05.01.2024
A Year To Reinvigorate The Spirit Of Partnership, Multi Stakeholder Collaboration
The Multifaceted Benefits of Ethiopia’s Membership in the BRICS
Ethiopia and the African Union Conclude a Grant Agreement to Sustaining Peace in the Tigray Region
The First Diplomacy Week Due to Open in Addis Ababa
PRESS STATEMENT: Ethiopia Officially Joins BRICS
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
In a statement released on Sunday (December 31), the African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the terrorist attacks in Plateau, North Central Nigeria during the festive season that resulted in 195 casualties and tens of thousands of displacements.
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi on Monday (January 1) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation in Addis Ababa as roadmap for multisectoral partnership between the two sides.
On Monday (January 1), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed in a press statement, Ethiopia became a full member of the BRICS bloc that serves as a forum for South-South Cooperation (See Article and Press Statement).
In a new year’s message published in The Ethiopian Herald on Sunday (31 December 2023) and addressed to the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa and the wider international community, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, Over the last year (2023), Ethiopia has made a significant progress in strengthening its diplomatic relations with its partners. The Government of Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to continue advancing the national interests of the country. “In the coming year Ethiopia is fully committed to further strengthening its cooperation with members of the international community. Its primary focus will be securing diplomatic and financial support that would contribute to our agenda of ensuring prosperity and progress” the text read (See Article).
In statement released on Wednesday (January 3), on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland the Government Communication Service announced, the historic agreement will grant Ethiopia a 19 percent share Berbera Port (See Statement).
The Ethiopian Government and the African Union (AU) on Thursday (28 December 2023) concluded, a grant agreement of one million US dollars (US $ 1,000,000) to support the Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDR) process in Tigray (See Article).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a briefing session on the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Partnership and Cooperation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland on Monday (January 1) for heads of diplomatic missions and various regional and international organisations based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.The briefing was provided by the Minister of Justice, Gedion Temothewos and the Advisers of the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Policy, Ambassadors Redwan Hussein and Taye Atske Selassie, respectively. Ethiopia will have an important in role peace and security of the region in tandem with ensuring its survival by facilitating access to the sea, they conquered.
Minister of Planning and Development Dr. Fitsum Assefa together with UNDP Deputy Representative to Ethiopia Charu Bist and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) representative on Wednesday (January 3) inaugurated a Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) project in Addis Ababa to tackle deforestation, promote forest restoration, and integrate sustainability into the country’s coffee value chains and food systems.
On Thursday (January 4), State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, presided over a debate on the draft Diplomatic Privileges and Immunity Proclamation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Mesganu stated that Ethiopia is one of the world’s leading diplomatic hubs, and it incorporates a variety of international conventions, particularly conventions regarding diplomatic immunity and privileges, into its domestic law.
Kenya
President William Ruto on Wednesday (January 3) held talks with head of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on the current situation in the Sudan. He also met with Somalia Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar and South Sudan special envoys General Akol Koor Kuc and General Simon Makuac Yen, at State House, Nairobi to discuss bilateral and regional matters of common concern.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir, in a new year’s message on Sunday (31 December 2023) urged the People to participate in the upcoming General Elections. He in particular, called upon opposition forces, especially the hold out groups who are fighting against the Government to lay down their arms and return home and exercise their democratic rights in the upcoming general Elections.
Sudan
US Department of State, in a press statement released on Monday (January 1) on the occasion of Sudan’s National Daystates, “The RSF and SAF must end this brutal war and return governance to civilians.
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A Year To Reinvigorate The Spirit Of Partnership, Multi Stakeholder Collaboration
At the end of the year 2023, we take a moment to reflect on the major diplomatic endeavors of Ethiopia, including the success and challenges we have encountered in both bilateral and multilateral aspects and the way forward.
Over the last year, Ethiopia has made a significant progress in strengthening its diplomatic relations with its partners. The Government of Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to continue advancing the national interests of the country.
Following the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which ended a two-year-long conflict in northern Ethiopia, the Government has committed itself to its full implementation. A Transitional Justice Policy Framework mechanism, which aims to ensure reconciliation and accountability, has been developed and is in the process of implementation. The National Dialogue Commission is also in the process of conducting inclusive dialogue in the Country. The ongoing national reforms, including in governance and the justice system, have gained encouraging support from all our partners. This is crucial to promoting lasting peace and stability in the country and would further widen the peace dividend.
