Ethiopia and France Reaffirm Friendship and Cooperation
East Africa Standby Force Commemorates Two Decades of Service at 33rd Session in Kigali
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie welcomed Ramatane Lamamra, the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy for Sudan, to his office on Wednesday (December 25). During their meeting, President Taye emphasized the significance of a peace process led by the Sudanese people themselves. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to aiding in the pursuit of a durable resolution to the ongoing conflict. The envoy acknowledged Ethiopia’s consistent efforts to promote peace and stability throughout the region.
The President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, expressed his country’s confidence that Ethiopia is poised for a future marked by both prosperity and enduring peace. The French leader made this comment about Ethiopia’s prospects in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after he visited Addis Ababa on Saturday (December 21) for the second time in the past six years. President Macron arrived in Addis Ababa on Saturday (December 21) for an official working visit to Ethiopia on Saturday in which he conducted a range of bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. (See article)
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, visited Kenya on Friday (December 20) and met with senior Kenyan officials. During the visit, Foreign Minister Gedion held discussions with Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya. The discussions focused on strengthening the strong ties between Ethiopia and Kenya and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, held talks with Ali Mohamed Omar, Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on Tuesday (December 24) in Addis Ababa. On the occasion, Ambassador Mesganu emphasized that the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia share inseparable opportunities for mutual prosperity. He stressed the importance of the two countries working collaboratively to address challenges and seeking solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (December 26) initiated training sessions for women diplomats and staff members focused on leadership skills, strategic communication, self-empowerment, and various diplomatic competencies, today. In her opening remarks, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano emphasized that concerted efforts are being made to improve women’s leadership roles in diplomacy. The state minister highlighted that the Ministry is actively promoting programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing women diplomats’ leadership roles with a determined and strategic approach.
A ten-day training, the first of its kind, concluded on Friday (December 27) at the Africa Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX). The closing ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, the State Minister of Government Communications Services, Ato Tesfahun Gobezay, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Foreign Affairs (IFA), Jafar Bedru.
Ethiopian intelligence chief, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, met with his Somali counterpart Abdullahi Mohamed Ali on Tuesday (December 24) to advance security cooperation and reinforce commitments outlined in the Ankara Declaration, a pact between the two countries reached through Türkiye’s mediation earlier this month.
The 33rd Ordinary Session of the Eastern Africa Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from December 16 to 21, 2024. This session, which marked the 20th anniversary of the East Africa Standby Force (EASF), was centered on the theme: “EASF: Two Decades of Commitment to Promoting Regional Peace and Security.” (See article)
Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed, and Rwanda’s Defense Minister, Juvenal Marizamunda, convened in Kigali on Wednesday (December 25) to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral defense collaboration. Both officials expressed dedication to reinforcing the robust defense partnership that already exists between the two nations.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the African E-Trade Group (AeTrade) achieved a significant milestone last week on Thursday (December 19), by signing a host country agreement to establish AeTrade’s East African regional headquarters in Addis Ababa. This partnership highlights Ethiopia’s strategic role in advancing digital transformation, fostering economic growth, and promoting regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). (See article)
In its 12th regular session on Tuesday (December 24), Ethiopia’s House of Peoples Representatives approved a bill that allows the establishment and management of a special fund for the implementation of the green legacy initiative and rehabilitation of degraded lands in the country. According to the Ethiopian Forestry Development, the establishment of a special fund for the implementation of the Green Legacy Initiative and rehabilitation of degraded land in Ethiopia will help the efforts being carried out to sustainably develop the degraded lands across the country.
The Ministry of Health signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish biotech consulting company Techinvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study to embark on the manufacturing of vaccines in Ethiopia. The MoU was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, and Director & CEO of TechInvention Lifecare, Syed S Ahmed, at the minister’s office in Addis Ababa on Thursday (December 26).
