22.12.2023
State Minister Mesganu Participates at the Doha Forum
The Fourth Trilateral Negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Ethiopia Attends the Somalia Security Conference in New York
The First “Perspectives” Occasional Lecture Series at the Science Museum
Press Statement: On the 4th Round of Trilateral Negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat in a press release dispatched on Wednesday (December 20) expressed “growing concern at the deteriorating security situation in Sudan, in particular the reports of the renewed attacks on the Abu Shok camp for internally displaced persons in El Fasher, as well as the spread of the fighting to Wad Medani in Gezira state.”
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) handed over the Qorilow Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Army (SNA) Wednesday (December 20), marking the transfer of the fifth military facility as part of the second phase of the ATMIS troop drawdown in a ceremony held in Hiran region of Hirshabelle State of Somalia.
AUC Chairperson Mahamat along with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Ghana’s President Nana Akuffo Addo on Monday (December 18) attended the inauguration of the first BioNTech facility in Rwanda, the first vaccine production hub on the continent aiming to boost access to mRNA jabs in Africa. The Chairperson in his remarks said, creating a high-quality regulatory environment and ensuring vaccine independence is key to our future capacity to prepare, respond and better recover from pandemics.
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday (December 16) attended the commemoration of the 88th anniversary of Air Force Day in Bishoftu. Ethiopian and Emirati airforces jointly conducted the Black Lion Air show. Speaking of the need to modernise the air force, PM Abiy stressed, moving forward is a duty for which we have no other option.
On Wednesday (December), the Council of Ministers convened its 26th regular session. The meeting deliberated on three draft proclamations on land expropriation, payment of compensation and rehabilitation of people relocated from their original land for the benefit of the public; on national honours, medals and awards and; celebration of public holidays. The council also discussed a draft policy of manufacturing industries. The draft legislations were subsequently referred to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for ratification.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Monday (December 18) received a delegation led by the Director General of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group Ibrahim Cheikh Diong and discussed further collaboration, especially in the wake of Ethiopia joining the AU body.
Speaker of Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representative, Tagese Chafo held bilateral discussions with a Djiboutian delegation led by President of the National Council, Dileita Mohamed Dileita on Wednesday (December 20) and deliberated on ways of further cementing the longstanding people-to-people ties in tandem with cooperation in political and economic arenas.
Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Gebremeskel Chala during a press availability on Wednesday (December 20) disclosed that the trial phase of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will commence soon. He recalled, Ethiopia has ratified tariff rates for products considerate of the AfCFTA.
On Friday (December 15), the National Committee held second round of its meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assessing the preparatory works for the upcoming 37th African Union Summit and 44th Executive Council due to be held in Addis Ababa, in February 2024. During the meeting, stakeholders of the National Committee presented reports of their activities performed in the last month per the direction set in the first round of the meeting. The meeting was overseen by the Chair of the Committee, State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga on Monday (December 18) hosted a delegation sourced from the Ethio-China Friendship and Cooperaton Committee. During the discussions, the State Minister appreciated the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and China, which is reflected through their recent decision to scale up the relationships from a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation to an All-weather Strategic Partnership.
The Fourth Round of the Tripartite negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was conducted in Addis Ababa from Sunday (December 17) to Tuesday (December 19). In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry noted, the negotiations on the guidelines and rules on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD are meant to enhance confidence and build trust among the three countries. Ethiopia remains committed to reach an amicable and negotiated settlement that addresses the interests of the three countries and looks forward the resumption of the negotiation, the statement read (See Article).
On Sunday (December 17), a delegation led by Ethiopian Ambassador to Algeria. Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, took part in the 10th Annual High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security, known as the Oran Process in Oran, Algeria conducted under the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of Progress and Cooperation: A Decade of Transformation and Innovation, Reaching New Heights Together.”
Eritrea
President Isaias Afwerki on Tuesday (December 19) sent a message of congratulations to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on his re-election for a third term.
Djibouti
The first round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti and Azerbaijan was held in Djibouti on Wednesday (December 20). It was co-chaired by Secretary General Mohammad Ali Hassan of Djiboutian MFA and Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, while the Djibouti delegation was headed by Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ali Hassan.
Somalia
President Hassen Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (December 20) attened the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Somali Police Force.
