FM Gedion Timothewos Visits Djibouti to Deepen Ethiopia-Djibouti Partnership
Transitional Justice, DDR, and National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s Path to Lasting Peace
AUSSOM: A Step Towards Combating Security Threats and Ensuring Regional Stability
Ethiopia Gears up for the 38th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie expressed his heartfelt condolences to the President and people of the United States over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter while signing the Book of Condolence at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa on Thursday (January 2).
The restored National Palace was inaugurated on Sunday (December 29) in the presence of President Taye, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and high-level government officials. The restoration is considered a significant step in preserving Ethiopia’s history and cultural legacy.
In an engaging episode of “Ethiopia in Focus” aired on Monday (December 30), Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos offered valuable insights into the nation’s political landscape, its reform journey, and the challenges encountered in the course of implementing these reforms. The discussion was part of a series led by the Prime Minister’s Office to reflect on Ethiopia’s progress and the complexities of governing a diverse and rapidly evolving nation. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos extended condolences to the government and people of the Republic of India on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday (December 31). The FM signed the Book of Condolence at the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Foreign Minister Gedion received Japanese Ambassador Shibata Hironori on Thursday (January 2) in his office to discuss Ethiopia-Japan relations, investment opportunities, and Japan’s support for Ethiopia’s DDR programs and regional peace efforts.
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, gave a press briefing to journalists on current regional and global issues on Friday (January 3).
On the same day, Ethiopia congratulated Brazil on assuming the BRICS Presidency in 2025 during a press statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting the Brazilian BRICS Presidency’s vision of advancing fair, representative, and effective global governance, fostering deeper economic ties, and mobilizing climate finance. Ethiopia looks forward to working with the BRICS Presidency in 2025.
Ethiopia and the World Bank signed a $700 million loan agreement on Wednesday (January 1) to support the Financial Sector Strengthening Project, enhancing the stability and sustainability of Ethiopia’s financial sector. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, and Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, signed the agreement.
Ethiopia is actively preparing to successfully host the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly and the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union. In preparation for these significant events, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a comprehensive capacity-building training program aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) tourism sector with a particular focus on conference tourism. (See article)
Ethiopia has secured over $1 billion from gold exports in the past five months, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. This was announced during the third National Anti-Illicit Trade Summit, held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (December 31).
Djibouti
Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, led a delegation to Djibouti for a one-day official visit aimed at strengthening strategic bilateral and regional ties on Saturday (December 28), marking his first official trip in his current capacity. (See article)
Somalia
The Security Council has adopted Resolution 2767 (2024), endorsing the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision follows the African Union Peace and Security Council’s (AUPSC) endorsement on August 1, 2024, to form AUSSOM as a replacement for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). (See article)
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia on Thursday (January 2). During the visit, the two countries agreed to collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations.
On the same day (January 2), during a televised speech addressing Somalia’s new role in the UN Security Council, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledged that Somalia would uphold the UN Charter and other international laws during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during a working visit to Djibouti on Sunday (December 29), met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh at the Presidential Palace. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations and regional issues.
South Sudan
South Sudan announced plans to resume oil production, confirming Sunday (December 30) as the date for resuming operations.
FM Gedion Timothewos Visits Djibouti to Deepen Ethiopia-Djibouti Partnership
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, led a delegation to Djibouti for a one-day official visit aimed at strengthening strategic bilateral and regional ties on Saturday (December 28), marking his first official trip in his current capacity.
During the visit, Minister Gedion engaged in extensive discussions with Djibouti’s President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. He also toured critical infrastructure, including the Doraleh Multipurpose Port and the Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD), and met with members of the Ethiopian community at the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti.
Minister Gedion’s meeting with Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf focused on reinforcing the long-standing bilateral partnership and addressing key regional stability issues. Their discussions highlighted avenues for deepening economic and trade ties, particularly in port utilization. They also reviewed progress on the Dikil-Galafi road construction and explored ways to enhance oil terminal storage capacity to support regional integration.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on bilateral, regional, and international matters, agreeing to hold the 17th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting between January 15 and February 15, 2025, in Djibouti.
Minister Gedion also held discussions with President Guelleh, exchanging views on matters of mutual concern including regional security, political developments, and trade. The dialogue underscored the historical and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti and explored opportunities to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Following these meetings, Minister Gedion toured the Doraleh Container Terminal (SGTD) and the Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP), where he observed the daily shipment of 20,000 tons of fertilizers and grains to Ethiopia. During the visit, the directors of the SGTD and DMP provided briefings on Djibouti’s operational capabilities, investment commitments, and strategies to improve the efficient flow of Ethiopia’s cargo through Djibouti’s ports.
Reflecting on the visit, Minister Gedion stated, “As is very well known, the relationship between the two countries, Ethiopia and Djibouti, is a unique and strong partnership. We discussed trade issues, port utilization, regional security, and political development. We are very glad about the constructive and productive discussions we have had.”
The visit underscored the mutual commitment of Ethiopia and Djibouti to enhancing cooperation for the benefit of both nations and the broader region.
Transitional Justice, DDR, and National Dialogue: Ethiopia’s Path to Lasting Peace
In an engaging episode of “Ethiopia in Focus” aired on Monday (December 30), Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos offered valuable insights into the nation’s political landscape and its reform journey, as well as the challenges encountered in the course of implementing these reforms. The discussion was part of a series led by the Prime Minister’s Office to reflect on Ethiopia’s progress and the complexities of governing a diverse and rapidly evolving nation. Gedion provided a candid analysis of Ethiopia’s past and present political struggles, underscoring the government’s commitment to dialogue, national unity, and sustainable reform.
Reflecting on the political transformations initiated in 2018, FM Gedion noted that the reforms brought about greater political openness. “Post-2018, political liberalization opened the space for parties, civil society, and media to engage freely,” he said. However, the whole process of implementing these reforms has faced various challenges.