The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) announced on Thursday (December 26) that it is targeting to generate more than 25,000 GWh of power from various energy sources in the fiscal year 2024/25. This achievement, according to EEP, is attributed to the sufficient water storage in the hydroelectric dams during the recent rainy months. Truwork Shiferaw, Head of the Planning Office for the Power Generation Operation at EEP, stated that the hydropower dams are required to store sufficient water to generate power at the full capacity of hydroelectric dams.
Ethiopia has earned 2.6 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from export trade during the first five months of this Ethiopian fiscal year. The Ethiopian fiscal year began on July 8. Ethiopian State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Yasmin Wohabrebbi, speaking at a public-private dialogue forum on Saturday (December 21) discussing pulses and oilseeds export trade in Addis Ababa, said the country’s export trade in recent years has seen a positive trajectory, and the export of agricultural commodities significantly contributed to the better performance of the sector.
The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority has disclosed a significant surge in Ethiopian coffee exports in both volume and income, attributed to ongoing reforms aimed at boosting coffee production and productivity. Shafi Umar, Deputy Director General and Head of Marketing at the Authority, told the media on Monday (December 23) that coffee exports have expanded rapidly since 2021, driven by sector reforms. Last year, Ethiopia exported 298,000 tons of coffee, generating 1.43 billion USD in revenue, and this year, the country plans to increase exports to 400,000 tons, aiming to earn over 2 billion USD. By the mid-point of the fiscal year, Ethiopia is on track to generate 1 billion USD from the export of more than 200,000 tons of coffee.
The World Bank has approved a $700 million credit to Ethiopia to support the country’s Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP). The credit to be funded through the International Development Association (IDA) aims to fortify the stability and resilience of Ethiopia’s financial sector, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth, the World Bank said in a statement on Saturday (December 21).
The Ethiopian Aviation University has announced the graduation of more than 460 aviation professionals, including international trainees from 10 African countries. Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mesfin Tasew said, “Today’s graduation is a testament to Ethiopian Airlines Group’s commitment to play a part beyond transportation in the aviation industry.” “As a Pan-African airline and the continent’s aviation giant, it is also a pleasure to extend our aviation training to other African nations and take a step further in realizing a well-connected Africa, where well-trained professionals support the industry,” he added.
Djibouti
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (December 20) that he wants the military base in Djibouti to once again be defined as a “projection point” for his country’s various missions. During a visit to the French military base in Djibouti, Macron highlighted the changing dynamics in the region. “Our role in Africa is evolving because the world in Africa is evolving—public opinion is changing, and governments are changing,” he said. France has begun closing its military bases in several African countries as part of an effort to rebuild relationships with nations across the continent. Macron described the decision as an attempt to establish partnerships based on mutual respect.
Kenya
Egyptian Ambassador in Nairobi Wael Nasr el-Din Attia met on Wednesday (December 25) with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Investments Moses Kuria to discuss boosting bilateral trade and business. The meeting also took up moves to resume activities of the joint trade technical committee. Kuria pointed to growth in trade between the two countries, particularly Egypt’s rising imports of Kenyan tea and its exports of textiles and construction materials.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held discussions with President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara this week, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties between their countries, as well as addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Ali Mohamed Omar paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos on Tuesday (December 24). The two sides exchanged views on ways of improving bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on the maintenance of regional peace and stability.
The AU Peace and Security Council has appealed to the UN Security Council to explore options to finance an upcoming peacekeeping mission in Somalia. The appeal comes less than two weeks before the deadline for the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on December 31, 2024. The concerns took center stage during an AUPSC ministerial meeting held last week on Thursday (December 19) to discuss security arrangements in post-ATMIS Somalia. The Council urged the UNSC to consider financing AUSSOM under the hybrid framework put forward by UN Resolution 2719.
