06.10.2023
Ethiopia’s global diplomacy at UNGA 78
UNGA 78 Address by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
DPM and FM Demeke Calls for AU, UN Practical Cooperation
Turning the Nile into a Means of Cooperation Through Good-Faith Negotiations
Official Statement: The Government of Ethiopia is committed to the preservation of Human Rights
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
On 03 October the African Union concluded its three-day (01 to 03 October 2023) Executive Council Retreat on Agenda 2063 that was underway in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme “Accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063”.
Addis Ababa hosted the 12th High-level Dialogue on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance in Africaunder the theme “Delivering Peace Dividends Through the AFCFTA Implementation” from 05 to 06 October 2023.
The African Union Election Observation Mission to the 29 September 2023 General Elections in Eswatini issued a preliminary statement on the electoral exercise in the country.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance hosted by Morocco opened the First Manufacturers Marketplace for Vaccine Manufacturing African Union Member States on 01 October in Marrakesh. Morocco.
Ethiopia
On Tuesday (03 October), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the National Dialogue Commission. He lauded the upcoming National Dialogue as a process that “promises to be an important milestone in our collective efforts to bring about understanding on contested issues.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Wednesday (04 October), conferred at his office with South Sudanese Minister of East African Community Affairs Deng Alor Kuol on issues pertaining to regional peace and stability.
Demeke also received at his office the EU Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber, and deliberated on bilateral issues and regional issues of mutual interest.
The Government of Ethiopia and the European Union on Tuesday (03 October) inked a cooperation agreement worth USD 680 million (650 million euros) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
On 03 October, the 18th Horn of Africa Initiative ministerial meeting was held in Addis Ababa chaired by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen. The high-level gathering focused on the development of borderland and attracting private sector investments through public- private partnerships or by creating a favourable investment climate.
On Friday (06 October), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement reaffirming the government’s continued commitment to the preservation of human rights in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, on 03 October, issued a statement strongly condemning the recent terrorist attack on the Türkiye Interior Ministry in Ankara.
Eritrea
President Isaias Afwerki, on Saturday (30 September) sent a congratulatory message to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the occasion of the celebrations of China’s national day.
Djibouti
On 03 October US Department of Defence announced the conduct of training operations at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti as part of the East Africa Response Force.
On 02 October, Ethiopian Airlines announced additional three-night flights to Djibouti.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on 01 October expressed Somalia’s solidarity with the People and Government of Türkiye in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Ankara. He also condemned the act that aimed at hurting innocent lives.
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, on 01 October disclosed the a community-level campaign called “either victory or death” by residents of Mogadishu to support the efforts led by Somalia’s Security Forces (SSF) in the fight against extremists.
Finance Minister Bihi Egeh participated in the Horn of Africa Initiative ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (03 October).
ATMIS Deputy Force Commander (DFC) in charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti, on 05 October, visited troops in Hirshabelle State to assess their welfare and the ongoing military operations in the region.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir on Mondy (02 October) removed from office the Governor of the Central Bank Johnny Ohisa Damian and other senior finance officials. Dr. James Alic Garang is the new central bank governor.
The President also presided over the swearing in ceremony of high-ranking government officials including the newly appointed Minister of Interior Angelina Teny and her deputy Marial Gumke.
National Communication Authority Director General Eng. Napoleon Adok Gai, during a press availability on Friday (06 October) in Addis Ababa said, South Sudan is looking forward to benefitting from Ethiopia’s telecommunication liberalization and digitization.
Kenya
President William Ruto on 04 October reshuffled eight members of his cabinet including the minister of foreign affairs. The foreign ministry accordingly was folded into the office of the chief minister and the rationale behind the reshuffle the President said is to “optimise performance and enhance delivery as set out in the administration’s manifesto.”
Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale on Wednesday (04 October) disclosed, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops will complete withdrawal from Somalia by 31 December 2024 as per the African Union and United Nations Security Council solution and plan.
The Government of Kenya on 02 October announced in a circular the restriction of delegations accompanying the President, Deputy President, the First Lady and Prime Cabinet Secretaries for foreign trips in a move that aimed at regulating public spending.
During an official visit to Kenya EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, on 05 October launched EU’s Digital Economy Package for Kenya to advance technological transition in the East African country by expanding the connectivity of schools, providing skills training for students and establishing a green digital innovation hub.
