15.12.2023
The 41st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Participates at the Global Refugee Forum 2023
The Global Black History, Heritage and Education Centre Opens Its Headquarters in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia-EU Relations under the Post-Cotonou/Samoa Partnership Agreement
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday (December 9) attended the 41stExtraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). In his remarks, the Chairperson urged the need to relegate multiplicity of parallel initiatives on the Sudan peace process and opt for the Joint IGAD-AU action, supported by the Expanded Mechanism and its Core Group, which brings together all the neighbouring countries of Sudan and the whole international community.
On Tuesday (December 12), the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) co-hosted the official launch of the 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview in Addis Ababa.
The African Union convened a consultative forum to assess the implementation of the African Union Financial Institutions (AUFIs) from Wednesday to Friday (December 13-15) in Lusaka, Zambia. The meeting brought together participants from the Ministries of Finance, Central Banks, African Union Organs and Specialised Agencies, Regional Economic Communities, Association of African Central Banks, African Securities Exchanges Association, and development partners.
The 17th Session of the Committee of Director-Generals of the National Statistics Offices (CoDGs) under the AU Year 2023 theme “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation” was conducted from Wednesday-Friday (December 13-15) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Senior Officials from AU Member States, Heads of the National Statistical Office (NSO); Regional Economic Communities (RECs); statistics training centres; regional and pan African organisations; United Nations agencies, sub-regional, regional and international, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations; academic and research institutions; civil society organizations; media and private practitioners took part in the meeting, the AU disclosed.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde on Monday (December 12) attended the commemoration of the 60th Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) of the Republic of Kenya. In a congratulatory speech, the Head of State conveyed the best wishes of the People and Government of Ethiopia to the People and Government of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the 41st Extraordinary IGAD Summit on the Sudan on Tuesday (12 December), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed Ethiopia’s continued commitment to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict in contiguous nation for the last couple of months (See Article).
The Office of the Prime Minister launched and held the first “Perspectives” – PMO Occasional Lecture Series on December 12, 2023 featuring world renowned development economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs. The lecture held at the Ethiopian Science Museum was entitled “Financing Sustainable Development: Challenges and prospectus in a fragmented world.”
A high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen took part in The Global Refugee Forum 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland from Wednesday to Friday (December 13-15). In his remarks, the DPM and FM stated, Ethiopia has made a significant progress in fulfilling its 2019 Global Refugees Forum commitment in areas of job creation, education, energy and environment protection. On the sidelines, he also met with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger and the Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), Valerie Guarnieri and discussed on ways of scaling up multifaceted, longstanding cooperation (See Article).
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, on Monday (December 11), received at his officeSpecial Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Xue Bing and underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to strive for the realisation of the newly established “all-weather partnership” with the Asian country.
On Saturday (December 9), State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, conferred over the phone with Saudi Arabian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed Elkhereiji, on ways of further enhancing bilateral ties.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga on Monday (December 11) participated at the 21st Edition of Doha Forum in Qatar. Speaking at a panel themed “BRICS Rising Influence in a Multipolar International Order”, he said, Ethiopia’s membership in the BRICS is part of diversifying its strategic partnership and that BRICS could help fully unlock Africa’s potential of manufacturing and industrialization, while also fostering international trade by enhancing AfCFTA. On the margins of the Forum, he also met with the Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari and emphasized the need to translate the excellent political ties into practical economic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.
The Comissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Lelise Neme on Thursday (14 December) met with the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Mansur Bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud and discussed advancing cooperation in priority areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, telecom, logistics and transport, mining and tourism.
The Commissioner of the Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam, participated in the official launch of the 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview co-hosted by AUC and UNOCHA at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday (December 12).
An Ethio-Qatari Business and Investment Forum was held in Doha on Tuesday (December 12) with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in the fields of horticulture, agri-business and tourism, among others. The forum was officiated by State Minister Ambassador Mesganu.
Eritrea
President Isaias Afwerki on Wednesday (December 13), sent a congratulatory message to Kenyan counterpart President William Ruto and the People of Kenya on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Kenya.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh participated at the 41st Extraordinary IGAD Summit on the Sudanese peace process. He said, the violence in Sudan threatens the country’s existence and regional stability and that it needs peace.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Thursday (December 14), dispatched a written message to Qatari King His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on matters pertaining to enhancing bilateral ties.