In a landmark event on Thursday (December 26), Somalia and Tanzania formalized their commitment to enhanced bilateral relations through the signing of multiple agreements in Mogadishu. The pacts address cooperation in defense, tourism, health, aviation, and general diplomacy, promising a new era of collaboration between the two East African neighbors. The agreements are the culmination of discussions initiated during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Dar es Salaam earlier this year. His dialogue with President Samia Suluhu Hassan was marked by a shared vision for the development and stability of East Africa.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday (December 25) called upon South Sudanese to embrace peace and unity in his Christmas message. “Let this holiday be a time when we come together in a shared commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and united South Sudan. As we celebrate this Christmas, may we carry the message of peace and hope in our hearts into the New Year,” Kiir said in his Christmas message. Kiir emphasized that Christmas is not only a significant day for Christians around the world but also a moment for everyone to reflect on the shared values of love, peace, and unity.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Tuesday (December 25) acknowledged the progress made by the government and parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement in 2024. In a joint communiqué, the trilateral partners said they wish to emphasize that 2025 is a pivotal year to prioritize the remaining tasks necessary for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
South Sudan’s Minister of Information and Communication, Michael Makuei Lueth, revealed on Friday (December 20) the country’s plan to join the African Regional Labour Administration Center (ARLAC). ARLAC was jointly established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme in 1974 as a project to address labor administration issues in Africa. Speaking to journalists after a cabinet meeting on Friday (December 20) in Juba, Makuei said the proposal to join the African Regional Labour Administration Center was presented before the cabinet by Minister of Labour Gen. James Hoth Mai.
Sudan
Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, chairperson of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), met on Monday (December 23) with Ramtane Lamamra, the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Sudan, in Port Sudan. They discussed the political situation in Sudan and the role of international actors in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Sudan’s Sovereign Council President Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan received Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Kheraiji in Port Sudan on Sunday (December 22). During the meeting, Al-Kheraiji emphasized the keenness of the Saudi leadership to restore security and stability to Sudan. They also discussed issues of common interest.
Sudan’s Supreme Committee for Currency Replacement has extended the deadline for exchanging old banknotes by one week, now ending on December 30. Khaled Aleiser, Minister of Culture and Information, announced the decision after a meeting led by Sovereignty Council member Lt Gen Ibrahim Jaber, stating it would allow more time to address logistical challenges.
Africa and the African Union
The African Union’s Continental Operational Centre (COC) concluded a two-day (19-20 December) strategic planning meeting in Kampala, Uganda, where it developed a comprehensive five-year strategy to address the complex challenges of trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM).
Ethiopia and France Reaffirm Friendship and Cooperation
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Ethiopia reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two nations, underscoring their commitment to collaboration in key sectors such as culture, economic reform, and peacebuilding. This was Macron’s second visit to Ethiopia in six years, following a significant 2019 trip that set the stage for deeper ties, particularly in the realms of heritage preservation and bilateral development.
The visit, which took place on Saturday (December 2024) centered on reinforcing cooperation and addressing mutual interests. President Macron expressed his confidence in Ethiopia’s future, emphasizing the country’s potential for prosperity and peace. “Ethiopia stands as a nation marked by the earliest signs of human presence,” Macron said in a message shared in Amharic, reflecting on the deep historical connection between the two countries. He noted that Ethiopia, with its rich cultural heritage, remains a vital partner in France’s diplomatic and development strategy.
A centerpiece of the visit was the discussion on cultural preservation. Macron highlighted the ongoing restoration of the Lalibela rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a project that has been supported by French expertise. This initiative, which is set to be completed in the coming months, showcases the strong collaboration between Ethiopia and France in the field of heritage conservation. Macron also expressed pride in France’s contribution to the restoration of the National Palace in Addis Ababa, a symbol of Ethiopia’s rich history.
During the bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his appreciation for the French government’s support in the renovation of the National Palace and the ongoing restoration of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela. The Prime Minister thanked France for its unwavering support in these efforts, noting the importance of these cultural projects in fostering national pride and historical continuity.