Ethiopia has signed cooperation agreements in political, economic, and cultural fields which further cement partnerships with a number of countries and international organizations. Such agreements would speed up the implementation of the ten-year development plan and the second homegrown reform program.
Ethiopia’s request to join the BRICS family and the momentous decision of the leaders to accept Ethiopia as a member was a historic accomplishment. Ethiopia’s engagement with existing and new BRICS members will be based on its long-standing principles in multilateral cooperation and on the promotion of its strategic interests. Joining the BRICS demonstrates our established diplomatic tradition of diversifying and expanding partnerships, advancing economic development, and regional integration.
One of the primary objectives of our diplomacy is the attainment of sustainable economic development. Ethiopia’s major diplomatic activities have thus been focused on the implementation of the 10-Year Development Plan (2021-2030). Significant progress has been made to this end.
The Government of Ethiopia has taken concrete measures, including the reform of national mechanisms, to ensure accountability in the protection of human rights. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations by the report of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) through the Inter-Ministerial Task Force. This necessitated ending the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) at the 54th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Ethiopia’s bilateral partnership with the United States, Member States of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada continues to be strengthened.
The establishment of an all-weather Strategic Partnership between Ethiopia and the People’s Republic of China during the meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Xi Jinping has been a major diplomatic milestone of the year.
The signing of seventeen agreements with the United Arab Emirates during H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Addis Ababa also demonstrated the strong ties between the two countries in economic development, infrastructure, energy, investment, trade, and other key areas.
The historic visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as the visits of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly were important milestones in our diplomacy. Additionally, the visit of the Foreign Ministers of South Africa, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela along with officials of the European Union and the United Nations were imperative in our diplomatic engagements.
The recent improvement in Ethiopia-EU relations needs further momentum and progress. The Structured Dialogue held on 07 December 2023 in Addis Ababa was a step in the right direction. Ethiopia will continue to advance its robust diplomacy with existing and traditional partners in the spirit of consultation, mutual trust, and a true partnership of equals.
Ethiopia has also continued to play a constructive role in promoting peace, economic integration and interdependence in our sub-region and in Africa. We have promoted African positions to promote the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 sustainable development goals.
Ethiopia has remained to serve as a voice of reason in an increasingly complex global environment. It has promoted balanced and principled positions in the UN and other multilateral organizations. Ethiopia continues to strengthen cooperation with UN agencies. Over the past year we have secured political, financial, and technical support that contributed to national efforts of promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and building institutions that respond to the demands of our people.
The trilateral negotiation on the guidelines and rules for the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) remained a priority in our 2023 diplomatic engagements. Ethiopia’s position on the GERD is based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia will continue to use the waters of the Nile to meet the needs of present and future generations. Ethiopia also remains at the forefront of fighting global climate change. The Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative is a primary demonstration of this commitment. Ethiopia’s participation at the COP-28 was a great success, amplifying the green development model of Ethiopia and promoting a common position with Africa and other developing countries.
Given the growing population and economy of our country, we have been aware of the pressing need to diversify our options for ports and access to the sea. Although Ethiopia is a landlocked country, it is critical that it collaborate with littoral and its neighbors for shared prosperity and maintenance of peace, combat piracy, and transboundary crimes, and ensure freedom of navigation. With that in mind, we held several engagements in 2023 with our neighbors, and we will continue to do so in 2024 to ensure a win- win solution for all parties.
In the coming year, Ethiopia is fully committed to further strengthening its cooperation with members of the international community. Its primary focus will be securing diplomatic and financial support that would contribute to our agenda of ensuring prosperity and progress. We will continue to engage with partners to advocate for common positions on mutually agreed-upon issues of cooperation, both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Accelerating the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development goals, fighting climate change, and addressing humanitarian needs by mobilizing sufficient and predictable financial resources will be another priority in Ethiopia’s diplomacy next year.
Ethiopia will continue to advocate for peace and stability, regional cooperation, and partnership. We can all prosper together by promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties. As Ethiopia commences its responsibility as member of the BRICS family, we will continue to advocate for peace, shared prosperity, and a reformed and inclusive multilateral system anchored on the UN Charter. Reforming the current multilateral architecture to make it fit for purpose will remain on the agenda of Ethiopian diplomacy and this will be done in close coordination with all African friends. Addis Ababa being the third global diplomatic hub, Ethiopia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations in hosting international and regional organizations. It will continue to ensure that all international staff feels safe and at home in the Country. We are prepared to colourfully host the African Union Summit in February 2024.
