27.10.2023

The Third Round of GERD Talks Takes Place in Cairo

Expediting the Sudanese Peace Process is Imperative

Ethiopia, China Establish an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership”

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, joined leaders on Saturday (21 October) at the Cairo Peace Summit for emergency talks as the crisis in Gaza and the West Bank continued unabated.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday (24 October), received at his office the Arab Ambassadors Group. He reiterated that the AU remains unwavering in support of the Palestinian people and their right to freedom and peace in their homeland. The Ambassadors commended the AU’s position regarding the continued war in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a statement issued on Wednesday (25 October), renewed the longstanding AU demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed against institutions and individuals in the Republic of Zimbabwe. The Chairperson remained extremely concerned by the negative impact the sanctions continue to have on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development amid the current global food and energy crises, including post-Covid-19 recovery efforts. He reaffirmed the continued commitment of the AU to support Zimbabwe in mobilizing efforts for the complete lifting of all remaining sanctions.

The AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), on Tuesday (24 October), reaffirmed zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of governments, and renewed its call for a swift return to constitutional order in Gabon and Niger. It urged a clear and time-bound transition period timetable towards a return to civilian rule in both countries. It also reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees, and respect for their human rights.

The AUPSC held a discussion on Tuesday (24 October) on the AU Sanctions Regime to examine relevant normative frameworks, and consider their effective deployment in addressing the increasing trend of unconstitutional change of governments in Africa.

At the AU Partners Group Session on the peace and security landscape in Africa on Wednesday (25 October), Dagmawit Moges, Director of the AU Peace Fund briefed on the Fund’s mechanisms, and called on development partners to scale up support for AU’s efforts for peace and stability in Africa through the AU Peace Fund.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the 116th National Defence Day program held on Thursday (26 October) at Mesqel Square.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen addressed a high-level ministerial validation workshop held on Thursday (26 October) in Bishoftu town to endorse the Government’s final pledges for the 2023 Global Refugee Forum (GRF). Demeke stated that Ethiopia shelters one million refugees and asylum seekers. As one of the world’s largest refugee host countries, he also highlighted Ethiopia’s outstanding commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers as a duty of its international obligation. During the workshop, six pledges were validated and endorsed that will be announced at the upcoming Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December 2023. Ministers, the head of RRS, and representatives from relevant Federal institutions, UNHCR, IGAD and the GRF team took part in the workshop.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Tuesday (24 October), received at his office Ervin J. Massinga, the new U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia. Deputy Prime Minister Demeke and Ambassador Massinga exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues of common interest. In welcoming Ambassador Massinga, Demeke said that the Ministry would provide him with the necessary support to deepen the bilateral ties. Ambassador Massinga, on his part, said economic cooperation with the U.S. helps Ethiopia unlock its potential.

The third round of talks on the rules and guidelines for the filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was held from 23-24 October in Cairo, Egypt. Ethiopia participated in these negotiations with a commitment to a negotiated outcome through the trilateral talks, and based on the cardinal principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River (See Article)

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, took part in the commemoration of the 78th United Nations (UN) Day held on Tuesday (24 October) at the premises of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa. In addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mesganu underscored that Ethiopia, as one of the founding members of the UN, would always be an ardent proponent of the principles of the UN Charter. The State Minister expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting and strengthening its cooperation with UNECA, and pledged to advance the unique partnership between the UN and Africa. In addition, he called upon the international community to recommit to the spirit of the UN Charter, and to meaningful and urgent reforms of the current global architecture.

Ethiopia signed the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Treaty to join the AU Agency, ARC, on Monday (23 October) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Mohammed Salem Boukhari, Head of the AU delegation, Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, and representatives of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute and other line ministries. State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, during his opening remarks, underscored the importance of signing this treaty in providing Ethiopia with the opportunity to work in tandem with ARC to better prepare, plan and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Mr. Boukhari, on his part, commended the commitment of the Government of Ethiopia for signing this agreement as an important step towards joining ARC.

Eritrea

Foreign Minister Osman Saleh received the credentials of UNDP Resident Representative to Eritrea, Pa Lamin Beyai, on Monday (23 October). Mr. Beyai expressed his commitment to work with the Government of the State of Eritrea in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially noting Eritrea’s commitment to social justice and Leave No One Behind (LNOB).

Djibouti

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with Kira Smith Sindbjerg, Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, Djibouti, IGAD, and the AU, on Monday (23 October) in Djibouti. The two sides exchanged views on regional issues and the importance of IGAD as a political actor. The Ambassador pointed out that Djibouti plays a key role as a stabilizing factor in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EU Commission, on Wednesday (25 October) in Brussels. They discussed the latest security developments, including the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab terrorist group and the EU’s post-ATMIS security support to Somalia.

