News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
The African Union Peace and Security Council in a statement on Wednesday (October 16) welcomed the Juba Declaration for peace in Sudan and encouraged the Sudanese parties to reach a peace agreement by December 2019 as provided in the declaration of principles. This followed a meeting last week when the PSC was briefed on the situation in Sudan by AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. The PSC has asked the Chairperson of the AU Commission to present a proposal for issuing a new mandate on Sudan peace negotiations as the parties have requested. The PSC meeting also discussed UNAMID withdrawal from Darfur and welcomed the decision of the UNAMID Tripartite Mechanism to establish a Joint Task Force to finalize options for a possible follow-on presence. It called on all the armed groups “to commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Darfur”.
The Fifth IGAD-Swiss Steering Committee meeting was held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday last week (October 9). Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors, Ambassador Abdulaziz Mohammed, the Swiss Ambassador to Ethiopia, Daniel Hun, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, and Ambassadors of IGAD member states attended. The meeting reviewed Swiss-IGAD cooperation projects and discussed partnership priorities between IGAD member states and Switzerland. (See article)
The African Union hosted a forum on the Impact of Remittances on Rural Transformation in Africa on Friday (October 11) at Addis Ababa. The first event of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in partnership with the African Institute for Remittances and the International Fund for Agricultural Development was held under the theme: ‘The impact of remittances on rural transformation in Africa: from commitments to action’. The Forum, exchanging best practices, fostering synergies and discussing challenges and opportunities of migrants’ engagement in countries of origin, will contribute to discussion of harnessing migration for rural transformation and development, one of the thematic priorities of the upcoming 12th GFMD Summit, being held in November in Quito, Ecuador.
Ethiopia
President Sauli Niinistö of Finland arrived at Addis Ababa on Tuesday (October 15) for a two-day state visit to Ethiopia. During his visit, he held talks with Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde at the National Palace in Addis Ababa and with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. President Niinisto also attended a climate change seminar during his visit. (See article)
Ethiopians celebrated the 12th Ethiopian National Flag Day on Monday (October 14) under the theme “Our flag is the result of the sum of our diversity and the pillar of our unity.” The occasion was marked at the House of People’s Representatives in the presence of President Sahle-work Zewde and other senior Government officials. The President said: “The flag symbolizes our unity, reconciliation and sovereignty; it tells us our past, present and future.” Ethiopia celebrates the National Flag Day every year on the first Monday of the Ethiopian month of Tikimt.
President Sahle-Work Zewde received a delegation led by the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, Petteri Taalas, at the National Palace on Thursday (October 17). The Secretary General briefed the President on the recent decision of the organization to open its regional office in Addis Ababa because of the numbers of Africans living in areas affected by climate-related issues and causing additional pressures on agriculture, health and water supplies. President Sahle-Work welcomed and commended the decision of the organization.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Africa Union Commission Commissioner, Musa Faki, and others have congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for winning the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. Guterres said, “Abiy’s vision helped Ethiopia and Eritrea achieve a historic rapprochement and his leadership has set a wonderful example for others in and beyond Africa.”AU Commission Commissioner, Musa Faki congratulated the Prime Minister on being the 100th recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his historic peace-building efforts. Other leaders of national and international organizations and countries have congratulated the Prime Minister. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew held talks with Lt. General Njoroge, Interim Chair of Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Tuesday (October 15). They discussed the current status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and stressed on the importance of fast-tracking pending issues ahead of the deadline for the completion of pre-transition tasks. They emphasized the need for concerted efforts by IGAD states and the international community to help South Sudan reach the agreed-upon-formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.
Foreign Minister Gedu received Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, Chair of the UN Security Council’s South Sudan Sanctions Committee on Monday (October 14). The Ambassador said her visit to the Horn of Africa was an opportunity to strengthen relations between South Sudan and the Security Council. Commending the efforts of the Committee, Foreign Minister Gedu said Ethiopia was working closely with the Committee and other parties to bring peace in South Sudan. He called on all concerned bodies to support the South Sudanese peace process which is now at a decisive juncture. Ambassador Wronecka urged the South Sudanese parties to show their commitment to peace by implementing the peace agreement.
Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Seleshi briefed the Cabinet and other stakeholders on the status of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and on Egypt’s current stance on Thursday (October 17). The Minister said that Ethiopia will not accept other proposals except the trilateral talks; there was no other option. He said the new proposals presented by Egypt during the talks held in Khartoum at the beginning of the month, violated Ethiopia’s sovereignty. State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Hirut Zemene emphasized that Ethiopia strongly believes that GERD issues should be resolved through technical means.
The Second Meeting of the Consultation Mechanism on Matters of Common Interest between Ethiopia and Mexico took place on Friday last week (October 11), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Markos Tekle, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Julián Ventura, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. (See article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Hirut Zemene, received Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola, Italy’s Special Envoy for East Africa on Thursday (October 17). Mrs. Hirut who noted Ethiopia and Italy’s strong and multifaceted diplomatic relations, commended Italy’s constructive role in promoting cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Coppola said Italy was keen to support the construction of infrastructure linking Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia.
State Minister Mrs. Hirut Zemene, received Khaled al-Meshri, head of Higher Council of the State of Libya on Thursday (October 17).The two sides held talks on bilateral issues.
The Beijing International Horticulture Expo 2019, held over the last six months, came to an end on October 9. Ethiopia’s participation provided the opportunity to showcase its wealth of horticulture, coffee, tourism and cultural assets and Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Teshome Toga took part in the closing ceremonies along with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and leaders and representatives of other countries around the world. The Expo attracted exhibitors from 110 countries including Ethiopia as well as over nine million visitors from China and across the world. (See article)
A two-day conference organized by the Center for Dialogue, Research and Cooperation, the Ethiopian Foreign Relations Strategic Studies Institute, the Berghof Foundation, and Amani Africa opened on Thursday (October 17). It examined the foreign policy opportunities and emerging challenges facing Ethiopia presently in light of the reform process and the emerging political dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Those attending included Ambassador Said Djinnit, former AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, State Minister for Peace and Security, Ms. Almaz Mekonnen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Markos Tekle, Ambassadors of IGAD member states and other stakeholders.
A parliamentary delegation led by Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Representatives Parliament, attended the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly held in Brussels this week (October 15-16). Speaker Tagesse presented details of the ongoing political and economic reforms and Ethiopia’s active role in regional integration and cooperation as well involvement in the peace process of Sudan and South Sudan. He also emphasized the construction of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) was to generate electricity.
The House of People’s Representatives announced on Monday (October 14) that the United Arab Emirates had pledged a $370 million grant for Ethiopia’s new parliament building project. Tesfaye Daba, Chairperson of House’s Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee, said this followed the recent visit of Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House to Abu Dhabi. He said the construction of the new parliament building would have a significant role in providing a conducive environment for MPs and helping them to better execute their duties. The current Ethiopian Parliament building was built in the early 1930s and hosts both of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation.
Ambassador Fitsum Arega meets Human Rights Watch Deputy Director for Africa, Ida Sawyer, on Sunday (October 13). Ambassador Fitsum briefed the deputy director on the achievements and the ongoing reforms on human rights issues and Ethiopia’s readiness to work with the Human Rights Watch. The Deputy Director said a team from HRW would be visiting Ethiopia shortly.
Djibouti
Minister of Information, Ridwan Abdullahi Bahdoon, arrived in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, for an official visit on Wednesday (October 16). The Minister and his delegation were received at Aden Adde International Airport by Somalia’s Minister of Information, Mohamed Abdi Hayir ‘Maareye’ and other officials. In talks, the two ministers agreed to promote and strengthen cooperation between their ministries in regional interconnectivity, terrestrial optical fiber, cybersecurity, ICT regulations, cross border signals issues, spectrum management and other areas.
Eritrea
President Isaias Afwerki received South Sudan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Awut Deng Acuil, in Asmara on Friday (October 11). The Minister delivered a message from President Salva Kiir to President Isaias dealing with peace-building efforts in South Sudan, facilitation of peace talks between Sudanese Government and opposition movements, and ties of cooperation between Eritrea and South Sudan. They also discussed implementation of regional cooperation and integration among Horn of African countries as well as on the initiatives needed.
Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab delivered a message of President Isaias to Lt. General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, in Khartoum on Sunday (October 13). The message focused on the development of bilateral relations as well as implementation of their recently signed joint agreement.
