News in brief
The African Union’s Assembly on reform of the AU Commission…
…the African Union Peace Fund officially launched
The 66th Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi on an official visit to Italy
The Council of EU describes Ethiopia’s reforms as a positive example for the Region
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
The 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union to discuss the reform of the African Union Commission was held at the weekend (November 17-18) in Addis Ababa. The Assembly passed decisions on the structure, portfolios and selection criteria of Commission officials, the mandate of the African Union Development Agency, the assessment and financial contributions of Member States, financial reforms including division of activity between the Commission and the Regional Economic Communities, reform of AUDA and the ARPM, and the role of the Commission in the Post-Cotonou Agreement negotiations. It also launched the African Union Peace Fund. (See articles)
The IGAD Council of Ministers held its 66th Extra-Ordinary Session at the end of last week (November 16), under the chairmanship of Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Chairperson of the IGAD Council. South Sudan headed the agenda but the ministers also considered the activities of IGAD and Somalia. (See article)
Ethiopia
President Sahlework Zewde met with over 30 African Union Female Commissioners including Ex-AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma this week, to discuss ways to empower women in Africa. The Commissioners congratulated the President on her presidency and pledged to support her development efforts for the betterment of African people.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy met with Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Wednesday (November 21). The Office of the Prime Minister said discussions focused on UNIDO’s continued support to strengthening integrated agro-industrial parks in Ethiopia . These are expected to transform the structure of the economy ensuring agriculture productivity and value addition, and improving people’s livelihood.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy met on Monday (November 19) with Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Emphasizing his commitment to changing the narrative of Africa and Ethiopia through the ongoing reforms, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed with Michel Sidibé to strengthen efforts towards people-centered health development for Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Dr Abiy met with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Werner Hoyer and Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle this week. They discussed common issues of cooperation and future financing options for development projects in Ethiopia. The Bank has supported investment in Ethiopia since the 1970s, and opened its first permanent representation in Ethiopia in 2015.
Following the successful conclusion of the 11th Extraordinary Session of the African Union on Sunday (November 18), Prime Minister Dr. Abiy extended his gratitude to the people of Ethiopia for the remarkably warm, courteous and generous hospitality that they showed in welcoming their sisters and brothers from all over Africa. The Prime Minister also thanked all the stakeholders, who at all levels dedicated their efforts for the successful conclusion of the summit.
Prime Minister Dr Abiy will hold discussions on Tuesday (November 27) with leaders of contesting parties registered in Ethiopia as well as those that have returned to the country at the invitation of the Prime Minister. The discussion will focus on Ethiopia’s democratization process as well as electoral reforms required to ensure that the next elections are free and fair. The House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia appointed Ms. Birtikan Mideksa as chairperson of the Electoral Board of Ethiopia on Thursday (November 22). Ms. Birtukan, a lawyer by training, has held various positions including Judge at the Federal First Instance and Higher Court. She was also been a leader of the opposition Unity for Democracy and Justice party. She is well known for her prominent support for democratization in Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy extended his best wishes to all Muslims in Ethiopia and around the world on the occasion of the 1,493rd Mawlid festival, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, as Muslims across the country celebrated on Tuesday (November 20).He urged the Muslim communities to celebrate the festivity by doing good deeds and helping the poor. The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council called on the Muslim communities to pray for the peace and unity of the country while celebrating the festivity.
The Council of the European Union discussed Ethiopia at a meeting on Monday (November 19) and issued a nine-point statement welcoming what it called “momentous change”, and the major political and economic reforms which were gaining new impetus under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. (See article)
In a meeting with Michel Sidibé, the Executive Director of UNAIDS on Monday (November 19), Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh noted that Ethiopia has made all-round efforts in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. He said doing so was a matter of economic and security. Dr. Workneh said Ethiopia would continue to work closely with UNAIDS in prevention and control. He thanked UNAIDS for the support it extended to Ethiopia.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu met with Mr. Manuel Augusto, Foreign Minister of Angola on Monday (November 19). The two sides held discussion on ways of boosting the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Dr. Workneh said Ethiopia was keen to strengthen cooperation with Angola, and pointed out that the ongoing reforms provided massive opportunities to elevate political collaborations and economic relations. Mr. Manuel, who commended the reforms, said it was important to expand economic links to add to the very good political engagement between the two countries.
