03.11.2023

Ethiopia Endorses Policy Pledges and Commitments for the Upcoming GRF

Ethiopia Partakes in the 16th FOCAC Senior Officials Meeting

Ethiopia, Venezuela Reaffirm Their Commitment to Deepening Ties

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the signing of the Agreement for Lasting Peace through the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities (COHA) between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), congratulated Ethiopians for embracing peace, national dialogue and reconciliation on Thursday (02 November). The Chairperson applauded the notable milestones being recorded in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and its Nairobi Roadmap. He reassured the people and Government of Ethiopia that the AU stands ready to help consolidate the gains being made and resolve the pending issues in implementing the COHA.

Moussa Faki Mahamat shared a special message with African young people on the occasion of African Youth Day celebrated on 01 November. The Chairperson urged the youth to continue pushing boundaries that impede progress and act for change for the Africa We Want. He recognized young people as the key agents of change on the African continent.

The first formal AU-UK High Level Dialogue took place on Monday (30 October). The UK and AU signed an MoU showcasing the future of their strategic partnership. The UK’s Minister of State (Development and Africa), Andrew Mitchell, said the UK and the AU are committed to securing a peaceful and prosperous Africa. He also announced funding for ATMIS military stipends to help in the fight against terrorism, and support for Africa’s public health institutions to respond to health emergencies.

The Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, received Yvan Gil Pinto, Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Francisco André, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, on Tuesday (31 October). Discussions were held on common interests and key areas of partnership between the AU Commission and the respective countries.

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received Yvan Gil Pinto, the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Tuesday (31 October). Foreign Minister Pinto also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Monday (30 October), and deliberated at length on bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest. Demeke said it is high time to deepen the historic traditional relations with Venezuela and commended Venezuela for its principled, consistent support at multilateral forums. Both sides have agreed to commence the Joint Ministerial Commission between the two countries (See Article).

Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation visited the Afar region on Saturday (28 October) for a review of development initiatives and to officially launch summer wheat production. He visited the Afar Bentonite Mineral Mining and Production Factory in Warseso woreda. He also launched the Niin Lee Palm Spring Lodge project in Afar Region, which is one of seven tourism destinations to be built through the third ‘Dine for Generation’ Prime Ministerial initiative.

Former Ethiopian President Dr. Mulatu Teshome delivered the message of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe on Wednesday (01 November). The two sides discussed and shared views on ways of advancing their bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, visited Juba, South Sudan, to deliver Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s message to President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday (01 November). The two sides discussed and shared views on issues that would enable Ethiopia and South Sudan to advance their bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues. They have also agreed to work together to build the necessary infrastructure to connect both countries. The two parties also held consultations on issues that would allow the people-to-people relations between the two peoples to continue to be strengthened. Demeke also made a joint statement together with James Morgan, South Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, met and discussed with the Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, in Juba on Wednesday (01 November). Demeke stated that Nile Basin member countries should strengthen their cooperation in order to properly use shared resources. He also said that Ethiopia had made a commitment to facilitate infrastructure projects that would strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Besides strengthening economic ties, the speaker stressed the significance of linking Ethiopia and South Sudan through infrastructure.