The Communications Authority of Kenya on 03 October revealed that the country has witnessed an alarming surge in cyberattacks, with a staggering 860 million incidents recorded in the past year. The regulator has expressed concerns over the escalating frequency, sophistication, and scale of these cyber threats, particularly targeting Kenya’s critical information infrastructure.
Ethiopia’s global diplomacy at UNGA 78
The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) was opened on September 5, 2023 in New York followed by the High-Level Week that took place from September 19-26. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations and provides an opportunity for the world to come together to address the main challenges facing the world today.
The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) marks a critical landmark in the journey to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track. The global assembly was convened under the theme, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.”
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen took part in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) and other important summits and events. High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development under the auspices of the General Assembly took place on 18-19 September 2023 in New York. The Summit marked the half-way point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It was the centrepiece of the High-level Week of the General Assembly.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke reaffirmed the commitment of the government to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs and uphold all principles enshrined in it. As the progress of the SDGs is in peril, the leaders reaffirmed the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as an integral part of the 2030 Agenda. In addition, the participants expressed their commitment to its full implementation which is critical for the realization of the SDGs and their targets and to this end welcome the organization of the 2023 High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development back-to-back with the SDG Summit.
As an important display of Ethiopia’s multilateral diplomacy at a global stage, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister addressed the general debate of the 78th Session of the General Assembly of the UN on September 23, 2023. The DPM and FM made a compelling case before the U.N. General Assembly that the world needs a unity of purpose for peace and prosperity at a critical juncture where humanity must come together. In his important statement, cautioning that at stake is the legacy of global leadership: “With full awareness that our time to serve is limited, each of us gathered here today should reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind for future generations.”
The DPM and FM called on world leaders to accept the “the uncomfortable truth is that we are increasingly witnessing policy choices that escalate tensions, threatening the peace and stability of the world. Poverty and hunger are rising. The progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is off track, pushing the objective of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 even further behind.”
Addressing Ethiopia’s commitment to peace and stability at home, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also mentioned the Pretoria Peace Agreement as a practical embodiment of “African Solutions to African Problems”. He also mentioned that “the implementation of the Agreement continues to make significant progress, despite some delays in the execution of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration process. The continued implementation of the Agreement is a clear manifestation of the Government’s commitment to resolving political differences through dialogue and constitutional means.” In his remarks about the important issue of GERD, he emphasized the flagship project as a generational imperative that “meets the legitimate development aspirations of Ethiopians and the region at large. Ethiopia welcomes the resumption of the trilateral talks with Egypt and Sudan. We remain committed to a negotiated win-win outcome facilitated by the African Union.”
In a historically sustained Pan Africanist foreign policy ideal of Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s top diplomat advocated for the strengthening African Voices with African Visions in the new era of global politics. He highlighted Africa as a continent of hope with immense potential for prosperity and progress. In light of the transformative and ambitious Agenda 2063, he called for a critical mobilization of domestic and external financial resources to unleash Africa’s potentials.
As part of a principled and persistent foreign policy outlook of Ethiopia, DPM and FM Demeke also called for the fundamental reform of the international financial architecture with special consideration for Africa’s needs and priorities. He called for “a fast-tracked resolution of Africa’s debt crisis and the provision of additional development finance should be top on our agenda.” In his address, he underscored that reforming the UN Security Council is not a choice, but an absolute necessity for Ethiopia and Africa. “We need a reformed and representative Security Council that is fit for purpose. Allocating permanent seats for Africa, as contained in our continental common position, is politically and morally justified.”
In the high-level week of Ethiopian global diplomacy at the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, the world once again turned its full attention to the heart of multilateral diplomacy. Ethiopia’s delegations also participated in the Climate Ambition Summit in September 20, 2023 that was convened to showcase “first mover and doer”. Participants from governments, business, financial institutions, local authorities, and civil society who came with credible actions, policies and plans – and not just pledges – to accelerate the decarbonization of the global economy and deliver climate justice. In his address, DPM and FM Demeke underscored the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), launched five years ago under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as an extension of Ethiopia’s long-standing commitment to fighting climate change. The initiative is designed to transform Ethiopia’s degraded environments and restore their full value in terms of livelihood support and ecosystem functions. Ethiopia has already planted 32 billion seedlings.
