News in Brief
Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Prime Minister sworn in…
…after formal agreement signed by the TMC and the FFC
Foreign Minister Gedu encourages South Sudan parties to implement peace agreement fully
UN Security Council briefing: Inclusive elections, combating terrorism critical for Somalia
The 10th Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments
Former PM takes the Chair at the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Africa and the African Union
The 10th Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments was held earlier this month (August 6-7) in South Africa under the theme “Finding Durable Solutions to Forced Migrations to Expedite Integration and Development in Africa: The Role of National and Regional Parliaments”. The Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, Tagesse Chaffo, led the Ethiopian delegation. (See article)
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has appointed Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, as its new chairperson, succeeding Strive Masiyiwa from Zimbabwe. Speaking at press briefing in Nairobi on Friday last week (August 16), Ato Hailemariam said his key agenda as the new chair would be to catalyze and sustain an inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa by increasing incomes and improving food security for millions of households. (See article)
The Eighth Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA VIII) will be held in Addis Ababa next week (August 28-30) under the theme; “Stepping Up Climate Action for Resilient Economies in Africa”. The Conference, which will bring together Africa’s climate stakeholder, will also examine Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions and define additional actionable climate interventions to alleviate the impacts of climate change on ordinary people.
Ethiopia
Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, in Addis Ababa on Monday (August 19). The Deputy Prime Minister made an official visit to Addis Ababa at the beginning of the week.
Prime Minister Dr Abiy held talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, on Monday, continuing the discussions on key areas of bilateral cooperation that they started during Prime Minister Dr Abiy’s visit to Qatar in March. Sheikh Mohammed expressed readiness to begin realizing some of the investment initiatives previously agreed, including hotels, tourism sector development, sugar factories, and construction of a new kidney treatment hospital.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia telephoned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday (August 19) and expressed his appreciation for the role played by Ethiopia in bringing the Sudanese parties together. He also stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for all efforts that contribute to the security and stability of the region.
The World Tourism Forum has announced it is awarding the 2019 World Tourism Award for ‘Leader in Tourism’ to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed for “outstanding and exemplary efforts to improve and advance the tourism industry in Ethiopia.” The Ethiopian Embassy in the UK said the award would be presented to the Prime Minister at the World Tourism Awards ceremony in London in November.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy returned to Ethiopia from Khartoum with over 100 female victims of trafficking who had been caught in Sudan en route to other countries. Among those that returned with the Prime Minister were some individuals released from imprisonment for various offenses.
Foreign Minister Gedu Andargatchew, chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers opened the Intergovernmental Authority on Development consultation meeting for the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (August 21). The meeting considered the progress of implementation of the peace agreement and discussed outstanding issues. (See article)
Ethiopia and the United States have signed an agreement on law enforcement and administration of criminal justice. The agreement was signed on Monday (August 19) by Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Peace and US Ambassador Michael Raynor. The Ministry said the agreement aimed to improve the justice sector in Ethiopia through building the capacity of law enforcement organs.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Hirut Zemene, met with the Addis Ababa-based Ambassadors of IGAD Member States on Tuesday (August 20). She urged them to maximize their efforts and play their part to maintain peace and stability in South Sudan, to help bring sustainable development in the region. The Ambassadors of Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda emphasized they would make every effort to maintain peace and stability in South Sudan.
Aeneas Chuma, UN Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, said this week that Ethiopia faces a funding gap of over $714 million to meet humanitarian needs for internally displaced people. Speaking at the World Humanitarian Day celebrations in Addis Ababa on Monday (August 19) he said that 45.6% of the $1.313 billion called for under this year’s Humanitarian Response Plan had been secured US$310 million had come from international donors and US$288 million from the Ethiopian government, but humanitarian needs reportedly remained high in areas of displacement, as well as in areas of return.
Djibouti
President Mohamed Abdullahi of Somalia arrived in Djibouti on Sunday (August 18) on an official visit for bilateral and regional talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh aimed at building a strong relationship between the two countries. President Guelleh said Djibouti remained a historically valuable partner in Somalia’s state-building process. President Abdullahi said August was “a special month for Somalia and Djibouti is our nation’s special ally because August 2000 marked the climax of Somalia’s reconciliation talks in Arta. I am glad to be in Djibouti at this time for bilateral and regional talks with my brother.”