Ethiopian National Defense Force Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, on Monday (30 October), discussed with the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, ways to strengthen the two countries’ continued partnership. They also exchanged views on the importance of political processes and dialogue to address Ethiopia’s internal security challenges.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday (29 October), extended its warmest congratulations to the People and Government of the Republic of Türkiye on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. It also expressed its appreciation for the strong partnership and enduring friendship exhibited throughout the years and committed to strengthening the already strong cooperation even further.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Burtukan Ayano, on Thursday (02 November), chaired the meeting of members of the National Committee to review the preparations for the upcoming AU Executive Council meeting and the AU Summit due to be held from 14-15 February and 17-18 February 2024 respectively in Addis Ababa. The State Minister urged each institution to fulfil the tasks and responsibilities given in detail and that everyone should contribute to the success of the Summit. Discussions on the initial plan were held, and the National Committee is tasked with monitoring the implementation by setting up other sub-committees and the secretariat.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, held discussions with Greece and Canadian Ambassadors to Ethiopia at his office on Monday (30 October) and Tuesday (31 October) respectively. In their meeting, a range of topics including efforts to solidify the strong bilateral ties and longstanding historical people-to-people ties were discussed. Canadian Ambassador Joshua Taba acknowledged the importance of Ethiopia as a key African partner. Greece Ambassador Anna Farrou, on her part, stated that although the two countries enjoy a long-standing relationship, they leave much to be desired in terms of turning the historic relationship into a political dialogue.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga received and held discussions with Francisco André, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, on Tuesday (31 October). The meeting marked the second joint political consultation between the two states, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and diplomatic ties. Key areas of mutual interest and concern were addressed by both representatives. Both parties expressed their commitment to exploring avenues for increased cooperation with a focus on the areas of political cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, education as well as regional and international matters of shared interests.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga received the Irish State Minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming, TD, at his office on Monday (30 October). During their meeting, Ambassador Mesganu said the bilateral diplomatic relation is getting back on track and urged the Irish side to help upgrade cooperation on various issues. Minister Sean Fleming expressed his contentment that Ethiopian Airlines was about to resume its flight from Addis Ababa to Dublin within a week. He also shared the Irish people’s keenness to maintain humanitarian support for Ethiopia. Appreciating the confidence-building measures that are being taken by both parties to ameliorate the relationship, Ambassador Mesganu called for strengthened investment relations.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki sent a message of warm congratulations on Saturday (28 October) to President Recep Erdogan and to the people of Türkiye on the occasion of the Celebrations of the Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic. In his message, President Isaias underlined Eritrea’s optimism about enhanced bilateral ties between the two countries and peoples, which are rooted in a historic backlog. President Isaias also wished good health for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and success and peace for the people of the Republic of Türkiye.

President Isaias has sent a message of condolences to President Xi Jinping, and through him, to the Government and people of the PRC as well as to the bereaved family following the passing away of Chinese former Prime Minister Li Kegqang.

Djibouti

Djibouti assumes the chairship of the AUPSC for the month of November, under the leadership of Ambassador Abdi Mahmoud Eybe, Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the AU. This month’s provisional program of work includes a total of seven sessions including on matters specified in the annual indicative program. Six of these sessions will be held at the ambassadorial level, and one at the ministerial level.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his warmest congratulations on Sunday (29 October) to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. He expressed his gratitude to the Turkish people for their enduring friendship and distinguished relations and wished them a prosperous New Century.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, on Wednesday (01 November), met and held discussions with UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway. The two sides exchanged views about Somalia’s security, economy, and politics, and how to help the freed areas. The Prime Minister praised the UN’s support and requested more aid to fight terrorism. Conway assured the Prime Minister of the UN’s continued support.

Prime Minister Abdi Barre, on Monday (30 October), met with Türkiye’s Zirat Katilim Bank CEOs, and thanked them for boosting business ties while calling upon them to invest in Somalia’s natural resources. Somalia welcomed the first foreign bank in over 50 years, as Türkiye’s Ziraat Katilim Bank launched a branch in the country on Sunday (29 October).

Prime Minister Abdi Barre received the World Food Program (WFP) Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Michael Dunford, at his office on Sunday (29 October). Both sides discussed among other issues, food security, humanitarian interventions and the long-term socio-economic development of vulnerable Somali households. Prime Minister Barre expressed his profound appreciation for the critical work that WFP has been doing in Somalia, while stressing his Government’s commitment to maintaining close coordination and cooperation with the organization in building resilience in vulnerable communities.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, during his meeting with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Wednesday (01 November), described the relations between Ethiopia and South Sudan as ‘historical’. Foreign Minister, James Pitia Morgan, on his part, said the meeting in Juba covered a number of bilateral matters including ways to explore and expedite not only how the two countries would consolidate and maintain the current relations but also how they could be deepened and coordinate efforts and cooperate in areas of mutual benefits to both countries, especially in roads.