Somalia
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre left for the United States this week, leading a high-level delegation to attend the World Bank and IMF annual meetings. He will also be holding talks with both organizations on securing debt relief and arrears clearance for Somalia.
Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khayre has appealed to political leaders in the country to shun self-interest and work towards national interest. Speaking during an event to mark the Somali National Flag Day in Mogadishu on Monday (October 14), he said “all those in government or opposition would be documented by history on the role he or she played to protect the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of our nation.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Isse Awad, met the Director of the International Organization for Migration’s Regional Office for East Africa and Horn of Africa, Mohammed Abdiker on Monday (October 14). They discussed the provision of support to Somali migrants in camps in several African, Asian and European countries and cooperation to promote awareness among the Diaspora and in Somalia about the risks and challenges of migration. The Government and the IOM cooperate in facilitating the return of citizens to Somalia, especially those caught up in conflict in Libya and Yemen.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Khaled Al-Jarallah announced on Saturday (October 12) that Kuwait would host a donor conference to support Somalia’s education sector in 2020.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on Friday (October 11) nearly $50 million in education funding in Somalia. The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu said the five-year program “aims to increase access to quality education and support accelerated learning for out-of-school children and youth who have been persistently left behind. This brings funding for Somali education by USAID to $65 million.”
Somaliland Energy and Mineral Minister, Jama Mohamud Egal, arrived in Kampala on Monday (October 14) on a working visit to inspect mining excavations. He held talks with Uganda’s Minister of State for Minerals, Lokeris Peter, discussing ways to establish joint cooperation to benefit from mineral exploration.
South Sudan
A delegation from the United Nations Security Council will visit South Sudan on Sunday (October 20) on a visit to support political processes to form a unity government. The delegation will be led by South Africa and the United States. It will meet with President Salva Kiir and other signatories to the peace accord, civil society actors, women’s representatives and other stakeholders in the peace process. Last week, the Security Council called on all parties to the revitalized peace agreement to continue meeting regularly to resolve outstanding substantive issues needed for the formation of a transitional national unity government.
Norway’s special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Endre Stiansen met President Kiir on Wednesday (October 16) to discuss the peace processes in both Sudan and South Sudan. Mr. Stiansen said the Norwegian government fully supported the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and the formation of a unity government formation by November 12.
Sudan
The peace talks for Sudan, convened by President Salva Kiir of South Sudan opened on Monday (October 14) at the Freedom Hall in Juba. They brought together General Abdel Fatah al- Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, and the nine opposition organizations represented in the Sudanese Revolutionary Front. The opening session was attended by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt. (See article)
A consultative meeting of leaders of IGAD Member States was held on Juba on Monday (October 14) to launch the talks between the Sudan government and Sudanese Armed Groups. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, chair of IGAD, called on all stakeholders in Sudan to reach a consensus and redirect their focus to building an inclusive and prosperous country.
The UN Security Council in a meeting on Tuesday (October 15) renewed the support provided by the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism of Sudan and South Sudan for another month, to November 15. The Council said this would be final such extension unless both countries took measures to demonstrate measurable progress on border demarcation. UNISFA was first given the task of supporting a Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism of Sudan and South Sudan in December 2011.
Sudan and South Sudan’s Joint Technical Committee for Border Demarcation met in Khartoum on Sunday (October 13) with the support of the African Union Border Program. The meeting of the committee lasted for three days, and the results are submitted to both countries leaderships. The agenda for the meeting was set in line with the decisions of the Joint Border Commission.
The International Monetary Fund has underlined its forecast of a contraction in the Sudanese economy this year and next. The World Economic Outlook report published on Tuesday (October 15) said Sudan’s economy would continue to shrink and inflation will also rise in 2019-20. The report noted that the transitional government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok had made economic revival a priority, but said this was daunting with the continuing US terrorism state designation and large debt burden as well as low levels of foreign reserves in the central bank.
