Ethiopia Readies for a Successful 38th African Union Summit
The BRICS Ministerial Committee Held its First Meeting for the Year 2025
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie gave a key note address at the International Conference on Irrigation and Climate Resilient Production being held on the margins of the 38th AU Summit on Wednesday (February 12).
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed delegates to the 38th African Union Summit during a social media address on Monday (February 10). He encouraged participants to extend their stay and explore Ethiopia’s history, cultures, and landscapes, highlighting the country’s heritage sites and traditions. Later this week, the Prime Minister, along with senior government officials, began receiving participants of the summit following the conclusion of the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
PM Abiy co-hosted the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan on Friday (February 14) together with the UAE, the African Union, and IGAD. The Prime Minister said, “Ethiopia stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan during these challenging times. Our two countries are deeply interdependent, bound by generations of shared struggles, aspirations, and cultural ties.”
Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation on Wednesday (February 12) during Aero India 2025. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in defense industrial development, cybersecurity, joint research and development, and capacity building.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, on the evening of Wednesday (February 12), hosted a dinner reception in honour of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs who were participating in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union at the newly built Addis International Convention Centre. (See article).
FM Gedion met with the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, on Friday (February 14). During the meeting, Gedion affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to IGAD, emphasizing its role in regional peace and development. Executive Secretary Workneh praised Ethiopia for ratifying the new IGAD Treaty and urged continued support.
On Tuesday (February 11), Foreign Minister Gedion held discussions with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, to enhance cooperation on bilateral and regional issues of common interest.
Extensive preparations are underway as Ethiopia prepares to convene the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 15-16. This summit, a pivotal event in the AU calendar, will be held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, with the precursory meeting of the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council from February 12-13. (See article)
State Minister Mesganu Arga met with his Somali counterpart, Ali Mohamed Omar, on Thursday (February 13) to discuss enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment, through a joint ministerial commission. The two officials noted the progress in their relations following the Ankara Declaration.
On Friday (February 14), Ambassador Mesganu held talks at his office with the Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Eri Arfiya, on bilateral, regional, and international issues. They discussed strengthening investment, economic relations, and other areas of collaboration between Ethiopia and Japan.
On the same day, Ambassador Mesganu met with Professor Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation signed a host country agreement.
Following Ethiopia’s election to the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Ethiopia’s election during an interview with an Ethiopian media outlet on Wednesday (February 12). He described it as recognition of the country’s contributions to peace, security, and development across Africa and emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to promoting peace and stability through active participation in the PSC.
Governor of the National Bank and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, Mamo Mihiretu Esmelealem, chaired the BRICS Ministerial Committee held on Monday (February 10). The Committee deliberated on Ethiopia’s BRICS Engagement Strategy (2024–2028), the performance report for 2024, and Ethiopia’s BRICS outlook for 2025. The meeting was preceded by the BRICS senior technical committee meeting that deliberated on the three agenda items. (See article)
Ethiopia participated in the 6th Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration on Tuesday (February 11) in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Reaffirming the Narrative: Positive Impact of Labour Migration and Enhancing Regular Pathways.”
Djibouti
Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh attended the AUDA-NEPAD meeting on Monday (February 10). Speaking via videoconference, he called for stronger mechanisms to accelerate Africa’s development.
The forum for establishing the Ethio-Djibouti Corridor Management Authority was held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (February 12). The forum was attended by Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, Djibouti’s Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Hamoud; Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mohamed Warsama; and other senior officials from both countries.
Kenya
President William Ruto attended the AUDA-NEPAD meeting virtually on Monday (February 10). He urged African leaders to take bold action to implement Agenda 2063, emphasizing the need for strong governance and innovative financing solutions.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev held bilateral talks in Baku, with a plan to strengthen Somalia-Azerbaijan relations on Wednesday (February 12).
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a phone conversation with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on Monday (February 10). They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation across various sectors to benefit both nations.
Sudan
on Friday (February 14), Ethiopia has contributed USD 15 million to humanitarian assistance operations in Sudan.
Africa and the African Union
The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union was held at the African Union Headquarters under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” from February 12-13. (See article)
Addis Ababa Welcomes Delegates for the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union
The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union was held at the African Union Headquarters under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” from February 12-13.
In his opening remarks, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, highlighted several key issues facing Africa and the global community. He addressed the challenges to multilateralism amid turbulent global changes, emphasizing its crucial role for Africa and the Global South. Gedion stressed the need to strengthen the United Nations, the African Union, and regional bodies to effectively tackle global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, pandemics, and other health issues.