In a statement on Tuesday (December 19) the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced its approval of a new three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Somalia worth 100 million USD. The statement added, Somalia has made considerable progress in strengthening key economic and financial institutions as well as improving governance.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir Mayardit during a swearing-in ceremony of the members of the Reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission in the Capital, Juba, on Wednesday (December 20) urged the members to expedite work on drafting the country’s new permanent constitution, ahead of next year’s general elections.
Kenya
President William Ruto on Monday (December 18) together with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that is aims at boosting trade in goods and create new economic opportunities, with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya’s economic development. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Rebecca Miano signed on the Kenyan party while Secretary of State for Trade of Spain Xiana Margarida Méndez Bértolo and EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger represented the EU side.
President William Ruto on Monday (December 18) chaired the 10th National and County Government’s Summit at the State House in Nairobi. In his remarks, the President said the government is committed to bolstering intergovernmental relations to strengthen devolution. He stressed, the successful collaboration between the national and county governments will foster socio-economic transformation at the grassroots, advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The National Assembly on Saturday (December 16) passed eighteen draft bills that were signed into law by the President, among others, relating to climate change, reforms in the health sector and government financing of priority projects.
Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday (December 20), it has been forced to temporarily suspend food assistance in some parts of Gezira State, as fighting spreads south and east of Sudan’s capital Khartoum. This is a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country’s breadbasket, where WFP had been regularly providing aid to over 800,000 people, including many who escaped the fighting in Khartoum, the statement read.
State Minister Mesganu Participates at the Doha Forum
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga participated in a panel discussion under the theme “BRICS Rising Influence in a Multipolar International Order”, at the 21st edition of the Doha Forum in Qatar from 10 to 11 December 2023. The State Minister speaking at the forum highlighted the rationales behind Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS family, benefits of the BRICS grouping, membership expansion of the BRICS family, and challenges of bringing such a diverse group of countries within this multilateral platform.
The State Minister noted that the post-war world order brought sustained prosperity and stability in war-torn Europe and contributed to some rapid growth in Asia, adding that its outcomes in Africa have been largely a story of broken promises without meaningful development. Re-thinking multilateralism in new spirit is timely to bring about inclusive global order, he said.
The State Minister detailing Ethiopia’s inclusion in BRICS platform detailed that the decision taken by the leadership to join the BRICS family is a continuum of Ethiopia’s established foreign policy position where it has consistently called for the reform of the existing and outdated global governance architecture for decades including global economic and financial architecture and UN Security Council. Hence, Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS does not signify a new policy approach nor a change in its foreign policy orientation; and it has nothing do with closing one door while opening another, said Ambassador Mesganu.
Ambassador Mesganu further noted that Ethiopia’s membership in the BRICS is part of diversifying its strategic partnership, underlining BRICS is not about replacing or substituting Ethiopia’s strong and traditional partnership with the West. He also emphasized that BRICS is not anti-west or anyone, stating the fact that it is pro-Global South to promote shared prosperity.
Ambassador Mesganu pointed out that BRICS is a crucial platform for developing countries to renew multilateralism, to make it more inclusive, and fairer to reflect the legitimate interest of the Global South. He also added that the complexity of global challenges is beyond the capacity of a single country or group, indicating BRICS thus seeks to collaborate with the Global North, and it is open for win-win cooperation and mutual benefit with all partners. Ambassador Mesganu stated that BRICS countries are also of the view that the UN, in spite of challenges, still remains the primary multilateral organization, adding that BRICS operates respecting the UN Charter.
The State Minister, who further clarified to questions some raised regarding the challenges of bringing such a diverse group of countries together as a potential source of friction and tension illustrated that BRICS conducts its affairs on consensus based decision making method focusing on common denominators. However, political differences may exist, and that is an unavoidable in any multilateral platform, including the UN, said Ambassador Mesganu.
With regards to BRICS expansion, Ambassador Mesganu noted that the membership expansion of BRICS platform will advance increased economic dynamism and growth by tapping into the potential of new opportunities, markets, resources, and industries. Regarding the potential of the future cooperation between Africa and BRICS family, Ambassador Mesganu stated that BRICS could support to fully unlock Africa’s potential of manufacturing and industrialization, while also enhancing international trade by re-energizing Africa’s largest free trade area (AfCFTA).
On the sidelines of the Doha Forum, Ambassador Mesganu Arga held productive talks with Qatari officials including Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Mansur Bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, and Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari. During the discussion, Ambassador Mesganu, who noted Qatar is a preferred partner for economic cooperation, emphasized the need to translate the excellent political ties into practical economic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples, underlining the need to increase the breadth and depth of Ethio-Qatati economic cooperation for the greater growth of the ties. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation and foster new areas of cooperation for the steady growth of the bilateral ties.
