13.10.2023

IGAD Validates Its Common Position and Regional Plan of Action on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

AU Executive Council Appraises the Progress on the Implementation of Agenda 2063

The AUPSC and UNSC Deliberate on Africa’s Peace and Security

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday (10 October), received Ms. Amy Pope, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and congratulated her on her appointment. The two sides exchanged views on issues pertaining to migration as a shared global responsibility that needs to ensure a rights-based approach for all people no matter where they come from.

On Saturday (07 October), Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement expressing his utmost concern on the outbreak of the current Israeli-Palestinian hostilities. The Chairperson noted that “denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension”. He appealed to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and to return, without conditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two States living side by side, to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people and the Israeli people. He also called on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to assume their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Saturday (07 October), congratulated Ambassador Claver Gatete of Rwanda upon his appointment by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as the new Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). He reiterated the African Union’s readiness to deepen the vital strategic partnership with UNECA.

Members of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held their seventeenth (17th) Annual Joint Consultative Meeting at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 06 October 2023. The two peace and security bodies have agreed to find new ways to finance peacekeeping missions. They have underscored the importance of more predictable, sustainable, and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations (See Article)

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewude addressed the Joint Session of the House of Peoples Representatives and the House of Federation on Monday (09 October). In her address, the President outlined the key social, economic and political directions and plans that the government will pursue in the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year. She also emphasized the need to work hard and build an unshakeable foundation for the country through national dialogue.

President Sahle-Work Zewde received the Director-General of UN-International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Amy E. Pope, at her office on Monday (09 October). Having stressed the need to redouble efforts in assisting displaced persons, the President briefed the head of IOM about Ethiopia’s plan to organize a regional ministerial meeting on migration. Ms. Amy Pope, on her part, vowed to strengthen the good relationship between IOM and the Government of Ethiopia. She also stated that the partnership ensures that migration continues to provide opportunities for all.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received, on Wednesday (11 October), Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh at his office, and exchanged views on various development issues. The Prime Minister appreciated the Duchess for her support to charitable initiatives in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the National Tourism and Hospitality Exhibition on Tuesday (10 October). Prime Minister Abiy said the exhibition would give visitors an opportunity to see a sample of what makes Ethiopia an ideal destination. He further called upon all Ethiopians to explore what Ethiopia offers, to extract the potential, to promote and to serve in the interest of positioning Ethiopia as a destination with many splendours.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, received the Director General of the IOM, Ms. Amy Pope, at his office on Tuesday (10 October). He congratulated the Director General on her appointment and expressed his desire for a strong partnership with the Ethiopian Government. He also called on IOM to scale up its support for Ethiopia in its endeavours to manage migration. Briefing her on the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, he further underscored the key role of the IOM in the resettlement and rehabilitation programs. Ms. Pope expressed her commitment to continuing the work towards managing and reaping the benefits of migration.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Sunday (08 October), inaugurated the African Kaizen Centre of Excellence in Addis Ababa. He said the Centre, built with the support of the People and Government of Japan, will serve as a hub of excellence serving the training and research and development needs of not only Ethiopians but also fellow Africans. Building the institutional capacity of the center, he added, will further boost the culture of industriousness and serve as a hub of regional and continental excellence.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held discussions on national and regional issues of common interest with the US Senator, Honorable Mike Rounds, and his delegation on Saturday (07 October) at his office. Demeke appreciated the historic partnership between the two countries, and wished to revitalize the relations. He also called on the US to lift Ethiopia’s suspension from the benefits of the AGOA preferential free trade agreement, highlighting its importance to Ethiopia’s economy and strengthening trade ties between the nations. Given the diverse array of challenges and crises faced by Ethiopia, the provision of humanitarian aid assumes paramount importance, Demeke said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the Government would expedite the repatriations of Ethiopian nationals who are in difficult situations due to the current conflict in the Sudan. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Chairperson of the National Task Force, announced that over 33,000 citizens have been repatriated following the Sudanese crisis, and have been provided with the necessary services along the border area. The Task Force has finalized preparations to evacuate more Ethiopians in difficult conditions in the Sudan, she noted.

Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held discussions with the Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Bangladesh, Italy, Germany, France and Russia, to Ethiopia this week at his office. The discussions aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s bilateral relations with each country.

State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga met with Mr. Robert Piper, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement. Ambassador Mesganu highlighted the various rehabilitation and reconstruction measures taken by the government. He also stressed the importance of coordination and working together to address the challenges of managing internal displacement, given the number of areas that require attention due to previous and ongoing conflicts. He also called on the UN to support these efforts in order to help the affected people and vulnerable groups. Mr. Piper pledged the UN’s support to Ethiopia as it addresses the challenges posed by internal displacement.