President Hassan Sheikh also met with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on Wednesday (25 October) in Brussels. They discussed Somalia’s Government efforts to fight against the threat of terrorism, and the EU’s continued support in areas of security, state-building, and development.

President Hassan Sheikh attended the Global Gateway Forum hosted by the European Union from 25-26 October 2023 in Brussels. The President addressed the gathering on critical issues, including the urgent need for investments in infrastructure, green energy, and education.

President Hassan Sheikh, on Monday (23 October), received the U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Shane Dixon, and the Joint Special Operations-Somalia Commander, Colonel David Haskell. They discussed the vital Somalia-U.S. security partnership amid the ongoing offensive aimed at eradicating international terrorism.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit held discussions with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions Committee on Wednesday (25 October). The discussion aimed at assessing the progress of benchmarks for lasting peace in the country. President Kiir assured the committee of the Government’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan, and underscored the impact of the sanctions regime on South Sudan. The Head of the Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Michel Xavier, expressed that the committee had constructive discussions with the President on a number of critical issues.

Representatives of Sudanese signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement conducted a two-day meeting in Juba from 24-25 October 2023. The meeting aimed at finding ways to end the ongoing conflict in the Sudan. Following the meeting’s conclusion, President Kiir urged the representatives to work together to seek a political solution to the ongoing crisis and preserve Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Kenya

President William Samoei Ruto participated in the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 24-26 October 2023. The President presented “Africa’s Climate-Positive Growth Agenda” during the conference and underlined Africa’s investment potential especially in renewable energy and human capital. The conference brought together the world’s leading investors, business leaders, policymakers, inventors and explorers with the aim of discovering new markets and navigating new frontiers of economic growth and prosperity.    

On the sidelines of King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, President Ruto met the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to push for more investments in Kenya’s renewable energy, on Tuesday (24 October).

President Ruto held talks with Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who is also the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for inclusive finance for development, on Monday (23 October). They discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in fighting cancer, supporting climate change mitigation measures, enhancing agri-business, and other fields. President Ruto voiced his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to aid in the shared pursuit of the SDGs.

President Ruto, on Monday (23 October), held talks with Austrian Federal Minister for Labour and Economy Dr. Martin Kocher at State House in Nairobi. The President invited the Austrian business community to explore investment opportunities in the ICT, Special Economic Zones, water and health sectors. He also said that Kenya values its close bilateral ties with Austria, and it is keen on leveraging the warm relations to increase trade volumes, expand markets for agricultural products and enhance labour migration.

President Ruto held talks with Angolan President João Lourenço on Saturday (21 October) in Nairobi. The leaders witnessed the signing of 11 legal instruments – on wildlife management, maritime, agriculture, ICT, oil and gas, health, among others – providing a firm foundation for the growth of Government to Government and people to people relations between the two countries. They also had a joint media briefing where Kenya pledged to support Angola’s candidature for membership of the AUPSC.

Sudan

Sudanese warring parties resumed peace talks on Thursday (26 October) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The talks are taking place in partnership with representatives of the AU and IGAD. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, welcomed the resumption of talks between the two warring parties, and called on negotiators to abide by an earlier agreement announced on May 11 to protect civilians, as well as a short-term ceasefire agreement signed on May 20.

Former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, on Monday (23 October), called for unity among the Sudanese to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict in the country. Hamdok made his call at the opening session of a three-day meeting held in Addis Ababa to create a united Democratic Civilian Front to end the war in Sudan. Referring to the suffering of the Sudanese people due to the ongoing war, he stressed the need to combine efforts to end this war, provide humanitarian assistance, and achieve comprehensive peace.

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The Third Round of GERD Talks Takes Place in Cairo

Following the visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Arab Republic of Egypt on 12-13 July 2023, an understanding was reached with President Abdel Fatah el Sisi of Egypt to resume trilateral talks on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Cairo hosted the first round on 27-28 August 2023 while Addis Ababa hosted the second round on 23-24 September. The three countries again met on 23-24 October 2023 in Cairo, Egypt for the third round of talks.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by Ambassador Seleshi Bekele, Chief Negotiator with the rank of Minister. The Egyptian delegation was led by Prof. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt, and the Sudanese delegation was led by Eng. Dawelbeit Abdelrahman, Acting Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources of the Republic of the Sudan. The delegations included experts in hydrology, international law, and diplomacy. As a continuation of the previous two meetings, in the third round of talks, the three countries extensively deliberated on outstanding issues with the aim of exploring areas of convergence.

The Nile River is a shared water resource where no one shall claim hegemony or exclusive ownership. It is a God-given asset that can be regarded as an umbilical cord between the riparian states. Thus, the management and utilization of this river should be based on common understanding and fairness. Every riparian state of the Nile has the right to develop and to equitably utilize the waters of the Nile in their respective territories to meet their water, energy and food requirements. The construction of GERD, therefore, should be seen from this perspective.