Ethiopia believes that in today’s interdependent world, the surge for diplomacy is imperative to addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities. We hope that 2024 will be a year where the international community continues to work together with a reinvigorated spirit of partnership and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia wishes a prosperous and happy New Year to all our international friends.
Achieving Sustainable Peace in the Republic of the Sudan through Peaceful Means and All-inclusive Political Dialogue
It has almost been nine months since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan. The conflict has expanded engulfing large parts of the country and involving many actors. Ethiopia is deeply concerned with the worsening situation in the country as the war is resulting in increasing causalities, destruction of properties and basic infrastructures of the country and displacement of millions from their homes. Unless a cessation of hostilities agreement is secured through a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned process, the war might result in further destruction and expansion of the war with awful national and regional consequences.
Since the outbreak of the war, Ethiopia has clearly stated that there will be no military solution to the conflict in the Sudan. Consequently, it has endeavored its best to help Sudanese brothers and sisters achieve peace. Through the IGAD Quartet on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Sudan, Ethiopia indeed, with fellow IGAD Quartet member countries, did tried to silence the guns. On 10 July 2023 Addis Ababa hosted the first IGAD Quartet Summit and actively participated in the implementation of the decisions.
Part of Ethiopia`s efforts in the search for peace in the Sudan is its engagement with the leaders of the parties in the conflict. On 15 November 2023, Lt. General Abdel Fatah al Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan paid a visit to Ethiopia and held fruitful discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. On 28 December 2023, also Lt. General Mohammed Hamdan Daglo Dagalo, commander of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.
Those visits were fruitful. Prime Minister Abiy has got the briefing on the current situation on the Sudan. Moreover, Ethiopia has reiterated to both that the conflict in the Sudan has no military solution and there is an urgent need to reach a ceasefire agreement. Lt. General Abdel Fatah Al Burhan and Lt. General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo have shared their view on the need to resolve the conflict in the Sudan through dialogue.
During the 41st Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government held on 09 December 2023 in Djibouti, the two sides have also reiterated their commitment for IGAD`s proposal for “an unconditional ceasefire”, “peaceful resolution of the conflict” and “a one-to-one meeting”. Ethiopia welcomes this commitment.
With IGAD undertaking preparations to hold the face-to-face meeting, supporting all efforts for peace is critical. Ethiopia firmly believes that sustainable peace in the Sudan can only be achieved through reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities and an all-inclusive political dialogue. Ethiopia will continue supporting all endeavors for peace in the Sudan. Ethiopia also calls the international community to support IGAD in its endeavors for peace and stability in the Sudan.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Ethiopia’s Membership in the BRICS
Starting from 01 January 2024, Ethiopia has begun its full membership of the BRICS bloc along with Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, following the historical decision of the BRICS leaders during the 15thsummit.
Ethiopia has welcomed the opportunity to be part of this important partnership platform. Ethiopia’s membership brings to the table its rich contributions to the advancement of multilateralism including the maintenance peace and security and shared prosperity. The continued commitment of the Government in further cementing South-South cooperation.
Ethiopia’s membership to the BRICS platform unleashes massive potential in expanding its trade, investment, and financial resources from the BRICS, which accounts for 42 percent of the world’s population, one fourth of the world’s gross domestic product, 20 percent of international trade as well as cover 30 percent of world’s territorial expanse.
Ethiopia being home to the second largest population in Africa, recording the fastest economic growth and the third diplomatic hub in the world, would get huge opportunity, through BRICS, in accessing financial and technological resources and maintain and sustain its economic growth.
Underling the need to bring and ensure the well-being and prosperity of its people, the Government of Ethiopia has boldly employed its longstanding diplomatic experience to join the BRICS, an efficient platform to accomplish its economic growth and development including its 10-year development plan.
Ethiopia, in its development plan, emphasizes economic growth, shared prosperity, enhanced economic productivity and competitiveness, technological capability, digital economy, and sustainable development financing, as a key strategy to comprehensively achieve its development plan.
In this regard, Ethiopia has been implementing various economic reforms and diversifying its partnerships with institutions and groups that could bring several economic and financial resources to the economy and advance its national interest.