Ethiopia has requested the release of 224 nationals detained in Tanzania on allegations of illegal entry. Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu met Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr. Augustino Mahiga on the sidelines of the African Union Summit on Sunday (November 18). Dr. Gebeyehu asked the Tanzanian authorities to pardon the 224 Ethiopians so that they can return home. Minister Mahiga said the Tanzanian government was looking closely at the issue and would resolve the matter shortly in the interest of pan-Africanism.
Speaking at the inauguration of a residence building for Nigerian diplomats on Sunday (November 18) in Addis Ababa, Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh underlined that Nigeria is Ethiopia’s strategic partner and the two countries have enjoyed longstanding ties, which, he noted, began in 1960. Dr. Workneh said the two countries would work closely on bilateral and multilateral issues.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Markos Tekle, bidding farewell to Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy on Monday (November 19) noted that Turkey was a key economic partner for Ethiopia. The two countries enjoyed strong trade and investment relations, he said, and he thanked Ambassador Ulusoy for his efforts strengthen bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ulusoy noted Ethiopia’s key role in the maintenance of regional peace and stability and praised Ethiopia its role in lifting the sanctions on Eritrea.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has selected Ethiopia to host the 2019 World Press Freedom Day, annually observed on May 3. State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Markos Tekle, who met with Mrs. Ana Elisa Santana Afonso, UNESCO’s Liaison Office Director on Wednesday (November 21), emphasized that opening up the media was an essential part of the reforms now taking place in Ethiopia. He commended UNESCO continued support with both resources and technical assistance to assist Ethiopia’s efforts to preserve and protect its national heritage. Mrs. Afonso welcomed the reforms taking place in the country.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Markos Tekle, met with Dr. Roba Sharamo, Addis Ababa Office Director and Regional Representative to the AU, Horn and East Africa for Institute of Security Studies on Wednesday (November 21). Dr. Markos said the Ministry was keen to work closely with the ISS on research collaboration, training for diplomats and other technical issues. He commended ISS for its efforts to identify African problems and analyze foreign policies of African countries from an African perspective. Dr. Roba said the ISS would like to work closely with the government in the areas of policy discussion and technical support. He said it was preparing to provide training to Ethiopian diplomats on technical aspects of researching foreign policies.
The China Zhejiang-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Symposium held at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa on Friday (November 23) was opened by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, who said the trade and investment relations between the two countries was consistently growing. He noted that Chinese Companies had invested over 1 billion USD in Ethiopia during the last two decades, adding that Ethiopia expected more through the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ launched with a focus on enhancing economic cooperation and connectivity among nations. A delegation of some 100 business representatives from Zhejiang is taking part in the Symposium.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Meles Alem, in a weekly media briefing on Thursday (November 22) said that the drafting a proclamation to legalize hoisting the Flag of the African Union alongside Ethiopia’s National Flag and its anthem being sung alongside Ethiopia’s National anthem was underway. He said the government is taking several measures to ensure that Ethiopia was home to African brothers and sisters and Addis Ababa was their capital. He added that since the government started the issue of ‘Visa on Arrival’ over 1000 Africans have enjoyed the facility. The ‘Visa on Arrival’ process would help boost Ethiopia’s tourism and investment as well as strengthen its diplomatic relations.
Staffers of from the Finance Department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia received training to increase their capacity to implement ongoing institutional reforms at the Ministry. State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said the training enhanced the capacity of finance and procurement officers and focused on Government’s Finance and procurement rules and regulations, finance management and financial reporting. She said the training was in line with the reforms currently taking place in the ministry.
