20.10.2023

China, Ethiopia Agree to Elevate their Relations to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership

Ethiopian Delegation Partakes in the AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023 – Event.

Ethiopia Participates in Nile Basin Initiative Meetings

Government Starts Repatriating Ethiopian Citizens from Sudan and Saudi Arabia

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the bombing of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza killing hundreds of people on Tuesday (18 October). Stating that targeting a hospital is a war crime, he said, “the international community must act now”.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Sunday (15 October), conferred with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo. The two sides discussed the situation on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Chairperson reiterated the position of the AU as outlined in the Union’s latest statement on 07 Oct 2023.

On Sunday (15 October), the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States issued a joint statement calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, and for a concerted international effort to provide basic assistance and urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Expressing their grave concern over the Israeli order for more than one million Palestinians to leave their homes, the two organizations called on the UN and the international community to stop a catastrophe unfolding, before it is too late. They further stressed that ultimately, a political solution based on the two-State vision is the only way to guarantee peace and security for all peoples and States in the region.

The AU and the UN held the Inaugural Retreat of the Special Representatives of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCCs) and the Special Representatives and Special Envoys of the Secretary-General (SRSGs and SESGs) of the UN, in Cairo, Egypt, On 16 October 2023, under the theme: “Enhanced Cooperation and Collaboration in Peace and Security”. The 14th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa took place from 17-18 October 2023.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday (17 October). The two leaders have agreed to maintain high-level exchanges of visit, enhance mutual political trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. They have also decided to upgrade the relationship between China and Ethiopia to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who is in Beijing for Belt and Road Forum met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday (16 October) in Beijing. Prime Minister Abiy noted that Ethio-China relations have set a constructive model for China-Africa and South-South cooperation. He also said that the countries could build on this model to effectively address their current and future development challenges. Following their bilateral meeting, the Premiers presided over the signing of twelve cooperation agreements and two letters of intent in various fields.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met and conferred with President of the New Development Bank, Dilma Rousseff, on Wednesday (18 October), on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum.

Prime Minister Abiy, on Wednesday (18 October), addressed the opening session of the Third Belt and Road Forum. He shared the genesis of Sino-African relations and the strong basis for cooperation set by the Belt and Road Initiative in infrastructure development (See Article)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the Third High Level Forum on “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy” on Wednesday (18 October). In his address, the Prime Minister shared the successes of the Belt and Road Initiative in Ethiopia and called for deepening of agriculture sector cooperation and intensifying industry centred development cooperation.

The Ethio-China Trade and Investment Forum took place in Beijing on Tuesday (17 October) with the participation of more than 300 investors. Ethiopia’s investment potential and opportunities in priority sectors, including mining, were extensively discussed at the Forum. At the event, the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) signed Memoranda of Understanding with two pharmaceutical companies and an Agro-processing company, all set to invest in Ethiopia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, hosted the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Aleli Admasu, and held discussions at his office on Wednesday (18 October). During their meeting, latest developments in Ethiopia, Israel and the Middle East were discussed. Their meeting also focused on the need to finding lasting solutions to conflicts.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga held discussions with the new U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Jose Massinga, on Wednesday (18 October). Welcoming Ambassador Massinga, the State Minister appreciated the cooperation between Ethiopia and the U.S. on bilateral and multilateral platforms. Highlighting the importance of deepening bilateral engagement and revitalizing structured dialogue between the two countries, he also pointed out Ethiopia’s keen interest to attract FDI from the U.S. and to enhance the trade ties. Ambassador Massinga, on his part, affirmed his commitment and desire to work towards strengthening the bilateral relations.

Ethiopia participated in the 31st Nile Council of Ministers meeting and the 7th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) both held in Kampala, Uganda. In its meeting on Sunday (14 October), the NBI Council of Ministers urged riparian countries to establish the Nile River Basin Commission (See Article)

Eritrea

Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab met President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Saturday (14 October) in Cairo. They delivered President Isaias’ message, regarding the need to bolster efforts to end the war in the Sudan and create the ground for durable peace by uniting current multiple initiatives, to President Sisi. President Sisi thanked the Eritrean President for his unwavering commitment and solidarity with the Sudan, and stressed convergence of views. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and General Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel.