Ethiopia’s membership to BRICS, its active and constructive participation, aims to benefit and contribute to the family in all its three pillars, political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Since, Ethiopia enjoys strong historical, political, economic, social, and cultural relationships with Member States of the BRICS, its membership will be an additional gear to further expand the economic cooperation, investment, and trade ties and ensure sustainable development resources.
China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa are major trading partners of Ethiopia, in this regard; its membership once again is an asset to attract more foreign direct investment and enhance trade and tourism flows while it also is a source to advance science, innovation, and technology in manufacturing and industry activities.
In the quest to realize the promotion of basic economic and social services to its citizens, Ethiopia assumes the crucial role its membership has to access BRICS multiple sectorial cooperation and partnership in the fields of health, education, agriculture, energy, and environment. Furthermore, Ethiopia, highly prioritize its infrastructural development in the areas of transport and energy aligning with other development projects that plays a fundamental role in obtaining economic growth, and takes the advantage to receive finance from the New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) that provides finance to infrastructures and development projects.
This supplements Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to its development plan to enhance its investment attractiveness and diversify its trade products, ultimately contribute to regional economic integration in the region and beyond.
The history of multilateral forums knows and reminds Ethiopia of its role in advocating and advancing the essentials of an inclusive and fair international political and economic system, ruled by mutual respect, understanding, solidarity, equality, inclusiveness, sovereignty, which are also the guiding principles of BRICS.
The BRICS as an extension of south-south cooperation will be an additional stage for Ethiopia to continue its long-standing determination to bring a reformed political, economic, and financial international landscape that is inclusive of the interests of all developing countries. Thus, Ethiopia’s membership is remarkable to increase its influence in the regional and global political and economic diplomatic engagements.
Ethiopia, to effectively garner the immense benefits of BRICS membership, has been preparing to lay the groundwork to ensure the active participation of Ethiopia in the BRICS. The Ethiopian government has, therefore, appointed Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, as Sherpa, and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga Moach, as Sous Sherpa. A national ministerial and a senior official coordination committee have been also established accordingly.
As an official member of the BRICS family, Ethiopia has begun to play its historical role in strengthening the South- South cooperation. As a founding and active member of the African Union, Ethiopia will also work to bridge the interests of Africa and the BRICS family.
Guided by its long-held principles and rich history of multilateralism, Ethiopia remains committed and ready to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity as a new member of the BRICS family in collaboration with all its members.
Ethiopia and the African Union Conclude a Grant Agreement to Sustaining Peace in the Tigray Region
The Ethiopian Government and the African Union (AU) on 28 December 2023 concluded, a grant agreement of one million US dollars (US $ 1,000,000) to support the Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDR) process in Tigray.
The Grant Contract was inked by Commissioner for National Rehabilitation Commission of Ethiopia, Ambassador Teshome Toga, and Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, in the presence of, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, and. Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU, Ambassador Ayele Lire.
The grant is provided through the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund as part of AU’s support to the effective implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program, pursuant to the Agreement for Lasting Peace through the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), signed between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 02 November 2022 in the South African Capital Pretoria.
During the signing ceremony, State Minister Ambassador Mesganu commended the African Union for its unwavering support and determination to building and sustaining peace in Ethiopia. Recognizing the AU’s instrumental role in the signing of the Pretoria agreement, he underscored that, the conclusion of the grant agreement is a testimony to AU’s strong commitment to the full implementation of Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration program.
Ambassador Bankole, on his part, appreciated the steadfast resolve demonstrated by the Government of Ethiopia to the DDR process promulgated in the Pretoria Peace Accord. While also commending the commitment of the AU and its leadership to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia in consolidating peace throughout the country, he noted that the signing ceremony is a defining moment in Africa’s history as Ethiopia became the first African country to benefit from the peace fund.
Expressing his gratitude to the AU and its leadership for the successful attainment of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, Ambassador Teshome assured that the National Rehabilitation Center will ensure the effective and efficient utilization of the grant. He also emphasized that the signing of the grant agreement would pave way for other regional and international partners to extend support towards the fruition of the ongoing demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration endeavors.
It is to be recalled that the 3rd Joint Committee Meeting of the Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mechanism (MVCM) of the Ethiopian Peace Process was convened by the African Union on 01 December 2023 in Addis Ababa, wherein the delegates of the Federal Government, TPLF, AU Commission and the AU High-Level Panel, reaffirmed the commitment to the full and expeditious implementation of the CoHA, including the DDR process.