Beyond cultural cooperation, the leaders also discussed the broadening of bilateral ties in areas like investment, education, and economic reform. Macron affirmed France’s continued support for Ethiopia’s modernization efforts, particularly its economic reform program. “France is keen to collaborate on Ethiopia’s economic modernization and the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement,” Macron stated, reinforcing France’s role as a steadfast ally in Ethiopia’s journey toward stability and growth. The Pretoria Agreement, signed in 2022, ended a two-year conflict in the Tigray region and represents a critical foundation for peace and reconciliation in the country.
Another key focus of the discussions was Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to restructure its debt and stabilize its economy. Macron expressed full support for Ethiopia’s debt restructuring initiatives, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to ensure economic stability. “We aim to complete the restructuring of this 3 billion-euro debt in the coming weeks,” Macron affirmed, underscoring France’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s financial health as part of its broader development strategy.
The visit concluded with a joint statement that reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ethiopia and France, with both countries pledging to continue their cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Macron’s visit serves as a testament to the deep and multifaceted relationship between the two nations, which spans across cultural, economic, and diplomatic domains.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward peace, prosperity, and modernization, France remains a strong partner in addressing the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Through ongoing collaboration, both countries are poised to strengthen their ties, ensuring a future built on mutual respect, shared values, and enduring cooperation.
East Africa Standby Force Commemorates Two Decades of Service at 33rd Session in Kigali
The 33rd Ordinary Session of the Eastern Africa Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from December 16 to 21, 2024. This session, which marked the 20th anniversary of the East Africa Standby Force (EASF), was centered on the theme: “EASF: Two Decades of Commitment to Promoting Regional Peace and Security.”
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s (FDRE) Minister of Defense, Eng. Aisha Mohammed Mussa, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the gathering. The event brought together key leaders and officials from across the EASF family to review the progress made by the EASF over the past two decades and discuss its future direction in addressing emerging security challenges in East Africa.
Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Hon. Marizamunda Juvenal, welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of continued regional cooperation to strengthen peace and security in East Africa. In his speech, Minister Marizamunda highlighted the evolving nature of conflicts and underscored the need for adaptive regional response mechanisms capable of addressing emerging security challenges effectively.
The meeting also featured a key address by General MK Mubarakh Muganga, Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Staff and the Chairperson of the Chiefs of Defense Staff of the Eastern Africa Region. General Muganga reaffirmed the significance of the session in shaping EASF’s future role in the region. He praised the force’s accomplishments and stressed the need for a coordinated regional approach to address the complex security landscape facing Eastern Africa.
The session followed the successful conclusion of the EASF Experts Working Group (EWG) session, which identified key strategic priorities and provided recommendations for addressing the region’s security issues.
As East Africa continues to confront a range of security threats, including terrorism, armed conflict, and political instability, the role of EASF remains critical. The force serves as a key institution in coordinating the collective security response among its member states and promoting collaboration across borders to tackle these challenges.
During the meeting, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, EASF Director, expressed his gratitude to Rwanda for hosting the session and commended the tireless efforts of member states in supporting EASF’s mission. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of member states that continue to provide essential support to the force.
While EASF has made significant strides in achieving its goals over the past two decades, the meeting also acknowledged that financial constraints continue to hinder the full realization of its objectives. The lack of timely settlement of financial obligations and arrears by some member states was identified as a key challenge. It was strongly urged that all member states settle their financial contributions promptly to enable EASF to implement its planned activities effectively.
The meeting stressed the importance of pursuing collective and strategic approaches to address the multifaceted peace and security challenges facing East Africa. Participants expressed their appreciation for the African Union (AU) and its African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), as well as the Friends of EASF, for their ongoing support in implementing EASF’s activities.
Despite the complex challenges facing the region, EASF member states have demonstrated their commitment to contributing significantly to collective peace and security efforts. Over the years, they have built capacity and developed capabilities to respond to a range of security threats.