Djibouti

The Republic of Djibouti, in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (18 October), condemned the massacre committed by the brutal bombing of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza, which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Palestinian citizens. It expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. It also called for a serious and firm international stance to be taken to provide immediate protection for defenceless civilians. Djibouti also stressed that the only way to establish lasting peace in the Middle East was to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in all its aspects, guaranteeing the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the resolutions of international law.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received Somali troops who returned home from Eritrea on Monday (16 October) to scale up the efforts to fight terrorists. The President said the courage of the soldiers filled him with belief, along with every other Somali that, Somalia’s liberation for a lasting peace is imminent.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on Wednesday (18 October), issued a statement strongly condemning the bombing of Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza which claimed the lives of more than 500 Palestinian civilians, including children and women. Implicating the Israeli army for the incident, the statement called on Israel to respect international law and to immediately and unconditionally stop the subsequent attacks.

On Thursday (19 October), Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Jama participated in the extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting discussed the recent developments in the Gaza Strip, amid emphasis on the necessity of holding Israel accountable and protecting the Palestinians.

Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh met with Qatari Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on Sunday (15 October) on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held in Marrakesh, Morocco. Topics pertaining to mutual interests, particularly in the financial and economic fields, were discussed during the meeting, as well as measures aimed at broadening the scope of joint efforts.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir, on Monday (16 October), received a written message from Kenyan President William Ruto on issues of mutual concern between Juba and Nairobi. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, delivered the message.

Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan received a letter from his Japanese counterpart Yōko Kamikawa on Monday (16 October) seeking South Sudan’s support to the draft resolution entitled “Steps to Building a Common Roadmap towards a World without Nuclear Weapons”.

Kenya

Angolan President Joào Lourenço arrived in Kenya on Thursday (19 October) for a two-day state visit, and to hold discussions with President William Ruto. In light of this visit, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said, ❝Kenya’s foreign policy places great importance on Pan-Africanism as a strategic tool to address African challenges with African solutions❞. The two countries kicked off the inaugural joint commission for cooperation on Tuesday (17 October) reaffirming their commitment to fostering collaboration in areas such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.

President William Ruto met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday (18 October) in Beijing. The leaders agreed to open Chinese markets to Kenyan agricultural produce and ensure completion of infrastructure programmes. ❝China is committed to enhancing trade, expanding investments and increasing technical cooperation with Kenya❞, said President Ruto.

President Ruto held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, on Tuesday (17 October) in Beijing, China. The President expressed Kenya’s openness for business and partnerships that would benefit the people. He also Pakistan’s interest to enhance trade relations with a focus on pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. The leaders also looked forward to strengthening the cultural relations between the two countries.

President Ruto met with Mr LI Xi, a senior member of China’s Communist Party Political Bureau on Monday (16 October). Both sides agreed on creating a conducive environment for Chinese companies that would undertake projects including road construction, railway expansion and airport modernisation.

President Ruto, on Monday (16 October), witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and China’s Energy International Group, and between Kenya and Huawei to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation. He also welcomed China’s support for the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and appreciated the interest shown by Chinese companies in key projects in ICT, energy, housing, road and air transport.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, hosted the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan OBE, on Wednesday (18 October), and discussed the preparations for the upcoming visit of the British Royal Couple, HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camila, to Kenya.

Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also held discussions with Yemeni delegation led by Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak on Monday (16 October). Both sides revisited the developments in the Middle East and emphasized the significance of Kenya’s reputation for promoting peace on the global stage. They underscored that violence and extremism had no place in the modern world, and supporting extremism weakened moderate voices, hindering the spirit of peace.

Sudan

Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Malik Agar Eyre, briefed President Salva Kiir on the current situation in Sudan on Monday (16 October). President Kiir appealed to military and political leaders in the Sudan to end the ongoing conflict through peaceful dialogue. He also affirmed his willingness to host a meeting with Sudanese political leaders in Juba next week.

The UN Bureau for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Ethiopia recorded thousands of crossings from Sudan in the last six months. “Ethiopia, which continues to receive returnees, refugees and asylum seekers has recorded nearly 85,800 crossings as of 17 October, mainly via two border entry points, in Kurmuk (Assosa Zone) in the Benishangul Gumz Region and Metema (West Gondar Zone) in the Amhara Region”, it revealed.

_____________________________

China, Ethiopia Agree to Elevate Relations to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership

A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid an official visit to China and attended the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing from 17-18 October 2023. Prime Minister Abiy was accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and high ranking senior government officials.

