12.01.2024

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Mohammed El-Amine Souef, on Tuesday (January 09) congratulated the President of Puntland State of Somalia, Said Abdullahi Deni, on his successful re-election for another five-year term together with Vice President Elect, Ilyas Osman Lugatoor.

On Wednesday (January 10), the African Union announced the arrival of its short-term Electoral Observation Mission led by former President of Burundi and Member of the AU Panel of Wise Persons, Domitien Ndayizeye, in Moroni, Comoros, to observe the first round of the presidential and island governor elections due on 14 January 2024. 

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde on Thursday (January 11) officially opened the first Diplomacy Week and Exhibition themed “From an African Hub to the World” at the Science Museum in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen (See Article).

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew on Friday (January 12) inspect the Wanchi-Dendi Eco Tourism Village built through the ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, on Saturday (January 06) disclosed that the progress of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) currently stands at 94-point 6 percent signifying the final phase of its completion (See Article). 

During his interview with The Ethiopian Herald on Wednesday (January 10), State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga said, following the reform, Ethiopian economic diplomacy has been making strides in terms of augmenting development cooperation and garnering financial supports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added, the current Ethiopian economic diplomacy is driving force for attracting more investments, conducting swift technology and knowledge transfer as well as expanding development cooperation as a whole (See Interview).

The National Committee on Tuesday (January 09) held its third round of meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, assessing the preparatory work for the 37^th African Union Summit and the 44^th Executive Council meeting to be held in Addis Ababa in February 2024.

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, met on Wednesday (January 10) with UN Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Hanna Tetteh.

On Wednesday (January 10), the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator issued a joint statement on current humanitarian situation in Ethiopia (See Statement).

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem (PhD), told the media during press briefing on Wednesday (January 10) that the Government of Ethiopia pursues an inclusive and diversified diplomacy on both bilateral and multilateral platforms to advance the country’s national interests.

Djibouti

Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on Wednesday (January 10) spoke over the phone with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna about the situation in the Red Sea and Sudan.

Somalia

Villa Somalia on Thursday (January 11) disclosed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the special delegation of the European Union for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber and conferred on regional matters.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir presided over the swearing-in ceremony of members of National Election Commission on Monday (January 08). According to the Office of the President, he urged the National Election Commission to work around the clock to prepare the country for elections.

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Diplomacy Week and Exhibition Opens in Addis Ababa

A historic “Diplomacy Week and Exhibition” organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ethiopian Press Agency opened at the Science Museum on the afternoon of Thursday, 11 January 2024 under the theme “From an African Hub to the World”. The first ever diplomatic expo in the 116 years of Ethiopia’s diplomatic heritage was officially opened by President Sahle-Work Zewde in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

As the Chief Guest of the epochal commemorative event meant to highlight the millennia old foreign relations of Ethiopia and major turning points and milestones, President Sahle-Work delivered opening remarks. In her opening remarks, the President stated, the three-week long commemoration showcases the exceptionally rich Ethiopia’s diplomatic history while providing participants with an unprecedented opportunity to enthusiastically study its genesis and evolution. Expressing her hope that the exhibition would inspire Ethiopians to know more about Ethiopia’s diplomatic footprint, the President called up on the youth to explore further in order make their own contributions to existing and emerging diplomatic endeavours. President Sahle-Work concluded her opening remarks by extending an invitation for all Ethiopians and the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa to visit the exhibition. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, in his keynote speech, also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to cherishing the foundational values that binds it to other countries around the world. He also highlighted the country’s pioneering contributions to the inception, evolution and respect for international norms and legal instruments.

In his concluding remarks, the DPM and FM also extending an invite to the public, diplomats, scholars and students to pay a visit to the exhibition and to celebrate Ethiopia’s 116 old modern diplomatic journey and its potential to inspire a more diversified and inclusive engagements in the future while being considerate of the needs and aspirations of the current generation and that of posterity. 