The World Bank on Saturday (October 12) said it is willing to consider debt relief and further lending to Sudan once it settles debt arrears of $16 billion and undertakes economic reforms. The World Bank’s Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, MS Kari Turk, said it would be difficult for international financial institutions to provide any support to Khartoum at the moment. Sudan’s debt stock is about $60 billion, a quarter of which is in arrears.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Saturday (October 12) they shipped a new batch of 200,000 tonnes of wheat to Sudan. In April, the two countries announced a US$3 billion aid package to Sudan including a $500 million deposit into the Central Bank and the rest in the form of food, medicine, and petroleum products. It included 540,000 tonnes of wheat. Finance Minister, Ibrahim al-Badawi said on Tuesday (October 15) the government had received half of the $3 billion so far. He said the remainder of the joint grant would continue to arrive until the end of 2020 under an agreed programmed schedule.
Sudan’s ruling council last week (October 10) confirmed appointment of Neemat Abdullah Khair as the country’s first woman chief justice and President of the Supreme Court. The appointment has been welcomed as a major step forward for Sudanese women.
Finland President Niinisto, on a state visit to Ethiopia, commends climate action
President Sauli Niinisto, President of the Republic of Finland, made a two-day official visit to Ethiopia on October 14 and 15. His delegation included Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari. During his visit President Niinisto held meetings with President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy. President Sahle-Work also held talks with the Minister of Development Co-operation and Foreign Trade.
President Sahle-Work said she had very fruitful deliberations on Ethio-Finnish relations as well as regional and multilateral issues of common interest to both countries. She expressed her gratitude for the development assistance offered by the Government of Finland to Ethiopia and said the two sides had agreed to increase development cooperation in consideration of the need to speed up Ethiopia’s reform programs. The two Presidents agreed that although Ethiopia and Finland have had diplomatic relations for 60 years, economic cooperation between them was still low. In addition to agreement to increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, the Ethiopian President requested her Finnish counterpart to encourage Finnish businesses to invest in Ethiopia. She pointed out there were now new opportunities for Finnish businesses to engage in Ethiopia.
They discussed current political, economic and social developments in Ethiopia and the region. President Sahle-work briefed President Niinisto on Ethiopia’s role in strengthening regional integration and consolidation of peace and security. On issues of migration and refugees, the Presidents agreed that lasting solutions should be found to address the root causes of migration. They exchanged views on the unprecedented challenges the world is facing from climate change, emphasizing its reality, and the very real threat it posed to the survival of humanity. President Sahle-Work briefed President Niinisto about Ethiopia’s plan to build a carbon free economy through its Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy by 2025, and informed him that of the 3.5 billion trees planted in the country in a year, three hundred and fifty million were planted in a single day thorough out the country. In addressing gender issues, President Sahle-Work explained Ethiopia had been working to address the gender gap in all sectors by adopting gender mainstreaming packages across all sectors. Concrete results had already been achieved.
During his visit, President Niinistoalso held talks with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy. He offered the Prime Minister his congratulations on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The Prime Minister thanked him and said the Prize was 10% recognition and 90% an assignment to work harder for peace. Prime Minister Abiy shared key milestones of the reform process in Ethiopia and detailed the development priority areas the government is currently working on. He noted the areas in which Ethiopia would like to receive Finnish government support. The two leaders also discussed the strengthening of Africa-Europe relations and the importance of grounding these in mutual benefit.
During his visit, President Niinisto attended a high-level seminar on climate change. Calling upon the international community to take concrete action in the effort to tackle the impact of climate change and global warming, he stressed the impact of climate change was global and immediate; the same must be true for responses. “Climate actions”, he said, “are required here and now.” Climate change not only undermines sustainable economic development, he said, it also threatened peace and security. He added: “We cannot afford to focus on either adaptation or mitigation only. We need concrete results”. The President said that Ethiopia`s commitment to ambitious climate action was a true inspiration to others.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Sileshi Bekele,who also addressed the seminar, said weather and climate system do not respect political boundaries. He said international cooperation was critically important for climate change. Concrete actions remained to be realized and “actions on climate are necessary more than ever.” In addition, actions on climate change adaptation and mitigation were equally important. During the seminar, the Finnish and Ethiopian meteorological institutes and the Finnish Company, Vaisala, signed an agreement to help monitor and forecast the effects of climate change and to minimize the impact of climate hazards. Dr. Sileshi said Ethiopia needed modern and advanced metrological observation network and hydro-meteorological forecasts. Ethiopia planted about 4 billion trees last rainy season and plans to plant another five billion next year.