Prime Minister Abiy was accorded a warm-welcome by the Chinese Government, and held a bilateral meeting the Premier Li Qiang, in the Great Hall of the People where they conducted an in-depth exchange of views on issues of bilateral relations, regional and international issues of mutual interest and reached broad consensus. The two sides reiterated their commitment to elevate the bilateral relations to the next level and to further expand practical cooperation in multiple fields. Both sides witnessed the signing of twelve agreements in various areas of cooperation to enhance the already existing bilateral cooperation.

The agreements include the Establishment of a Coordinating Mechanism for the Joint Promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a Three-Year Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2023-2026), Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development, strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Green Development, Implementation Program for the Years 2024-2026, furthering the friendly relations and strengthening the cultural exchanges and cooperation, Cooperation in Urban and Infrastructure Development as well as to advance high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation, help implement Global Development Initiative and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Protocol on Dispatching a China Medical Team.

The two sides also issued a Joint Statement on the Establishment of All-weather Strategic Partnership. The Ethiopian side expressed its willingness to increase the synergy between the BRI and Ethiopia’s Ten Years Perspective Development Plan (2021-2030). The two sides also noted the willingness to deepen practical cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Global Development Initiative. Both sides appreciated each other’s positive contribution to maintaining regional and world peace and stability, and agreed that all countries should stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adhering to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the UN, taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, and maintaining security in all domains.

They further agreed that the Chinese path to modernization will bring new opportunities for Ethiopia-China cooperation, and that it would be in the fundamental interests of the peoples of Ethiopia and China to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen economic ties. In light of this, the two countries agreed to shore up a balanced and mutually beneficial trade partnership. The China side expressed keenness to encourage and support Ethiopia’s agricultural and food products export to China.

On Tuesday (17 October 2023), Prime Minister Abiy met and held talks with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Prime Minister Abiy expressed his appreciation to President Xi for the great achievements made by the China in recent years and underscored its important partnership to Ethiopia’s socio-economic development. He also conveyed appreciation and supports to the three Global Initiatives (Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative) proposed by President Xi, and willingness to work closely with China to promote the implementation of the initiatives.

Prime Minister Abiy also pointed out that Ethiopia’s relations with China were on the right path, and further strengthening bilateral relations was not only of crucial importance for Ethiopia, but also of great significance for South-South solidarity. Ethiopia hopes to draw from China’s experience in party governance and state administration, looks forward to continuing to advance the BRI cooperation with China and carrying out closer cooperation in key fields, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to Ethiopia for investment.

President Xi, on his part, congratulated Ethiopia on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism and pointed out that Ethiopia was an important player in the development of the BRI. He also underlined the necessity for the two sides to continue strengthening solidarity and cooperation, and firmly supporting each other on mutually beneficial issues. He also expressed China’s readiness to work with Ethiopia to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields under such frameworks as the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, support and participate in Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction and economic revitalization, strengthen cooperation in green development, and implement the Global Development Initiative in order to boost Ethiopia’s development effort.

With the Establishment of All-weather Strategic Partnership, Ethiopia and China have expressed their commitment for their unshakeable close relations despite situational changes. This is a clear manifestation that the visit of the high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy was indeed a complete success and of great significance to the development of Ethio-China relations and a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

On Wednesday (18 October 2023), Prime Minister Abiy attended and delivered a speech representing Africa at the opening session of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and made a keynote speech at the High Level Forum on “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy”. The Forum brought together leaders, representatives, and delegations from over 130 countries. In his address, Prime Minister Abiy noted that the BRI was benefiting Africa a lot in terms of infrastructural development and economic integration. He further affirmed that Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway project was a showcase for the success of the BRI program in creating economic integration in the Horn of Africa neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Abiy also underlined the importance of BRI program towards African-centred industrialization and agricultural transformation programs. Mentioning the rich and diversified culture in Ethiopia and China, the Prime Minister pointed out that it was the right time to harvest the wisdom of people’s ancient civilization.

Parallel events include Finance Minister Ahimed Shide’s discussions with various Chinese financial institutions aimed at addressing mutual interests of the two countrie, and the Ethio–China Investment Forum held in Beijing in the presence of more than 350 Chinese anchor companies’ representatives. The Trade and Investment Forum saw the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with Chinese companies.

Ethiopian Delegation Partakes in the AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023 – Event.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, and Lelise Neme, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, took part in the “AFSIC 10 YEARS Investing in Africa” event which took place from October 9-11, 2023 in London. The delegation included representatives from the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, Ethiopian Securities Exchange, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings.

The delegation promoted investment, actively engaged in meetings with various organizations, institutions and companies, and held bilateral discussions with businesses or organisations, chambers of commerce, among others.