Therefore, the signing of the critically important grant agreement demonstrates the continued commitment of both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the African Union to fully implement the accord in the spirit of “African solutions to African problems.” The extension of the grant also marks a significant milestone in that, by virtue of the agreement, Ethiopia became the first AU Member State to benefit directly from the AU Peace Fund since its operationalization in 2023.
Following the conclusion of the grant agreement, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed his profound appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia and expressed gratitude to all Ethiopian, regional and international actors for their continued and firm support to the AU-led peace process. The Chairperson also called on bilateral and multilateral partners to concretely offer support to the AU-led process towards the full implementation of the CoHA.
The First Diplomacy Week Due to Open in Addis Ababa
The first Diplomacy Week expo will showcase a rich tapestry of Ethiopia’s rich diplomatic history for over three millennia at the Science Museum from 11 January to 02 February 2024. The expo, among others, comprises photo exhibitions exploring Ethiopia’s diplomatic apotheosis from the ancient to the future while cognizant of the significant influence public diplomacy, digital diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, culinary diplomacy, and sports diplomacy have on the ancient African republic’s statecraft. These aspects of Ethiopia’s dynamic diplomatic acumen will also be echoed in a series of panel discussions on a wide range of existing, evolving and emerging bilateral, regional, continental and international issues of interest to Ethiopia and its partners under the theme From an African Hub to the World. The theme was adopted to underscore the fact that Ethiopia has always been the voice of Africa on the world stage irrespective of regime changes and is not only a founding member of the OAU but also the seat of the African Union, the UNECA and various regional offices of international organizations. In short, it is the third largest diplomatic hub in the world that champions and practices Pan-Africanism in its foreign relations.
The rationale behind the Diplomacy Week is not only to reminisce Ethiopia’s diplomatic contributions to the world in the last 116 years but also traverse the contours of its undertaking before the advent of modern statecraft but also chart a course for the future. It will also serve as a venue for facilitating dialogue among generations of Ethiopian diplomats thereby creating a conducive environment for knowledge transfer and preservation of institutional memory for posterity.
During a press availability on 04 January 2023, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem said, showcasing Ethiopia’s age-old diplomatic history is one of providing a glimpse in the pivotal role Ethiopia continues to play in regional, continental and global issues.
In addition to this, the Spokesman added, the exhibition aims to inspire Ethiopians to discover more about their country’s diplomatic history and to help them appreciate its potential, build trust, and contribute in the future. The landmark event is also important in preserving the institution’s memory and showing the potential for new diplomatic avenues in the future.
In this connection, Ambassador Meles disclosed, several books documenting the diplomatic journey of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an institution for the last 116 years and a diplomatic journal, will be officially released at the event.
PRESS STATEMENT: Ethiopia Officially Joins BRICS
01 January 2024 (Addis Ababa): Today is a historical day as Ethiopia has officially joined the BRICS.
Starting January 1st, 2024, Ethiopia has assumed its membership in BRICS. Following the historical decision of the BRICS summit in August 2023 to invite Ethiopia to join the BRICS as a member, Ethiopia has welcomed the invitation to be part of this important partnership platform. Its membership recognizes the rich- multilateral contribution of Ethiopia to promote international peace, security, and prosperity; and the continued commitment and leadership of Ethiopia to south-south cooperation. Due to the ongoing economic reforms, the current and potential of the Ethiopian economy has been acknowledged.
We have been preparing to join the BRICS. The Ethiopian government has, therefore, appointed H.E. Mr. Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, as Sherpa, and H.E. Ambassador Mesganu Arga Moach, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Sous Sherpa. A national ministerial and a senior official coordination committee have been also established and laid the groundwork to ensure the active participation of Ethiopia.
Guided by its long-held principles and rich history of multilateralism, Ethiopia remains committed and ready to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity as a new member of the BRICS family in collaboration with all its members.
ENDS
STATEMENT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Partnership and Cooperation has been signed between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland.
03 January 2024 (Addis Ababa): The MOU includes wide scopes of cooperation in social, economic, political and military fields.