Ethiopia and Chile held their first political consultation on Tuesday (10 October) in Addis Ababa. Mr. Eskinder Yirga, the Acting Deputy Director General for European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and H.E. Ambassador Juan Pino, the Director General of Middle East and Africa Affairs at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the meeting. The consultation covered the review of bilateral relations and collaboration on various regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. The two sides concluded their discussion pledging to enhance bilateral cooperation and longstanding relationships.

Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki, on Sunday (08 October), received President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Republic of Somalia who paid a working visit to Eritrea. In their meeting at the State House, the two leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties as well as cooperation in regional issues of mutual interest. The leaders also agreed to intensify the implementation of the issues they discussed and agreements reached in their previous meetings.

Foreign Minister Osman Saleh held discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday (12 October) in Cairo, Egypt. The ministers emphasized the importance of developing relations between the two countries in various fields. They also exchanged views on the current situation in Sudan in order to advance efforts to stop the war and the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Djibouti

The Republic of Djibouti, in a statement issued on Sunday (08 October), reaffirmed its firm position to support the Palestinian People in the realization of their aspirations, in obtaining all their legitimate rights including the establishment of their independent state being Jerusalem its Capital.

Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside President Isaias Afwerki, inspected the training grounds of Somali Navy and Air Force cadets in Eritrea on Monday (09 October). The President commended the Somali-Eritrea security partnership and continued support in the ongoing fight against international terrorism.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Wednesday (11 October), received at his office the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Amy Pope. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the wake of climate-induced crisis, including forced displacement, migration, and increasing food insecurity. The Director General reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting the Government of Somalia in providing much needed assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the impacts of climate change.

The 4th meeting of the Quint Group  (United States, United Kingdom, Türkiye, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) on Somalia took place in Ankara, Turkiye, on Wednesday (11 October).
The meeting discussed the security and counterterrorism support for Somalia and its ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir, on Monday (09 October), discussed with French lawmakers about the humanitarian crisis brought about by the Sudanese conflict. The meeting aimed at drawing global attention to the war that has displaced millions of people since its outbreak.

Kenya

President William Ruto, on Sunday (08 October), condemned “attacks on innocent civilians in Israel and called on all parties to respect the rights of civilians and honour their obligations under international law”. He urged Israel and Palestine to restrain from further military action, and to engage in a peaceful resolution to end the suffering of civilians. He reiterated Kenya’s firm stand in solidarity with all those calling on the parties to desist from further attacks and promptly effect a cease-fire. He also sent a message of condolences to the families of all victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on Saturday (07 October), issued a statement condemning “the unprovoked attacked by Hamas militants on Israel”. The Ministry said the act has not only disrupted the peace in Middle East but also posed a significant threat to global peace and security. It further called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise restraint and seek a negotiated agreement. It also urged the United Nations, the Quartet on the Middle East and all stakeholders to intensify their diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Honourable Aden Duale, hosted the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber, at his office on Thursday (12 October). They exchanged views on a range of security challenges in the Horn of Africa including on the imminent threats of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crimes, and ways to work in close cooperation.

Sudan

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday (09 October) that it has resumed diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in various fields that would benefit both countries and promote regional security and stability.

On Wednesday (11 October), the UN Human Rights Council voted to establish a fact-finding mission to probe allegations of abuses in the Sudanese conflict. The mission is tasked with investigating the human rights violations carried out in Sudan since the breakout of the conflict. The Council narrowly adapted the resolution, with 19 out of the council´s 47 members voting in favour of establishing the mission. Sixteen members opposed it, while 12 countries were absent.

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IGAD Validates Its Common Position and Regional Plan of Action on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

IGAD Committee of Ambassadors and IGAD Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Taskforce convened in Naivasha, Kenya to validate the Common IGAD Position (CIP) and Regional Plan of Action (RPA) on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of IGAD members States as well as Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo, IGAD’s Special Envoy to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden attended the workshop.

A couple of years ago, IGAD’s Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Task Force, an inclusive platform with membership from littoral as well as non-littoral states, was established years ago.  The Task Force, in which each Member State of IGAD is represented with three members, has conducted multiple workshops since its establishment and helped develop relevant documents that would ensure the effective common positions of the IGAD member states on the matter.

The workshop deliberated on the CIP and the RPA which would help inform and shape IGAD’s position on the issue, and forwarded the two documents to the next stage for validation. The validation would provide the necessary framework for the regional organization to play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of the sea. The high level participation in this regard attests to the strong desire member states have to see IGAD play an active role on the matter. It also shows the shared awareness about the need to exert a concerted effort to utilize available opportunities as well as address the multifaceted challenges the region faces.

Furthermore, the workshop facilitates and enforces a close working relationship among member states on the Red Sea. It is with this conviction that Ethiopia continues to actively participate in the process. For Ethiopia, working in close cooperation with the littoral and non-littoral states of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety and security of the area is not an option.