A 22-member high-level delegation, Invest Africa 1, led by the UK’s Trade Commissioner and including representatives of infrastructure financiers, PE funds, and energy firms visited Ethiopia at the beginning of the week. The delegation met President Sahle-Work Zewde who discussed women’s empowerment and the country’s political and economic reforms. The delegation held discussions with Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation on Monday (November 19), and was briefed by Fitsum Arega, the Commissioner for Investment, on details of the current reforms, Ethiopia’s business landscape and the way reforms were creating opportunities for private investment to sustain growth and create jobs.
The African Development Bank Group approved additional resources to Ethiopia’s Basic Services Transformation Program with a US$123 million grant on Monday (November 19). This Supplementary Financing will be for the fiscal years 2018/19 to 2019/20. The Bank said this support was consistent with the Growth and Transformation Plan II with specific reference to the strategic pillar on accelerating human development and technological capacity building and ensuring its sustainability. The original support program was approved in December 2015. A Bank statement noted Ethiopia’s progressive economic development and structural transformation process.
The European Investment Bank signed a loan with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation this week “to further boost female economic inclusion and empowerment across the country.” The EIB will provide a €30 million long term loan to the Ethiopia Women Entrepreneurship Development Project, also funded by the World Bank. The Bank said this would address the difficulty women often have in trying to access funds.
Eritrea
President Isaias received a Kenyan delegation led by Kenya’s Director General for National Intelligence who delivered message from President Kenyatta on Saturday (November 17). President Kenyatta congratulated the peoples of Eritrean and Ethiopia and their leaders for their courageous decision to make peace.
Kenya
President Kenyatta launched the Kenyan Coast Guard Service Liwatoni, Mombasa County on Monday (November 19). The service will be responsible for maritime security and safety, pollution control and sanitation measures as well as prosecuting offenders and protecting Kenya’s resources. The President also commissioned the MV Doria which will be used forsurveillance. The Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the government had lost a lot of money because of illegal trade, and “with the launch of the special force, we are hoping to contain the situation.” He said the government was planning to acquire more boats for patrols and boost security at the borders.
Somalia
President Mohamed Abdullahi made a three-day official visit to Italy this week at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Isse Awad, and Villa Somalia Chief of Staff, Amina Said Ali, as well as advisers, diplomats and other high-ranking Government officials. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Conte and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. He also met with members of the Somali Diaspora in Italy.
The new Ambassador of the United States to Somalia, Ambassador Donald Yamamoto presented his credentials to President Mohamed on Sunday (November 18) and welcomed the Government’s efforts and commitment to enhance foreign relations, revive the economy, and improve security. President Mohamed said he hoped Ambassador. Yamamoto would help to strengthen relations between Somalia and the U.S.
The EU Council has extended the mandate of EU military training mission (EUTM Somalia) until 31 December 2020 and agreed on a budget of €22.9 million for 2019-20. The mission, launched in December 2010, focuses on mentoring, advice, tailored training and capacity-building in order to contribute to the development of the Somali National Army, with the focus on delivering effective and sustainable security. It comprises more than 200 staff. The EU also runs two other missions under the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy: EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA to fight piracy off the Somali coast and EUCAP Somalia for maritime security capacity development.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir met with the head of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday (November 21) in Juba. They agreed to coordinate efforts and work together to facilitate the African Union-led mediation to end the armed conflicts in the Two Areas and Darfur. President Kiir briefed Mr. Mbeki on the ongoing efforts to reunite the two factions of the SPLM-North and consultations with the Sudan government. Mr. Mbeki also discussed implementation of the cooperation agreement between Sudan and South Sudan and the need to resume talks on their border demarcation.
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) said that the implementation process was lagging behind the deadline. The disengagement process, which includes cantonment and training, has yet to be implemented. There have been delays in the formation of the Joint Defence Board and the Joint Monitoring Ceasefire Commission and their subordinate bodies. The report was delivered to the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) plenary meeting in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (November 21).