DPM and FM Demeke also held several high-level side events and bilateral discussions with his counterparts and other global leaders on critical regional and international issues of concern. Leaders agreed on the urgency of the climate crisis and that the window of opportunity to avoid a climate catastrophe was quickly closing. Multifaceted cooperation, UN reform, and multilateralism were at the centre of the key discussions.
In an intensive diplomatic week of Ethiopia, on the margins of the 78th UNGA, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, received H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, DPM and FM at his office. The Secretary General expressed deep solidarity with the people of Ethiopia and wished Ethiopia the best success in addressing its socio-economic challenges it currently faces. Guterres stated his commitment to strengthening the UN’s ties with Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia is a key player in the multilateral system.
The 78th General Assembly of the United Nations offered important and unique platforms for Ethiopia once again show its commitment to regional and global diplomacy that fully aims to collectively confront present crises and future challenges. The session will continue until December 2023 and Ethiopia will continue with its engagements in the assembly represented by the delegation in various committees of the Assembly.
UNGA 78 Address by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Statement by Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 23 Septembers 2023
Mr. President,
We are gathering at a time when the world is faced with a multitude of challenges. In such times, we must ask ourselves- do we have the necessary political will to choose global partnership over geopolitical competition? Are we prepared to work together towards a promising age of shared prosperity? Are we also committed to working together to save our planet and to meet the aspirations of over eight billion people?
The uncomfortable truth is that we are increasingly witnessing policy choices that escalate tensions, threatening the peace and stability of the world. Poverty and hunger are rising. The progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is off track, pushing the objective of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 even further behind.
The global inflation and the rise in cost-of-living are undermining development gains, further worsening the challenges of the most vulnerable communities. Investment in human capital and skills development remain critical for developing countries.
Climate change continues to cause devastating impact across the globe. Africa and other climate-vulnerable regions are enduring disproportionate adverse effects. The target of mobilizing one hundred billion dollars by 2030 to support mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries has not been achieved. The upcoming COP-28 Climate Change Conference, to be held in the United Arab Emirates, should thus be seized as an opportune moment to take bold actions.
The threat of nuclear weapons is another source of grave concern for humanity. The international community needs to prioritize dialogue to de-escalate tensions and prevent the threat of nuclear weapons. We should also ensure that new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence are used responsibly, in a manner that benefits humanity.
The global community can address these challenges through meaningful cooperation. The letter-and-spirit of the United Nations Charter demands that we come together to tackle these challenges with the highest sense of urgency and partnership. Ethiopia calls on all member states to recommit to the Charter of the United Nations. Maintaining the status-quo will not advance our shared interest of ensuring peace and prosperity. We should collectively work for an inclusive multilateral system to renew our global solidarity.
Mr. President,
A new global collective security system that respects the sovereignty of Member States and prevents conflict is vital. As a long-time champion and active participant in the UN mandated peace keeping operations across the globe, Ethiopia underscores that reforming the UN Security Council is not a choice, but an absolute necessity. We need a reformed and representative Security Council that is fit for purpose. Allocating permanent seats for Africa, as contained in our continental common position, is politically and morally justified.
Ethiopia commends the efforts of the UN Secretary-General for the financing of the African Union peace support operations from assessed contributions. National ownership of security responsibilities is imperative. For peace keeping operations to achieve their objectives, robust capacity building support should be provided to national law enforcement structures. Unilateral sanctions and coercive economic measures violate the UN principles and international law. Ethiopia opposes such measures imposed on developing countries and calls for their unconditional removal. We wish to underline that diplomatic dialogue among sovereign nations should be the primary tool to resolve differences.
Ethiopia and other developing countries have also been advocating for the reform of the United Nations system as a whole. We call for a more inclusive and effective multilateral mechanism that works fairly for developing countries. The BRICS have championed this call. That is why Ethiopia is grateful to have been invited to join the group.
Mr. President,
While the world has the financial resources to fund all development targets of the 2030 Agenda, its implementation has fallen behind. Therefore, what we need is firm political commitment and renewed global partnership. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda should also be fully implemented to meet the SDGs.