Kenya

His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, paid a four-day state visit to Kenya. This trip was his first state visit to a Commonwealth country as king. President William Ruto and King Charles III held a tête-à-tête at the State House on Tuesday (31 October). President Ruto said the visit was a showcase of the immense accomplishments achieved by Kenya and the UK during six decades of strong, dynamic and fruitful bilateral relations. This visit would inspire stronger Kenya-UK relations and bolster the Commonwealth and its stated purpose of building a development-focused global community of nations, he added.

President Ruto met with European Commissioner for the Environment, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on Saturday (28 October) in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo. The two sides discussed accelerating the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Kenya and the EU, and environmental protection and conservation. They agreed to work together on the elimination of plastic pollution, the restoration of biodiversity and modalities of maximising the opportunities presented by the carbon credit system.

President Ruto participated in the Summit of the Three Basins on Biodiversity Ecosystems and Tropical Forests – Amazon, Congo, and Borneo-Mekong – that took place in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo, from 26-28 October. President Ruto said a fair and inclusive global climate change mitigation strategy is the key to reversing the adverse effects of the phenomena. This strategy must fund the preservation of carbon sinks and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy; acknowledging and providing incentives to countries in tropical forest basins for forest protection is smart climate action, he added.

Sudan

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reshuffled the cabinet on Wednesday (01 November) relieving five ministers including the Minister of Animal Resources, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Minister of Transport, Minister of Labor and Administrative Reform, and Minister of Trade and Supply. He also gave appointments to five new ministers.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) officially recommenced negotiations for a ceasefire in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (28 October). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the US, IGAD, and the AU are facilitating the ceasefire discussions.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, in a statement issued on Sunday (29 October), has welcomed the resumption of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to end the months-long conflict in the Sudan. He said the humanitarian tragedy in the country continues to unfold unabated, and described the situation in Sudan as “dire”. In this regard, he pointed out that “these talks are a decisive opportunity to let the people of Sudan know that they are not forgotten, that we take our international responsibilities seriously, and that we are committed to ensuring they receive the care, protection and life-saving assistance that they need”.

_____________________________

Ethiopia Endorses Policy Pledges and Commitments for the Upcoming GRF

Ethiopia has a long history of hosting refugees and maintains an open-door asylum policy, giving those seeking refuge access to humanitarian assistance and protection. It has been at the forefront of implementing the comprehensive Refugee Framework. It consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees – commitments set forth by the UN General Assembly in its 2016 New York declaration on refugees and migrants.

The adoption of refugees’ proclamation has yielded tangible results for refugees and host communities. The favourable legal and policy measures have also made further investments possible in concrete development initiatives aimed at supporting the realization of Ethiopia’s pledges to the Global Refugees Forum (GRF).

Ethiopia hosts close to one million refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly from South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. As part of the GRF in 2019, the government made bold promises to improve the lives of refugees and host communities in the areas of job creation, livelihood, and education.

The 2nd GRF is set to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 13-15 December 2023. Global leaders are expected to present their respective countries’ pledges related to various variables of global refugee governance. A high-level Ethiopian delegation is also expected to attend the forum. It was for this reason that a high-level ministerial meeting took place on 26 October 2023 in Bishoftu town to validate and endorse Ethiopia’s final pledges, attended by Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, ministers, UNHCR and IGAD representatives, and other stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the paramount importance of protection and integration with host communities as a significant concern. Recognizing shared responsibility, he stressed the need to enhance and leverage collective efforts to meet the expectations of refugees and asylum seekers. He also underscored the importance of resorting to the assistance needed to ensure their well-being and security.

The UNHCR Country Representative expressed sincere appreciation for Ethiopia’s commendable efforts in extending a welcoming and hospitable environment to refugees. Highlighting Ethiopia’s leadership role, the representative acknowledged the country’s proactive measures in creating conducive conditions for refugees and asylum seekers to enable them to live secure and dignified lives.

Emphasizing the significance of the ministerial meeting, IGAD’s representative, Fathia Alwan, stressed that it goes beyond mere pledges on paper, and the focus lies on translating commitments into concrete outcomes, fostering stronger partnerships, and working towards creating a world that is more inclusive and equitable for refugees. Alwan also appreciated Ethiopia’s commitment to hosting refugees.