Sudan
President Omer al-Bashir has received a written letter from President Uhuru Kenyatta, on ways to enhance bilateral relations. President Kenyatta’s envoy, who delivered the letter on Tuesday (November 20), discussed Sudan’s efforts to achieve peace in South Sudan and the region. President al-Bashir invited President Kenyatta to visit Sudan in the near future.
The Vice-President of Turkey, Fuat Oktay, on a visit to Khartoum this week pledged to increase Turkey’s oil and agricultural investments in Sudan. Meeting with Vice-President Bakri Hassan Salih on Tuesday (November 20) he said the leaders of both countries has a true will to achieve growth and development in Sudan. Mr. Oktay also met with Prime Minister Mutaz Musa and said Turkey would open a Turkish bank in Sudan to facilitate trade and vowed to increase the fights of Turkish Airlines to Khartoum and Port Sudan to promote tourism. Mr. Oktay also pledged to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, electricity, livestock, transport, aviation, health and education.
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The African Union’s Assembly on reform of the AU Commission…
The 11th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union to discuss the reform of the African Union Commission was held at the weekend (November 17-18) in Addis Ababa. The Assembly passed decisions on important matters including; the structure, portfolios and selection criteria of Commission officials, the mandate of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) replacing NEPAD, Institutional Reform of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), financial reforms including the new scale of assessment and financial contribution by Member States, the division of activity between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and Continental organizations as well as the role AU Commission should play in Africa-EU negotiations on the Post- Cotonou Agreement and launching the African Union Peace Fund. Overall, the Assembly made impressive advances on developing the reform of the AU at political and operational levels, focusing on key priorities in political affairs, economic integration, peace and security and enhancing Africa’s global representation and voice.
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Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed headed Ethiopia’s delegation. In a statement at the opening of the summit, he praised the reform initiatives and stressed it was a most appropriate time to reform the African Union. An effective commission was needed to drive the continental agenda. He said: “to achieve grand visions, we need a more accountable, high performing and efficient commission that can deliver concrete results on priorities outlined in Agenda 2063, the Africa we want”, adding that Africans needed to stand together to survive changing global dynamics, drawing on the Pan-African vision. He emphasized the need to realize unity through economic cooperation and integration; leaders needed to set the expectations and the pace. He said the reforms taking place in Ethiopia and the rapprochement with Eritrea testified to the merits of togetherness. This was contributing to stability in the Horn of Africa, shifting the war narrative to one of mutual cooperation. He underlined the paramount importance of equal representation of women in key decision-making and leadership positions. This was a key pillar of his reforms.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat said the decision to hold the Summit was an expression of the acute awareness of the need for Africa to the issues of the day whether in Africa or at a global level. He highlighted the progress made, including rationalization of working methods, enhancement of coordination with the RECs, better consideration of gender and youth issues in the Union and the steps taken on the path to financial autonomy. With the involvement of the Ministers of Finance, F15, the AU now had an improved budgetary process, a reduction in dependence on international partners and a substantial increase in contribution of the Member States to the Peace Fund”. He noted that putting the AU Peace Fund into action would significantly support African peace operations.
He stressed the Commission needed to achieve greater flexibility in administrative management to respond more expeditiously and effectively to operational challenges in implementation of its responsibilities in the service of Member States. It also needed to be more accountable and transparent in its activities. “Institutional reform,” he said, “is an imperative need. It is, in fact, inseparable from the Founding Act of our Union. The African Union was established to accelerate the project of economic integration and political unity that is at the heart of Pan-Africanism. While respecting the sovereignty of our States, it is based on the premise that, in the world of today, these hard-won sovereignties can only be preserved if they are pooled.” The Union must be restructured to adapt to its environment and stay its course. The reforms will allow: “the search for greater efficiency in our functioning; the quest for financial autonomy, paving the way for Continental renewal and full mastery of our destiny; the establishment of a more symbiotic relationship with African citizens, whose daily lives we must improve; and the imperative need to speak with one voice in the international arena”. He called on African leaders to stay committed, adding, “Beyond the efforts on structures and procedures, reform is also, and above all, a matter of political will”.