On Tuesday (December 12), Djibouti hosted the 41st Extraordinary IGAD Summit on the Sudan.
Somalia
President Hassen Sheikh Mohamud chaired the Somalia Security Conference at the United Nations in New York, United States on Tuesday (December 12). In his opening remarks, the President declared, “it is time for Somalia to take up full responsibility of its security. The achievement of this objective will not only benefit Somalia, but it will also contribute to regional and global peace and stability.”
The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power met with President Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (December 13) and discussed on ways the US and USAID-supported development initiatives could facilitate Somalia’s transition to long-term stability.
On Wednesday (December 13), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank announced a four point five billion USD in debt forgiveness for the Horn of African country after completing years of a series of financial reforms under the rubric of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC).
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Isaak Mohamud Mursal, participated on Saturday (December 9) in the 2nd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Cooperation held in China. Addressing the Forum, Isaak capitalized on the importance of joining efforts to tackle challenges in the blue economy including overfishing and climate change.
South Sudan
The Government together with the Global Education Cluster, on Monday (December 11), launched the South Sudan Education Cluster Information Management Strategy dedicated to ensuring effective coordination and leadership to deliver timely and efficient Humanitarian response plan (HRP) and Multiyear resilience program (MYRP).
On Tuesday (December 12), the Government launched the country’s five-year National Export and Investment Strategyin the Capital Juba, with the vision of “A sustainable, productive and diversified economy for inclusive development and prosperity in South Sudan.”
The UN Security Council on Monday (December 11) condemned the fighting that broke out in the Warrap State of South and southern Abyei, which has dragged on since November this year.
On Thursday (07 December), a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)-led workshop in Bor, South Sudan expressed its intention to reconcile feuding communities from Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Kenya
President William Ruto on Tuesday (December 12) oversaw the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya. Among the pronouncements in his speech, President Ruto announced his country’s decision to become visa-free by January 2024. He also announced that Meta has agreed to pay Kenyan content creators for original content.
On Wednesday (December 13), the President opened the 2023 edition of the Diaspora Investment Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in the Capital Nairobi. Kenyans in the diaspora play a key role in the development of the country, President Ruto said.
The Government on Wednesday (December 13) launched The National E-Commerce Strategy. According to the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, the strategy is geared towards transforming the country into a regional e-commerce hub.
The Council of Europe on Tuesday (December 12) announced the singing of the EU-Kenya Partnership Agreement that boasts of growing trade in goods and creating new economic opportunities.
Over the course of the week, nuclear experts convened in Nairobi to discuss ways of promoting research and development in nuclear technology. The eight-day meeting that kicked off on Monday (December 11) will be concluded on Monday next week (December 18).
Sudan
Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations, on Tuesday (December 12) called on the Security Council to impose an arms embargo and material transport embargo against rebel forces, invaders and mercenaries, and to lift sanctions on the Government forces.
The 41st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government
The 41st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government took place on the 9th of December 2023 in Djibouti and discussed the current situation in the Sudan and the way forward. A high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated at the Summit that aims to bring peace and stability to the People of Sudan.
Ethiopia has remained concerned about the ongoing crisis in the Sudan and stressed the need to resolve it through the IGAD facilitated, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned process. In fact, the crisis in the Sudan will not have a military solution. Hence, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is a necessity to move to the next step of addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict.
In this context, Ethiopia welcomes the commitment of the two sides for an “unconditional ceasefire”, face-to-face meeting and “resolution of the conflict through a political dialogue”. This is an encouraging development as there is no military solution for the crisis in the country. The Assembly has resolved that “in the interest of shared and collective responsibility” IGAD is “to be fully seized of the search for peace in the Sudan”. In tandem with this imperative acting in unison as one IGAD family is the best approach.
IGAD in coordination with the African Union Commission is best placed to coordinate with partners and friends of the Sudan to push the process forward towards silencing the guns and achieve sustainable peace in the country. Indeed, the decision of the 41st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government shall be taken as a momentum to mobilize all partners and friends of the Sudan to encourage both sides to honour their commitment for peace. It should be underlined that a coordinated effort by all stakeholders not a competitive approach by a number of initiatives that would yield a positive outcome.