***************
Congratulations from around the world for Prime Minister Dr. Abiy
Congratulations have poured in for Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed after the award of the Nobel Peace Prize from around the world. Heads of States and Government, International Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations as well as ministers and ordinary people offered their good wishes and congratulations.
President Putin, President of the Russian Federation, congratulating Dr. Abiy on his success, reaffirmed Russian commitment to support the efforts of the Prime Minister in stabilizing the East African region, as well as developing constructive international cooperation on African continent. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had been “deeply impressed by his outstanding leadership in such efforts as the re-establishment of diplomatic relation with Eritrea after 20 years of severance, mediation in the processes in South Sudan and in Sudan, as well as his domestic reform efforts in Ethiopia.” President Kenyatta of Kenya said Prime Minister Abiy deserved the international recognition for his pursuit for peace, reconciliation and stability in Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa region and the entire continent. He said, “I am delighted for my brother Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the people of Ethiopia for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize Award. ” Prime Minister Ahmed, a relentless champion for peace, stability and prosperity of his country, our region and the entire African continent, fully deserves the recognition.”
King Salman bin Abdulaziz of the Saudi Arabia, President George Weah of Liberia, President Mohamed Buhari of Nigeria, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi, and WHO General-Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom were among the many others who sent congratulatory messages. The High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Federica Mogherini said the award was recognition to a man of courage and to a generation of Africans working for change and reconciliation. She said: “His leadership in establishing a dialogue between Ethiopia and Eritrea is giving hope not only to two countries, but to the whole region and to an entire continent.” He had shown peace is always possible, even after decades of conflict. The European Union, she added, strongly supported the positive changes Prime Minister Abiy was bringing to Ethiopia and to the Horn of Africa, and would continue to support the country and the region on its road to peace.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was a huge testament to his efforts to bring peace to his country and beyond. “The country is not only upholding its international refugee law obligations, but is a model for other refugee-hosting nations around the world.” Sudan’s Prime Minister Dr. Hamdok called Abiy a “true leader whose service to Ethiopia and Africa is exemplary.” President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said Dr. Abiy’s remarkable commitment to Ethiopian unity, as well as regional peace and cooperation, was an inspiration to many in Africa. President Mohammed Abdulahi Mohammed of Somalia said Dr. Abiy was “a deserving winner and I have enjoyed working with him on strengthening regional cooperation.”
Representative Karen Bass, Chair of the US Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said the honor was well deserved for “Africa’s youngest leader in his commitment to peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and throughout the Horn of Africa. His display of courage by signing a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea last year, ending one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts, was truly inspiring”, and his determination to achieve peace, foster cooperation, and uphold international refugee laws a model. She said his efforts to broker peace in Sudan and mediate between Somalia and Kenya showed his commitment to the region and to changing the negative narrative of Africa characterized by violence, conflict, and poverty.
****************
Sudan peace talks open in Juba
The peace talks for Sudan, convened by President Salve Kiir of South Sudan opened on Monday (October 14) at the Freedom Hall in Juba. They brought together General Abdel Fatah al- Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, and the nine opposition organizations represented in the Sudanese Revolutionary Front. Regional leaders who witnessed the formal opening of the talks included President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt as well as members of the diplomatic corps. The Declaration of Principles signed in Juba on September 11, also provides for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Sudan’s neighbors, France, Germany, the Troika of the US, UK and Norway, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations to be associated to the process.
President Museveni strongly urged political leaders to work for peace and prosperity of their people and stop wasting time on retrogressive issues like identity of tribe or region.
Dr. Abiy, current chair of IGAD, who welcomed President Kiir’s bold initiative to mediate between the Sudanese Transitional Government and the Sudanese armed groups, and who commended the regional leaders for showing their commitment to collective peace and prosperity by attending the launch of the peace talks, reiterated IGAD’s unwavering support for Sudanese peace process. He said he was optimistic that the current peace talks meeting would instill a sense of drive to reach an agreement for the armed groups to join the past year and expressed his hopes for Kenya and Somalia to solve their differences through dialogue. Recalling the ties of blood, history and culture of the people of the region, Prime Minister Abiy further encouraged political actors to embrace a mindset of medemer to realize collective prosperity through opportunities for shared development.