Ethiopia has aligned its Ten-Year Development Plan with the SDGs. We are resolute in accelerating our inclusive political and economic reforms for a more peaceful and prosperous society. We are also committed to finding comprehensive solutions to the climate crisis. The Ethiopians owned flagship program – the national Green Legacy Initiative — is a demonstration of this commitment. The objective of the program is to cultivate a green culture and to ensure the country’s development through rural and urban green initiatives. The program has been successful, and we are making every effort to share our experience.
Mr. President,
The Pretoria Peace Agreement ended a two-year long conflict in northern Ethiopia. This Agreement is a practical embodiment of “African Solutions to African Problems.” The implementation of the Agreement continues to make significant progress, despite some delays in the execution of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration process. There is a need to expedite this process and ensure its successful completion.
The continued implementation of the Agreement is a clear manifestation of the Government’s commitment to resolving political differences through dialogue and constitutional means. We are also actively undertaking rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in areas affected by conflicts. I would like to reaffirm that the Government is committed to consolidate peace and stability throughout the country. We continue to pursue dialogue for sustainable and peaceful solutions.
To ensure accountability, reconciliation, truth-telling, and healing, Ethiopia is finalizing its Transitional Justice Policy. Nation-wide consultations on Policy Options for Transitional Justice have been effectively conducted in all regions across the country. Through the National Dialogue Commission, Ethiopia has also embarked on inclusive dialogue to address past and present societal concerns. We are confident that this would contribute to realizing a prosperous future for all citizens.
Mr. President,
Conflict induced crises in the Horn of Africa require a regional approach with the support of the international community. We express our solidarity with the brotherly nation of the Republic of Sudan, which is facing difficult times. We are confident that
Sudan will find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully and re-establish order. Ethiopia has been supporting the efforts for peace with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan. It is important to make sure that all peace initiatives are coordinated. Ethiopia continues to honour its responsibility by promoting regional integration to advance peace, stability, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. We are working to materialize the development potential of our region.
Ethiopia is determined to cooperate with its neighbours to expand trade, investment, and regional integration through infrastructure development, efficient logistics, and connectivity. Any bottleneck that would constrain shared prosperity of the region needs to be addressed in a concerted approach. Fostering closer partnership is critical to create access to seamless connectivity. Cultivating mutual trust and friendship is the right choice for regional cooperation and interdependence.
Regional cooperation positively impacts the lives of people, especially when complemented by well-developed infrastructure projects. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is one such project that meets the legitimate development aspirations of Ethiopians and the region at large. Ethiopia welcomes the resumption of the trilateral talks with Egypt and Sudan. We remain committed to a negotiated win-win outcome facilitated by the African Union.Mr. President,
Africa is a continent of hope with immense potential for prosperity. The continent has already been implementing its transformative and ambitious Agenda 2063. However, unleashing Africa’s potential requires mobilizing domestic and external financial resources. The international financial architecture should be reformed with special consideration for Africa’s needs and priorities. A fast tracked resolution of Africa’s debt crisis and the provision of additional development finance should be top on our agenda.
Ethiopia advocates for an inclusive international order that recognizes the contribution of all countries. The very survival of humanity, the safety of our planet, the peace and security of the world is at stake. Therefore, hope, justice, and equality for all should indeed define the fundamental agenda of this Assembly. Beyond rhetoric, this august body has a responsibility to promote global consensus and translate ideas proposed in this very hall into concrete actions.
As I conclude, I would like to emphasis we are at a critical juncture where humanity must come together with a unity of purpose for peace and prosperity. With full awareness that our time to serve is limited, each of us gathered here today should reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind for future generations.
I Thank You!
DPM and FM Demeke Calls for AU, UN Practical Cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign of Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, on 05 October 2023, called for concerted efforts and cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations in the field of peace and security.
While hosting members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), who were on a working visit to Addis Ababa, Demeke said the government is committed to the full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and will continue playing a constructive role in the stability of the region as well.
President of the UNSC, Sergio Franca Danese, on his part, underscored the vitality of deepened relations between the two global bodies in addressing African problems.
Ethiopia is an anchor of stability in the Horn of Africa, members of the delegation noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also briefed the delegation and responded to questions posed by members of the UNSC.
