A Week in the Horn 24.7.2011
News in Brief
The 5th African Union Commission – United States High Level Dialogue…
… And the AU/US Ministerial on Trade, Security and Governance in Africa
AU, EU urged to strengthen cooperation on peace and security
Consultative meeting on IGAD’s Revitalization Process for South Sudan…
…and Dr. Mogae briefs a JMEC plenary session
COP23: Need for renewed urgency and more effort to tackle climate change
President Kenyatta to be sworn-in for a second term on November 28
State Minister, Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, visits South Korea
The result of Somaliland’s presidential election announced this week
Eritrea: Nevsun’s efforts to stop forced labor case fail
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
The United Nations Convention on Climate Change, Conference of the Parties (COP23) ended two weeks of discussions and negotiations on Friday (November 17) in Bonn, Germany, with expressions of a renewed sense of urgency and of the need for greater ambition to tackle climate change. The main focus at the conference was how to maintain momentum two years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement. (See article)
The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EU PSC) held their 10th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting on November 17 in Addis Ababa. The meeting was held within the framework of the regular dialogue of the Africa- European Union partnership. (See article)
The 5th African Union Commission – United States High Level Dialogue was held in Washington DC, USA last week (November 16), under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the AU Commission and the US Department of State in 2013. (See article)
African Foreign Ministers and the US held a “Ministerial on Trade, Security and Governance in Africa” in Washington last week with US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. Discussions focused on trade and investment, security, and good governance. (See article)
The Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, together with the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, briefed IGAD Plus members on progress in the South Sudan Revitalization Process at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday this week (November 22). Participants included representatives of IGAD member countries, the AU, of Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa, and of the Troika of Norway, the UK and the US, as well as the US, China and the UN Special Envoy to South Sudan. (See article)
The Eastern Africa Standby Force is holding military exercises in Sudan until December 3. Defense Minister, Lt. General Mohamed Ali Salim, said 10 countries were taking part in the exercise in eastern Sudan. The more than 1,000 troops involved are from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. The exercise is focusing on boosting the capabilities of the forces with regard to peacekeeping, conflict and terrorism management and combating human trafficking.
The member countries of IGAD established a new regional network to expand and strengthen their fight against illegal wildlife trade in the Horn of Africa at a November 15 ceremony at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Wildlife conservation ministers signed a Protocol and Declaration establishing the Horn of Africa Wildlife Law Enforcement Network (HAWEN) as a specialized technical network of IGAD. HAWEN will lead implementation of wildlife enforcement component of IGAD’s Wildlife Management Strategy adopted in July, 2017 as well as support implementation in the IGAD region of the AU Strategy on Combating Illegal Exploitation and Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora, adopted in 2015.
The UNHCR says it is seriously concerned by Israel plans to close its Holot detention center for African migrants within four months and compel them to accept relocation to countries in Africa or face imprisonment in Israel. Rwanda and Uganda are expected to be the countries that Israel plans to send the refugees to. An Israeli High Court in August agreed the policy but tasked the government to ensure that deported migrants would be safe with the third countries. Eritrean and Sudanese refugees are likely to be most affected.
Ethiopia
President Dr. Mulatu Teshome received departing Chilean Ambassador Chomali Garib on Wednesday (November 22). They discussed strengthening bilateral relations and Ambassador Garib said Chile would strengthen trade and investment with Ethiopia and he hoped the service agreement with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority would soon be implemented.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn received Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, President of the Puntland State of Somalia on Tuesday (November 21). Prime Minister Hailemariam noted that it benefitted all if Ethiopia, Somalia and Puntland cooperated in security, economy, infrastructure and trade. He underlined the need to develop infrastructure. Dr. Ali said Puntland wanted to cooperate with Ethiopia in these areas and was looking to Ethiopia’s experience in civil service reform.