Kenya
Kenya has been endorsed by the African Union on Wednesday (August 21) for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat. It received 37 votes against 13 for Djibouti. Ambassador Mohammed Idris Farah of Djibouti said “I congratulate Kenya for a well-deserved win and I am sure Kenya will ably represent our great continent at the UNSC.” Kenya Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to AU, Ambassador Catherine Mwangi pledged to take on board some of the important issues that Djibouti was keen to include in the AU Agenda at the UN Security Council. The African Union will present Kenya (East Africa) as a candidate for election in New York in June 2020 to serve for a period of two years (2021-2022). It will join Niger (West Africa) and Tunisia (North Africa) elected in June 2019 to serve in 2020-2021. Current Security Council members are Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea whose term ends this year, and South Africa whose term ends in 2020. Kenya has previously been a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 1973-1974 and 1997-1998.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will attend the Forgiveness, Unity and Peace Festival, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa next month (September 7-8). The organizing committee, headed by the festival patron, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, met President Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi at the end of last week. President Kenyatta said Kenya is keen to deepen its relationship with Ethiopia and called on the two neighboring countries to continue working together in the promotion of regional peace and stability. President Kagame of Rwanda and South Sudan’s President Kiir have also confirmed their participation at the festival.
Somalia
President Mohamed Abdullahi met a visiting Qatari delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Minister of Transport, Communications and Ports, Jassim Bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, on Monday (August 19). He thanked the government of Qatar for its contribution to building Somalia’s infrastructure, and for its decision to implement construction of a port at Hobyo in Galmudug State. Hobyo Port will be designed and built according to the latest international standards and highest level in safety and security fields, and enhance Somalia’s commercial relationship with new markets in Africa and access to international markets. The Qatar government signed an agreement to start port construction projects as soon as possible last December.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan briefed the UN Security Council on Wednesday (August 21). He raised concerns al-Shabaab and expressed alarm that 2.2 million Somalis were facing acute food insecurity. He called for genuine, dedicated cooperation and coordination among all parties, and for consensus and compromise among Somalia’s leaders at the national level and particularly between the Federal Government and Federal Member States. (See article)
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre also met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss bilateral relations between the two governments and the acceleration of Qatar’s projects in Somalia.
The cabinet endorsed several military and security changes on Thursday (August 22). Fahad Yasin, deputy director general of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has been appointed Director-General of the Agency. Yasin was moved from his position as chief of staff in the presidency just a year ago. General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, previously head of ground forces has been appointed head of the armed forces, replacing Major General Dahir Adan Elmi. Deputy army chief, Hassan Hajar has been moved to head the police force; and Mahad Abdirahman Adan takes over custodial services.
Former MP Omar Mohamud Mohamed Filish has been appointed Mayor of Mogadishu and Banaadir Regional Governor to replace Abdirahman Omar Osman Yarisow who died early this month following a terror attack in his office. He was endorsed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday (August 22). President Mohamed Abdullahi described the new Mayor as a competent and capable leader to steer the administration and development of the city.
Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Abdoulaye Diop, arrived in Somalia on Wednesday (August 21) to hold talks with AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia. Ambassador Diop is evaluating the work of AMISOM with a view of scaling up support. He said the AU appreciated the progress made in Somalia and it would do its best to support the efforts of the government. Ambassador Diop visited AMISOM Force Headquarters and paid tribute to the African Union troops and the Somali security forces that have died in the pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia.
The UK Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson announced a new £30 million package of UK aid for Somalia this week, building on the £38 million in humanitarian and resilience support which the UK is already providing, to help build longer-term resilience to climate change and drought. On a visit to Mogadishu this week, Mr. Stephenson met Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre and reiterated the UK commitment to support Somalia’s security and political reforms, as to developing Somalia’s economy. He also travelled to Baidoa where he saw how British troops were supporting the training of the Somali National Army.
Federal Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, launched a four-day Consultation Conference in Mogadishu on Monday (August 19) to discuss implementation of the National Strategy for Public Awareness. Participants included ministers of information and officials from Member States as well as representatives from media houses, the United Nations, the African Union, foreign embassies and private companies. The Ministry launched its three-year “National Strategy for Public Awareness 2018-2021” plan in February, aiming among other things to counter negative narratives and help efforts to restore peace and stability. Minister Maareeye said to ensure proper coordination of the strategy it was “necessary that all stakeholders and interest groups including government and international agencies that support Somalia are in line with this strategy and fully support it.”