Gedion expressed concern over the rising number of internal and interstate conflicts, polarization, and geopolitical rivalry that threaten global stability. He underscored the importance of African unity, cooperation, and solidarity to navigate these challenges and leverage opportunities presented by technological advances, such as artificial intelligence. He called for reformed global governance, including changes to the United Nations Security Council, and advocated for an international financial system that supports Africa’s growth. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for access to climate financing and technology to address both man-made and natural challenges.
The Minister also underscored the vision of Africa’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing that its successful implementation requires strong political will, effective coordination, and robust partnerships. He highlighted the importance of realizing Africa’s flagship projects and advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as key drivers of economic integration and growth. Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to trading under AfCFTA as part of its efforts to promote continental integration.
Gedion further advocated for greater African participation in global decision-making, supporting the African Union’s membership in the G20 to enhance Africa’s influence on global economic governance. He congratulated South Africa for its G20 chairmanship, expressing confidence in its leadership to advance Africa’s agenda.
On peace and security, Gedion called for strengthening continental institutional capacity for mediation and conflict prevention. He commended the African Union’s peacekeeping missions for their vital role in maintaining peace and security across the continent. In closing, Gedion renewed Ethiopia’s commitment to African solidarity and friendship, urging collective action to overcome challenges and unlock the continent’s potential.
Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, during the opening session, in his statement, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to promote peace, security, and unity across the continent. He highlighted the necessity of fostering good governance, socioeconomic development, sustainable financing, and institutional reform within the African Union. Faki also stressed the need to enhance Africa’s position and unity on the global stage. He noted that recent initiatives have strengthened Africa’s pursuit of continental integration, public health, and education, primarily driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also recognized Africa’s increasing influence and presence on the global stage.
Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), addressed the need for reparative justice for Africa, acknowledging the lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation. He emphasized that while Africa holds vast mineral reserves and arable land, it faces significant economic inequalities, contributing to its minimal share in global trade and manufacturing. Gatete called for addressing these structural barriers, stressing the need for a reformed global financial system, debt restructuring, and greater access to climate financing and technology to empower African nations.
Gatete proposed a five-pronged approach to address these challenges, focusing on reforming the global financial architecture, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for economic integration, and prioritizing value addition to Africa’s mineral wealth through regional value chains.
Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, emphasized the critical need for African unity in the face of global uncertainties. Ould Merzoug stated, “The current global evolution, which is quite concerning and full of uncertainties, invites us to choose the best path for ourselves and to continue making efforts to find sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges.”
He further highlighted the importance of strengthening the African Union (AU) as the primary platform for advancing continental projects and aspirations. Ould Merzoug remarked, “We should learn from the current uncertainties that finding a collective solution must be a permanent concern for us. The only alternative we have is to strengthen our continental organization, the AU, which should be the primary platform for advancing our continental projects and aspirations.”
During the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, Foreign Minister Gedion held several Sideline bilateral meetings to strengthen regional cooperation. He discussed key issues such as trade, investment, security, and infrastructure with counterparts from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, South Sudan, Angola, and Comoros. Additionally, Dr. Gedion engaged with Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi and Zimbabwe’s Amon Murwira, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges.
The key agenda items for the two-day session included the appointment of six commissioners to the AU Commission, a long-anticipated responsibility of the Executive Council. The commissioners elected will be responsible for the following areas: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM); Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI); Infrastructure and Energy (I&E); Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS); and Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS).
The Ordinary Session of the Executive Council that included Foreign Affairs Ministers and high-ranking government officials from AU member nations concluded its deliberations on critical issues of interest to the content in realizing development in the political, economic and social sectors by adopting key decisions to fast-track the fruition of the Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063.
Foreign Minister Gedion Hosts Dinner Reception in Honour of the Participants of the 46th AU Executive Council
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, on the evening of Wednesday (February 12), hosted a dinner reception in honour of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs who were participating in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union at the newly built Addis International Convention Centre.
The Chief Guest of Honour, President Taye Atske-Selassie, in his remarks said in light of the ever-shifting global geopolitics and geo-economics, Member States in unison shall continue to make significant strides on matters that impact the peace, stability and unity of Africa more than ever before.
In this regard, President Taye added, Ethiopia will continue to commit to work towards realizing the Africa we envision: an Africa that is peaceful, stable and self-reliant. Recalling the theme of this year’s Summit, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent, the President said, it is reminiscent of the plight of our forefathers and mothers, who had been haplessly subjected to slavery and uprooted from their motherland. “Their anguished cries have been calling for a dignified closure for centuries,” he said.
Alluding to the successful conduct of the Executive Council, President Taye said it is a reminder of the importance of working in collaboration. The successes you have achieved are the result of the collective will, wisdom and commitment of every member state, along with the African Union Commission, he stressed.