President Kiir urged all parties at the talks to take advantage of the dialogue and come up with concrete resolutions that will ensure everlasting peace in Sudan. He appealed to the participants “to negotiate in good faith, with the need to make some concessions in order to reach peace and stability in Sudan and the region as a whole.” He said the achievement of peace in Sudan would be a big boost for South Sudan, “especially as we are approaching the formation of the transitional government.” He said: “”Our experience shows that no one can win the battle through the barrel of a gun, but through political dialogue, negotiation and compromises that lead to the resolution of all disputes.”
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said the change that had taken place in Sudan after the December Revolution had “opened a new horizon of peace with which the negotiations became based on partnership; the leaders of the armed struggle are partners in the change that took place in the country. He reiterated his keenness that the Juba’s process should reach a settlement that would end the war by addressing the root causes of the conflict. Juba, he said, was “one of the most qualified capitals to make a real breakthrough in the peace file in Sudan.” The Chairman of the Sudan Revolutionary Front Dr. El Hadi Idris emphasized the SRF’s Commitment to reach a comprehensive peace agreement, stating that the change in Sudan which happened with the support of the rebel movements has created a new reality open for peace.
The negotiations, covering four tracks, are launching a two-month process to achieve peace in Sudan. The four tracks are for Darfur, for the Two Areas, eastern Sudan and northern Sudan. The first meeting between General al-Burhan took place on Wednesday, (October 16) and the parties agreed to form a joint committee between the government and the Revolutionary Front to review the implementation of what was agreed upon in the Juba declaration, and to set an agenda for the negotiating roadmap. The talks are expected with the security arrangements before to move to the political issues.
**************
Ethiopia and Mexico’s second Consultation Mechanism meeting
The Second Meeting of the Consultation Mechanism on Matters of Common Interest between Ethiopia and Mexico took place on Friday last week (October 11), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Markos Tekle, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Julián Ventura, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. The First Consultation meeting was in 2016 in Mexico, and this second meeting was held within the framework of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ethiopia established 1st of November 1949. Ethiopia was the first country in Africa with which Mexico established diplomatic relations. As part of the celebrations to commemorate the anniversary, a photographic exhibition was opened at the Addis Ababa Museum that day. Ambassador Ventura expressed the congratulations of the Government of Mexico to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the award of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Both parties reaffirmed their long-standing historical ties and underlined their interest to continue strengthening political, economic and social links. Ethiopia welcomed the agrément given to Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Mexico with residence in Cuba. It welcomed the authorization for Ethiopian Airlines to establish and operate a weekly air cargo flight to Mexico starting last month. Ethiopian Airlines is the first African airline to fly into Mexico and the meeting agreed this would have a significant impact on trade and encourage business opportunities for Mexican companies in Ethiopia. State Minister Dr. Markos said that despite the longstanding relationship, trade and investment ties had not reached the desired level. Trade and investment relations, he said, needed to be strengthened. Ambassador Ventura said Mexico was closely following what Ethiopia is doing to generate more economic growth to fight poverty. He said: “We are friendly partners on these issues and anything that has a specific area in which the Ethiopian authorities feel that we can make a contribution. We will always be there to engage and help in capacity building and technical cooperation efforts,” he said.
The Mexican delegation underlined it could help control cochineal plague in prickly pear cactus, providing training to Ethiopian agricultural technicians in Mexico. Ethiopia said it had finished its internal consultations on the proposed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding in the areas of education, culture and sports. Both delegations stressed they were committed to a progressive agenda in favour of unemployed youth, gender equity and social development. They reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and agreed on the need to eradicate global security threats, including such as terrorism, extreme violence, hate speech and fight against corruption.
The Mexican delegation acknowledged the importance of the role of Ethiopia as home to the African Union, and recognized the efforts made by African countries to establish the Continental free Trade Agreement, the largest free trade area in the world in number of participating countries. The meeting agreed the 2063 Agenda of the African Union provided the roadmap for Africa’s development; that “Silencing the weapons by 2020” was a priority; and the AU security agenda aligned with the UN sustaining peace agenda. They also agreed to continue to promote a multidimensional vision of migration taking human rights into account, and promoting greater international cooperation to face such problems as climate change which causes migration.