Moreover, Ambassador Mesganu Arga officially opening the Ethiopian Pavilion at the Doha 2023 Expo, an International Horticulture Exhibition organized by the International Bureau of Exhibition in Doha, Qatar, noted the Expo is an important platform, presenting a new prospect and vitality for Ethiopian horticulture commodities to enter Qatari market. The Ethiopian Pavilion is now exhibiting sustainable, harmonious and eco-friendly horticulture, produced all year round under the theme: “13 Months of Green Production.” The State Minister attending an Ethiopian Business and Investment Forum held in Doha said Ethiopia welcomes Qatari enterprises to invest and take advantage of Ethiopia’s untapped economic potential in agricultural sector.
The Fourth Trilateral Negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The fourth trilateral negotiation among Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was conducted on 17-19 December 2023 in Addis Ababa. The four rounds of talks held following the direction given by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el Sisi, have helped the parties make in-depth deliberations on the key areas of differences, albeit modest, along the way. Nevertheless, the negotiations ended with Egypt announcing to discontinue the talks.
Considering the importance of painstaking discussions to reach an agreement, Ethiopia and Sudan insisted on the continuation of the negotiations. Yet, Egypt insisted on terminating the process. Egypt`s unilateral decision to discontinue the negotiations is an unfortunate development considering the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement through these tripartite talks is within reach.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, is convinced that it is only through these trilateral negotiations that remaining issues of difference on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD could be addressed. In line with this conviction, Ethiopia issued a statement on 19 December 2023 (attached herewith) calling on Egypt to resume the talks. This clarion call was renewed during Ambassador Sileshi Bekele’s media briefing on the results of the fourth round of the trilateral negotiations.
Ethiopia’s insistence on the continuation of the talks goes in line with the principled positions and approaches it adopted throughout the negotiations. In addition, Ethiopia’s resolve emanates from its recognition of the achievements of the three parties reflected through the signing of the Agreement on Declaration of Principles (DoP). Convergences reached during the previous negotiations further attest to this very fact. As this illustrates, the parties stand to benefit immensely from engaging in the negotiations.
However, engagement in the trilateral talks in and of itself is not what brings about success and tangible result. Holding talks for the sake of talks is not in anyone’s interest. Talks needs to be productive and showing genuine commitment is one way of ensuring that. This commitment of Ethiopia has barely been reciprocated by Egypt throughout the just concluded trilateral talks. Not only has Egypt taken part in these talks half-heartedly, but it has also worked against the success of the talks. The statements Egypt issued before and after each round of talks indicate this lack of genuine interest and commitment to reach an agreement. Egyptian negotiators also did not display a serious commitment to reach an acceptable solution.
Egypt has backtracked from agreed provisions and tried to undo the achievements made over the previous negotiations. For instance, efforts were made to water down the relevance of the DoP. Besides, Egypt tried to use the platform, as it indicated in its official statements and remarks in the negotiation process, to “maintain its water security”-euphemism for colonial era water allocations which Ethiopia unequivocally neither recognises nor accepts. Notwithstanding the gains made, it is because of this ill-intended desire and approaches that a breakthrough has not been achieved during the four rounds of talks.
Termination of the trilateral process is indeed an unfortunate and unhelpful development that only delays the possibility of arriving at a mutually beneficial agreement. Achieving a win-win agreement is the only solution to the predicament the Nile riparian states. Egypt, therefore, should abandon its hydro-colonial mentality over the use of the Nile and accept the cardinal principles of the 21st century. Only engagement based on mutual respect and understanding contributes in the overall effort of ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization over the shared water resources.
As Ethiopia has always done, it will continue to make every effort to accommodate the legitimate interests of downstream states in its utilization of the shared Nile River. It will continue to be guided by the cardinal principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and causing no significant harm in its endeavour. As much as Ethiopia strives to work towards ensuring its projects are carried out based on these principles, it will also continue to use its water resources to meet the needs of its growing population, present and the future.
Ethiopia Attends the Somalia Security Conference in New York
Ethiopia participates at the Somalia Security Conference that took place on 12 December 2023 in New York. The conference was convened by the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and co-hosted by the African Union, European Union, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Nations and the United States of America., and attended by 28 of Somalia’s friends and partners.