The Ethiopian summit slot was opened in the presence around 100 participants. In her opening address to the summit, State Minister Semerita Sewasew noted the importance of the event to Ethiopia, an emerging country with a huge and burgeoning market and a population of more than 100 million people, out of which about 60 percent is an active working force. She also mentioned the recent 6.1 percent average growth rate of the Ethiopian economy in the last three years which resulted in an estimated GDP of USD 126.78 billion and per capita income of USD 1,027.60 in 2022, proving that the economy is expanding, and its prospects are massive despite a variety of internal and external challenges.

The State Minister also highlighted notable measures taken to improve the overall business climate and ranking of the country’s business activities including the revision of the Commercial Code, Investment Proclamation and Public Enterprises Laws, the introduction of the Public-Private Partnership Law, liberalisation and privatisation initiatives in the telecommunications, logistics, energy, sugar and finance sectors, and the reorientation of credit facilities in favour of the private sector.

Stating that the government was putting relentless efforts to enhance trade and investment environment, the State Minister urged all attendees to explore opportunities in Ethiopia, witness its immense potential, and consider investing in any sector that grab their interest.

Lelise Neme, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Investment Commission, on her part, stressed that Ethiopia has implemented various reforms in the investment sector to create a favourable environment for investors and alleviate bureaucratic challenges. She encouraged foreign investors to explore untapped investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, ICT, and logistics. She also emphasized that Ethiopia’s strategic location positions it as a potential hub for international markets.

The delegation held bilateral discussions and assessed potential collaborations with the UK government institutions and organisations. It briefed UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) of Ethiopia’s current situation. On its side, the FCDO expressed its wish to strengthen bilateral ties with a focus on increasing development assistance, and pronounced its interest to step up humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on giving refugees food supports. Cooperation in trade and the economy was also a topic of mutual interest. Both parties agreed that a comprehensive partnership package needs to be crafted and discussed to ensure productive engagements and sustainability. 

The delegation also held discussions with London Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Similarly, the delegation held talks with UK Standard Banks, Llyods Banks, British International Investment (CDC Group), London Stock Exchange (LSE), and UK insurance companies to enhance the export and import of goods and services between the two nations, as well as to promote investment opportunities.

The delegation conferred with representatives from the AFSIC with the goal of establishing partnerships and synergies that would be advantageous to both Ethiopian organisations and the conference’s participants, ultimately resulting in the development of relationships that would foster Ethiopia’s economic development. The delegation spoke with AFSIC about holding the next round of AFSIC event in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. 

The delegation further discussed with administrators of the upcoming UK-African Investment Summit (UK-AIS) and focused on cooperation and joint working to prepare for the event as effectively as possible.

The group engaged with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and they formally established a new cooperation and collaboration. Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked.

The delegation also met with representatives from the UK’s Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) in Ethiopia, focusing on support for climate financing, financial inclusion, the development of the financial sector, and collaboration to improve the nation’s financial systems.

AFSIC-2023 is one of the largest and most prestigious investment for Africa, which brings together investors, business leaders, and dealmakers to see investment opportunities and attract new and additional investment into Africa.

Ethiopia Participates in Nile Basin Initiative Meetings

Ethiopia participated in the 31st Nile Council of Ministers meeting and the 7th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) both held in Kampala, Uganda. The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) Council of Ministers, in its meeting on Sunday (14 October), urged riparian countries to establish the Nile River Basin Commission.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih, delivered a statement on behalf of the Minister of Water and Energy emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile as well as investing in transformative water and energy infrastructure projects.

The meeting was followed by the 7th edition of the NBDF held from 16-18 October 2023. NBDF is a high-level regional event convened every three years by the NBI in collaboration with Member States and development partners. The Forum is a science-policy-practice dialogue that provides a platform for constructive engagement on issues of importance in the Basin. The Forum was held under the theme; “Deepening Nile Cooperation: Accelerating the Achievement of SDGs in a Changing Climate”. It, among other things, urged the expedited entry into force of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), denounced the unconstructive colonial agreements, identified exemplary projects over the Basin and resolved to ensure equitable utilization of the shared water resources. 

One of the key messages of the Forum was the urgency to establish the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC). This commission would be established following the ratification of the CFA by six countries. Member states of the NBI and the participants emphasized the importance of transforming the NBI into a Commission to ensure the equitable and reasonable utilization of the shared water resources of the Nile River. To this end, participants have urged riparian countries to complete the domestic legal procedures and speed up the birth of the Commission.

Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo underscored the urgency of forming the Commission and stated her country’s commitment in realizing equitable use of the Nile River, among other things, through pledging to support the Commission that would be formed. Furthermore, notwithstanding the encouraging achievements registered by the NBI, participants called upon the organization to continue playing is part to realize the dream of establishing the Commission.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, addressing the forum through his Vice President, urged riparian states of the Nile to redouble their efforts to protect the shared water resource and work towards increasing the volume of water through protecting the environment. He further called up on Egypt to focus more on increasing the quantity of the Nile Water rather than insisting on Agreements that have rather restricted equitable use of the Nile River. President Museveni’s message resonates with the participants who have been calling for the equitable utilization of the Nile. It is also in line with Ethiopia’s long held position of getting rid of exclusive claims over the River in favour of a more inclusive framework.

Delivering the statement of Habtamu Itefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Ambassador Etsegenet Bezabih, underscored the determination of Ethiopia to realize equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River. Undoubtedly, following such path, riparian States would be in a better position to address the common challenges the basin faces. 

Multiple panel discussions were held in the two-days program. A paper on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Project (GERD) was presented by Eng. Gedion Asfaw under the title; “The GERD: history of development, efforts at tripartite collaboration, and opportunities for win-win benefits for Eastern Nile riparian States”. This topic attracted an interesting discussion with participants from the Basin and beyond applauding the project and the immense benefits it stands to bring for the riparian states.

The overall history of the development of the project as well as the determination displayed by Ethiopians to self-finance this mega project was praised by the attendants. This project is further identified as an exemplary project being constructed in line with the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of the shared water resources. The need to meet water, energy and food requirements in the Basin through investing on mega water infrastructure projects in identified as a key lesson from the GERD project. The African approach employed to address the concerns of the downstream countries was also highlighted and participants encouraged remaining differences to be addressed through the same path.

In conclusion, Ethiopia’s active participation in the NBI Council of Ministers meeting and the 7th edition of the NBDF was a demonstration of the country’s commitment to ensure equitable and reasonable use of the shared water resources. Ethiopia has hosted two of the previous six editions of NBDF. Besides, over the past two years, Ethiopia hosted two rounds of a yearly regional conference named, Afri-Run, that seeks to ensure equitable utilization of the River and complements with the key objectives of the NBDF. These demonstrates Ethiopia’s longstanding and principled position on the management and utilization of transboundary watercourses.

Government Starts Repatriating Ethiopian Citizens from Sudan and Saudi Arabia

The Government of Ethiopia pays more attention to the well-being of its citizens oversea than ever before, and plans to repatriate, reunite and rehabilitate them in a sustainable manner for those who are at risk of serious problems in various countries, especially in the Middle East and African countries.

In this regard, due to the civil war currently raging in the Sudan, a significant number of our nationals are exposed to serious problems and threats that calls the attention of the government. As a result, a National Task Force drawn from relevant government offices responsible for the coordination of repatriation programs has been established immediately after the breakout of the conflict. To this effect, the Task Force has created a station at Metema town and works together with the Ethiopian Embassy in the Sudan, which is temporarily moved to Gedarif. As of today, about 33,893 Ethiopian nationals have been repatriated home safely from the Sudan. Since the war is getting worse from time to time and many Ethiopians living in Khartoum and other neighboring cities are exposed to severe problems and life threatening conditions and hence repatriation has become a clarion call to the government.

Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting on 10th October 2023 which was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and held discussions with the pertinent government agencies on the way to expedite the repatriation of the most vulnerable 3,000 Ethiopian nationals from Khartoum to Metema and then transport them from Metema to Addis Ababa and to their final destinations. The Ethiopian Embassy in the Sudan is delegated to bring back our citizens.

Regarding our citizens who are living in a very difficult conditions in various prisons and detention centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an initial plan has been prepared for discussion by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable the repatriation of more than 37,000 of our citizens. Upon the presence of previously existing National Operational Committee with 16 members drawn from different governmental offices, the discussion was made on the same date on the details of the initial plan and a direction was given by the State Minister to kick start the repatriation program on 17 October 2023 with three flights per week, by giving prior attention to the most vulnerable ones.

In addition, all members of the National Committee have been directed to carry out their responsibilities according to their assigned roles. Two hundred thirty-six most vulnerable Ethiopian migrants have arrived Addis Ababa from Jeddah and Riyadh on 17 and 19 October 2023 and safely reunited with their families.