shared its practical experiences at the High-Level Roundtables.
The Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during which they discussed recent developments regarding the Pretoria peace agreement signed by the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF, Ethiopia’s commitment to green energy and mitigating the effects of climate change through homegrown economic reform, and that the Ethiopian government is committed to climate adaptation and mitigation. Moreover, the Prime Minister also conducted a discussion with more Heads of State and Government who participated in the climate conference for strengthened bilateral relations.
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African Union PSC applauds the signing of the Pretoria Peace Deal
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened on Wednesday (November 9, 2022) its 1120th session to receive a briefing on the agreement for lasting peace through a permanent cessation of hostilities between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The AUPSC, Commissioner, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, and the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, briefed the council on the entire peace process and the recent agreement reached between the FDRE government and the TPLF. Furthermore, Commissioner Bankole Adeoye presented a statement to the council regarding the recent agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, and briefed the Council on the key elements of the agreement, including the cessation of hostilities, unfettered humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and the complete disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of TPLF combatants, among others. They both commended the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF for the commitment they demonstrated in successfully concluding the negotiation and ultimately signing the peace agreement.
Highlighting the importance of the agreement in ending the plight of civilians, Commissioner Adeoye in particular praised the signing of the agreement as a testimony to the practical application of the principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He further noted that the signing of such a comprehensive agreement under the auspices of the AU is yet another proof that Africa is capable of resolving its own peace and security problems and achieving the goal set by the AU to silence the guns by 2030. Discussing implementation of the agreement, Commissioner Adeoye reported to the Council that following the signing of the agreement, an open channel of communications was opened 24 hours after the signing of the agreement between the senior commanders of the two sides, and a meeting at the serious commander’s level is underway in Nairobi as per Art. 6 of the agreement.
The AUPSC warmly welcomed the signing of the agreement and commended the AU High Level Panel for facilitating peace talks, and they also appreciated both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF for their commitment to the peace talks and the conclusion of the agreement. Several states who took the floor also stressed the importance of full implementation of the agreement and called on the parties to continue with the implementation of the agreement with the same commitment and determination they demonstrated in successfully negotiating the peace agreement.
Addressing the African Peace and Security Council as its Acting Permanent representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, Nardos Ayalew noted that “Ethiopia has consistently expressed its strong support to the AU-led peace initiative to end the conflict in Northern Ethiopia.” She further noted that Ethiopia has been consistent in expressing its unwavering stance on the vitality of the principle of “African Solutions to African Problems” in resolving conflicts in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa. She underlined that the successful conclusion of the negotiations has demonstrated Ethiopia’s firm belief in this motto and the capacity of the continental organization to achieve its flagship program of silencing the guns by 2030. She thanked members of the AU High Level Panel and the African Union for their commitment and support in bringing to fruition the negotiations between the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF.
With regard to the implementation of the agreement, she further highlighted that the Ethiopian government is expediting humanitarian aid and restoring basic services. In conclusion, she called for continued support and solidarity from members of the AU and the international community with the implementation of the agreement and the reconstruction of war-ravaged areas and communities.
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Senior Commanders meet in Nairobi on the Implementation of the CoHA
The African Union Commission hosted the meeting of the senior commanders of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that enabled the signing of an agreement on Saturday (November 12) that clarified the roadmap for implementation of a peace pact that both sides reached in South Africa on November 2, 2022. The Peace Pact that the African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, together with the other members of the High-Level Panel for the AU-led Ethiopian Peace Process, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya, and Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, and member of the AU Panel of the Wise, were pleased to announce its successful conclusion, was announced in Pretoria, South Africa. The talks secured a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the parties,
Following the signing of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the African Union Commission organized the meeting as a way forward towards the full implementation of a peace deal signed by the parties to the conflict to end a two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia. The senior commanders meeting was in accordance with Article 6(d) of the recently signed Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which states that the parties agreed to hold a meeting of senior commanders within five days of the agreement’s signing to discuss and work out detailed modalities for its implementation, including disarmament issues and taking into account the stipulations. The meeting was aimed at paving the way for immediate humanitarian access and the restoration of services in the Tigray region, specifically.
According to a joint statement, “the parties have agreed to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to all in need of assistance in Tigray and neighboring regions.” Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces, and General Tadesse Worede, Commander of the Tigray armed combatants, signed the agreement. The commanders have agreed on modalities for silencing the guns, humanitarian access, and the restoration of services in the Tigray region. The meeting was fruitful in terms of defining the roadmap for further engagement provisions that, if properly implemented on the ground, will ensure long-term peace in Ethiopia’s North and the entire Horn region. The signing of the declaration was a demonstration of the continent’s commitment to silence the guns and solve African challenges through African initiatives.
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Ethio-Canada Business and Investment Convenes in Toronto
The 4th Ethiopia-Canada Business and Investment Forum, organized in collaboration with WAFA Marketing and Promotion, MineAfrica Inc., and the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, was held in Toronto, Canada (November 7–10, 2022).
Government officials and private sector representatives, as well as investors and stakeholders from both countries, attended the forum. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Kassahun Gofe, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Representatives from other ministries and members of the private sector also took part in the forum. Keynote speeches were delivered by Kassahun Gofe and MP Garnett Genuis, Conservative Shadow Minister, Internal Development and Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Canada.
