The 38th Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa concludes
Ethiopia Elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council for 2025-2027
High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan Convens in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Proposes to Host the 2nd CAHOSCC Meeting
Ethiopia takes part in the Sixth Regional Ministerial Forum for Migration
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie attended the Africa Business Forum in Addis Ababa on Monday (February 17). Speaking at the opening of the Business Forum, President Taye also stressed the need for strengthening sustainable value chains to reduce Africa’s reliance on import trade.
On Saturday (February 15), President Taye met with King Mswati III of Eswatini at the National Palace, where the king expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s progress and development. On the same day, the president received UN General Assembly President Philemon Young at his office, discussing the Assembly’s mandate and reform.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, and her delegation on Monday (February 18). The delegation, during its three-day official visit to Ethiopia, discussed various areas of cooperation between the two countries.
On Monday (February 17), the Premier also had a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner, on key bilateral and multilateral issues.
Ethiopia has been elected as a member of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) for a three-year term (2025-2027) during an election held at the 46th Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa. (See article)
Last week on Saturday (February 15), PM Abiy met with Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands to discuss ongoing efforts to support Ethiopia’s health initiatives. Earlier, on Thursday (February 14), he also met with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, to discuss enhancing food security, sustainability, and resilience in Ethiopia.
On the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit on Sunday (February 16), Prime Minister Abiy met with Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Presidents John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.
On Saturday (February 15), the Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with Presidents Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, Duma Boko of Botswana, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania to strengthen partnerships and regional cooperation. He also spoke with African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, International Fund for Agricultural Development President Alvaro Lario, and Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar on Ethiopia’s immunization efforts and agricultural support.
On Saturday (February 15), Prime Minister Abiy thanked outgoing African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki for his leadership and dedication to Africa, wishing him the best in his future endeavors.
Sputnik opened its office in Addis Ababa on Thursday (February 20), which was attended by Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the House of Federation of Ethiopia Agegnehu Teshager, and Director General of the Rossiya Segodnya media group, which includes Sputnik, Dmitry Kiselev, as well as other high-ranking politicians from the Russian and Ethiopian sides.
A delegation led by Field Marshal Berhanu Jula participated in the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX/NAVDEX), held from February 17-21 in the UAE. The visit served as a platform for advancing Ethiopia’s military industry by gaining valuable international experience.
A delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos attended the first round of technical negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia within the scope of the Ankara Declaration, which took place in Ankara on Wednesday (February 19).
An Ethiopian delegation led by FM Gedion also took part at the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Forum that kicked off on Thursday (February 20) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Foreign Minister held productive discussions with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, kaja kallas in Johannesburg, on the margins of the G20 Ministerial meeting on Friday (February 21).
FM Gedion met on Wednesday (February 19) with his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, and discussed ways of further cooperating on climate change and the green economy, as well as the maintenance of peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
Minister Gedion held talks with UN Under Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and EU Special Representative Annette Weber in Addis Ababa on Monday (February 17) to discuss regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
On Sunday (February 16), FM Gedion met with Madagascar’s Foreign Minister Rasata Rafaravavitafika to discuss enhancing cooperation on bilateral, continental, and multilateral issues on the sidelines of the AU Summit. Earlier, on Friday (February 15), he also met with Mauritania’s Foreign Minister and outgoing Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, to strengthen cooperation on shared issues of bilateral, continental, and multilateral interest.
Stakeholders have convened on Thursday (February 20) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the ongoing preparations for Ethiopia’s hosting of the 2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit, due to be held in Addis Ababa in July 2025. The meeting involved various stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, and Estefanos Fotiou, Head of the delegation and Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and FAO Office of Sustainable Development Goals.
Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe held a discussion with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Addis Ababa on Monday (February 17).