The GERD is a national mega project solely financed by the Government and people of Ethiopia aimed at alleviating millions out of poverty. At the same time, it has tremendous regional benefits. It can be seen as a source of cooperation than confrontation between the riparian states. Ethiopia’s continued engagement with the two lower riparian states is, therefore, a demonstration of its commitment to regional cooperation. The GERD can be a reason for mutual understanding and a vehicle for further cooperation among the riparian states. This is what Ethiopia underscored in the latest round of talks.

The three countries can reach a convergence on the outstanding issues if they are able to reach a common understanding of to whom the Nile belongs. A recognition that the waters of the Nile is a shared resource by which all riparian states have a right for an equitable and reasonable share will pave the way for a win-win outcome. Otherwise, it will make the journey arduous and will not result in anything fruitful. Therefore, the three countries should once again reaffirm their commitment to the Declaration of Principles (DoP) they signed on 23 March 2015 to guide their discussions on the guidelines and rules on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD and manage their relations regarding the utilization of the waters of the Blue/Main Nile.

During the third round of talks, the three countries deliberated on fundamental issues of interest. These exchanges of views have helped to understand each other’s concerns and interests. The path to reaching convergence is respect and commitment to the DoP. Cooperation is not only an option but a necessity for the three countries. Hence, reaching a mutually acceptable agreement is in the best interest of the three countries. Ethiopia hopes the fourth round of talks, which will be held in Addis Ababa in December 2023, will be an opportunity to reach a common understanding on the remaining issues.

Expediting the Sudanese Peace Process is Imperative

It is now a little more than six months since the violent conflict erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The situation is worrying as the war has expanded both in terms of geography and the actors involved. As a result, millions are displaced from their homes with more than five million internally displaced and nearly 1.6 million have crossed borders to neighbouring countries. The end of the fighting seems not in sight. Ethiopia is worried about such a worsening situation in the country.

A continuing war will only cause Sudan to bleed. It is, therefore, imperative for the conflicting parties to halt hostilities without any condition and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. There are multiple peace initiatives. It is understandable that the various actors initiated these processes out of concern and with the need to restore peace to the Sudan. Nonetheless, if these peace processes are not coordinated, it would not help the peace process but further complicate the matter. At the centre of the peace processes should be the urgency of restoring peace in the Sudan by immediately ending the war on the ground and resuming the political process. This is the best way to ensure sustainable peace in the Sudan.

The Assembly of the IGAD Heads of States and Governments in its 14th Ordinary session held on 13 June 2023 in Djibouti established the IGAD Quartet on the Sudan. The first summit of the Quartet took place on 10 July 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The representatives of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) were expected at this meeting. SAF representatives did not show up. This has undermined the peace process in the country. Another Heads of States and Governments meeting was held on 06 September 2023 in Nairobi on the sidelines of the 2023 Africa Climate Summit “to take stock of the implementation of the IGAD Roadmap for peace in the Republic of the Sudan.”

As well, the representatives of the two parties have resumed peace talks on 26 October 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The invitation of IGAD through its Executive Secretary to attend these negotiations is a welcoming development. Nonetheless, better coordination and cooperation between the different initiatives would expedite the peace process. The forthcoming IGAD summit of Heads of States and Governments will also hopefully chart out the path for peace in the Sudan by enhancing the existing efforts.

In line with the initiatives and efforts to silence the guns, the international community and all relevant actors shall play a crucial role in enhancing their support for all Sudanese affected by the war. The dire humanitarian situation requires to redouble efforts, both for those who are internally displaced and those who are in neighbouring countries.

For any peace process to be achieved, it should be owned by the people of the Sudan. The various civilian and political forces can play a crucial role in representing the various interests of the people of the Sudan. Therefore, the various civilian and political actors as well as armed groups of the Sudan shall coordinate their efforts and come to the same objective of achieving the desires of the people of the Sudan mainly by silencing the guns immediately and without further delay. In this regard, the recent consultations among the different groups are encouraging beginnings that deserve support. Such efforts will indeed expedite the peace process in the Sudan. This will further lay the foundation for a robust political consultation and dialogue that aims at achieving durable peace for the people of the Sudan.

Ethiopia, China Establish an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership”

Ethiopia and China have elevated their longstanding relations to a new height from a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership”. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s official visit to the People’s Republic of China on 17 October 2023. China has established such a partnership with only a few countries considered strong partners. This is the first time an African nation has elevated its relationship with China.