Prime Minister Hailemariam awarded 145 innovators, students, teachers and researchers for their outstanding contributions in technology and research at the 8th National Science and Technology Innovation award ceremony held last weekend, The Prime Minister said encouraging innovations can make the country’s growth comprehensive as well as o inspire innovators to further success. The National Science and Technology Innovation awards, started in 2009, have so far been presented to gone a total of 1, 601 people.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu attended “Ministerial on Trade, Security and Governance in Africa” in Washington on Friday last week (November 17) between African Foreign Ministers and the US. (See article)
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh on Thursday (November 23) held talks with President Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali of Puntland. Dr. Workneh affirmed the commitment of the Ethiopian government to support peace and stability in Somalia through regional mechanisms. Dr. Ali Gaas welcomed Ethiopia’s interest in boosting trade and investment with Somalia. He urged an improved customs service to fast track trade links; discussions covered ways to scale up integration through increased trade and transport links.
Foreign Affairs State Minister, Mrs. Hirut Zemene, on behalf of Ethiopia as Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, chaired the briefing for IGAD Plus members on progress in the South Sudan Revitalization Process on Wednesday this week (November 22). (See article)
State Minister, Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, led a delegation to South Korea this week to attend a meeting of the joint Ethiopia-South Korea cultural forum. (See article)
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Ato Meles Alem, told the local media on Thursday (November 23) that Ethiopia’s commitment to utilize the Nile was based on accepted norms and international laws: on the principles of equity and reason, justice, and no-harm-to-others, principles which will always best serve the people of the country. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was being built by Ethiopians and for Ethiopians but it also benefited other riparian countries. Its role for integration made it a Pan-African project. He stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to work with Sudan and Egypt on the basis of the Declaration of Principles
The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) received the “2017 United Nations Award” for outstanding performance in Geneva on Monday (November 20). The Award recognizes exceptional achievements in promoting and facilitating foreign direct investment that contributes towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNCTAD said Ethiopia won on the basis of its effective investment promotion strategy in promoting and facilitating FDI projects and their contribution to the realization of the SDGs. The sustainable features of Ethiopia’s industrialization approach, the targeted investor recruitment strategy for Hawassa Industrial Park and the facilitation provided to firms were highly commended as examples for other countries. Ethiopia also recently received a “2017 Star Reformer Award” from the World Bank Group for outstanding performance on investment policy reform and promotion.
Ethiopia joined the global World Children’s Day celebrations on Monday (November 20) and in line with the theme ‘For children, By children,’ child parliamentarians took over the roles of the Ministers of: Women and Children’s Affairs; Health; Education; Water, Irrigation and Electricity; Labour and Social Affairs; and Urban Works and Construction and shared their ideas on issues that affect their lives. Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Representative to Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for children’s participation, stressing that this was key to ensuring that decisions made by adults are relevant to the actual needs of children. UNICEF Ethiopia launched its publication ‘Hulem Lehisanat- Always for children’ depicting its 65 years history in Ethiopia.
A delegation from Hunan Province, China held talks with heads of the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas on the investment opportunities available in Ethiopia on Monday (November 21). The head of the delegation said Hunan investors wanted to engage in gold and iron ore mining in Ethiopia as well as share Chinese experience and provide technological support. Prime Minister Hailemariam visited Hunan province in May and an Ethiopia-China (Hunan) Investment Cooperation Conference was held to promote investment opportunities. The Prime Minister held one-to-one meetings with a number of major Hunan companies to discuss Ethiopia’s investment policy and available opportunities.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday (November 20) said Chinese tourists had contributed US$164 million in revenue for Ethiopia in 2016. A total of 43,695 Chinese tourists had visited the country in 2016, an increase over the 41,653 in 2015. The number of Chinese tourists to Ethiopia is only surpassed by the numbers from the US and the UK. The Ministry said it was encouraging Chinese investment in Ethiopia’s hospitality sector with a view to substantially increasing the number of Chinese tourists.