The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) convened on Sunday (February 16), on the margins of the 38th African Union Summit, in Addis Ababa, to address the pressing challenges of climate change. The meeting was chaired by the Coordinator of CAHOSCC and President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto. (See article)
The Sixth Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration was held under the theme “Reframing the Narrative: Celebrating the Positive Impact of Labour Migration on Local Development and Economic Growth through Enhancing Regular Pathways” from February 10–13 in Uganda, Kampala. (See article)
Ambassador Mesganu met on Friday (February 21) with Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, at his office.Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and security, and expressed their commitment to expanding collaboration in various areas.
A two-day-long Khartoum Process Thematic Meeting kicked off on Wednesday (February 19) in Addis Ababa, co-hosted by the governments of Ethiopia and Switzerland, during which State Minister Ambassador Mesganu made a remark.
On Monday (February 18), State Minister Ambassador Mesganu met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Vincent D. Spera, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation on regional peace and security.
The first Ethiopia-Vietnam Joint Political Consultation was held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (February 18), where both sides agreed to strengthen their relations through multilateral forums and South-South cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by State Minister Ambassador Mesganu and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang.
State Minister Ambassador Mesganu held talks with Monica Zanette, Head of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), on Tuesday (February 18), on enhancing cooperation on migration issues and exploring the establishment of an ICMPD office in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Mesganu received the UK’s visiting Special Envoy for the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, Alison Blackburne, at his office on Thursday (February 20). They discussed strengthening longstanding cooperation on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues, including trade, investment, and regional peace.
The State Minister also held a discussion on Monday (February 17) with A. Sivarajah, Non-Resident Ambassador of Singapore to Ethiopia, to explore deepening bilateral political and economic ties, particularly in trade, investment, and technology transfer.
On Sunday (February 16), Ambassador Mesganu, along with the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, met with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam to discuss enhancing relations in trade, tourism, and aviation through direct air connectivity.
During a press briefing on Tuesday (February 18), State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, told the media the 38th African Union Summit was a success, emphasizing Ethiopia’s ability to host major events and commending the smooth execution of the summit attended by over 12,000 guests.
On Friday (February 17), the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Africa office was inaugurated at Addis Ababa University. The center aims to develop a skilled workforce through diverse training programs and initiatives.
The Ministry of Finance and Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATIDI) to enhance trade and investment insurance across Africa on Tuesday (February 18).
Djibouti
On Saturday (February 15), Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, won the AUC chairmanship with 33 votes in the seventh round. In a press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the ministry congratulated the new chairperson on assuming the position.
Sudan
The High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the people of Sudan was convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday (February 14) . The Conference was co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The primary objective of the conference was to mobilize regional and international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. (See article)
Africa and the African Union
The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union were successfully concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 12-16. (See article)
The African Union-led Lessons Learned Report on the Pretoria Peace Process was launched on Sunday (February 16) in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Peace Mohammed Edris, AU Commissioner Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Members of the AU-High Level Panel, the President of the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, Getachew Reda and the Chairperson of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, Debretsion Gebremichael, among others. (See article)
Africa Business Forum 2025 concluded on Tuesday (February 18) with a renewed commitment to regional integration, value chain activation, and industrialization. The Forum, held at the Economic Commission for Africa’s Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, concluded with an invigorating discussion on the critical need to activate regional value chains to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The 38th Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union Held in Addis Ababa Concludes
The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union were successfully concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 12-16.
Marking a significant gathering of African leaders and international representatives, the summit was attended by more than 12,000 guests, including a king, 30 Presidents, 3 Vice Presidents, 5 Prime Ministers and 17 First Ladies from Member States, along with their respective delegations.
This year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” was officially launched by Heads of State and Government during the Summit. This initiative aims to foster reparatory justice frameworks to address historical injustices stemming from colonialism and systemic discrimination.
Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; and the outgoing Chairperson of the Africa Union, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority; António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; and Moussa Faki Mahamat, outgoing Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, made remarks during the opening session of the Assembly.
Addressing the opening session, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, president of Mauritania and chairperson of the AU for 2024, said despite progress, the African continent is in urgent need to expedite concerted efforts in addressing the compounded effects of insecurity, climate change, and socio-economic challenges, particularly in light of the evolving global landscape. He underscored the importance of unity in addressing these pressing concerns.