President Kagame of Rwanda, Current Chairperson of the African Union, praised the reform tasks accomplished so far. He said: “The purpose of this Extraordinary Summit is to advance the institutional reform of our Union. Events on our continent and across the world continue to confirm the urgency and necessity of this project. The goal is simple: To make Africa stronger and give our people the future they deserve”. He welcomed the recommendations of the Executive Council on the strengthening of sanctions against States that were not up to date with their contributions to the budget of the Union. This opened up more determined action in this area, he said. He underlined the necessity to pass decisions on the new Scale of Assessment to be finalized by February 2019. President Kagame called on leaders to unite so that the reforms would achieve their primary goals to make the Commission itself more effective and performance-based, now and in the future. He praised the extensive collaboration and consultation between the Executive Council and the Commission, and the support from the Permanent Representatives Committee for the process.
The Summit passed a number of important decisions. Concerning the reform of the Commission and its structure and portfolios, most member states endorsed the proposed new structure and the reduction of portfolios from eight to six. Ethiopia’s proposal to establish a unit of human capital development under the portfolio of education science technology and innovation was accepted. The portfolios of the Commissioners will now be: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment; Economic Development, Trade and Industry and Mining; Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; Infrastructure and Energy; Political Affairs, Peace & Security; and Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. Members states agreed unanimously on the selection process for senior leadership, based on principles of gender party, geographical representation and merit. Ethiopia’s recommendation to make nomination of candidacy of Commissioners regional rather than individual was accepted. The appointment and termination of Commissioners has been delegated to the Executive Council; and for the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to the Assembly. Ethiopia supported this decision.
Concerning the issues of administration and finance, the Assembly decided to implement an effective performance management system for all elected and non-elected staff. Ethiopia’s call to deal with the issue of non-regular staffing without causing disruption to the activities of the Commission was accepted as was its suggestion to exclude the General Service staff from the quota system of the AUC. The Assembly requested the Commission to draw-up a roadmap for implementing the administrative and financial reforms to be presented to the 34th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council.
The Assembly agreed on the transformation of NEPAD to the AU Development Agency (AUDA) in the spirit of aligning institutions and avoiding duplication. It mandated AUDA to coordinate and execute the priorities of regional and continental projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realization of Agenda 2063. It was also mandated to strengthen the capacity of African Union member states and regional bodies, advance knowledge based advisory support, undertake a full range of resource mobilization and serve as the continent’s technical interface with all African development partners. Ethiopia’s proposal that the mandate be carefully analyzed to avoid any duplication of responsibilities was endorsed. The Executive Council’s recommendation to integrate the budget the ARPM into AU and to make its annual reports on the State of Governance in Africa to the Assembly was also endorsed; Ethiopia aligned itself with this recommendation and the call for universal membership of APRM.
On Post-Cotonou negotiations, the Assembly reached unanimity for the ACP to be the framework and for the negotiations to be Member States’ driven. The already started ACP-EU negotiations should continue. The role of African Union should be limited to technical support. In the debate on the role of the AU in the EU-AU Compact, Ethiopia’s initiative created a consensus. The Africa Union-European Union Partnership that has been implemented since 2007 setting out long-term cooperation on jointly identified, mutual and complementary interests, would be the right platform to deal with strategic issues of a continental nature, including, climate change, infrastructure, peace and security. This had been endorsed by the Assembly.
The Assembly also directed the joint meeting of the ministerial committee on the scale of assessment and contributions, and the committee of 15 ministers of finance (F15), to conclude work on the new scale of assessment and report to the 34th ordinary session of the Executive Council. The new scale of assessment is expected to be approved by the February 2019 Summit and become applicable from 2020. The Assembly unanimously decided to strengthen the sanction regime for nonpayment of assessed contributions. Member states which fail to meet their obligations and haven’t settled at least 50% of their current assessed contribution by the end of after the second quarter of each financial year will be deemed to be in arrears. Ethiopia fully endorsed the decision.