As a State that conducts more than 90 percent of its international trade through these sea outlets, ensuring the safety and security remains to be vital. Thus, Ethiopia shall continue playing its part to provide the necessary framework that would ensure the successful execution of IGAD’s objectives. 

AU Executive Council Appraises the Progress on the Implementation of Agenda 2063

The African Union Executive Council held a retreat on Agenda 2063 in Kigali, Rwanda from 01-03 October 2023. The three-day retreat, organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) in tandem with the Government of Rwanda, brought together Ministers of AU Executive Council, ministers in charge of Finance and Planning, members of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), AU Specialized Offices, African Union Organs, and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The retreat was held under the theme “Accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063” with the objective of evaluations of the First Ten Year Implementation Plan (FTYIP), spanning the period 2014-2023 and formulations of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) from 2024-2033. It featured high-level presentations, plenary discussions and reflections on selected topics and themes on the key finding, lessons learned and recommendations of the FTYIP, as well as ambitions and priorities of the Second decade of Agenda-2063.

Discussions and reflections were made on priority flagship projects and their financing, implementation arrangements and domestication, ownership, popularization and communication of Agenda 2063, as well as coordination, alignment and capacity building by the AUC and Member States. The meeting revealed that the first decade was confronted with various external shocks and internal challenges triggering the need to put in place an appropriate resilience mechanism for the second decade. While the continent made notable progress and performance on some of the targets, it has registered an overall moderate level of performance.

Accordingly, flagship projects that have shown notable progress in their implementation include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM). Likewise, projects that registered limited progress include financial institutions and Annual Africa Economic Platform. Factors that have contributed to the low implementation of these projects include low levels of ratifications, low funding for capital intensive projects and inadequate skills and capacities.

The Ministerial consultation provided recommendations and guidance on the way forward for the STYIP though the adoption of effective mechanisms of domestic resource mobilization, periodic monitoring and evaluation, accountability and political commitment from member states. In addition, the Council suggested designing continental financial strategies that would make the AU financially autonomous, a common position on the reform of international financial architecture, building new financial partnerships as well as strategic coordination among Member States.

Ethiopian Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, Ambassador Ayele Lire, presented Ethiopia’s position on Agenda 2063 and key achievements in implementing the FTYIP. He stressed on Ethiopia’s adoption and contextualization of the Agenda 2063 into its Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) through continued owning, mainstreaming and implementing it into its national development plans. Ethiopia’s comprehensive Home-Grown Economic Reform and Ten-Year Development Plan, which geared towards making the country an African beacon of prosperity that would further ensure the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AU Agenda 2063, he added. Consequently, Ethiopia is recognized for being the only country meeting the First Ten Year target of Agenda-2063 in mobilizing innovative financing.

African Union member countries have endorsed the need to focus on mechanisms and approaches for the financing of the STYIP, the need to align the Agenda 2063 into national development plans and the need to leverage the synergies and nexus between Peace, Security and Development. The outcome document of the Ministerial retreat is expected to be presented to the upcoming session of the AU Executive Council.

The AUPSC and UNSC Deliberate on Africa’s Peace and Security

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) hosted the 17th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in Addis Ababa from 05-06 October 2023. The main agenda of the joint consultative meeting were the peace and security situations in the Sudan, the Sahel region, Somalia and activities of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In their joint communiqué issued after the conclusion of their meeting, the Councils have expressed their disappointment over the Sudanese crisis, and called for immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. They also underlined the importance coordinating peace efforts and specifically under the auspices of the AU and IGAD. The two Councils also condemned terrorist attacks by Al-shabaab in Somalia while commending the Federal Government of Somalia in liberating areas occupied by the international terrorist group. They also called on Member States and the international community to redouble efforts to financially support ATMIS to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate until its planned exit in December 2024. In this regard, they called for the joint convening of an international pledging conference for ATMIS operations.

The joint consultative meeting covered the major conflict situations in Africa which is the major preoccupation of the UNSC. It also raised the alarm on the deteriorating security situations in some regions of the continent. Yet, lack of funding for AU led peace support operations remains to be addressed and risks the reversal of the hard won stability and opening up of a security vacuum. The bottom line, however, is that Africa should be able to cover its peace support operations from its own resources, including member state contributions.

In their side-line meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, members of the UNSC acknowledged Ethiopia’s natural stabilizing role in the Horn of Africa region as an anchor state. They pointed out that Ethiopia should keep on playing this role in ensuring peace and security in the region. They particularly expressed their hope that Ethiopia keeps on supporting peace initiatives to bring parties to the conflict in Sudan to the table and also continue supporting the fight against Al Shabaab. The two sides pledged to continue working together and strengthening the cooperation between the UNSC and AUPSC.