Prime Minister Abiy delivered remarks emphasizing the need for technological advancements to drive African development and unity. He called for collective action to tackle the continent’s challenges and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Reflecting on the theme of the year, he stressed the need to heal the scars of historical injustice through a transformative process and demanding an end to the systematic exploitation of Africa’s wealth and resources.
Highlighting the importance of the theme, Prime Minister Mottley stressed the shared struggles and aspirations of African and Caribbean nations, calling for solidarity in pursuing justice and development.
President Abbas underscored the need for international support in achieving peace and stability in Palestine, linking it to broader regional security.
In his final address to the Assembly, outgoing AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the growing representation of Africa on the global stage, particularly through the AU’s membership in the G20 and the inclusion of African states in BRICS. He noted that these developments enhance Africa’s visibility and influence in international affairs. Faki urged member states to collaborate effectively to implement the decisions made during the Assembly.
Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of a common African voice in addressing global challenges, advocating for greater collaboration between the AU and the UN. He particularly stressed on Peace and Security situations in Africa, climate crisis, Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and technology and Artificial intelligence.
Among the main highlights of the summit were the elections and appointments of new leaders of the organization. The Assembly conducted elections for the African Union Commission electing Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti as the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, alongside Selma Haddadi from Algeria as the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. Both leaders will serve a four-year term, which is renewable once.
The Assembly also oversaw the election and appointment of Commissioners and other AU organs and institutions, which was undertaken during the 46th Executive Council Meeting. Additionally, five members of the Peace and Security Council were appointed, with Ethiopia joining the council to serve for a three-year term until 2027.
Beyond reparations as the theme of the year, many critical issues of continental concern took center stage at the AU Summit. Various political and socio-economic areas affecting the continent, including the implementation of institutional reforms of the Union that aim to enhance its effectiveness and responsiveness, the African Union’s participation in the G20 and other multilateral and global platforms with a common and stronger voice, and the state of regional and continental peace and security in Africa, along with the activities of the Peace and Security Council, were critically reviewed.
The assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation among African nations and tackle the continent’s challenges through collective action. The decisions made during this session are expected to pave the way for enhanced political stability and socio-economic development across Africa.
Ethiopia Elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council for 2025-2027
Ethiopia has been elected as a member of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) for a three-year term (2025-2027) during an election held at the 46th Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa.
The election took place against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil in various parts of the continent and beyond. Ethiopia faced stiff competition from Rwanda and Somalia. Djibouti, which was seeking re-election, withdrew from the race at the last minute, citing its commitment to regional equity and fair representation. The contest went through three rounds, with Ethiopia ultimately securing a resounding victory by receiving 38 out of 49 eligible votes, demonstrating the confidence AU member states have in its leadership.
Ethiopia has long been a pioneering actor in continental peace and security initiatives. With over 70 years of participation in various UN and AU-mandated peacekeeping missions, Ethiopia has played a crucial role in conflict mediation across the region. Its return to the AU-PSC after a four-year absence will enable it to reclaim its active role in regional peace efforts beyond its bilateral engagements.
The PSC adopted its Rules of Procedure in March 2004 and held its inaugural meeting the following day, officially marking the beginning of its operations. Two months later, on May 25, 2004, the PSC was formally launched at the level of Heads of State and Government. Ethiopia, as one of the founding members, actively participated in this historic session. It served on the PSC for a series of terms: first for three years until 2010, then from 2014 to 2016, and again from 2020 to 2022.
In its tenures, Ethiopia has played a pivotal role in shaping the PSC as a standing decision-making body for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in Africa. Regionally, Ethiopia took a bold initiative in 2006 by intervening in Somalia to counter the rise of the Islamic Courts Union and support the Transitional Federal Government. This intervention was significant for regional security and was conducted in coordination with AU efforts.