State Minister for Education, Abdirahman Jabiri officially opened the fifth annual Mogadishu Book Fair on Wednesday (August 21) on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister, Mahdi Mohamed Guled. President Mohamed Abdullahi is also expected to visit the three-day event which brought together various Somali authors together with invited multinational writers including Panashe Chigumadzi from South Africa and Nanjala Nyabola from Kenya. Founder of the Mogadishu Book Fair, Mohamed Dini, urged participants to take advantage of the panel discussions, and various books and reading materials showcased.
The incumbent president of Jubaland, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe was re-elected state president on Thursday (August 22) by the state’s 74-seat parliament. He received 56 votes defeating Ms. Anab Mohamed, who had 17 votes, in the first ballot. After the vote, Sheikh Madobe said: “I am ready to sit and speak with all people, including the opposition. I will speak and work with anyone who has a complaint.” Opposition candidates who had been rejected by the electoral commission when they attempted to register said they had also held their own vote and elected Abdirashid Mohamed Hidig as the state president. Before the vote, the group said: “Our parallel government formation will continue until the other side stops the process.”
Puntland State President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has called for new efforts to start a dialogue between his region and Somaliland. Speaking at an event to promote peace in Garowe, he expressed his government’s readiness to engage in talks with Somaliland authorities. He called on the residents of Sool and Sanaag regions, claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland, to live in harmony with one another.
South Sudan
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a one-day consultation meeting in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (August 21) for the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to consider the implementation of the peace agreement, discuss outstanding issues, including security arrangements and the number of states, and make recommendations on way forward. (See article)
President Kiir issued a decree on Monday (August 19) making four ministerial appointments. Awut Deng Achuil becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Nhial Deng Nhial. Jemma Nunu Kumba, acting secretary general of the ruling SPLM is appointed Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister to replace Awut Deng Achuil. Alfred Akuoch Omoli is appointed Minister of Wildlife and Simon Mijok Mijak as Roads and Bridges Minister. No reasons were given for the changes.
South Sudan’s deputy foreign affairs minister, Deng Dua Deng, said the head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Lt-General al-Burhan had agreed to facilitate a meeting between South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar as part of efforts to move the peace process forward. President Kiir met General al-Burhan on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement between the Transitional Military Council and Forces for Freedom and Change on Saturday (August 17). He said General al-Burhan had agreed to provide protection to Dr. Machar during talks in South Sudan. Last month, the AU called for a meeting between President Kiir and Dr. Machar to help expedite the implementation of the outstanding issues in the peace agreement.
A high-level delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan began a six-day visit to South Sudan Monday (August 19). It will be meeting Government officials, members of civil society, religious leaders, diplomats and UN agencies and staff of UNMISS as well as visiting various camps and settlements for internally displaced persons, including UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites. The delegation will also be visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to engage with refugees as well as meeting AU and IGAD officials. It will present an oral update to the Human Rights Council in September.
Sudan
Lt-General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was sworn in as head of the Sovereign Council on Wednesday (August 21), and the members of the Council, composed of five military officers and six civilians, were also sworn in the same day. Dr. Abdallah Hamdok has also been appointed as Prime Minister. At a press conference after the swearing-in ceremony, the Prime Minister said his program would be based on the realization of the slogan of the December Revolution “Freedom, Peace and Justice.” He said he intended to be a prime minister for all Sudanese. (See article)
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sent messages of congratulation to Lt-General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan who was sworn in as leader of the 11-member Sovereign Council of Sudan on Wednesday (August 21), and to Prime Minister Dr. Abdalla Hamdok.