The inaugural event was attended by parliamentarians, ministers, regional states’ presidents, Ethiopian heads of missions overseas, heads of foreign missions as well as regional and international organisations based in Addis Ababa, scholars, members of the media and students, among others.

On the second day, a high-level panel discussion focusing three major themes was held. It addressed issues pertaining to (1) Ethiopia’s diplomatic contributions and challenges faced over the years; (2) Contemporary diplomacy and trends in next generation diplomacy and; (3) The role of the youth in contemporary and future Ethiopian statecraft.

The Exhibition will remain open to the public until 24 February 2023. 

Collective Efforts of the Citizenry Bearing Fruit as GERD Nears Completion

Ethiopians are on the verge of fully reaping the fruits of their perseverance displayed in financing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project that is fast approaching completion. Chairing the regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the Dam Coordinating National Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and Chair of the Council, Demeke Mekonnen, announced that the construction of the Dam has reached 94.6%. During the latest round of the regular meeting, it was announced that the public has contributed over 18 billion 734 million Birr for the construction of the dam by November 2023. This success is attributed to the unwavering support and united efforts of Ethiopians from all walks of life.  

In fact, over the past decade, Ethiopians have shown an unprecedented level of determination to ensure the completion of the GERD project. The public support is not just limited to financial contribution in terms of donations, bond purchases, and the likes; Ethiopians have also poured their knowledge and expertise to ensure the successful completion of the dam. Moreover, Ethiopians have stood to the defence of the project whenever it is subjected to unsubstantiated and false characterizations. Ethiopians in the catchment in the Nile Basin in Ethiopia have also engaged in massive environmental rehabilitation and conservation efforts worth more than 100 billion Ethiopian birr. This tremendous public support was identified during the recent meeting that deliberated on issues ranging from public participation in financing the project to broad issues such as basin development.

As the project approaches completion, and while reflecting on and paying tribute to the enormous support the public made to the success of the project, it is important to underscore that this project, stands to benefit the countries in the region at large. As it has been mentioned elsewhere, the GERD project will have immense regional benefits some of which have been already materialized. For instance, the past four consecutive fillings of the Dam have proved that the project is indeed based on the reasonable and equitable utilization of the waters of the Nile by the riparian countries. These four rounds of fillings have saved the lives and properties of thousands of people downstream the river that have been threatened by flood. In addition, even though only a couple of turbines have become operational so far, Ethiopia has already started providing cheap energy for the countries in the region. With the completion of the project, these returns would only stand to grow even bigger. 

It is, thus, timely to hail the efforts made by Ethiopians in realizing such project of huge national and regional significance. Equally, the important role the Government played in making sure that every penny is spent on the intended purpose needs to be recognized. Keeping the project on track and ensuring its expedited completion, has no doubt boosted the public’s morale throughout the years. With this mutual confidence, there is no wonder that the successful completion of the project is forthcoming. 

This success has an important story to tell. Ethiopia resorted to mobilising the meagre domestic resources to utilise the river when parties that want to remain the sole beneficiaries of the shared resource blocked all possible sources of finance. Relentless efforts were made to block all financial resources with the aim of tying Ethiopia’s hand. Nevertheless, with the perseverance of Ethiopians, Ethiopia and its aspirations to utilise its water resources prevailed. This should be a lesson that in a shared water resource utilisation, exerting undue pressure and trying to limit riparian states’ ability to reasonably utilise the shared water resource is doomed to fail. It is hoped that detractors have learned the lesson that trying to stop the unstoppable will not yield any result.

What surely stands to work is a good faith negotiation that aims to achieve a win-win result. It is with that in mind that during the Executive Committee of the Dam Coordinating National Council’s meeting, DPM and FM, while regretting the recent termination of trilateral negotiations, underscored Ethiopia’s readiness to engage in constructive talks. That is indeed the only way forward and an opportunity to be seized if riparian states genuinely seek to turn the Nile into a source of cooperation. 