The meeting also received a report on the review of the implementation of the EASF Activity Plan for 2024. Delegates discussed the planned activities for 2025, alongside the budgetary situation, to ensure that the force remains adequately funded to carry out its mission. Additionally, the session covered several important policy documents, including the revised Gender Policy, the Draft Training and Development Policy, and the Draft EASF Staff Rotation Matrix for the period 2025-2029.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed each member state’s commitment to providing personnel and equipment to the EASF’s Force and Mission Structures. Details of the personnel and equipment pledged by each member state were reviewed to ensure the operational readiness of the force.
As the EASF celebrates two decades of service to the region, its commitment to fostering cooperation and stability across East Africa remains steadfast. Member states are focused on advancing joint efforts to tackle transnational threats, such as terrorism, organized crime, and other complex security challenges that continue to affect the region. The successful implementation of EASF’s activities, coupled with ongoing capacity-building efforts, will continue to shape the future of peace and security in East Africa.
In conclusion, the 33rd Ordinary Session of the EASF stands as a testament to the ongoing dedication of the force and its member states to the cause of peace and security in East Africa. The collective efforts and determination displayed during this session are vital in ensuring the region remains resilient in the face of evolving security challenges.
Ethiopia and AeTrade Group Sign Host Country Agreement to Drive Digital Transformation in East Africa
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the African E-Trade Group (AeTrade) achieved a significant milestone on Thursday (December 19) by signing a host country agreement to establish AeTrade’s East African regional headquarters in Addis Ababa. This partnership highlights Ethiopia’s strategic role in advancing digital transformation, fostering economic growth, and promoting regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During the signing ceremony, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga emphasized the agreement’s potential to create jobs, empower startups, and strengthen Ethiopia’s digital economy.
The State Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Ethiopia is fully committed to supporting AeTrade Group in operationalizing the regional headquarters, ensuring that Ethiopian companies can leverage the benefits of AfCFTA.
AeTrade Group’s CEO, Mulualem Syoum, underscored the organization’s readiness to invest in Ethiopia’s economic transformation. He stated, “As Ethiopia has signed and ratified AfCFTA, we are fully prepared to assist Ethiopian companies in benefiting from this important policy decision. Our vision is to create sustainable job opportunities and promote ‘Made in Ethiopia’ products to support Africa’s industrialization.”
Founded by African diaspora professionals, AeTrade Group is dedicated to transforming intra- and inter-African trade by fostering digital and financial inclusion. Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, the group boasts a strong track record, including partnerships with the African Union and numerous stakeholders, to accelerate the implementation of impactful projects aligned with Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.
In 2022, AeTrade Group formalized a strategic partnership with AfCFTA, culminating in an AU Summit decision that tasked it with enhancing financial and digital inclusion across the continent. This foundation has enabled AeTrade to introduce innovative solutions, including a Pan-African Marketplace, advanced multi-payment systems, and technology platforms designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete globally.
AeTrade Group’s partnership with Ethiopia began in July 2023 at the inaugural Africa Job Creation Forum, held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Co-organized with the Ministry of Labour and Skills, the forum resulted in a continent-wide commitment to create 80-125 million jobs. In December 2024, the second edition of the forum expanded its focus to women and youth economic inclusion, leading to formal agreements with Ethiopia’s Cooperative Bank of Oromia and Amhara Bank.
The Ethiopian government’s dedication to advancing digital innovations aligns with AeTrade Group’s mission to promote “Made in Ethiopia” and “Made in Africa” products. This partnership is poised to play a key role in accelerating Africa’s industrialization, creating shared prosperity, and fostering economic resilience.
As AeTrade Group establishes its East African hub in Addis Ababa, this collaboration sets the stage for Ethiopia to become a central player in Africa’s digital economy. This strategic move not only supports Ethiopia’s ongoing digital transformation but also strengthens the continent’s capacity to compete in a rapidly evolving global market.
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