Additionally, beyond its participation in peacekeeping missions in Sudan and South Sudan, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable and predictable financing for AU-led peace support operations. It has played a key role in advancing United Nations-assessed contributions for AU-led missions, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in AU peacekeeping efforts.
Ethiopia’s Priorities in the AU-PSC
Ethiopia’s election to the AU-PSC for the 2025-2027 term presents an opportunity for the country to enhance its contributions to regional and continental peace and security. As a representative of Eastern Africa, Ethiopia will prioritize addressing conflict hotspots in the region.
Furthermore, it will advocate for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which ensures funding for AU peace support operations through UN-assessed contributions. This will be a key focus area in Ethiopia’s engagement within the PSC, reinforcing its commitment to a stable and secure Africa.
High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan Convens in Addis Ababa
The High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the people of Sudan was convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday (February 14) . The Conference was co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The primary objective of the conference was to mobilize regional and international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebyehu, and Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Representatives from various regional and international countries, as well as leading international organizations, were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Abiy expressed Ethiopia’s unwavering solidarity with the Sudanese people, emphasizing the deep interdependence and shared cultural ties between the two nations. He urged all parties to embrace an immediate and unconditional comprehensive ceasefire, stressing the necessity of inclusive political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. Ethiopia announced its commitment of $15 million in humanitarian assistance to support relief efforts in Sudan, reaffirming its dedication to alleviating the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, announced an additional $200 million in humanitarian aid from the UAE, raising the country’s total contribution to $600.4 million since the conflict began. He called for a humanitarian ceasefire during Ramadan and emphasized that no entity should obstruct lifesaving assistance. The UAE reiterated its long-standing commitment to Sudan and pledged continued support in collaboration with international partners.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the situation in Sudan a severe crisis requiring urgent and sustained international attention. He also called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an end to the flow of arms fueling the conflict.
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the conflicting parties to immediately and unconditionally embrace a comprehensive ceasefire. He also advocated for inclusive political discussions to address the deep-rooted causes of the conflict and restore constitutional order in Sudan.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted the precarious future of millions of Sudanese citizens and emphasized the international community’s duty to act decisively. He called for practical, coordinated interventions and lay the foundation for long-term recovery in Sudan.
The conference culminated in a unified call for a humanitarian ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure the safe and unhindered delivery of aid to those in need. The international community was urged to intensify efforts to support Sudan and its neighboring countries hosting refugees, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and work towards lasting peace in the region.
African Union-led Lessons Learned Report on the Pretoria Peace Process Launched at the AU Headquarters
The African Union-led Lessons Learned Report on the Pretoria Peace Process was launched on Sunday (February 16) in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Peace, Mohammed Edris, AU Commissioner Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Members of the AU-High Level Panel, the President of the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, Getachew Reda and the Chairperson of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, Debretsion Gebremichael, among others.
In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Gedion expressed his gratitude to the governments of South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria for supporting the peace process. He also thanked the African Union for playing a pivotal role in bringing to fruition this Ethiopia owned AU-led peace process. Citing the relatively comprehensive nature of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, Dr. Gedion emphasized the fact that the lasting legacy of both Parties should be to ensure local ownership of the process and the futility of belligerence in the efforts towards effecting a lasting peace in the region.
He told the participants, the unequivocal commitment of the Government of Ethiopia cannot and should not be questioned. The Federal Government has hitherto deployed substantial resources to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and bring about sustainable peace and normalcy to Tigray region.
AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and former President of Nigeria, Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ, addressing the gathering commended both Parties for demonstrating astute leadership and exceptional dedication to a peace process that is widely regarded as a significant milestone. He said, African ownership of the process is a testament to the capacity of Africans to contribute to a peaceful and stable Africa and offers valuable insights and experiences worth emulating elsewhere on the continent.
The outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, for his part said, the peace process in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has garnered considerable regional and international interest, recognizing its significance not only for the people of Ethiopia but for the broader stability of the Horn of Africa.