China and Ethiopia have enjoyed long-standing diplomatic relations since the 1970s when they established formal diplomatic ties. The relations have been further strengthened with high-level exchanges of visits between the leaders of the two countries. In 2017, the countries elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (CSCP) which served as one of the manifestations reflecting the strong bond between them in multifaceted areas.

Under the CSCP, Ethiopia and China maintained the momentum of high-level exchanges and deepened their cooperation in diverse fields including infrastructure and industrial park development. Ethiopia has become an important investment destination for China, whereas China is a major source of investment and a key trading partner for Ethiopia. China firmly supports Ethiopia’s economic development endeavours through development finance, investment, knowledge, skill and know-how transfer, and capacity building.

Enjoying the CSCP over the past five years, the two countries have closely worked together to advance the agenda of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and peace and security on multilateral platforms. The bilateral cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testimony to the strong bond between the countries.

Under the ‘All-Weather Strategic Partnership’, the two countries have agreed to sustainably cooperate on all fronts and stand together both in good and challenging times, ensuring their strategic partnership based on mutual benefits. This demonstrates their commitment to expanding ties in the political, economic, social, and peace and security spheres, among others. It also allows the relations to gain new momentum and give them an impetus to advance their common development and foster win-win cooperation.

In Chinese foreign relations, an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership” is one of the highest and esteemed layers of ties with countries signifying an extraordinary bond that is not affected by conditions. Ethio-Chinese cooperation thus would sustainably continue regardless of the winds of changes in any situations. The establishment of this partnership is a major milestone for bilateral relations laying a firm foundation for mutual political trust. It entails an ever-increasing convergence of strategic goals for mutually beneficial cooperation. It enables the countries to work together on regional and international platforms for the community of a shared future.  

During this historic visit, China reiterated its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s post-conflict reconstruction and economic revitalization, and strengthening cooperation in green development under its Global Development Initiative. It is willing to pursue pragmatic cooperation with Ethiopia under the BRI and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation frameworks. It also voiced its commitment to respect Ethiopia’s sovereignty, safety and development interests, and to alleviate its external debt burden to help boost its socio-economic development.

China and Ethiopia have agreed to establish a balanced and mutually beneficial trade partnership. China is keen to support Ethiopia’s exports to China. Their partnership is poised to significantly attract more Chinese businesses to Ethiopia. China, in this regard, reiterated its readiness to encourage Chinese investors to do business in Ethiopia, accelerate the implementation of key cooperation projects, expand trade exchanges, and help Ethiopia advance industrialization and agricultural modernization through its Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda and Ten-Year Development Plan. Both sides have vowed to increase the synergy between the BRI and Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan. Ethiopia also supports Chinese proposed initiatives – the BRI, Global Development Initiatives, Global Security Initiatives and Global Civilization Initiatives.

The establishment of the All-Weather Strategic Partnership is an opportunity to advance common development and win-win cooperation, promote South-South solidarity, and safeguard international equity and justice. The countries agreed to continue supporting each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests. They promised to deepen cooperation in people-to-people and cultural exchanges, capacity building, aviation, and coordination on regional and global issues, and particularly to promote China-Africa relations. They also pledged to promote Africa’s development goals, Agenda 2063 and regional integration.

China expressed its readiness to work with Ethiopia to promote a high-quality joint BRI in Africa, deepen cooperation in health, poverty alleviation, agriculture, trade and investment, green development, the digital economy and other fields. It also strives to help Africa achieve economic recovery and sustainable development, and promote building a China-African community with a shared future in the new era.

With a view to implementing the UN SDGs, contributing to global development partnerships and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the two sides agreed to work together in promoting and implementing the Global Development Initiatives. Ethiopia further supports the Global Security Initiatives and the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

As the elevation of bilateral relations comes at a time when Ethiopia is set to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, it adds more advantages to support Ethiopia’s meaningful participation in the block. In light of this, the two countries agreed to embrace new opportunities brought about by an enhanced level of cooperation to realize mutually beneficial development, and enhance fruitful cooperation in multilateral and regional financial institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to which Ethiopia is a party.

Both sides agreed to take the lead in implementing the Chinese Global Initiatives to advocate peaceful coexistence and mutual learning among civilizations. The partnership increases the determination of the two sides to work in close cooperation on common issues including peace and security and climate change. Towards achieving wide-ranging practical cooperation and promoting strategic values under the All-Weather Strategic Partnership, the two sides are committed to enhancing coordination and implementation mechanisms.

Overall, with the establishment of an All-Weather Strategic Partnership, Ethiopia and China have expressed their commitment to unshakeable relations irrespective of changes in situations. This is clear proof that the visit of the high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was indeed a complete success. With joint efforts to advance the All-Weather Strategic Partnership, Ethiopia and China hope to achieve greater success for the well-being of their people, and help build a closer Ethiopia-China community of shared future in the new era.