The Strategic Significance of the MoU Inked between Ethiopia and Somaliland

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi on 01 January 2023 inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Partnership and Cooperation in Addis Ababa during the latter’s visit. The signing of this MoU marks an important chapter in the relationship between the two parties as it lays the general framework for further strengthening their relations.

The strategic importance of this document both for Ethiopia and Somaliland could not be over stated. The MoU is entered in a way that satisfied the mutual interests and concerns of the two parties based on the principle of reciprocity. Ethiopia will secure a 20 km coastal area and secure access to the sea to establish a commercial maritime facility and naval base. Somaliland will have a share from the Ethiopian Airlines. Besides, with the full implementation of the MoU, Ethiopia will conduct an in-depth assessment towards taking a decision on Somaliland`s aspiration to secure international recognition. Ethiopia and Somaliland will also jointly develop infrastructure to enhance Ethiopia`s utilization of the Berbera Port for commercial services. 

From the Ethiopian perspective, the major strategic significances of this arrangement will enhance peace and stability in the region. Addressing the very major national security concern of Ethiopia would help the region`s stability as it will circumvent uncertainties in relation to Ethiopia`s quest for access to the sea. Ethiopia could join forces to fight common challenges the region has faced. The new arrangement will enhance confidence and trust in the region through joint infrastructure development and diversification of Ethiopia`s outlet to the sea. This would further expedite the regional integration effort in the region by fast tracking the infrastructural interconnection in the region. The expansion of Ethiopia`s economy with its rapidly growing population demands the need to diversify port services. The economic gains would no doubt boost the region`s aspiration for development and prosperity. 

This deal is a testament to Ethiopia’s principled position in its engagement with neighbouring countries at the centre of which is the desire to engage in mutually beneficial arrangements. Therefore, this agreement is guided by Ethiopia’s principle of mutual respect, companionship and friendship with all its neighbouring states. Ethiopia is convinced that the Horn of Africa region is gifted with ample resources and human capital that, if pulled together, could transform the entire region. This deal is just one instance that shows what the countries of the region could achieve through such arrangements. Most of the ailment in the region could be addressed if genuine effort is made with the aim of reaching a win-win arrangement based on the identification of comparative advantages. 

The signing and implementation of the MoU in no way violates international law nor infringes in other country`s sovereignty. Similar arrangements have been done by others in the region. There is nothing unique in what Ethiopia has done with Somaliland. The arrangement should be welcomed by the international community as it will address some of the major geopolitical and security quagmires the region has faced for more than three decades. 

The overall regional benefits this arrangement would address the suspicion of some who doubted the intention of the parties in signing the MoU. Ethiopia, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed clearly stated, only sought to secure access to the sea through peaceful means. This deal reached with Somaliland is in line with Ethiopia’s expressed position of securing a sea access through dialogue and mutual benefit. With the deal, Ethiopia has proven that it only pursues a peaceful approach to diversify its access to the sea. Similarly, successful implementation of this deal stands to prove Ethiopia’s positive intention in entering into such deal. With this spirit, Ethiopia will remain committed and will continue to continue peacefully engage with its neighbours to secure sea access to meet the growing demand of the country. 

INTERVIEW: Ethiopia Sees Progress in Economic Diplomacy

10 January 2024 (Addis Ababa) – Following the reform, Ethiopian economic diplomacy has been making strides in terms of augmenting development cooperation and garnering financial supports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said.

Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), MFA State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga said that the current Ethiopian economic diplomacy is driving force for attracting more investments, conducting swift technology and knowledge transfer as well as expanding development cooperation as a whole. 

He said: “Economy diplomacy is one of the very pillars on which Ethiopian government has seriously capitalized to bring about change in all aspects.”

As to him, country’s missions, diplomats, consular office representatives and other are arduously working towards supporting local economy apart from running the political diplomacy with all countries where Ethiopia does have embassies, liaison offices and consular offices.