The setting up of the Sovereign Council and the appointment of the Prime Minister followed the formal signing of agreement between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change on Saturday (August 17). The occasion was attended by the AU Commission Chairperson and regional leaders including Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed whose presence was greeted with acclaim, called upon the people of Sudan to be the custodians of peace and the guardians of dignity as they worked towards building a democracy. The international community was quick to congratulate Sudan on the signing, expressing hopes for a successful transition to peace and democracy and commending the role of the Ethiopia and the African Union. (See article)
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Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Prime Minister sworn in…
Lt-General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took the oath of office as head of the Sovereign Council on Wednesday (August 21). The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presidential palace before Sudan’s Chief Justice Abbas Ali Babikir, and General al-Burhan made no speech and issued no statement after the short ceremony. Following a constitutional decree establishing the Sovereign Council the previous evening, the Sovereign Council members were also sworn in on Wednesday. The Council is composed of five military officers and six civilians, the military nominated by the now dissolved Transitional Military Council, and five of the civilians by the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), and the sixth civilian agreed by both parties. The other four military members of the Council are: Lt-General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemeti”, Lt-General Shams al-Din al-Kabbashi, Lt-General Yasir al-Atta, and Lt-General Ibrahim Jabir Karim. The six civilian members are: Hassan Mohamed Idris, Siddiq Tawer, Mohamed al-Faki Suleiman, Mohamed Hassan Osman al-Ta’aishi, and Ms. Aisha Musa Said, with Ms. Raja Nicolas Abdel-Masih, co-opted by the two sides and chosen as a representative of the Coptic community and Sudanese Christians. Lt-General al-Burhan will lead the Council for the first 21 months; a civilian will then take over until elections in 2022.
The FFC had nominated Dr. Abdallah Hamdok as Prime Minister and he was also sworn in on Wednesday. Prime Minister Dr. Hamdok has more than 30 years of experience as an economist and senior policy analyst in economic development across Africa. He worked in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, before holding senior positions in the African Development Bank, the International Labor Organization and most recently serving as Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
In a press conference after the swearing-in ceremony, the Prime Minister said his program would be based on the realization of the slogan of the December Revolution “Freedom, Peace and Justice.”He stressed the priority during the 39-month transitional period would be to “end the war, build sustainable peace and stop the suffering of the war-affected displaced people as well as to build a national economy based on production.” He pointed out the need to reform state institutions, fight corruption, build a state of transparency and justice, develop moderate external relations, and provide fair representation of women. He said: “The Sudanese economy is strong in size and I believe that with the right vision and policies we will be able to address this economic crisis and we will have a reform plan to address the issues of inflation, the provision of fuel and medicine and in the long term we hope to address the issues of productivity.” The country’s economic problems include high inflation and unemployment after decades of poor governance and the challenge of reintegrating Sudan into the international economy after 20 years of United States trade sanctions. Sudan is still on a US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which makes it ineligible for debt relief and funding from global institutions and limits potential foreign investment.
Mr. Hamdok said he intended to be a prime minister for all Sudanese although his nomination was made by the FFC. He said there were large areas of convergence with forces in the Sudanese Revolutionary Front that rejected the Constitutional Declaration and other groups, and there was now a favourable climate to reach agreement. He had met with armed groups of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front and SPLM-N of Abdel Aziz al-Hilu in Addis Ababa in July to explore their point of view on how to achieve peace during the first six months of the transitional period.
Dr. Hamdock now has the job of choosing and appointing 20 strong-cabinet of technocrats and he said the criterion would be one of efficiency. He said he would deal strictly with the list drawn up by the FFC, which includes three candidates for each ministerial portfolio except for the defense and interior ministers who will be appointed by the military members of the Sovereign Council. The first cabinet meeting is expected take place at the beginning of September.
…after formal agreement signed by the TMC and the FFC
The setting up of the Sovereign Council and the appointment of the Prime Minister followed the
formal signing of agreement between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change on Saturday (August 17). The occasion was attended by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic and President Idris Deby Itno of Chad, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries.
Lt-General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the military council, and the opposition alliance representative, Ahmad al-Rabie, who had initialled the agreement on August 4, were the main signatories on Saturday, while those present clapped and cheered and an orchestra played a patriotic song. Speaking at the ceremony, Lt-General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan praised the revolution that toppled the former regime. He called on the Sudanese to work together for the re-establishment of democracy and prosperity and move beyond the past towards a new era: “I invite everyone to make this day a new stage of getting over the bitterness of the past and looking towards the future,” he said, adding: “We are now moving towards a new phase of nation-building.” He pledged the military would play its full role in preserving the gains of the Sudanese revolution. Leading opposition figure Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan’s last elected prime minister, said: “The coming period will be a test for us, no one will be excluded…We will open the door to everyone to participate in Sudan’s celebration.”