***************
5th IGAD-Switzerland Steering Committee Meeting in Addis Ababa
The Fifth IGAD-Swiss Steering Committee meeting was held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday last week (October 9). The Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors, Ambassador Abdulaziz Mohammed, the Swiss Ambassador to Ethiopia, Daniel Hun, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, and Ambassadors of IGAD member states attended. The meeting reviewed Swiss-IGAD cooperation projects and discussed partnership priorities between IGAD member states and Switzerland.
Following opening remarks by Ambassador Abdulaziz, emphasizing the increasing and friendly relations between IGAD member states and Switzerland, the meeting reviewed six IGAD-Swiss joint cooperation projects. These included: “IGAD-FAO partnership in building resilience for pastoralists”; “Improving land governance in IGAD region”; “Building capacity for Migration Governance in IGAD region”; as well as the “Building River Dialogue and Governance in Africa (BRIDGE Africa)”. Switzerland has also shown its commitment to strengthen IGAD through the IGAD Institutional Strengthening Action Plan. This aims to help the secretariat improve its efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
The “IGAD-FAO partnership on building resilience for pastoralists” project is a $10 million project aimed to address conflicts arising over the use of grazing land and water resources in the pastoralist areas of arid and semi-arid lands. Problems are compounded by the lack of infrastructure, poor education and lack of health services, but there have been major achievements in conflict resolution as well as the provision of water by drilling surface and deep water wells. Discussions covered the need to sharpen capacity of IGAD to improve land governance and related programs in a comprehensive and coherent manner. The urgent need to finalize the development of the IGAD Land Governance Portal was also addressed. The Portal is expected to provide a knowledge platform for sharing and learning as well as building communities which can find durable solutions to emerging land issues. It is intended to be used by governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, development partners and all those engaging in land governance in the IGAD region. The meeting signed a Memorandum of Understanding between IGAD and Switzerland on continuation of support for the second phase of IGAD Land Governance. This was launched in 2015 as a joint initiative of the Africa Land Policy Centre and IGAD Secretariat. It has been consistently supported by funding from the Swiss Development Corporation.
IGAD member countries face challenges of coordination and cooperation in managing migration. Member states believe it is crucial to ensure safe and regular labor migration within the region and more widely, within the Regional Migration Policy Framework (RMPF). Capacity to implement this policy remains limited. Technical and financial support is needed. Another major joint project, “Building Regional and National capacities for improved Migration Governance in the IGAD Region” aims to improve IGAD capacity to develop national policies on migration to help implementation of the RMPF. Ethiopia and Uganda have been the primary beneficiaries.
Ethiopia has been actively engaging in these projects ever since the beginning of IGAD-Swiss cooperation to provide impetus and maximize the collective endeavors of national development agendas as well as address common regional challenges.
***************
Ethiopia at the Beijing Horticultural Expo 2019
The Beijing International Horticulture Expo 2019, held over the last six months, and a new model for world horticulture and ecological development, came to an end on October 9. Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Teshome Toga took part in the closing ceremonies along with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and leaders and representatives other countries around the world, as well as the Bureau of International Expositions and the International Association of Horticultural Producers. The Expo attracted exhibitors from 110 countries including Ethiopia as well as over nine million visitors from China and across the world. It offered a platform for ‘green development’ as well as the opportunity to appreciate horticulture from across the world. Prime Minister Li Keqiang praised it as “a great gathering for mutual learning among different civilizations, sharing new green technologies and experiencing the richness of nature.”
Ethiopia’s participation provided the opportunity to showcase its wealth of horticulture, coffee, tourism and cultural assets in a pavilion located within the Eastern Africa garden. More than 150,000 visitors saw its exhibits of flowers and coffee, and details of its network of tourist attractions. The exhibition was organized by different government bodies including the Ministries of Agriculture and of Foreign Affairs, and the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing. Ethiopia’s motto for the Expo was “Ethiopia: Thirteen Months of Green Production” to portray a picture of sustainable, harmonious and eco-friendly horticulture production, underlining the fact that the growth of its exports of flowers, fruits and vegetables has been one of the success stories of recent years in Africa.