The meeting reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the previous pledges. In this regard, the commitments made in 2019 witnessed significant strides in advancing the interests of refugees and host communities. Yet, there were challenges posed by pandemics, conflicts, multiple emergency and displacements resulting from conflicts and natural disasters, as well as macroeconomic challenges.

While implementing the pledges, several noteworthy challenges emerged, necessitating careful consideration and diplomatic efforts. These challenges encompassed the scarcity of financial resources, the adverse ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and socioeconomic conditions of both refugees and host communities, the impediment caused by insufficient and unmatched pledges from the international community, the dearth of comprehensive and accurate refugee data, and, alarmingly, the persistent rise in the number of refugees over time.

Following extensive deliberation, Ethiopia launched six new pledges that it will present at the upcoming 2nd GRF in December 2023. These pledges support and enhance the ongoing efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to improve the lives of refugees and host communities, as well as addressing national development priorities and ensuring the availability of necessary resources.

The pledges focus on environmental rehabilitation activities and providing alternative sources of energy that fight against climate change, human settlements, inclusion of refugees into existing national systems, involvement of the private sectors engagements, access to irrigable land through lease arrangements and digital connectivity and access to documentation. The pledges will be implemented over the next four years (2024-2027).

In his closing remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen emphasized Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to hosting refugees and expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the international community under the burden and responsibility sharing principles. He underscored the importance of enhanced coordination within the relevant Ethiopian line ministries to ensure the successful implementation of the pledges. He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to fulfilling its international commitments and demonstrating solidarity with refugees.

Ethiopia Partakes in the 16th FOCAC Senior Officials Meeting

The 16th Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Beijing from 23-24 October 2023. Deng Li, President of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the FOCAC and Vice Foreign Minister, and Oumar Demba Ba, Senegalese President’s Chief Foreign Affairs Adviser, whose country is the co-chair of the FOCAC, attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

The meeting was co-chaired by Wu Peng, Secretary-General of the Chinese Follow-up Committee and Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, and Ibrahima Sory Sylla, Senegalese Ambassador to China and Senior Coordinator for FOCAC Affairs. The meeting was attended by more than 300 people, including senior officials and representatives from China, 53 African countries, the African Union Commission, as well as international and regional observers. 

The Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Gebeyehu Ganga, Director-General of Middle East, Asia and Pacific Countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, participated in the meeting. 

The meeting discussed the report presented by the secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee and reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC that took place in Dakar, Senegal, on November 2021 under the theme “Deepen China-Africa Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”. 

The representatives agreed that, through close China-Africa cooperation, the nine programs announced by President Xi Jinping, the Dakar Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, the Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024), the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, and the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change are being implemented effectively through close Africa-China cooperation.

High-level exchanges, deepening political mutual trust, higher-quality and more efficient friendly cooperation, and robust exchanges and mutual learning in various fields have all contributed to the expansion of Africa-China relations. In addition, the session approved a summit of FOCAC leaders to be held in Beijing in 2024.

In 2021, China announced to work closely with African countries to implement nine programs including the medical and health program, poverty reduction and agricultural development, trade and investment promotion, digital innovation, green development, capacity building, cultural and people-to-people exchange as well as peace and security.

The meeting reviewed and applauded the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The joint statement issued at the dialogue built extensive consensus between China and Africa, and drew a roadmap for the development of China-Africa relations in the new era. 

The representatives at the dialogue spoke highly of China’s launch of the Initiative for Supporting African Industrialization, the Plan for Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development after the dialogue and commended China’s support for African integration and modernization. 

The meeting also discussed preliminary proposals for strengthening and enhancing FOCAC 2024, and proposed to reduce the term of the African co-chair country of FOCAC from six to three years. As fellow companions on the journey towards development and revitalization, both China and African countries have high expectations for next year’s FOCAC.