Lessons from the recent peacemaking efforts between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Chairperson noted, are a reminder that pursuing peace requires continuous adaptation and a commitment to understanding the nuanced complexities of each conflict.
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on the occasion made a brief presentation on the 11 Key Lessons Learned from the peace process. He underscored the fact that the agreement is a crucial tool for restoring peace and stability while effectively playing pivotal role in Silencing the Guns and building rapport among the Parties thereby demonstrating the practicality and sustainability of peace agreements.
Members of the AU High-Level Panel on the Ethiopian Peace Process in the preface to the report stressed that insights and experiences gained from the Pretoria Peace Process are not merely a recounting of events but a reflection of our collective commitment to peace, stability, and the well-being of the people of Ethiopia. “As we look to the future, we hope these insights will inspire and guide ongoing and future peacemaking efforts, contributing to a more peaceful and stable Africa.”, they echoed.
Ethiopia Proposes to Host the 2nd CAHOSCC Meeting
The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) convened on Sunday (February 16), on the margins of the 38th African Union Summit, in Addis Ababa, to address the pressing challenges of climate change. The meeting was chaired by the Coordinator of CAHOSCC and President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto. The State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, addressed the committee, highlighting key priorities for the continent.
In his address, President Ruto provided a detailed overview of the progress made in the past year and outlined the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He noted significant strides in the global climate discourse, citing the Nairobi Leaders Declaration as a guiding document.
While reaffirming that COP29 fell short of meeting all expectations, particularly the $1.3 trillion climate finance goal, he highlighted some key wins achieved through multilateralism. He emphasized the acknowledgement of Africa’s concerns regarding debt sustainability and the high cost of capital for climate action.
He stated that COP 29 also generated critical momentum through high-level events and strategic partnerships for African-led climate initiatives, including the ‘Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa’ event in Baku, which emphasized the urgent need to properly value Africa’s abundant natural capital. There was also the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa, both of which aim to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential to drive industrial transformation, added the President.
President Ruto also acknowledged the challenges posed by the changing global geopolitical and economic landscape. He mentioned a decline in the global climate for cooperation and solidarity, citing cuts in aid and diminishing support for multilateral institutions and a rise in protectionism and nationalist policies that threaten trade and investment flows.
He emphasized the importance of submitting new nationally determined contributions and underscored the need for the updated plans to scale up renewable energy expansion, accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, and align with African leaders’ Nairobi declaration and COP decisions.
On the occasion, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu, also highlighted the shortcomings of COP29 in securing adequate funding for environmental sustainability measures, particularly in Africa and other developing nations. He emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, urging for immediate and decisive action to yield tangible results. He stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms and greater accountability from developed countries in fulfilling their commitments.
Speaking about the African Climate Summit held in Nairobi in September 2023, the state minister stated that the Summit heralded a pivotal moment in repositioning Africa’s vital role on the global stage and signals Africa’s collective commitment to addressing urgent and pressing challenges on climate change.
Ambassador Mesganu noted that African countries should be proactive and strategic in the pursuit of sustainable solutions in tackling the devastating environmental disasters that are a direct consequence of climate change.
In light of putting together a unified response, he pointed out Ethiopia’s proposal to convene the second Africa Climate Summit at the Headquarters of the African Union in 2025. The Summit will provide a crucial platform to chart the way forward in Africa’s climate negotiations and will allow countries to formulate and implement other appropriate measures needed to safeguard the continent as well as ensure a sustainable future for posterity.
He concluded by reaffirming Ethiopia’s continued commitment to working closely with the Committee Members and other stakeholders to garner international support for a sustainable environment and climate-resilient future.
Following the meeting of the committee, the report of the committee of African Heads of State and Government on climate change (CAHOSCC) was presented by President Ruto.
The African Union Assembly, in its Thirteenth Ordinary Session in July 2009, approved the Assembly Decision on the establishment of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). Since then, CAHOSCC has been working to advance the Africa Common Position on Climate Change at global fora and negotiations on climate change.