Learning from its experience in resolving similar problems in the region, IGAD together with the AU and supported by all partners and stakeholders can make a difference. In this context, the establishment of the IGAD framework “respected diplomatic and political interlocutors” together with the appointment of the IGAD Special Envoy on the Sudan will be critical to make the mediation efforts fruitful.
Parallel to securing long-term ceasefire, supporting the victims of the conflict, including both who are internally displaced and those who crossed the borders to neighbouring countries shall also be a priority. The reports and numbers that are coming from international organizations are worrying. Neighbouring countries and the international community should, therefore, redouble their efforts to reach Sudanese compatriots in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
As stated, time and again, the crisis in the Sudan will only be addressed through an all-inclusive political dialogue that addresses the fundamental cause of the problem. In this regard, all civilian and political forces in the Sudan shall coordinate their efforts and prioritize the Sudan than their political differences. The more they come together and coordinate, the better and quicker to achieve peace in the Sudan.
Ethiopia remains committed to support Sudanese efforts to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Ethiopia strongly believes that a peace process that is owned and led by the Sudanese People themselves will result in a positive outcome. In this context, the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of the Republic of the Sudan should be respected and maintained.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Participates at the Global Refugee Forum 2023
A high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, participated at The Global Refugee Forum 2023 (GRF 2023) that assembled in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 15 December 2023.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the Forum during the plenary session. In his address, DPM Demeke reaffirmed the commitment of the continued Ethiopian Government to protect refugees by honouring international obligations with a spirit of genuine global solidarity. He emphasized on the need for an ever-stronger global cooperation with renewed partnerships and sense of urgency. He indicated that the GRF provides a unique opportunity to respond to displacement collectively as the current unprecedented level of displacement is a source of grave concern. He also mentioned, as most displaced people are hosted by developing countries, all stakeholders should work together to enhance refugees’ self-reliance and host communities’ resilience.
Demeke also called upon the international community to respond to the needs of refugees with a sense of urgency and partnership, since providing sufficient financial support that meets the current challenge is imperative.
He further stated that, Ethiopia is hosting over one million refugees, who coexist and, in some cases, are integrated with the host communities. Notably, he elaborated Ethiopia’s implementation of progressive policies that provide sustainable protection and solutions for refugees. Despite the widening funding gap, Ethiopia’s doors remain open for new arrivals who need international protection that will put an additional burden on Ethiopia, he stressed. He also highlighted that Ethiopia has made significant progress in fulfilling 2019 GRF commitments in the areas of jobs, education, protection, energy and environment.
On the other hand, DPM and FM Demeke announced Ethiopia’s new pledges that were prepared in line with national development plans and priorities. The pledges focus on enhancing protection and solutions for refugees and host communities. These pledges are dovetail with the objectives of the Forum. These are:
- We re-commit to address the adverse impacts climate change by planting seedlings and providing alternative energy sources.
- We will transform two refugee camps into urban settlements.
- We commit to further integrate refugees into existing national systems of statistics, ID, protection from Gender-Based Violence, inclusion in Education and Training.
- We will create an enabling environment for more investment in refugee-hosting regions.
- We commit to expand provision of land and irrigation schemes to refugees.
- We will accelerate digital connectivity and access to documentation
Finally, he conveyed that the implementation of such national commitments requires renewed global partnership and solidarity with a principle of equitable burden and responsibility sharing.
Side Engagements
On the margins of the Forum the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister held several bilateral meetings and attended side events.
He held back-to-back bilateral side meetings with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Assistant Executive Director of World Food Program (WFP), and the Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, Valerie Guarnierl and Amy Pope, respectively. The meetings capitalised on ways of further enhancing the longstanding cooperation between the Government of Ethiopia these humanitarian agencies to cater to the needs of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) with better coordination and capacity.
Side Events
Besides the Global Refugee Forum, Ethiopia participated in side events and linked events as a co-host in Melkadida Refugee Compact and Kebribeyah Integration Roadmap and a panellist on Climate Action and Human Settlement.