According to Gedion, Ethiopia’s challenges are deeply rooted in its history and political culture, which have often relied on force rather than dialogue. “Power struggles have historically relied on force, leaving many wounds unaddressed,” he explained.
In this connection, Gedion emphasized the government’s commitment to transitional justice, which aims to address longstanding grievances and promote reconciliation. “The process acknowledges past abuses while creating a platform for accountability and collective learning,” he said.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of a fixed timeline for the transitional justice process, but Gedion defended this approach, stating, “the objective of the transitional justice process is not just limited to the recent conflict but it is more comprehensive and it is about ensuring that we ascertain the truth, and draw lessons out of it.” This he said, would help the nation ensure reconciliation and accountability, close the chapter on past grievances and injustices and move forward. This initiative seeks to create a platform where all voices are heard, avoiding the privileging of specific grievances and ensuring a fair process for all citizens.
The government has also focused on DDR to address the root causes of conflict. Gedion explained that the goal is to reintegrate combatants into civilian life. Highlighting the recent DDR initiative in Tigray, he noted that it aims to accommodate 75,000 ex-combatants through economic and social rehabilitation programs. These efforts are designed to provide opportunities and promote stability by addressing the underlying factors that lead to unrest.
Gedion also underscored the importance of national dialogue in addressing fundamental disagreements about Ethiopia’s state identity and governance. “The national dialogue process avoids repeating past mistakes, such as imposing elite-driven solutions or rewriting constitutions without public consensus,” he said. The process is designed to be inclusive and participatory, ensuring that citizens at all levels have a voice. “By engaging citizens at the grassroots level, the dialogue seeks to establish shared principles and resolve political differences,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Gedion expressed hope for the next generation of Ethiopians. “We aspire to pass on a more stable and unified Ethiopia to future generations,” he remarked. He envisioned a nation with strong institutions, a lasting social contract, and economic opportunities for all citizens, ensuring dignity and prosperity.
With transitional justice addressing historical grievances, DDR fostering reintegration and stability, and the National Dialogue building consensus, Ethiopia is laying a foundation for sustainable peace and development. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to breaking historical cycles of violence and creating an inclusive future for all Ethiopians.
AUSSOM: A Step Towards Combating Security Threats and Ensuring Regional Stability
The Security Council has adopted Resolution 2767 (2024), endorsing the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision follows the African Union Peace and Security Council’s (AUPSC) endorsement on August 1, 2024, to form AUSSOM as a replacement for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Resolution 2767 authorizes AUSSOM to commence operations on January 1, 2025, with a six-month transition period concluding on June 30, 2025. The mission maintains a mandate and troop size similar to ATMIS but places greater emphasis on building the capacity of Somalia’s Security Forces (SSF).
It is to be recalled that the troops from Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda in the region paid immense sacrifice to fight the scourge of terrorism in Somalia. In addition, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia had demonstrable solidarity as police-contributing countries.
Al-Shabaab remains a global peace and security threat in Somalia and the region. In a worrisome development, the terrorist group is joining forces with Da’esh, which is gaining a strong foothold in Somalia. This dire situation demands a credible counterterrorism effort centred on political consensus in the region, military readiness, and predictable financing. In this respect, the authorization of AUSSOM implies a commendable step.
It is to be underscored that the ultimate goal of the successive peacekeeping efforts, including AUSSOM, is to support Somalia in its efforts to build strong state institutions that can take full responsibility for the country’s security. Considering the centrality of political consensus in the region, efforts must be made to fully address the concerns of frontline states. In this regard, the African Union Commission has a critical role to ensure compliance with standards and operational rules and practices. The international community, on the other hand, is held with great expectations to discharge its responsibility for global peace and security through providing adequate financing for AUSSOM.
AUSSOM marks the latest phase in a long-standing series of counterterrorism peace support missions in Somalia, which began in 2006 with the IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM). This effort evolved through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007 and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2022.
Ethiopia Gears up for the 38th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government
Ethiopia is actively preparing to successfully host the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly and the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union. As the historic diplomatic capital of Africa, hosting, among others, the headquarters of the continental body and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Ethiopia plays a pivotal role in hosting major continental gatherings and events. These annual AU meetings attract thousands of delegates, including heads of state, diplomats, and international stakeholders, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s position as a centre for global diplomacy.
In preparation for these significant events, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a comprehensive capacity-building training program aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) tourism sector with a particular focus on conference tourism.
This intensive training conducted at the Africa Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) located in Sululta town on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, brought together close to 200 ministry staff and youth volunteers. The training focused mainly on highlighting national achievements, promoting the positive image of Ethiopia, providing befitting protocol services, and unifying the myriad of rich cultural and linguistic resources to forge even better hosting capabilities.
In her opening remarks on the first day of the 12-day training, State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano stated that integrating holistic urban development with conference tourism is crucial to boosting Ethiopia’s diplomatic and economic standing. She said the training seeks to instill a sense of patriotism and responsibility among the youth, empowering them to embrace the idea that “Every Citizen As A Diplomat for His Country,” thus promoting goodwill.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, who addressed the closing ceremony of the induction sessions, expressed his immense gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication to supporting Ethiopia’s role as the diplomatic hub of the continent. Ambassador Birtukan also expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming AU Summit and acknowledged the smooth execution of the training at AFLEX. This initiative underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring the success of the upcoming AU summit and enhancing the country’s reputation as a premier destination for conference tourism, she noted. She added that the training equips the new generation with diplomatic skills, fostering their participation in national achievements and creating future leaders.
The forty-sixth (46th) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the thirty-eighth (38th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly are scheduled to take place on 12th and 13th February 2025 and 15th and 16th February 2025, respectively.
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