Foreign Minister Gedion, on his part, while focusing on the theme of this year’s theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” emphasized the importance of multilateralism for Africa and the Global South, citing global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
He also called upon the participants to enhance collective institutional capacity to foster mediation and other conflict prevention mechanisms that are reminiscent of the Pan-African “African Solutions to African Challenges” principle.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and several foreign ministers graced the dinner reception.
Ethiopia Readies for a Successful 38th African Union Summit
Extensive preparations are underway as Ethiopia prepares to convene the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 15-16. This summit, a pivotal event in the AU calendar, will be held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, with the precursory meeting of the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council from February 12-13.
To ensure seamless coordination for the successful completion of the summit, a national committee consisting of representatives of 35 institutions, led by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been diligently working on various projects over the past few months. In this connection, a final consultation that brought together all members of the National Committee was held at the headquarters of the Ministry on Monday (February 10) to discuss preparations.
On the occasion, State minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, emphasized that this year’s summit will uniquely embrace the principle that “Every Citizen is a Diplomat for His/Her Country.” To this end, 101 trained protocol cadets, fluent in multiple foreign languages, have been recruited to provide protocol-related services, ensuring seamless communication and coordinated execution of the high-level gathering, added the state minister.
Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Hirut Zemene, affirmed that Ethiopia will strategically engage in the summit, prioritizing agendas that safeguard its national interests and showcasing its achievements in green development, agricultural advancements, environmental protection, school feeding programs, and infrastructure development.
State Minister of Government Communication Services, Tesfahun Gobezai, for his part, stated that a large number of guests are expected to take part in the 38th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Over one thousand journalists have already applied for accreditation to cover the proceedings of the summit, he added. Reflecting its international significance, the state minister urged Addis Ababa city residents to extend their renowned hospitality to the participants.
Addis Ababa’s role as a diplomatic hub is underscored by its recent hosting of over 40 continental and international events in the past six months. In this regard, stakeholders have collaborated to ensure reliable services. Ethiopian Airlines has allocated staff to streamline immigration and customs procedures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ethiopian Media Authority are working in tandem to provide comprehensive services to media outlets and professionals from around the globe. Security measures have been heightened by the Ethiopian Federal Police, Addis Ababa Police, and the National Intelligence Service.
Overall, this year’s Au summit is expected to be an opportunity for productive deliberations and an immersion into Ethiopia’s rich history, diverse cultures, and landscapes. The newly inaugurated Addis Ababa Corridor Development, the recently renovated National Palace, the Addis Africa Convention Center, and existing attractions like the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and Unity, Friendship and Entoto Parks will serve as major tourist destinations.
The BRICS Ministerial Committee Held its First Meeting for the Year 2025
Governor of the National Bank and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, Mamo Mihiretu Esmelealem, chaired the BRICS Ministerial Committee held on Monday (February 10). The Committee deliberated on Ethiopia’s BRICS Engagement Strategy (2024–2028), the performance report for 2024, and Ethiopia’s BRICS outlook for 2025. The meeting was preceded by the BRICS senior technical committee meeting that deliberated on the three agenda items.
The Ministerial Committee noted with appreciation the expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of Indonesia, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The addition of new countries will enable the partnership to expand its reach and foster south-south cooperation.
The BRICS engagement strategy will guide Ethiopia’s role and participation in the parentship for the years 2024 – 2028. The strategy sets out the overall objectives and specific targets Ethiopia seeks to achieve in the fields of development and finance, people-to-people ties and peace and security. The Committee also exchanged views and put forth guidance for the implementation of the BRICS engagement Strategy 2024 – 2028.
The Ministerial Committee evaluated the performance report for 2024, which saw Ethiopia’s successful integration into the workings of the partnership. The year was also marked by Ethiopia’s exemplary participation and constructive contribution to BRICS. The Ministerial Committee discussed the need to enhance inter-ministerial coordination and expand expertise and institutional capability, taking into account the enhanced role Ethiopia will take in the BRICS in the coming years.
The Ministerial Committee also considered the BRICS Outlook for 2025 that is prepared on the basis of the Engagement Strategy and the annual plan and calendar of the Brazilian presidency. The Committee reinforced the targets set for 2025, including finalizing the process for Ethiopia’s membership in the New Development Bank, making use of the opportunities of the BRICS platform to enhance bilateral relations with BRICS countries and partners, and capitalizing on the initiatives for 2025 in the fields of agriculture, trade, investment and tourism to deliver tangible outcomes for Ethiopia.
The Ministerial Committee also discussed the global political context within which BRICS will operate and adopted a position that reinforces Ethiopia’s foreign policy objectives centered on support for multilateralism, expansion of opportunities for economic development, preservation of peace and security, and maintenance of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all actors.
The Ministerial Committee which consists of ministers and heads of specialized government agencies, agreed to keep its regular periodic meetings and provide strategic guidance to the attainment of the targets set for 2025.
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