Ethiopia’s participation in the Assembly at Prime Ministerial role provided the opportunity to promote the country’s extensive and ongoing reforms, as well as the peaceful environment it is creating in the sub-region. Indeed, this Assembly positively emphasized Ethiopia’s role in creating a peaceful and cooperative environment in the Horn of Africa. It also allowed Ethiopia to gain a number of important achievements during the discussions and debates: highlighting the issue of Human Capital; ensuring the nomination of Commissioners through the matching of merit and neutrality with sovereignty; providing strong and fair measures of administrative and financial reform; and creating a consensus over the Post-Cotonu ACP-EU negotiations and the AU-EU Partnership Compact.
…the African Union Peace Fund officially launched
President Kagame said promoting peace and security was one of the core functions of the African Union Commission and without a Peace Fund, Africa would lack a credible mechanism to fund peace operations. It was of critical importance to finance the Commission’s peace support operations sustainably and effectively. The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ambassador Ismael Chergui noted that the fund would be effective for conflict avoidance, peace support and post-conflict reconstruction tasks. It will finance three key priorities: mediation and preventive diplomacy; institutional capacity requirements, and peace support operations. President Kagame commended the work of the Chairperson of the Commission and the High Representative for the Peace Fund, Dr. Kaberuka. He said Africa would now be able to finance all of the preventative diplomacy and mediation work of the African Union’s Special Envoys and High Representatives, as well as the African Union Liaison Offices. It would therefore be in a strong position to drive the continent’s peace and security agenda towards the most appropriate solutions when the endowment reaches its full strength. President Kagame also urged Member States to deliver fully on their assessed contributions. The current budget will be 100 million dollars and President Kagame said by 2021 the Peace Fund should reach 400 million dollars.
AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, described the launch as important step has to help Africa be self-reliant in funding its peace activities. He had appointed the five African members of the Board of Trustees representing the different regions of Africa. The trustees are: Zainab Ahmed (Minister of Finance and former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning in Nigeria); Kamel Morjane (former Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Defence of Tunisia); Ellen Mekonnen (from Ethiopia, an advisor in the ADB, WB and UNECA); Tito Mboweni (former Governor of the South Africa Reserve Bank0; and Anicet Dologuele (Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Planning and Finance of the Central African Republic). Two seats on the Peace Fund Board are also allocated to the European Union and the United Nations.
The Chairperson said he was confident that the proven track record of the board members in financial management, governance and investment financing would ensure that the Peace Fund would be managed in line with the highest competence and integrity. The Board of Trustees will ensure strategic coherence, enhanced governance, and financial and administrative oversight of the Peace Fund. In addition to the Board of Trustees, an Independent Evaluation Panel will be established to regularly review the effectiveness and impact of the Fund; an Executive Management Committee to provide strategic management oversight of the Fund; a Fund Manager to manage the finances; and a Peace Fund Secretariat to manage day to day operations.
The Peace Fund is now one of the five pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture, and part of the overall financing of the Union. Appointing the Board of Trustees marks a key step in the implementation of the financing of the Union agenda, part of the ongoing institutional reform process. Progress made in implementing this agenda includes: a Committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance established to oversee the AU budget, with a credible budget process now in place, and the AU 2019 budget reduced by 12%. 24 Member States are in various stages of implementing the 0.2% levy to ensure self-autonomous financing of the Union. In addition, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2320 and 2378, on predictable and sustainable financing of AU mandated peace support operations, represent significant progress in the efforts to deliver the AU’s demand that UN assessed contributions should be used to finance AU-led peace support operations when authorized by the UN Security Council.
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The 66th Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers
The IGAD Council of Ministers held its 66th Extra-Ordinary Session at the end of last week (November 16), under the chairmanship of Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Chairperson of the IGAD Council. South Sudan headed the agenda but the ministers also deliberated on the activities of IGAD and Somalia.