Ethiopia takes part in the Sixth Regional Ministerial Forum for Migration
The Sixth Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration was held under the theme “Reframing the Narrative: Celebrating the Positive Impact of Labour Migration on Local Development and Economic Growth through Enhancing Regular Pathways” from February 10–13 in Uganda, Kampala.
The regional meeting was aimed at consolidating efforts in enhancing regional cooperation between the eleven member states of the region in skills development, youth employment and job creation to alleviate poverty and reduce irregular migration by improving overall labor migration governance.
An Ethiopian delegation, led by State Minister of Labor and Skills Daniel Teressa, participated in the meeting. The discussions centered on the implementation of decisions from the previous regional meeting, which was chaired by Ethiopia. Countries presented key activities in five thematic areas: skills development, youth employment and job creation, bilateral labor migration agreements, ethical recruitment, consular protection, gender, and diaspora engagement.
In the opening session, Esther Anyakun Davinia, Uganda’s Minister of State for Labor, Employment, and Industrial Relations, emphasized the importance of harmonizing labor migration policies and enhancing cooperation on skill development, technical and vocational training, and mutual recognition of skills qualifications in the Eastern and Horn of Africa region.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) representative highlighted that migration is a key driver of development, noting that the over $53 billion received in remittances plays a crucial role in supporting health, education, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. He called on regional countries to collaborate in exploring opportunities in regions experiencing demographic shifts through measures aimed at providing skilled labor.
The East African Community (EAC) representative highlighted the key achievements of the regional bloc in the free movement of labor over the past 25 years, which allowed close to 9.4 million people to work in another member state. He shared the regional bloc’s experience in harmonizing labor migration policies, using national IDs as travel documents, and ensuring the portability of social security, which significantly boosted the overall development of the regional countries.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) representative also highlighted the importance of adopting the IGAD Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the efforts made in establishing a regional mechanism for skills qualification.
During the deliberations, several countries shared progress reports on signing and monitoring bilateral labor agreements, labor market information systems, consular protection—including the deployment of labor attachés—and the use of digital apps for migrants in distress, remittances, mutual skills recognition, and the adoption of laws and policies in overseas employment. Additionally, several countries reported efforts to regulate private employment agencies, form new partnerships in skills mobility schemes, and build capacity.
Challenges discussed included the need to adopt a common approach to bilateral labor agreements, as the relatively stronger bargaining position of destination countries often results in lopsided agreements, particularly in setting minimum wages. The importance of strengthening the regional forum as a platform for dialogue to ensure safe, orderly labor migration was emphasized, along with the need for cross-regional dialogues with key destination countries, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Other challenges highlighted were the enforcement of bilateral agreements, abuses of migrant workers—including unpaid salaries, sexual and gender-based abuses, confiscation of travel documents, denial of health services, and absence of social protection—and the need to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking through concerted efforts that combine awareness creation, enhanced border controls, and legal measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
In his address, State Minister Daniel Teressa highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements in promoting regular labor migration, addressing gaps in the protection of migrants, and combating human trafficking and irregular migration. He noted that, apart from bilateral labor agreements signed with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Kuwait, Ethiopia is finalizing an agreement with the State of Oman. Regarding remittances, the liberalization of the foreign currency regime increased the annual average from $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion over the past year.
He also added that to encourage diaspora tourism, Ethiopia launched an initiative dubbed “Ethiopia’s Third Generation Home Coming,” which includes incentives like lower air ticket fares and hotel rates. As a result, over the past year, two million third-generation diaspora visited Ethiopia. He also highlighted achievements in consular protection, particularly in recovering unpaid salaries amounting to $300,000 through efforts made by consulate sections of Ethiopian embassies, mainly in Gulf countries.
The meeting concluded with a joint statement, including decisions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the forum as an important platform to coordinate the actions of the regional countries in labor migration. Member states endorsed Ethiopia’s proposal for self-financing of the regional forum through contributions from member states and agreed on establishing a secretariat as an institutional structure to facilitate the work of the member states.
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