News in Brief

State Minister Mesganu Arga’s Brief on Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Incident

Five Major Peace and Security Situations in IGAD’s Region

Joint Operations Against Common Regional Threat: Al-Shabab

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed on Tuesday (February 7) his deep shock and sorrow, alongside the world community, with the governments and peoples of Türkiye and Syria, as the extreme magnitude of the catastrophic earthquake that occurred in both countries became apparent. The Chairperson reiterates the deepest condolences and strong solidarity of the African Union and the African continent with the families of the victims and the governments and peoples of Türkiye and Syria.

A two-day meeting to discuss financing for Africa’s infrastructure projects has ended in Dakar, Senegal, with calls for increased collaboration and resource mobilization, as well as accelerated implementation of regional infrastructure projects across the continent. The summit was held on February 2 and 3 under the patronage of President Macky Sall of Senegal, Chairperson of the African Union, and attended by Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, as well as officials and experts from African Union member states, the private sector, development finance institutions, development partners, AUDA-NEPAD, AfDB, ECA, and RECs.

African countries should institute wide ranging fiscal reforms to expedite sustainable recovery from multiple crises that have hindered industrialization and economic diversification, the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, has urged. “Ensuring a sustainable recovery, which protects populations and economies from the shocks of future pandemics and other crises, will require a range of reforms and initiatives at both the national and international levels,” said Mr. Pedro in his remarks at the 2023 Coordination Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Thursday (February 2) in New York City.

The African Union International Centre of Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa, with the Republic of Sierra Leone and UNAIDS, is jointly organizing the 7^th edition of the High-Level Dialogue on Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa. The meeting brings together key stakeholders at continental and global levels to discuss ways of effectively using the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve and mainstream girls’ education in Africa.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid a two day visit to Italy, Malta, and France. The premier and his delegation discussed bilateral cooperation and other international issues with the leaders of the respective countries. Following his meeting with President Macron, Prime Minister Abiy tweeted that “As the relations between our two countries’ progress, I’m very confident that it will translate into strengthened economic outcomes. We very much welcome investments by French companies in Ethiopia.”

In related news, as part of the Ethiopian Italian Cooperation Framework 2023–2025, which was announced during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Rome on Monday (February 6), Ethiopia and Italy have signed agreements worth 140 million Euros (100 million in soft loans and 40 million in grants). The agreement was signed by the Italian President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, and PM Abiy Ahmed. The Cooperation Framework Agreement has two main pillars of action: economic development and job creation, and access to basic services.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed grief over Turkiye and Syria earthquake that caused several deaths and injuries. Abiy tweeted that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries caused by the earthquake in Southern Turkiye and Syria. May the deceased rest in peace and affected communities find solace in this difficult period.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has also extended its heartfelt condolences and solidarity with Turkiye over the devastating earthquake incident that occurred on Monday morning (February 6). “We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Turkiye,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The peace negotiating teams of the federal government and the Tigray Region have met in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) for the first time and discussed the progress of the implementation of the peace agreement signed between the two in November last year. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, along with other higher officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, met face-to-face with a Tigrayan delegation that includes, among others, Getachew Reda, Lt. Gen. Tsadikan Gebretinsae, and General Tadesse Werede, at Halala Kela, Dawuro zone, in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s regional state (SNNP).

Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, briefed the heads of diplomatic missions of North and Latin American, European, and Caribbean states, as well as the EU Delegation, on the current situation related to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church on Friday (February 3). (See article)

Ethiopian Airlines is increasing flights between its Addis Ababa hub and Jeddah to twice daily, starting on Wednesday (February 15). Some 874 miles (1,406 km) from Addis Ababa, Jeddah is one of 12 airports in the Middle East to have Ethiopian passenger flights. It now has up to 15 daily services to the region.

Ambassadors and development partners of various European countries have expressed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development plans. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Girma Amente, held a discussion on Tuesday (February 7) with ambassadors and development partners of various European countries on the support being provided to Ethiopia to improve the agriculture sector. The minister discussed with the ambassadors of Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, the European Union, and a representative of the French Development Cooperation Agency and other development partners. During the discussion, ambassadors and representatives of development partners expressed their commitment to bolstering efforts to support Ethiopia’s development.

Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing expansion and existing service was underscored during the Canada-Africa Reception held in Cape Town over the weekend. Hosted by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Chamber President Garreth Bloor thanked the airline for its vital role in Canada-Africa trade and investment. ‘’Ethiopian Airlines is the sole airline connecting Canada directly to Sub-Saharan Africa, and onward to over 120 destinations from the African Union capital of Addis Ababa – making it the world’s fourth largest airline in this regard.’’

Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Yemen, and 48 UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) requested $84 million in funding support on Wednesday (February 8) to help nearly 1.5 million migrants in the Horn of Africa. In a statement released in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the UN Migration Agency, or International Organization for Migration (IOM), noted that currently over 45,000 migrants are stranded along the Eastern Corridor and in need of immediate assistance.

Angola and Ethiopia will sign this month a general cooperation agreement in the economic, technical-scientific, and cultural fields, with a view to creating a new dynamic in relations between the two countries. According to a press release from the Embassy of Angola in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the two countries will sign three legal cooperation instruments, probably on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Summit, taking place in Addis Ababa. A memorandum of understanding for the establishment of mechanisms for political consultations, between the Angolan and Ethiopian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, will also be signed.

The pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan have expressed keen interest in producing raw materials for different life-saving drugs for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) by investing in its health sector. The interest was shown by a delegation of the pharmaceutical industry during a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the FDRE to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula in his office in Islamabad.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki and President William Ruto on Thursday (February 9) held an extensive and fruitful discussion at the State House in Nairobi. At the meeting, President Isaias underlined the significance of President William Ruto’s visit to Eritrea in December last year, which ushered in a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Eritrea and Kenya as well as impactful regional cooperation. President Isaias said that the visit has expanded the scope of cooperation in various developmental sectors. President Isaias also announced Eritrea’s decision to renew its membership in the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its readiness to play a part in its revitalization. President William Ruto, for his part, expressed Kenya’s appreciation for Eritrea’s role in regional peace and stability as well as its contribution in building Somalia’s National Army. President William Ruto announced that Kenya would open an embassy in Asmara. Eritrea and Kenya further agreed that the abolition of visa requirements for citizens traveling to the two countries will be effective on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

Kenya

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), delivered the 3rd State of the IGAD Region Address last week on Wednesday (February 01) in Mombasa, Kenya. The Executive Secretary’s address touched upon major issues in the region, including the peace and security situations as well as natural hazards and disasters that dominated regional and international discourse and IGAD’s roles in accelerating regional integration, among others. (See artcle)

Kenya has announced plans to re-open its Mandera border crossing with Somalia as part of efforts to improve border security and crack down on smuggled goods. Kenya says plans to reopen the Mandera border post with Somalia are nearing conclusion, after high-level consultations between the two countries. Speaking after a visit to the town of Mandera, Kenya’s Internal Security Minister Kithure Kindiki said reopening the crossing point will improve border security and stem the tide of smuggled goods used to fund terrorist activities.

The government of Kenya on Wednesday (February 8) dispatched one of its high-ranking officials to South Sudan to discuss escalating border tensions after armed raiders from Kenya crossed into South Sudan this week. The government of Kenya on Wednesday dispatched one of its high-ranking officials to South Sudan to discuss escalating border tensions after armed raiders from Kenya crossed into South Sudan this week. Clashes erupted this week after armed Kenyan herders crossed into South Sudan and attacked locals in Nadapal, Western Equatoria State, injuring a customs officer. And President Salva Kiir Mayardit received Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry, Moses Kiarie Kuria, who discussed with the president matters of bilateral relations.