Speaking at the opening, Ethiopian Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Fitsum Arega, welcomed the attendants and made a presentation entitled “Investing in Ethiopia.” Ambassador Fisum Arega said the forum is a platform for Canadian investors to get the information they need regarding the opportunities created by the reforms underway in Ethiopia, as well as about the country’s homegrown Economic reform and available investment potential. Similarly, Kasahun Gofe, the state minister of trade and regional integration, stated that the forum provides an opportunity to promote Ethiopia’s investment opportunities as well as discuss ways to strengthen trade relations between Ethiopia and Canada while also expanding Ethiopia’s foreign trade destinations.
A number of thematic presentations regarding business and investment cooperation and about further diversifying and expanding areas of partnership were delivered on the occasion.
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Ethiopia Highlights Tourism Potential at World Tourism Market
The Embassy of Ethiopia in London, in collaboration with the Minister of Tourism and Ethiopian Airlines, promoted its tourism potential at the 43rd World Tourism Market event from November 7–9 at ExCel London. The World Travel Market event was held to facilitate a record number of deals for exhibitors and travel buyers around the globe. It is also a place for players in the travel and tourism industry to interact, share ideas, and make connections. The event brought together government officials, exhibitors, tour operators, and media from all over the world.
At the event, films showcasing Ethiopia’s cultural and natural attractions and tourism destinations premiered, and brochures promoting Ethiopia’s tradition, culture, and tour facilities were presented. Moreover, Ethiopia’s unique coffee ceremony tradition, along with the unique cultural dress, was also highlighted.
In her keynote address at a tourism community gathering event at the Embassy, Nassise Challi, Minister of Tourism, recalled that Ethiopia is a country blessed with amazing cultural wealth and breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors unimaginable tourism experiences and offering investors a multitude of investment prospects. The nation is home to thirteen tangible and intangible heritages listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s cultural heritage, the highest number in Africa.
Geographically speaking, the Minister noted that Ethiopia is endowed to have both one of the lowest locations on earth, the Danakil Depression, where the mystery of nature leaves everyone in awe, and one of the highest peaks in Africa, Ras Dejen, at 4,600 m above sea level. A yearning for aesthetic beauty, a peaceful setting, and off-the-beaten-path experiences is quenched by the diversity of beautiful landscapes and spectacular geological formations. Culturally, Ethiopia is particularly known as a melting pot of cultures, home to 80 nations and nationalities, which underlines the fact that cultural diversity is a real blessing for humans, just as biodiversity is for nature. She further elucidated Ethiopia’s incredible and diverse tourist destinations and invited tourism communities to make Ethiopia their ideal travel destination.
Teferi Melese Desta, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the UK, underlined in his welcoming remarks that Ethiopia’s tourism industry has been steadily growing, particularly since the country’s economic and political reform in 2018, which is one of the priority sectors in Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Strategy. The Government of Ethiopia is making significant efforts in the sector to expand and diversify destinations, including the building of Unity Park within the National Palace compound, Entoto Park, Sheger Park, and Friendship Parks 1 and 2, as well as the Science Museum, which is currently being constructed and opened to both domestic and international visitors.
In conclusion, Ambassador Teferi invited the tourism communities to promote and sell Ethiopia through their networks, as well as to visit Ethiopia and see and enjoy Ethiopia’s remarkable past, vibrant present and bright future.
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Ethiopia, Djibouti Business Community Vow to Scale up the Exemplary Ties
One of the most exemplary nation-to-nation and people-to-people bilateral relations in the Horn of Africa has always been the long standing, wide-ranging, and strong relations between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The two countries have shown an unwavering commitment over time to continuously improve the already strong bonds between their people and governments.
Last week (November 14), the Ethiopian and Djiboutian business communities held a Business-to-Business and Government-to-Business forum in Djibouti. The multi-sectorial Ethiopian delegation, led by Dr. Girma Amente, Vice President of the Oromia Regional State, and the President of the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, Youssouf Moussa Dawaleh, held B2B and G2B discussions on trade, tourism, and investment with counterparts at the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce.
On the B2B and G2B held on Sunday (November 14), the multisectoral delegation from Ethiopia and Djibouti, which included representatives from industry, trade, tourism, investment, and industry, as well as transport, logistics, ports, Development Groups, the banking industry, the import and export association, transistors, and the tour operators association, made it abundantly clear that the two business communities are indeed eager to work together, paving the way for greater trade integration.
Both countries have shown their commitment to working hand in hand to boost the livestock sector’s efficacy while applauding the progress so far accomplished as Djibouti serves as a gateway to the Gulf nations and the Middle East. They have also pledged to advance efforts in cutting-edge livestock export via Djibouti’s DMP livestock resting terminal.
Taking advantage of the complementary nature of the two countries’ riches from the Djiboutian side, ‘the sea, sand, and sun,’ and from the Ethiopian side, “cultural heritages, history, and wildlife,” tour operators from both sides have agreed to collaborate on developing special tour packages that will assist tourists in easily navigating the destinations. The use of Ethiopian Airlines and Air Djibouti discount packages to promote such additional packages was extensively deliberated. Banks are also showing interest in expanding to Djibouti. In line with that, having done its feasibility study six months ago, one bank among them, the Sinque Bank of Ethiopia, will soon start operating as a foreign bank in Djibouti.
On the second day of the working visit, the delegation met with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade and Tourism; Ilyas M. Dawaleh, Minister of Finance, Ahmed Osman, Governor of the Central Bank of Djibouti, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Port and Free Zone Authority, and discussed ways to harness the immense economic potentials that the two countries possess.
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