Following the scramble for Africa, Somaliland remained under British colonial rule and gained its independence on June 26, 1960. It is to be recalled that at that point in time many countries have given it recognition. However, five days later in the same year, Somaliland voluntarily became one with Mogadishu which had just gained its independence from Italy.
In 1991, Somaliland declared its independence once again and has since then been practicing democracy for 30 years by holding a series of elections and peaceful transition of government. Some countries, including Ethiopia, have opened a consular office in Hargeisa. Nevertheless, Somaliland has not yet received full recognition. Despite this, it has signed agreements with various countries, including agreements for port development. An MOU that was signed enabling 19 percent share of Berbera port for Ethiopia with other partners, is a proof of this fact. It is also known that other countries are following the same process. Yet there has been no murmur or complaint when this materialized. The recent MOU that has been signed which enables Ethiopia to gain a military base and access commercial maritime services through reciprocity and through a lease agreement is basically the same.
There has been a longstanding cooperation agreement between our country and Somaliland. The recently signed comprehensive memorandum of understanding for partnership and cooperation reflects efforts made by the two parties to further strengthen their friendship and respond to the historic questions of both parties. It will also facilitate a strategic partnership in a sustainable manner based on clear details and transparency.
For Somaliland, the MOU enables them to acquire the type of assistance and partnership they cannot get from any other country and also responds to their longstanding demands.
As it pertains to our national interests, it is clearly outlined in our foreign policy that we give priority to our neighbors. In this way, we seek to find solutions to our neighbors’ problems by working together. We are committed to sharing and jointly developing natural endowments towards fulfilling the vision and aspiration we have for developing together. It also creates an opportunity to safely protect and advance our existence and national interests.
In its long and medium term as well as recent history, our nation had direct access to the sea. Through intricacies from far and near, we had however lost this access, and later regained it. In the end, a civil war which lasted for three decades fomented by internal crisis and foreign conspiracy occurred. At the end of the civil war and through both a historical and legal mistake, the country has remained landlocked for the past 30 years.
In the last five years, in order to correct this fracture of history and the frustrations of our people, the new government pursing reforms has been deliberating upon ways of expanding sustainable and reliable port and sea access options that suit the status and growth of our country. Following further ideation, this proposal was recently announced to Ethiopians at large and the international community as the official position of the government.
Following further ideation, this proposal was recently announced to Ethiopians at large and the international community as the official position of the government.
The position announced by the government is strongly rooted in a desire to not engage in war with any one; to ensure that the options pursued are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders and also expresses Ethiopia’s readiness to share its endowments. Accordingly, we have made great effort to explain our position to all who are able and willing to listen.
Consultations and negotiations on mutual benefits have been going on with Somaliland for months now. Therefore, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the benefit of both parties. This document gives Ethiopia the opportunity to obtain a permanent and reliable naval base and commercial maritime service in the Gulf of Aden through a lease arrangement, and according to the government’s announced position, it allows Somaliland to derive an equivalent share of the lease from Ethiopian Airlines. Beyond that, it also includes provisions for the Ethiopian government to make an in-depth assessment towards taking a position regarding the efforts of Somaliland to gain recognition.
The natural endowments that our region is endowed with are more than enough for all of us. It is not possible to create a better tomorrow by denying cooperation under the veil of insecurity or wickedness. The agreement with Somaliland is a demonstration of the government’s belief in achieving Ethiopia’s aspirations through cooperation with its neighbors, through the principle of reciprocity, and through peaceful means. This opportunity is open to all and remains open.
The MoU has created an opportunity to cure the decades old stress and anxiety of Ethiopians. Therefore, it is a historical event that has made Ethiopians happy. This is also an event that should please all Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia, as well as all members of the international community who desire for peace to reign in the region.
No party or country will be affected by this MoU. There is no broken trust nor is there any laws that have been transgressed. While this is the fact, it cannot be said that some will not be offended, shocked and refrain from attempting to destroy the positive progress.
Therefore, Ethiopians in particular must believe that we will be respected only when our nation asserts its proper place in the region, continent and the world; and when it plays its constructive role and upholds its national interests.
Accordingly, the FDRE government calls upon all Ethiopians to use this opportunity for elevation by putting aside our differences and letting the spirit of tolerance govern us. As this is a once in a lifetime historical occurrence, let us use this opportunity to save our country in unison! Let us work together to make our Ethiopia a symbol of elevation by ceasing to pull one another down, so that we may not be blamed in the annals of history.
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