At the conference, Somalia presented its initiative for building the capabilities of its security sector as ‘now’ (2024-2025), ‘next’ (2026-2027) and ‘later’ (2028-2029) to describe the future landscape for Somalia’s security sector. The initiative was applauded by all the participants acknowledging the efforts of the Government of Somalia to provide a plan that lays out a phased approach to ensure the delivery and sustainability of security provision. Furthermore, international partners express the need for a sustained support and collaboration by the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners to capitalise on the achievements gained so far.
The Ethiopian delegation led by the Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fesseha Shawel, participated at the Conference. Ambassador Fesseha, in his remarks, expressed that Ethiopia has been playing a critical role in the fight against Al Shabaab. He stressed, in light of the terrorist group’s wanton activities in Somalia the imminent drawdown of ATMIS should be conducted wisely.
The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the role of sustainable and predictable financing in executing long and short-term plans, requesting all partners and stakeholders to fully recognize and attach greater significance to the plan presented by the Federal Government of Somalia.
Ambassador Fesseha also added, “As a frontline and immediate neighbour sharing the longest border and people as well as as a prime target of Al-Shabaab, we want to express our resolve and commitment to build on the framework provided and continue to coordinate with the Federal Government of Somalia on our common challenges.”
The conference was pivotal as it draws together all the stakeholders and partners involved while the Federal Government of Somalia presented its vision for the security of Somalia. At the end, the participants issued a communique acknowledging the progress made, welcoming the Somalia Security Sector Development plan and seeking to align their support to Somalia’s priorities and developing partnership principles to aid in the coherence, transparency, coordination and support of capable, accountable and affordable Somali security sector.
The First “Perspectives” Occasional Lecture Series at the Science Museum
The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, on 12 December 2023, launched and held the first of its kind “Perspectives” (Kignit in Amharic) public lecture at the Amphitheatre of Science Museum in Addis Ababa. This edition of the PMO Occasional Lecture Series featured world-renowned American development economist Professor Jeffrey David Sachs. The discourse was themed “Financing Sustainable Development: Challenges and prospectus in a fragmented world.” The lecture was attended by several high-ranking government officials, Addis-based diplomatic corps and scores of distinguished guests including scholars.
In his lecture, Prof. Sachs pointed out that the next four decades house Africa’s bright years ahead. He said, these years mark a period of tremendous economic development accentuated by Africa’s possible status in the near future as the fastest growing part of the world economy.
Speaking comparatively of the economies of Ethiopia and China, he said, Ethiopia can effectively emulate the Asian’s giant’s development trajectory. He also expressed his belief that Ethiopia can sustain and indeed raise this growth rate during the next four decades of Africa’s economic boon. “It’s got nature, every ecosystem. It’s got ancient history. It’s got modern development. It’s got tourism, you name it. It’s here and it’s got history that goes back 3000 years. It’s incredible. What you find in this country. Tourism is unbelievable,” Sachs added.
Jeffrey David Sachs is an American economist, academic, public policy analyst, and former director, who currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
Press Statement: On the 4th Round of Trilateral Negotiation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan conducted the fourth round of trilateral negotiation on 17-19 December 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These four rounds of negotiations have been conducted following the understanding reached between H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) of Ethiopia, and H.E. President Abdel Fatah el Sisi of Egypt on 13 July 2023.
The two leaders guided their respective officials, among other things, to do all the necessary efforts to finalize the rules and guidelines on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The negotiations have helped the three countries to have an in-depth discussion on the major issues of difference.
During these four rounds, Ethiopia endeavoured and keenly engaged with the two lower riparian countries to address the major issues of difference and reach an amicable agreement. Egypt, in contrast, maintained colonial era mentality and erected roadblocks against efforts toward convergence.
The negotiations on the guidelines and rules on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD is meant to enhance confidence and build trust among the three countries. It is not meant to foreclose Ethiopia`s rights on the utilization of the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia would, thus, like to make it abundantly clear that it will continue to utilize its water resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization.
The Agreement on the Declaration of Principles of 2015 signed by the three countries provides the basis for this negotiation.
Moreover, the African Union, which remains seized of the matter since 2020, facilitated a platform that provides the three countries an opportunity to exchange views in order to reach an amicable solution.
After the conclusion of the fourth round of the negotiation, Egypt has issued a statement that violates the UN Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Ethiopia also rejects the misrepresentation of its positions by Egypt.
Ethiopia remains committed to reach an amicable and negotiated settlement that addresses the interests of the three countries and looks forward the resumption of the negotiation.
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