In remarks after the signing, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy, whose presence was greeted with acclaim, called upon the people of Sudan to be the custodians of peace and the guardians of dignity as they worked towards building a democracy. He congratulated the Sudanese people and the negotiating parties for “choosing country over self and putting the collective need above their individual interests”. He emphasized the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Sudan were deeply rooted in mutual respect and solidarity and underscored that instilling the mechanisms and principles of democracy firmly provided a foundation for economic, social and political integration in the region. The signing of the transitional documents, he said, was a clear testament to Africa’s capability to solve its problems through home grown solutions.
Prior to the signing ceremony the Prime Minister met with members of the FFC who expressed their appreciation of the role of Ethiopia in kick-starting the process of negotiations on June 7 during his visit to Khartoum, and facilitating the agreements, and expressed the hope that the constitutional and political agreements would lay a foundation for sustainable democracy and development. The Prime Minister encouraged them to foster forgiveness and cultural unity, noting that while successful negotiations were stepping stones, a more challenging journey remained ahead. Dr. Abiy was one of the signatories to the ceremony along with other witnesses.
Thousands of Sudanese went out in the streets to celebrate the signing of the agreement which followed weeks of mediation between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change by the Ethiopian and AU Special Envoys, Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir and Professor Mohamed El Hacen Labatt. Lt. General al-Burhan awarded the Al-Nilein Medal, First Class, and the Order of the Republic, First Class to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Sudan, Ambassador Shiferaw Jarso and Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir, Prime Minister Abiy’s Special Envoy to the Sudan, respectively for their successful contribution as mediators. The medals were also awarded to Professor Mohamed El Hacen Labatt, the African Union Special Envoy, and the Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Sudan, Ambassador Mohamad Bilache.
The international community was quick to congratulate Sudan on the signing of the final documents to seal the political agreement, to express hopes for a successful transition to peace and democracy and commend the role of Ethiopia and the African Union. UN Secretary-General Guterres warmly congratulated the Sudanese people, and applauded the role of the African Union and Ethiopia. He reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to assist the transition process as it sought to achieve the long-standing aspiration of the people of Sudan for democracy and peace, and looked forward to engaging with and supporting the transitional governing institutions. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Gwi-Yeop Son, extended her “congratulations to the people of Sudan on this important step, the culmination of brave and inspiring efforts, especially by women and youth, for freedom, peace and justice.”
A spokesperson for the European Union, in Brussels, said the number of international partners including the EU which signed the transitional agreement as witnesses was “an expression of strong political support.” “All relevant Sudanese parties must join together and implement in good faith the agreement as it stands. They need to show unity in order to start the necessary process of political reconciliation and reform.” US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Tibor Nagy, congratulated Sudan and commended “the African Union and Government of Ethiopia for the role they played.” The UK said the agreement established the path for transition to a civilian-led government and was a vital step on the path to a peaceful and democratic future for Sudan. It stressed inclusive dialogue amongst all Sudanese people and respect for human rights was “essential for a truly democratic transition to succeed.” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the signing was the result of the struggle and sacrifices of all the sectors of the Sudanese people, especially the youth who aspired for freedom and justice.
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Foreign Minister Gedu encourages South Sudan parties to implement peace agreement fully
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a one-day consultation meeting in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (August 21) for the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to consider the implementation of the peace agreement, discuss outstanding issues, including security arrangements and the number of states, and make recommendations on way forward. South Sudanese political parties and members of the Troika (Britain, Norway and the US) as well as representatives from IGAD Member States, China, European Union (EU), African Union (AU), United Nations (UN) and IGAD Partners Forum attended the meeting. Participants heard reports from the IGAD Executive Secretary on the Independent Boundaries Commission; Major General Desta Abiche, chair of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM); and Lt-General Njoroge, interim chair of the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).
Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedu Andargachew, Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers, opening the meeting, urged the South Sudanese parties to be more vigilant and active in implementation of the pre-transitional period tasks before the extension period elapsed in November. The Minister said: “Since the Pre-Transitional Period was extended on 12 May 2019, the Ceasefire Agreement is holding and guns are silenced significantly throughout South Sudan. Many opposition leaders continue to live in South Sudan and are working from Juba in the various mechanisms and institutions of the agreement alongside the government representatives and other opposition figures. This is an encouraging achievement of the Agreement which is certainly contributing in alleviating the lack of trust among Parties and helping them to work together for peace.” He also appreciated the support from partners and friends of South Sudan.
However, Minister Gedu firmly underlined that implementation of the core issues including security arrangements for the process of cantonment and the formation of joint military forces were not progressing as planned. Issues of human resource training and determining the number and boundaries of states had also been lagging behind schedule. The Minister called on all the South Sudanese Political Parties to be fully committed to implementing the peace agreement, in the interest of all the peoples of South Sudan.
Lt. General Njoroge, interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, who underlined the importance of the meeting as a venue to discuss practical issues to expedite implementation of pre-transitional tasks, also emphasized that a lot still needed to done over transitional security arrangements and question of the number of states of South Sudan. On the positive side, he appreciated some of the progress made including the general improvement of the security situation and noted that the permanent ceasefire continued to hold. This had contributed to improved humanitarian access. The gradual evacuation of armed forces from civilian centers and the verification of 23 cantonment sites and 10 barracks as suitable were also major steps in the right direction. He remained confident it was possible to make credible and substantive progress towards fulfilling the critical Pre-Transitional tasks in the remaining three months. Last week, the body monitoring the ceasefire, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) also expressed strong fears over the slow progress in implementation of some of the security arrangements. The CTSAMVM is mandated to monitor and verify the implementation of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities.
In its communiqué, the Council of Ministers welcomed the conducive environment created by the Government, and commended opposition parties for returning to Juba. It called on President Kiir to disburse the balance of the |Government’s pledged $100 million and urged the government to be transparent over the use of funds for implementation of the Peace Agreement. It recommended IGAD to convene face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to resolve outstanding issues, as well as for IGAD to hold an Ordinary Summit in mid-September to deliberate, inter alia, on the status of Dr. Machar. The Council called for the cantonment process to be expedited, and resolved that at least 50% of the 83,000 necessary unified forces should be cantoned and barracked, trained and deployed by the end of September. It welcomed the adoption of the terms of reference for the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission launched in May and nomination of candidates. It decided the reconstitution of the Commission should be completed by the end of the month. It also urged the Parties to continue dialogue and consultation on the number and boundaries of states, and for them to find a common solution and report this to the next IGAD Ordinary Summit in September.
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UN Security Council briefing: Inclusive elections, combating terrorism critical for Somalia
The UN Security Council held a briefing on Somalia on Wednesday (August 21) with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan raising concerns about the latest al-Shabaab attack and expressed alarm that 2.2 million Somalis were facing acute food insecurity. He said the success of forthcoming elections and enhanced stability across the country hinged on genuine, dedicated cooperation and coordination among all parties, and cautioned that political progress might be delayed without renewed dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders. He called for consensus and compromise among Somalia’s leaders at the national level and particularly between the Federal Government and Federal Member States. He said Somalia’s national electoral cycle in 2020 and 2021 offered an opportunity to advance the process of democratization. A draft electoral law was under review by the Federal Parliament and the National Independent Electoral Commission was preparing for voter registration. He called on the House of the People to expedite its review and adoption of the electoral bill. He also urged the empowerment of women in the political process. The Federal Constitution, once adopted, he said, would provide a common vision for all Somalis. Mr. Swan stressed that cooperation among the Somali security forces, AMISOM, the UN and international partners was essential to stabilize the areas of Lower Shabelle. He also expressed alarm that 2.2 million Somalis were facing acute food insecurity and urged Member States to resource the drought response plan.
Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Madeira, by video link from Mogadishu, outlined operations and challenges in enhancing security nationwide and halting the spread of al-Shabaab. He said that the political and security landscape was encouraging. Somalia’s economy continued to recover with growth strengthening. Al-Shabaab, however, remained a serious threat to stability though he highlighted progress made in driving out al-Shabaab from certain towns. AMISOM, he said, had trained thousands of Somali police personnel and provided operational support to enhance professional policing services. He stressed the various challenges faced by AMISOM, including sustaining the ability of Somali forces to maintain hold of and rebuild newly liberated towns and cities.