Turning the Nile into a Means of Cooperation Through Good-Faith Negotiations
Ethiopia continues to take part in the trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with the sole objective of reaching a negotiated settlement. Trilateral negotiations among Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan resumed following the visit made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) to Cairo and his meeting with President Abdel Fatah El Sisi from 12 to 13 July 2023. Both leaders agreed to resume the trilateral talks on the rules and guidelines for the first filling and annual operation of the GERD. Since then, two rounds of talks, one in Cairo on 27-28 August and the other in Addis Ababa on 23-24 September, have been conducted so far. Through the direct negotiations backed by the African Union, the parties are making some progress that would eventually result in a negotiated settlement. However, for that objective to be met, it is needless to say that the same levels of good faith need to be displayed by all concerned parties.
Multiple rounds of talks have been held in the past and resulted in a varied outcome. While there were times the parties have managed to achieve a significant success through the trilateral negotiations, as in the signing of the Declaration of Principles in 2015, there are also instances where misguided approaches of politicization of the issue have escalated the matter and further eroded trust. Taking stock of past experiences, the new rounds of talks that followed the guidance of the leaders, could result in a win-win outcome if good faith negotiation prevails. It is with this conviction that the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on 13 July 2023, commended the decision of the two leaders for, “…their leadership and joint decision to reinforce bilateral relations, including reinitiating negotiations to solve outstanding issues of the GERD dam for the benefit of their peoples.”
The commitment and relentless efforts displayed by Ethiopia to ensure the resumption of the direct negotiations emanates from the conviction that direct talks are the best approach to achieve the objective of ensuring equitable utilisation of the waters of the Nile. Addressing the remaining outstanding issues through such approaches would enable the parties to enhance confidence and facilitate further cooperation on the management and utilization of the Nile River and beyond. To boot, the ensuing cooperation would also allow multifaceted benefits to accrue to the riparian states. It is with this in mind that Ethiopia seeks to ensure equitable and reasonable use over the Nile River. Ethiopia has been consistently promoting such a golden principle through, among other things, its active participation in the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), ratification of the Agreement on the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework (CFA) as well as through taking different regional initiatives such as the recently held regional forum, Afri-Run.
In line with this, Ethiopia engages in the on-going trilateral talks on the GERD with the hope of achieving the broader objectives of ensuring the equitable use of the Nile River not to forfeit its legitimate rights. In addition to utilising the shared water resource reasonably, Ethiopia keeps displaying the same level of determination to address the legitimate concerns of downstream countries. Throughout the two rounds of talks, these key principles guided Ethiopia’s approach. The relentless efforts being made to narrow down differences that exist among the parties, aim at turning the Nile River into a means of cooperation among the riparian states. The new round of talks, if genuinely seized, would provide a framework for the parties to discuss and address remaining outstanding issues in a manner that would benefit the overall development of the basin.
Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that the two rounds of talks held so far deviates from the desired approach. The two rounds of talks were overshadowed by unnecessary and baseless media accusations. Moreover, the regressive approach reflected through the tendency of sustaining monopolistic use over the shared water resources is to be blamed for not moving forward. This is 21st century and a rule-based system that is based on the cardinal principle of international law only guarantees fair shares and uses of a shared water resource. That is why Ethiopia has been persistently stating its position that cooperation has no option in the Nile Basin. Concluding the trilateral negotiations with a win-win outcome will, therefore, turn the Nile River into a means of cooperation among the parties. Ethiopia has been committed to a good faith negotiation and this noble ending.
Thus, for the next round of talks that will be held in Cairo during the last week of October to have a positive contribution in the on-going efforts, departing from unhelpful approaches and engaging in good faith negotiations remains to be vital.
Official Statement: The Government of Ethiopia is committed to the preservation of Human Rights
The Ethiopian government has been working to ensure accountability, reconciliation, healing, and truth telling through a credible, nationally- owned and driven transitional justice mechanism that meets international standards.
After robust, intensive and participatory process, the Transitional Justice Policy is in its final stage; and it will be endorsed by the Council of Ministers in a few weeks’ time.
At this critical stage, the government is strongly committed to redouble its continued endeavours to fully implement transitional justice towards the consolidation of peace and stability.
The government also reiterates its firm political determination to accelerate the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement, National Dialogue process, Reconstruction and Recovery and Peace Consolidation to ensure accountability and sustainable peace across the country.
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