The Seventh Annual International Conference on Pulses Oilseeds and Spices was held in Addis Ababa this week (November 22-23) under the theme “Africa: The Future Pulses and Oilseeds Supply”. Over hundred companies from 14 countries participated in the conference. The Ministry of Trade Export Promotion said the conference would allow exchange of information about the current state of the international pulses and oilseeds market, and help the country to promote its oilseeds and pulses products to international markets. This year, Ethiopia anticipates exporting 520,387 tons of oilseeds and 605,000 tons of pulses worth US$546 and US$413 million respectively.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh on a state visit to China this week (November 22-24) met President Xi Jinping on Thursday (November 23). President Xi Jinping said China sets great store by its relations with Djibouti, and was willing to advance cooperation on infrastructure projects including railways, ports, water supply, liquefied natural gas pipeline, as well as building of a free trade area and cooperation in agriculture, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields, including Belt and Road construction. President Guelleh said he considered himself a “great friend of China.” They agreed to establish a strategic partnership to strengthen all-round cooperation and oversaw the signing of a framework agreement for preferential loans. Other deals signed covered economic, technical and agricultural cooperation. Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said later the two leaders had also discussed the logistics base China is building in Djibouti, to be used to resupply navy ships participating in peacekeeping, humanitarian and anti-piracy missions.
Japan has agreed to lease more land to expand its Self-Defense Force base in Djibouti for troops conducting antipiracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. The base was set up in the Ambouli International Airport in June 2011. The Japanese and Djibouti governments agreed on a new lease on Wednesday last week.
Eritrea
Canada’s British Columbia Court of Appeal on Tuesday (November 21) dismissed an appeal by Nevsun Resources Ltd., against the hearing in Canada of a case over the alleged used of forced labor at Nevsun’s Bisha Mine in Eritrea. This means Nevsun will now have to answer allegations of human right abuses in a Canadian court. (See article)
The Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, has been refused entry into Eritrea. Church leaders from eleven other countries, who had offered to mediate in the dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia, were allowed in but Cardinal Berhaneyesus was stopped. The US has also said it would be willing to mediate.
Eritrea joined the membership of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), becoming the 48thAfrican country to become a participating state or a shareholder on Monday (November 20). This followed a recent visit to Asmara by Bank President Dr. Benedict Oramah when President Isaias expressed Eritrea’s willingness to join Afreximbank as a Member State. Membership of the Bank gives Eritrea access to trade finance facilities, project finance services, trade information and advisory services, support in the development of a local content policy and assistance in developing and implementing industrial parks and special economic zones.
The United Kingdom has renewed its foreign travel advice in respect of Eritrea citing new low limitations on local currency handling in the country. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office message, dated November 16, warned citizens of potential confiscation of their funds or prosecution if they flout the new rules. It said no traveler leaving Eritrea can take out more than a thousand Nakfa, (about 65 dollars), and those under 18 cannot take any money at all.
Kenya
Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday (November 20) dismissed petitions challenging the validity of the re-run presidential election on October 26 which was won overwhelmingly by President Kenyatta. President Kenyatta will now be inaugurated for his second term of office on November 28. (See article)
Somalia
President Mohamed Abdullahi met Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander on Tuesday this week (November 21). They discussed cooperation against terrorism, violence and armed groups, and coordination to maintain security and stability in Somalia, and following the talks agreed to strengthen bilateral ties further. President Mohamed thanked the UAE for its quick response in sending medical supplies and airlifting some injured to the UAE following the deadly attack on October 14. During his visit, President Mohamed also visited Abu Dhabi’s Wahat Al Karama, the national landmark built to immortalize the sacrifices of the UAE’s heroes and laid a wreath.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti, Mohamed Ali Houmed arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday (November 23). During his visit he will meet with President Mohamed Abdullahi and Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire to discuss strengthening relations between the two parliaments. He will also deliver a speech to members of the parliament.