The Ethiopian delegation in close partnership with IKEA Foundation co-hosted the linked event on “Melkadida Refugee Compact: building resilience together.” on 14, December 2023.
The linked event focused on Melkadida Refugee Compact and Kebribeyah Integration Road Map which co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and IKEA Foundation with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). On this occasion, Demeke made a welcoming remark. He expressed the actions and measures developed by the Ethiopian Government in close collaboration with IKEA and UNHCR.
Furthermore, the DPM highlighted the four fundamental pillars of Melkadida Compact; namely:
- access to clean and renewable off-grid solar energy;
- sustainable water supply;
- expansion of irrigable land and;
- the enhancement of inclusive health and education systems.
The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed that the effective partnership between the Ethiopian Government and IKEA Foundation is an example that shows a private sector’s important role in the implementation of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees through entrepreneurship, innovation and mobilization of resources.
He underscored that protecting and integrating refugees require a multi-stakeholder partnership. In this regard, he pointed out that the private sector has an important role in the implementation of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees through entrepreneurship, innovation and mobilization of resources. “The initiative that we are discussing today is a clear example of an effective partnership between the Ethiopian Government and the IKEA Foundation.” He added, the joint undertaking is ground breaking cooperation in protecting and integrating refugees and host communities in the Somali region of Ethiopia.
He concluded his remarks by reaffirming Ethiopia’s steadfast determination to collaborate with all stakeholders to transform the lives of refugees and their host communities.
The Global Black History, Heritage and Education Centre Opens Its Headquarters in Addis Ababa
At an inaugural event held at the African Union Headquarters The Global Black History, Heritage and Education Centre (GBHHEC) on 08 December 2023 announced the opening of its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was graced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, other senior Ethiopian government officials, the founding members of the GBHHEC, African Noncommission representatives, Addis-based diplomatic corps, members of civil societies, the academia and the media corps.
Ethiopia was chosen as the seat of the Centre for being an African country that have successfully resisted colonialism, its unrelenting support for the liberation of black people from the shackles of colonialism, pioneering contributions to Pan-Africanism, and the founding member and seat of the OAU/AU, among other factors. Addis Ababa’s global status as the 3rd diplomatic capital housing the African Union, the UNECA and scores of other regional and international organisations also significantly contributed in this regard.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, DPM and FM Demeke expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Centre for advancing the history and heritage of the black people across the globe and for choosing Addis Ababa as the headquarters of the Centre. Establishing the headquarters in Ethiopia is a recognition of its invaluable support for the liberation struggle of the black people from the yoke of colonialism and relentless dedication for the flourishing of Pan-African ideals, he noted.
Demeke further expressed that the Centre will play an important role in narrating the glorified history, heritage and identity of the black people in its authentic form to the current and future generations. The Centre captures the imagination of the Black African youth in its quest for greater unity and integration in the framework of the AU Agenda 2063 and become cognizant and proud of its legacies. In the face of a changing world, black people should stand united, play their part and secure fair representation.
He also stated that, the Centre will have qualified Research and Cultural Centres that study, research and promote Black people’s culture, history and heritage. He also called for the support of African countries, the African diaspora and black people across the globe and affirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to back the Centre and its objectives.
Angela Martins, representing the African Union Commissioner for Health, Human and Social Development, on her part, underscored that the Centre hugely contributes to the revival of Pan-Africanism and make the voice of the black people heard at the global stage.
She further expressed that the centre will stand as an inspiration of hope, a testament to the resilience and the unwavering spirit of black people. It is a place where we can come together to learn, celebrate, and empower ourselves and future generations.
She remarked that, for far too long, the contributions of Black people to the world have been marginalized and erased. Our history has been distorted, our achievements minimized, and our voices silenced, she echoed. Hence, the GBHHEC is here to regain our narrative, to tell our stories, and to ensure that our legacy is forever stamped in the African and global history, the representative stated. She further expressed that the mandate of the centre aligns with the cultural policies, programmes and projects of the African Union.
The establishment of the Centre in Addis Ababa will glorify Ethiopia’s diplomatic status and its historical role as the pioneer of Pan Africanism and the invaluable support rendered for the black people. It will also add an impetus to conference tourism and enhance black solidarity.