The Executive Director of the Somali Women Development Center, Amina Arale, told the Council to urge the Federal Government to ratify and implement all relevant legislation and accelerate efforts to establish a national human rights commission and end impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence, as well as create a specialized court and sensitize stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders. The Council should urge UNSOM to work with the Government to develop a mechanism to protect female leaders. It should also call for the Government and state authorities to ensure the promised quota of 30% for women in elections is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, briefed the Council on her recent visit to Somalia, emphasizing that the Federal Government had committed itself to developing an action plan, improving protection measures and ending impunity for perpetrators. She said key messages she gave the Government included the importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders, strengthened state participation, tackling conflict-related sexual violence as a matter of peace and security and of addressing its root causes.
Council members agreed that including women in all processes would enhance security, development and well-being throughout the country. They underlined the need for broad-based and inclusive reconciliation and for boosting efforts towards addressing inter-clan and inter-communal clashes. If the country was to be able to take ownership of its own security challenges, the international community must provide capacity-building and coordinated support. There was widespread agreement for all parties to use dialogue to resolve differences. Many commended the work of UNSOM and AMISOM in helping authorities to ensure progress continues on hard-won gains.
Somalia’s representative, Abukar Dahir Osman, encouraged the Council to see the current challenges in the context of the country’s continued upward trajectory and steady path towards the rebuilding process. He said steps were being taken to improve relations among the states, combat sexual violence, enhance security and tackle humanitarian challenges. “A State can only be as strong as the people within it,” he said, noting that efforts were also under way to ensure women’s participation in all aspects of life and to establish free, fair and credible elections.
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The 10th Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments
The 10th Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments was held earlier this month (August 6-7) in Midrand, South Africa under the theme “Finding Durable Solutions to Forced Migrations to Expedite Integration and Development in Africa: The Role of National and Regional Parliaments”.
The Conference took place during the current session of the Permanent Committee Sittings of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and was opened by Pan African Parliament president, Roger Nkodo who urged the Speakers and clerks of national parliaments “to shape a correct and better continent for all Africans”. He said: “We rely on you and we need to come together and work together.” He challenged the Speakers and Clerks to lobby their parliaments and countries to ratify urgently all outstanding protocols being advocated for by the continent at various levels, adding, “We need to seriously pull in one direction as a continent.”
The conference, acknowledging the depth of the refugee crisis facing the continent and the reiterated commitment of National Parliaments in managing the crisis, threw its weight behind the African Union’s undertaking to resolve conflicts in Africa that often result in the displacement of people, committing its members to advance the refugee agenda in the National Parliaments of African Governments. It also emphasized its support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Speakers, after two days of deliberation, reaffirmed their countries’ determination to deal with the subject of refugees in line with the theme that was adopted by the AU for 2019, the Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons. They called for governments to work towards the elimination of the structural causes of conflict which forces people to flee their countries of residence: “The Conference of Speakers of African Assemblies and Senates expresses its support for the commitment made by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government to undertake a vigorous and effective leadership in order to resolve conflicts in Africa through policies and strategies aimed at strengthening national systems and structures for the prevention of conflicts and displacement of populations on the continent.” They identified causes of conflict as corruption, extreme poverty, gender inequality and other forms of discrimination as well as the violations of human rights, low participation in politics, organized crime, poor management of resources and issues relating to the rights and youth unemployment. They also resolved that the African Union should collaborate with Member States and concerned parties to guarantee access to education for refugees, returnees, the internally displaced and stateless children in Africa.
The Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, Tagesse Chaffo, who led the Ethiopian delegation at the conference and was elected as First Deputy Chair, briefed the conference on Ethiopia’s commitment to support refugees coming to the country. He noted Ethiopia currently hosted around nearly one million refugees, mostly from neighboring countries, making it one of the primary refugee hosting countries in Africa. He detailed Ethiopia’s recently enacted highly progressive refugee law granting a number of additional rights to refugees including creation of access to jobs, the right to safe and dignified repatriation with free and informed consent, the right to better access to financial and other services in the country and the right to property. He also noted that Ethiopia had managed to reverse the situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) within the country to a great extent by recent concerted efforts of Federal and Regional Governments.