In September, Ethiopia highlighted its participation with an Ethiopia Week, the week before the Ethiopian New Year, with an added series of attractions and events. These principally focused on trade and tourism promotion, featuring cultural performances by a troupe from Ethiopia and traditional coffee ceremonies, allowing Ethiopians living and studying in China to celebrate their unique New Year with Chinese friends. Traditional meals of injera and wot were shared with participants of the events.
As part of an Ethiopian Week, the week before the Ethiopian New Year, “Ethiopian Day at the Beijing Expo” was celebrated on September 6. One of a series of national days at the Guirui Theatre, it was attended by hundreds of participants including Minister of Agriculture, Oumer Hussien, as well as ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, exporters, members of the Ethiopian community in China, business leaders, tour operators, importers, media representatives and the general public. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Oumer shared Prime Minister Abiy’s “Green Legacy Initiative” of tree-planting across Ethiopia to tackle the effects of deforestation and climate change. He stressed eco-development was Ethiopia’s utmost priority, and mentioned the world record planting of over 350 million trees as well as plans to plant over 4 billion within a year. The theme of the Expo, “Live Green, Live Better”, he pointed out, was aligned with Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy. He noted Ethiopia was the fifth-largest coffee exporting nation in the world with an annual production capacity of 650 thousand metric tons. It produced1.2 million metric tons of pulses, oil seeds and spices; 2.7 million metric tons of fruits and vegetables, 373 thousand roses and 714 million cut flowers as well as being endowed with the largest livestock population in Africa, 56.7 million cattle, including 12.65 million dairy cows.
Ambassador Teshome speaking on the same occasion, described the Ethiopian Pavilion as enjoyable, entertaining and informative. It had generated interest both from consumers and businesses. Ethiopia, he noted, was an active player in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a strong and reliable partner for peace and security in Africa and globally. “China and Ethiopia enjoy a convergence of interest and Ethiopia’s partnership with China is mutually beneficiary,” he said, adding that they would be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations next year. He underlined the commitment of Prime Minister Abiy to improve the business environment in Ethiopia, and said “With home-grown economic reform being introduced by the government, we aspire to be one of the five largest economies in Africa. In order to realize such an ambitious undertaking, Ethiopia invites Chinese investment in our priority sectors and calls on both public private sectors to scale up their businesses in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia,” he said, “you will find a welcoming and hard-working people and a very committed government as your partners.”
An “Ethiopia-China Trade, Tourism and Cultural Promotion and Matchmaking Conference” was held on September 8, with several hundred representatives of enterprises and industries from the coffee, oilseeds, horticulture and tourism sectors. Presentations and speeches were made by Ethiopian representatives and by officials of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Coffee Association and the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal by-Products. Ethiopian and Chinese businesses exchanged ideas to expand cooperation. A Director-General of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Ethiopia was an excellent tourist destination with a wealth of heritage sites, natural landscapes and diverse culture.
Ambassador Teshome said Ethiopia and China were ready to further cement “their heart-to-heart relations into an elevated dimension of investment, trade, tourism and culture, in the basic concept of mutually beneficial cooperation.” He noted China was the single largest source of outbound tourists in the world with over 150 million tourists annually, but only just over 50,000 had visited Ethiopia last year. More should be done to present Ethiopia as a favourable and attractive investment destination, and he said the Ethiopian government planned to attract one million tourists from China over the next five years. Ethiopia is already an “Approved Destination Status” for Chinese tourists.
The Beijing International Horticulture Expo was held against the backdrop of the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in September 2018 in Beijing. The Summit was followed by the 1st China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November, and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha in June this year. They were also part of FOCAC’s new Trade Facilitation Initiative of China, designed to expand imports from Africa, and demonstrating the Chinese Government’s commitment towards a fairer trading system. These, with the Horticulture Expo, have offered excellent export market access opportunities for African countries. Minister Oumer said FOCAC was meeting “the sincere wishes and lofty aspirations of the peoples of Africa and China for sustainable development featuring win-win cooperation and partnership,” adding that Ethiopia was “becoming a beneficiary of China’s principled position of building a community of shared future.”
The next Horticultural Expo will take place in Doha, Qatar, between 14 October 2021 and 17 March 2022 under the theme, “Green Desert, Better Environment.