President Mohamed Abdullahi congratulated Muse Bihi Abdi on his election as president of Somaliland and praised the peaceful elections in Somaliland with all parties and candidates competing “in the democratic way.” President Abdullahi also pledged to continue talks between Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday (November 21) that the winner of the presidential election held on November 13 was Musa Bihi Abdi, the candidate of the ruling Kulmiye party. (See article)
Information Minister Abdirahman Omar Osman said on Wednesday it had requested a U.S. airstrike that killed over a hundred al-Shabaab militants on Tuesday (November 21) to help pave the way for an upcoming ground offensive. It was the latest in a series of 29 air strikes against Al–Shabaab and ISIS fighters this year, seven between November 9 and 14. The US Defense Department has said there are now 500 US personnel in Somalia including military, civilians and contractors, primarily to provide training and assistance to Somalia forces. They also include special operations forces that carry out counter-terrorist operations.
The United Nations and African Union envoys in Somalia have started a series security assessment visits ahead of the exit of AMISOM troops. Ambassador Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Michael Keating, joined a delegation to Barawe, on Thursday last week to discuss the possibility of handing over the security of Barawe, from AMISOM to Somali security forces. Mr. Keating said the visit was consistent with the National Security Architecture and the National Defence Strategy as well as with the conditions-based transition plan.
EU NAVFOR Somalia’s Flagship, ITS Virginio Fasan, seized six suspected pirates and their vessels following attacks on a 52,000-tonne container ship and a fishing vessel on November 17 and 18. All crew and vessels were reported to be safe.
Kenyan Ahmed Iman ‘Kimanthi’ who has been heading a group of foreign fighters in Al-Shabaab is reported to be on the run after falling out with Al-Shabaab’s leader, Ahmed Diriye, and Abdirahim Mohamed Warsame, the commander of Al-Shabaab’s Amniyat, intelligence and assassination wing,. Iman has been prominent in Al-Shabaab propaganda videos and influential in Jaysh Ayman, the Al-Shabaab faction operating in Kenya’s Boni Forest.
Sharjah-based Divers Marine Contracting has started construction of a United Arab Emirates naval base at Berbera. The group won the US$90 million contract in April, and it is expected to complete construction by June next year. The Somaliland naval base will include a 300-metre L-shaped inland berthing port with a depth of 7 meters to support the military airport at Berbera, leased by the UAE for 25 years.
South Sudan
Troika representatives met with Major General Molla Hailemariam, the chair of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), one of the elements of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, on Thursday (November 16) in Juba. The Troika Representatives were visiting Juba ahead of the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in December.
Dr. Festus Mogae, Chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC at a session of the Commission on Monday (November 20) welcomed the Government’s approval of a draft constitution and said he expected the constitutional amendment bill to be endorsed by Parliament next month. (See article)
Kenya’s Ambassador to South Sudan told the plenary meeting of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) on Monday (November 20) that Kenya would not allow its territory to be used to carry out rebellious activities against the government and people of South Sudan. Ambassador Leshore said Kenya supported peace efforts to end the conflict and would not meddle in South Sudanese affairs.
Paul Malong Awan, former chief of staff of South Sudanese army, left Juba for medical treatment in Kenya on Sunday (November 19). He was seen off at the airport by prominent members of the Dinka Council of Elders and the concerned citizens committee which had brokered a deal to allow his departure.
Three factions of the SPLM, signed a ‘Declaration of Unification’ on Thursday last week (November 16) in Cairo, Signatories were President Kiir’s SPLM, First Vice-President Taban Deng’s SPLM-IO, and the SPLM ex-political detainees. Riek Machar’s SPLM-IO has rejected the agreement, under which the Egyptian General Intelligence Service has been tasked with coordinating with the parties and following up on implementation. An agreement to reunify the SPLM was originally signed in Arusha in January 2015.
Sudan
President Omer al-Bashir travelled to Russia on Wednesday (November 22) for an official three-day visit at the head of a delegation including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance and Oil. Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said earlier that discussions would cover bilateral relations, trade and economic cooperation, political coordination and consultation and mutual support in the various international fora.
Visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan called for a roundtable conference on religious freedoms and coexistence to promote the dialogue between Muslim and Christian clerics in Sudan on Sunday (November 19). Secretary Sullivan stressed the importance the U.S. places on Sudan’s progress on dialogue, diversity, religious freedom, and human rights as part of the normalization process of relations between the two countries.
Very interesting Information