Somalia

The leaders of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djibouti, President Ismail Omer Guelleh, Kenya, President Samoeil Ruto, and Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, met in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, last week on February 1 to discuss the ongoing fight against the al-Shabab terrorist group. (See article)

On Wednesday, the Somali head of state traveled to Rome and met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, as well as Foreign and Defense Ministers Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto. “I confirmed Italy’s support for Somalia’s institutional, economic, and security framework, regional integration processes, and the fight against terrorism. The commitment in the Horn of Africa is a priority of our international action,” tweeted PM Meloni. On his part, President Sheikh Mohamud thanked the Italian officials for the “warm hospitality” during what he called a “crucial” State visit. “As one of our reliable allies, Somalia and Italy can accomplish more together for the mutual benefit of our two nations and peoples,” he tweeted.

A statement said Iraqi President Latif Rashid has received an official invitation from his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to visit the country. The invitation was delivered by Somali Ambassador to Baghdad Liban Sheikh Mahmood, who was received by Iraqi President Barham Salih earlier on Sunday (February 5), according to a statement from the Iraqi presidency. The two officials discussed strengthening bilateral ties and joint cooperation between their respective countries in various fields, according to the statement.

The AU Special Representative to Somalia and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef and Somalia’s Federal Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Daud Aweis have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing military offensive against Al-Shabaab. The officials spoke during a joint press conference on Wednesday (February 9) held at the ATMIS Mission Headquarters to brief the media on the implementation of ATMIS mandate and the progress made in restoring peace and security in Somalia. He expressed optimism about Somalia joining the East African Community (EAC) following the successful conclusion of the verification process, whose results will be tabled at the trade bloc’s next Heads of State Summit for a final decision.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize their cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in Somalia. Under an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and  Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.

More than 8.3 million people require humanitarian assistance in Somalia, where significant segments of the population are on the brink of famine, the United Nations relief agency said Wednesday (February 8). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that in the absence of adequate funding and enhanced capacity, famine is projected between April and June in the three population groups, including Baidoa and Burhakaba rural districts as well as internally displaced people (IDPs) in Baidoa and Mogadishu.

Sudan

Sudan on Tuesday (February 7) called on the UN Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on it since 2005. The demand was made by Sudan’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq when meeting with the ambassadors of the permanent and non-permanent member states of the Security Council, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The situation in Sudan today is completely different from what it was in 2005, when the sanctions were imposed,” Al-Sadiq said.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Daffallah Al-Haj Ali, and his accompanying delegation met on Tuesday (February 7) the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat. During the meeting, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry briefed AU officials on the situation in Sudan and the positive developments of the ongoing political process following the signing of the framework agreement, as well as the efforts being made by the state in this regard. He also touched on the anticipated role of the African Union system, especially the decision-making bodies, led by the Peace and Security Council and the presidency of the Commission. He stressed the need to respect the right of states to participate in the open sessions of the Peace and Security Council when their issues are presented before the council. And Moussa Faki reaffirmed the need to move forward with the current political process in Sudan and called for it to be comprehensive, stressing the continuation of the African Union’s support for the transition at this stage towards the democratic transition and his intention to visit Sudan in the next few days to hold talks to push the political process forward.

South Sudan

South Sudan has accused its neighbors of taking advantage of its internal conflict to grab and encroach on its territories. Last week, hundreds of Toposa who inhabit Kapoeta East County, and a section of state legislators in Eastern Equatoria State accused Kenyan officials of allegedly inciting Turkana tribesmen to annex parts of their land “We registered 42 points along the border areas with neighboring countries. They are taking advantage of our situation and this is why the leadership has decided to give peace and stability priority,” he told reporters on Tuesday (February 7). Malek said the government is committed to resolving border disputes. “South Sudan will never leave an inch of its land to another country. South Sudan is called a country because it has a defined territory and population, and we want to inform our youth to be calm, and patient; your country is addressing all these matters,” further explained the minister.

South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has said peace in the country remains “elusive,”  citing the slow pace at which the 2018 revitalized peace agreement is being implemented by the parties. He was speaking at a prayer service held in the capital, Juba on Saturday (February 4). The leader of the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) said the peace deal that led to the formation of a coalition government, the appointment of a unified military command, and the deployment of forces has not changed much on the ground. Machar urged church leaders and the government to spearhead the dissemination of the peace deal and to reconcile citizens in the country. “We still have intercommunal violence because the message has not properly reached our people. However, with this pilgrimage [of the Pope], we should kick off the dissemination of the agreement to our people on the ground, in the protection of civilian sites and refugee camps,” he stressed.