“We are working on boosting Ethiopia’s growth amalgamating human resources, budget and other related means via introducing tourism in the nation, expanding tourism, organizing business and investment forums, creating new market opportunities as well as introducing new products out of textile, manufacturing, agricultural outputs so as to back local development and growth,” Amb. Mesganu added.

Hence, Ethiopia’s diplomacy is invaluable in terms of supporting peace efforts, development, economic and political moves at home and is done in accordance with such a viable goal. “That is why our missionaries and consular offices are well framed centering this gist. We are doing the political diplomacy for beefing up the economic one.”

As to him, all activities are undertaken in collaboration with Investment Commission, ministries of tourism and trade and regional integration as well as other pertinent bodies centering the overall local growth and change. In so doing, the country has been embarking on fostering trade promotion, investment promotion and technology transfer that can suit the nation so as to hit the set target.

Especially in the recent reform years, the investment expansion, free trade zone commencement, industrial parks development has been well witnessed and change has been recorded, and Ethiopia’s integration with neighboring countries is rising, too. “Even a range of activities are being carried out to enter the world economic trajectory thorough joining World Trade Organization (WTO) as we entirely joined African Free Trade Cooperation Development. We have focused on helping local economic development in so doing.”

As to him, economic diplomacy refers to actions to help local economic move boost through participating in huge business, trade and investment promotion forums. Ethiopia’s long-established destinations of textile, cereals like sesame and other products include Middle East, China, Europe and America.

He said: “Our missionaries have to be framed in line with economic growth apart from political engagement. Besides, the post reform agendum has focused on cooperation, partnership and amity respecting a win-win fashion peculiarly with neighboring nations as vicinity pays off, though Ethiopia enjoys entertaining an inclusive and diversified diplomacy. Such a bold move helps bring about regional integration be it bilateral or multilateral ties, even beyond. Ethiopia’s joining of BRICS is also a good manifestation of proper diplomacy.

JOINT STATEMENT: by the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission and of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on current humanitarian situation in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government and bilateral and multilateral development partners in close collaboration and coordination have been accelerating agricultural and food security, humanitarian programs in line with national development priorities and needs.  While these endeavors have brought tangible results in enhancing production and productivity; recurrent droughts would require sustained  commitment  and  partnership  from  all  actors  to  address  major  humanitarian situation due  to cycles of multiple, often overlapping crises, which severely weakens communities’ ability to cope. Close to 4 million people in drought-affected regions, including Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Southern, and Southwest, require urgent food assistance, according to the Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission and the Food Cluster.

The overlap of acute food insecurity, high malnutrition rates, severe water scarcity coupled with a surge in disease outbreaks (malaria, measles,  and cholera),  and livestock  impacts are  worsening the situation in drought-affected regions.

Despite severe resource constraints and operational difficulties, including active clashes in some pocket areas, the Ethiopian Government and humanitarians are stepping up life-saving efforts in the most affected areas. Over three rounds of food distributions at least once between July and December 2023; between May and November, the Ethiopian government  reached  at  least  7.3 million people. Since mid-December, with the resumption of WF P and CRS/JEOP food assistance, partners have provided food aid to approximately 6.5 million people in the Amhara, Tigray, Somali, and Afar regions. Redoubling such efforts with the highest sense of urgency is necessary to address the current challenging humanitarian situation.  All efforts are underway to reach  out  to  the prioritized beneficiaries in the month of January 2024.

Donors must frontload funding to scale up the response  this  January.  Timely responding by enhancing financial support for  humanitarian  operations  is  critically  imperative  to  make meaningful and lifesaving interventions in all affected regions.

An integrated multi-sectoral humanitarian response is urgently needed in drought-affected regions to avert compounding situations.  Humanitarians and government operators are on the ground and have the necessary experience, expertise, and established structures and they are ready to deliver.

ENDS