Chairman of the founding members of the Centre, Tsegaye Chama said, the Centre came to fruition through years of dedication of black diaspora professionals originating from Africa, Caribbean and Latin America with the noble goal of harnessing Pan-Africanism, rewriting black history, fostering black solidarity for a better world, own and promote the culture, heritage and history of the Black People.
GBHHEC is an international non-governmental organization which has the aim of restoring, reclaiming, preserving, conserving, rediscovering and accurately documenting Africa’s true history and heritage. The GBHHEC will also culturally bridge African nations among themselves and bind them to the wider African Diaspora ensuring that Africans wherever they live are educated about the truth of their history and heritage.
Ethiopia-EU Relations under the Post-Cotonou/Samoa Partnership Agreement
Ethiopia and the European Union as well as its member states enjoy longstanding cooperation on several fronts. The multifaceted partnerships span close to half a century. These longstanding relations have been strengthened in a structured manner through Lomé Convention‘s series of frameworks, the Cotonou Agreement and currently the Samoa Agreement; governing relations between the EU and the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACP) countries to which Ethiopia is a member. Throughout, the relationship remains uninterrupted even at the height the Cold War.
Since the Lomé convention the relations between Ethiopia and the European Union progressed well and expanded to include a range of issue that covers regional peace and security, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, climate change, human rights and governance, migration, and trade and economic development.
Concomitant to the progress in bilateral partnership, Ethiopia, and the European Union in 2016 signed a ‘Joint Declaration towards an EU-Ethiopia Strategic Engagement’. The joint declaration commits both of the parties to an annual High Level Ministerial Meeting and meetings at the level of EU Heads of Mission with High Level Representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries in the framework of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement. It is outlined that the strategic engagement should focus on six sectoral areas of dialogue: Governance and Human Rights; Regional Peace and Security; Counter-Terrorism and Violent Radicalization; Migration; Social and Economic Development, Investment and Trade; and Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation.
In line with the above bilateral and multilateral frameworks, on 07 December 2023, Ethiopia and EU Mission and Member States chiefs of mission undertook a successful structured dialogue. The Ethiopian side was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen. The EU was led by the Head of the Delegation of the EU to Ethiopia, Ambassador Roland Kobia. The EU delegation was composed of Heads of Mission of all twenty-one EU Member States with diplomatic representations in Addis Ababa.
The dialogue enabled the parties to identify and synchronize mutual interests of priorities for implementation within the frameworks of the Multi-Annual Indicative Program (MIP) signed on 03 October 2023, the Samoa Agreement, and the Joint Declaration towards an EU-Ethiopia Strategic Engagement. It was also imperative to provide a platform for reaffirming joint commitments for a full normalization of relations.
The two sides have agreed to further enhance Ethiopia’s utilization of the Everything But Arms (EBA) trade regime of the European Union. Both parties exchanged views on domestic, regional, and international issues of mutual concern. They agreed to work together on issues of mutual importance. They have also agreed to work together to support national efforts to consolidate peace and accelerate economic reforms.
Furthermore, as the Post-Cotonou Agreement (Samoa Agreement) entered to signature on 15 November 2023; the structured dialogue facilitated forward looking exchanges on common priorities as stipulated under this partnership agreement. Ethiopia is among the countries that signed the Agreement. The Agreement identified six priorities for cooperation between ACP countries, to which Ethiopia belongs to and the EU. The priorities are democracy and human rights; sustainable economic growth and development; climate change; human and social development; peace and security, and migration and mobility. Those priorities are in line with Ethiopia’s Ten-Years Development Plan (2021-2030), Ethiopia’s Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LT-LEDS- 2020-2050) and other policy initiatives.
In conclusion, Ethiopia and the EU are inextricably linked and bonded by historical threads, geo-strategic mutual interests, and concerns. A clear understanding of the context of the relationship, the natural geo-strategic linkage and the convergence of common concerns and interests has provided a strong foundation for charting forward-looking prospects. To this end, it is advisable to consciously create a regular pattern of engagement and interactions. The Samoa Agreement and the Joint Declaration could provide the overarching guiding principles in that direction.
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