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State Minister Mesganu Arga’s Brief on Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Incident

Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, briefed the heads of diplomatic missions of North and Latin American, European, & Caribbean States, as well as the EU Delegation, on the current situation in Ethiopia on Friday (February 3).

The State Minister highlighted that people of ethnic and religious diversity coexist peacefully with mutual respect, fraternity, and equality in Ethiopia. 

He emphasized the Ethiopian Government’s position that the current incidence in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) is a religious matter that should only be addressed according to the Church’s canonical internal rules and institutional mechanisms. 

The State Minister underlined the government’s conviction that, given its long history, EOTC has the necessary wisdom and capability to resolve the matter amicably. The State Minister also expressed efforts that are underway to encourage peaceful resolution of the matter through dialogue.

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Five Major Peace and Security Situations in IGAD’s Region

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), delivered the 3rd State of the IGAD Region Address last week on Wednesday (February 01) in Mombasa, Kenya. The Executive Secretary’s address touched upon major issues in the region, including the peace and security situations as well as natural hazards and disasters that dominated regional and international discourse and IGAD’s roles in accelerating regional integration, among others.

According to Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s region was significantly affected by five major peace and security situations that dominated regional and international discourse in 2022. He discussed IGAD’s role in promoting peaceful solutions to the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, the conflict in northern Ethiopia, and the coordination and support of Sudan’s national dialogue for a civilian transition. He also mentioned IGAD’s role in supporting an inclusive and participatory consultation process in South Sudan, its appreciation for stabilization efforts in Somalia, and the combat against the Al-Shabab terrorist group.

Ethiopia

He mentioned the 39th Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government in Nairobi in July 2022, which brought together the chairman of the transitional sovereign council of the Republic of Sudan, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali, to dialogue, de-escalate, and defuse rising tensions along the shared border area between the two countries. According to IGAD’s Executive Secretary, “the outcome of the talks between the leaders is undeniable proof of the abundant political will and commitment in our region to resolve conflicts and disputes through peaceful negotiation and dialogue.”

Regarding the conflict in Northern Ethiopia, he said, “IGAD actively intervened and was instrumental, alongside the African Union, in brokering the agreement on the permanent cessation of hostilities and the silencing of the guns in Northern Ethiopia that was signed in Pretoria, South Africa, on the 2nd of November 2022.” As Workneh stated in his address, “This peace agreement was further reinforced by the roadmap for implementation, including the facilitation of unhindered humanitarian access to all in need of assistance in Northern Ethiopia and neighboring regions that was signed on the 12th of November following the 2nd round of talks in Nairobi, Kenya.” He highlighted the peace agreement in Ethiopia as a prime example of “African Solutions to African Problems”.

Sudan

Regarding the situation in the Republic of Sudan, he said IGAD is working in conjunction with the African Union and the United Nations under the patronage of the Trilateral Mechanism to coordinate and support national dialogue towards a civilian transition. He mentioned the intensive efforts of the Trilateral Mechanism over the past year that resulted in the political framework agreement of December 2022 between the military and a broad section of the civilian leadership. He also recalled the second phase of talks held among the civilian leadership on January 20, 2023, towards building a broader consensus for the December agreement. In connection with that, he expressed his hope that the civilian-civilian dialogue will arrive at a common position on the roadmap to transition. To support the peace process, he underscored the importance of accelerating “the initiation of a process to re-admit the Republic of Sudan into the African Union, alongside the lifting of any sanctions that may be hindering the transition process.”

Somalia

Recalling the success of the Government of Somalia in fighting the Al-Shabab terrorist group and the group’s increased activities and attacks against highly secured targets, Workneh stated that 2023 is a critical year for the fight against terrorism in Somalia. With that in mind, the Executive Secretary called upon the international community to help President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Somali National Security Forces neutralize the terrorist group. “Specifically,” he said, “IGAD appeals for increased regional, continental, and international support for the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which, working together with the Somalia Security Forces, are positioned to have a more lasting and effective remedy to the problem of terrorism in Somalia, with a strong emphasis on the protection of civilians.”