The two sides will work together to make preparations and plan on the outcomes, seek synergy between China’s Second Centenary Goal and Agenda 2063 of the AU, tap on opportunities brought by Belt and Road cooperation, take joint measures to better facilitate and support the cooperation between Chinese and African companies, encourage them to carry forward the entrepreneurial spirit, seize opportunities, unlock potential and break new ground, take the high-level China-Africa community with a shared future to a new height, and bring common development and prosperity to the close to three billion Chinese and African people.

Addressing the meeting, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li said that with profound changes unseen in a century and the growing strength of developing countries, China and Africa are showing even greater interest in advancing solidarity and cooperation for shared development. Staying committed to mutual benefit and shared development, China and Africa have seen ever-widening cooperation with win-win results, he noted.

China stands ready to work with Africa to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust, explore new grounds for development and cooperation. Senior officials and representatives from the African side spoke highly of the achievements of China-African relations and the FOCAC. Trade transactions between Africa and China reached a new historical high of 282 billion USD in 2022. China has offered zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable items exported to China by 21 African countries, helping more quality African goods gain access to the Chinese market. 

Overall, FOCAC is the most comprehensive platform that promotes Sino-African relations. Since FOCAC’s establishment 23 years ago, China-Africa relations have grown ever closer and cooperation has produced fruitful results. FOCAC aims to facilitate collective dialogue and practical cooperation between China and Africa.

Chinese and African officials expressed hope for more cooperation in business, innovation and global governance. At the initiative of both China and African countries, FOCAC was inaugurated at its first Ministerial Conference in Beijing in October 2000, to respond to the challenges emerging from economic globalization, and seek common development.

All in all, Ethiopia’s active participation and contributions at the 16th FOCAC Senior Officials’ Meeting further reinforced the ever-strong and growing relationship between Ethiopia and China, fitting the recently elevated relations of an All-Weather Strategic Partnership. Through this partnership, economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations have been forged and a blueprint for implementation and follow-up mechanisms will be set that will facilitate the effective implementation and meaningful implementation of cooperation programs based on mutually beneficial frameworks. 

Ethiopia, Venezuela Reaffirm Their Commitment to Deepening Ties

A delegation led by Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Yván Gil Pinto, paid an official visit to Ethiopia from 30-31 October 2023. This visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two nations. The delegation held discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen, to strengthen collaboration and identify new areas of collaboration.

During the discussion, both sides expressed commitment to further enhancing ties and fostering a deeper understanding between the two nations. Notably, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen underlined the historical significance of the long-standing friendship between Ethiopia and Venezuela dating back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1951. It was high time to deepen the historic relations within the framework of South–South Cooperation with Venezuela, he added. He also commended Venezuela for its principled and consistent support on multilateral platforms.

During the official talks and high-level diplomatic dialogue, Ethiopian and Venezuelan officials engaged in productive exchanges aimed at deepening cooperation in various sectors. The delegations reiterated their mutual commitment to pursue a comprehensive partnership encompassing areas such as tourism, agriculture, energy, education, health and culture.

Recognizing the potential for economic collaboration, the discussions focused on exploring avenues for trade expansion, investment promotion, and joint ventures. The Ethiopian side emphasized the importance of Venezuelan expertise in the oil and energy sectors, expressing the desire to explore potential partnerships and knowledge sharing in these fields. Venezuela, in turn, expressed its eagerness to learn from Ethiopian Airlines’ experience and sought to encourage Ethiopian Airlines to start flying to Caracas.

In an effort to strengthen cultural ties, the two nations explored opportunities for increased cultural exchange programs and collaborations in the fields of art, music, and sports. Furthermore, discussions centered on educational cooperation with an emphasis on student exchanges, scholarships, and joint research programs. Venezuela expressed interest in offering scholarship opportunities to Ethiopian students.

Considering the changing geopolitical landscape, both Ethiopia and Venezuela have acknowledged the necessity of cooperating on regional and global issues. The delegations exchanged views on increasing cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations.

The official visit concluded with expressions of gratitude from both sides, reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties, and building upon existing cooperation. Ethiopian and Venezuelan officials have agreed to commence the Joint Ministerial Commission between the two countries.