The Conference also undertook to contribute to the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and committed to mobilizing Member States to ratify the agreement and domesticate the Protocols relating to AfCFTA, highlighting the need to first guarantee free movement of persons on the continent to facilitate its implementation. Uganda’s Speaker, Ms. Rebecca Kadaga said:“If we cannot travel freely, what is the use of the Protocol? Free movement of persons is a prerequisite for free trade, and we cannot have free movement of goods without free movement of people who accompany the goods.”
The Conference invited the Presidents of African Parliaments to see that 16 countries ratified the Malabo Protocol Relating to the Pan African Parliament by December 2019. This would enable the Pan African Parliament to obtain legislative powers. The Conference also called on Parliaments to request their respective Ministers in charge of International Relations to finalize the ratification of AU treaties and to submit those that have not been ratified as soon as possible.
In his closing remarks, Pan African Parliament president, Roger Nkodo, said the conference had been an absolute success with fruitful interventions and debates demonstrating commitment towards the development of Africa. He said it had undertaken to reflect and exchange views on the issues facing the continent, and had done so with the “commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance” of all participants. Conference chair, Ousseini Tinni, President of the Niger National Assembly also praised the outcome: “Our National Assemblies have been called upon to be key players in the implementation of initiatives. For each and every problem discussed at this forum, we ended with a consensus; hence my enthusiasm that we will ensure implementation of these outcomes.”
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Former PM takes the Chair at the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has appointed Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, as its new chairperson, succeeding Strive Masiyiwa from Zimbabwe. Speaking at press briefing in Nairobi on Friday last week (August 16), Ato Hailemariam said his key agenda as the new chair would be to catalyse and sustain an inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa by increasing incomes and improving food security for millions of households. He said he was “thankful that I succeed Mr. Masiyiwa, a remarkable leader who leaves behind a solid organization and an impressive track record. I remain certain of his support in the journey to achieving green revolution in the continent.” The former Prime Minister said he believed the Green Revolution in Africa could happen with the current generation, through the youth, while targeting a deadline of 2025. He said: “We need to engage our youth to drive this revolution, having 40% of our young people in agriculture is not enough, we need technologically smart agriculture.”
The former Ethiopian Prime Minister and incoming Chairman of AGRA, later met with President Uhuru Kenyatta. The President commended the AGRA for its programs in Kenya and said its innovative solutions and agricultural support especially to small holder farmers meant Kenya was on course to becoming food secure. Food security is one of the four pillars of the government’s Big 4 development blueprint which also covers affordable housing, manufacturing and universal health coverage. Ato Hailemariam assured President Kenyatta of AGRA’s continued support to Kenya’s agricultural sector
AGRA is a partnership-driven institution that is African-led and farmer-centered. It was founded in 2006, in response to a call from former UN Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan: “We need a uniquely African green revolution tailored to the needs and aspirations of the diverse continent recognizing the importance of sustainability.” Its current president is Dr. Agnes Kalibat, former Rwanda Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (2008-14).An independent organization based in Africa and led by Africans, it operates in 16 countries, with a special emphasis on Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, and Tanzania supporting programs in Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and more recently Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Since inception, AGRA has awarded over 789 grants valued at about US$ 400 million. It has supported the establishment of thousands of local African agriculture businesses including nurturing 112 African seed companies. Its programs also encompass soil health, market access, affordable financing for farmers and small agricultural businesses, assistance to farmers’ organizations, and advocacy for national policies that are favourable to smallholder farmers.
On the basis that investing in agriculture is the surest path to reducing poverty and hunger in Africa, AGRA works across the continent to help millions of smallholder farmers, 70% of Africa’s population, boost their farm productivity and incomes. It aims to play a central role in transforming the agricultural sector in Africa, tailored to conditions in Africa. It places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the environment. It has built an alliance of partners, including farmers and their organizations, governments, agricultural research organizations, the private sector, local nongovernmental organizations, and civil society, to significantly and sustainably improve productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers. It provides a strong voice for rural development with its current five-year strategy seeking to catalyse and sustain an inclusive agricultural transformation through integrated, country-based investment plans.