The Session was attended by Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Djibouti; Monica Juma, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Kenya; Ahmed Isse Awad, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia; Nhial Deng Nhial, Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Sudan; Al-Dirdiery Mohamed Ahmed, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sudan; Sam Kutesa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uganda. Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Hirut Zemene; Ambassador Tom Amolo, Political and Diplomatic Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Kenya; Mahboub Maalim, IGAD Executive Secretary; Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, Interim Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC); Ambassador Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan; and Mohamed Ali Guyo, IGAD Special Envoy for Somalia.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh said IGAD was taking substantive measures which would lead the Horn of Africa to integration. “Critical tasks accomplished by the IGAD in the areas of security, infrastructural development, trade and climate change are taking the Region to the higher levels of achievement,” he said. He added that the currently prevailing atmosphere of peace in East Africa created fertile conditions to strengthen IGAD. Commending the peace achieved in South Sudan and the progress of the implementations of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, Dr. Workneh called on IGAD and IGAD partners, as well as the international community, to continue their support to stand alongside the South Sudan’s Parties to make the peace sustainable. He praised the South Sudan Parties for their determination to seek peace, stability and prosperity for their people. He also mentioned the need to reform and strengthen IGAD in order that it would be able to tackle pertinent security and economic issues effectively.
The IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismael Wais briefed the Council of Ministers on the current situation especially the progress of the implementation of the peace Agreement. He noted “the National Pre-Transitional Committee has already been instituted to assist and realize the September 12 Agreement”. Representatives of the TROIKA, the EU, AU, UN and China, who attended the Meeting, also pledged to assist the process in implementing the peace Agreement and help South Sudan return to normalcy.
In its Communiqué, the Council commended the progress made in the implementation of the R-ARCSS since its signing two months ago and the establishment of the implementation institutions and mechanisms and called upon the IGAD Secretariat and the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan to ensure that all the remaining implementation mechanisms and institutions are set up as soon as possible within the prescribed timelines under the Agreement. It also acknowledged the celebration of the historic Peace in South Sudan.
The Council took of the need to mobilize resources for the implementation of the R-ARCSS and commits to use its leadership to leverage more resources, and the financial commitments already made by the Government of South Sudan and urged the Government to allocate more resources for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). It urged all parties and stakeholders to observe and adhere to the 35% quota of women’s representation in all Committees, and apply the same representation across the board in order to guarantee effective ownership and ensure the success of the peace and the nation building process. It directed the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan to reach out to the South Sudanese stakeholders and any warring groups who are not signatories to the R-ARCSS and encourage them to join in its implementation. If they do not, they will be labelled “spoilers of the peace process”.
With regard to the situation in Somalia, the Council commended the Report made by the IGAD Special Envoy on Somalia and expressed its confidence in the Somali Federal Government’s efforts at stabilizing the country. It acknowledged the economic recovery in Somalia as confirmed by the recent Report of the International Monetary Fund and the confidence demonstrated by various commercial entities. It noted the need to mobilize resources in support of institutional building in Somalia and urged the international community to extend support to these efforts.
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Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi on an official visit to Italy
President Mohamed Abdullahi left Mogadishu on Monday (November 19) for a three-day official visit to Italy at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The President, on his first visit to Italy, was leading a delegation that included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Isse Awad, and Villa Somalia Chief of Staff, Amina Said Ali, as well as advisers, diplomats and other high-ranking Government officials. The Office of the President said in a statement that Somali and Italian leaders would be holding bilateral talks on re-strengthening relations, mainly in the areas of political, security and economic cooperation
During the visit President Mohamed Abdullahi met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and held talks with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Their discussions largely focused on extending the existing strong bilateral relations which the President’s Office described as built on the basis of historic links, mutual respect, common economic aspirations and deep bonds of friendship between Somalia and Italy. He said: “Somalia and Italy share historical ties dating back to many years of economic cooperation and partnerships at different levels, and it is this shared history that binds both our countries together in the pursuit of strengthening our already existing relations for the progress and prosperity of our two friendly nations.”
President Mohamed underlined Somalia’s progress on security, economic reform and its role, most recently, in advancing integration of the Horn of Africa as part of his administration’s foreign policy. He acknowledged the Italian government’s continued bilateral and multilateral support for Somalia’s development, and called on the government to encourage the Italian private sector and businesses to invest in diverse opportunities in Somalia. Prime Minister Conte assured President Mohamed of Italy’s commitment and support, and stressed it would stand by Somalia on the journey towards recovery and development. The two leaders agreed to work towards cooperation in strengthening the relations between Somalia and Italy, and pursue win-win partnership strategies in all areas of mutual interests.
Italy supports the Somalia Infrastructure Fund (SIF), a multi-partner fund which aims to support Somalia to rebuild institutions, rehabilitate key infrastructure and reinforce economic governance. The SIF, which is administered by the African Development Bank, aims to contribute to the efforts of Somalia and its development partners to consolidate peace, establish basic institutions, and accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and development.
During his visit, President Mohamed Abdullahi met with members of the Somali Diaspora in Italy on Thursday (November 22). He called for unity among the members of Diaspora living in Italy and urged them, and those living in other parts of Europe, to take part in the rebuilding of the nation. He assured them of the government’s commitment to address the interests of the Diaspora and of those at home, and hailed their role in supporting relatives and friends in the country. He said: “We know the role you played as the Somalis abroad to help those in the country. We appreciate the support and we want you to keep up and take part in the process of rebuilding the country.”
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The Council of EU describes Ethiopia’s reforms as a positive example for the Region
The Council of the European Union discussed Ethiopia at a meeting on Monday (November 19) and issued a nine-point statement welcoming what it called “momentous change”. It said political and economic reforms had gained a new impetus under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It said his “ambitious agenda towards a more democratic and just Ethiopian society” was a positive example. It welcomed the commitment to multi-party democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and gender equality. The recent appointment of President Sahle-Work Zewde and nominations of 50% women to the cabinet were important steps towards a greater degree of gender equality and inclusiveness. The Council called on the Government to continue its efforts towards developing an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. It said the EU was ready to support to ensure the respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of opinion, expression and access to information, to safeguard gender mainstreaming, and to make the next elections inclusive, credible and transparent.
The Council welcomed reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy by improving the investment climate, strengthening the role of the private sector, engaging in multilateral free trade mechanisms, reforming key state-owned enterprises and opening them to competition and foreign participation, and putting the economy on a fiscally sustainable path. It referred to the crucial need for job creation and said the EU, a key trade and investment partner of Ethiopia, would intensify its support for job creation, industrial and agro-industrial parks, export and trade promotion and private sector development.
It noted continuing development challenges, including food insecurity and undernutrition, and stressed the need to support the Government’s reform agenda. It said the EU and its Member States would step up coordination to provide more meaningful and effective support. It described the humanitarian situation, including large-scale displacement, as deeply concerning, and called for restraint from all sides, underlining the need for continued efforts for peaceful resolution of internal tensions. It stressed the return of internally displaced people should take place on a voluntary and safe basis. It welcomed EU-Ethiopia cooperation on migration and forced displacement and the decision to grant visa-upon-arrival to citizens of African countries.
The Council said Prime Minister Abiy’s new approach to regional issues, particularly the Ethiopian Eritrean rapprochement, opened a unique opportunity for greater cooperation, good neighborly relations and economic integration in the region. It welcomed the cooperation agreement between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia and the efforts towards normalization of relations between Eritrea and Djibouti. It encouraged Ethiopia to facilitate the dialogue between Eritrea and Djibouti. It welcomed the Security Council’s lifting of the restrictive measures against Eritrea. It took positive note of the ongoing talks between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on GERD. The Council commended the leaders of the Region for their leadership and courage in resolving disputes. It said this new momentum should be used to reinforce cooperation and provide a collective response to new opportunities arising in the region. It added: this “positive moment also offers a unique opportunity for relevant actors around the Red Sea to intensify dialogue and cooperation,” and said the EU stood ready to support their efforts, “using all available instruments.”