South Sudan

Speaking about the peace and security situation in the Republic of South Sudan, Workneh recognized the progress made in implementing the revitalized peace agreement, notably the establishment of a fully functional executive, the transitional assembly, and state and local governments. He also welcomes the progress recorded under the Transitional Security Arrangements, in particular the unification of the South Sudanese forces, of which 82% have graduated from the first phase last year.

He also emphasized that the implementation of the other core provisions of the revitalized peace agreement is still behind schedule, especially the constitution-making process and the conduct of national elections within the 24-month extension of the transitional period, which expires next year in December 2024. He also expressed his concern that the escalation in violence in the Upper Nile and Western Equatoria States, the suspended Rome peace process between the government and non-signatory opposition groups, and the reduced financial resources available to the IGAD-supported Monitoring, Verification, and Evaluation Mechanisms are concerns that may threaten to hamper progress towards full implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement.

In concluding his speech regarding security issues in the region, Workneh said, “IGAD is determined to ride the “wind of peace” that has been sweeping across our region and promises to continue working tirelessly to resolve the remaining differences in the region.”

Non-conflict Issues Affecting Peace in the Region

IGAD’s Chief also listed out the non-conflict issues affecting the region that still have an impact on peace, security, and stability. In this regard, he discussed IGAD’s response to the global pandemic, climate change, persistent drought, pest invasions, and seasonal flooding that contributed to a dire regional food security situation. According to IGAD, it is committed to accelerating the integration of the region and maximizing the tremendous potential that the Africa Continental Free Trade Area holds for the region. For the IGAD region, the surest path to peace is to deliver progress and prosperity through regional integration and unity, he said. IGAD’s Executive Secretary message also addressed a range of issues and laid out plans to build institutional capacities and the financial standing of the organization.

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Joint Operations Against Common Regional Threat: Al-Shabab

The leaders of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djibouti, President Ismail Omer Guelleh, Kenya, President Samoeil Ruto, and Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, met in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, last week on February 1 to discuss the ongoing fight against the al-Shabab terrorist group.

According to a statement issued following the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders, “convened in the wake of the ongoing targeted and sustained campaign by the Somali Security Forces aimed at degrading the capability of all terrorist groups and diminishing their operational capability in the territory of the Republic of Somalia, building on the repudiation of Al Shabaab by the Somali public, the bold action of the Somali Security Forces and the strong political will of the government of Somalia.”

The leaders recognized the need for new partnerships among Somalia’s neighboring states to stand by Somalia in a united fight against a common terrorist threat. Indeed, Al-Shabab is a common threat. Its destructive activities have always had an impact on the peace and stability of countries beyond Somalia’s borders.

In recent memory, the terrorist group attempted to infiltrate Ethiopian borders around August 2022 and launch attacks against Ethiopian forces.The threat was thwarted after Ethiopian forces killed more than 800 members of al-Shabab following days of heavy fighting near the Ethiopia-Somalia border. Kenya has also never been immune to attacks by Al-Shabab. Kenyan civilians and military personnel have repeatedly been targeted by the group.

Aside from the government of Somalia, the US and the AU are actively participating in the fight against the terrorist group. The US, in support of Somalia’s National Army Forces, has carried out drone strikes targeting al-Shabaab militants. President Joe Biden’s authorization to redeploy Special Operations Forces in the area to combat the terrorist group, reversing former President Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from the country, demonstrates the US Government’s understanding that al-Shabab remains a threat to regional stability.

Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, on the other hand, are among the troop-contributing countries to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Somalia’s neighbors understood that establishing a joint border security mechanism would help them eliminate cross-border terrorism activities while also ensuring the legal passage of trade and movement.

The Summit stressed the urgent need to jointly plan a decisive operational strategy against Al-Shabaab and acknowledged the need to mobilize regional support for timely, decisive operations. With the complete liberation of remaining areas in Somalia from the terrorist group through joint operations, leaders have recognized the need to facilitate the withdrawal of ATMIS troops and the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces.