News in Brief
Press Release on the Resumption of the Tripartite Negotiation on the GERD (I)
Press Release on the Resumption of the Tripartite Negotiation on the GERD (II)
Prime Minister Abiy addresses Parliament
South Sudan Ambassador to Ethiopia Refutes Baseless Social Media claims
AMISOM condemns the attack on its base at Janaale, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia
Africa and the African Union
The African Union said that three civilians were killed and two others injured during a firefight between its forces in Somalia and Islamists from the Al Shabaab group. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said its troops clashed with Al Shabaab fighters who had laid a roadside ambush on Monday northeast of Janale in Lower Shabelle, a hotbed for the insurgents. “Regrettably, three women were killed in the crossfire while two were injured and are currently receiving medical attention at the AMISOM hospital,” AMISOM said in a statement late Tuesday. “We would like to render our sincere apologies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.” AMISOM head Ambassador Francisco Madeira said the incident was “unfortunate” and that its peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia “remain committed to protecting the population.” (See article)
The Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), David Shearer, has warned on Tuesday (June 09) that stepped-up intercommunal clashes are harming civilians and could unravel the peace agreement. Between January and May of this year, the UN Mission says there have been 415 violent incidents between communities, nearly a four-fold increase from the same period last year. While fighting between political parties has dropped as factions are broadly respecting the ceasefire, the current outbreak of violence could threaten the fragile peace.
Ethiopia
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedu Andargachew on Thursday (June 11) conferred with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sami Jamil Abdullah. Discussions focused on situations regarding Ethiopian citizens in Saudi Arabia, ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, and the current status of the GERD tripartite talks. The minister said he understands the challenge Saudi Arabia is facing due to migrants, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and he assured the ambassador that Ethiopia is ready to work closely with Saudi Arabia on the matter.
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew on Thursday (June 11) received and discussed with the European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Johan Borgstam. In their discussions about the current situations of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Mr. Gedu noted with appreciation the new role that the EU has taken as an observer in the trilateral negotiation. Ambassador Johan Borgstam for his part expressed his strong belief that Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt would solve outstanding issues over the dam through negotiation. The two have also underscored that the lively cooperation and understanding between the European Union and Ethiopia in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic should further be strengthened.
250 Ethiopian citizens have arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday (June 11) from Kuwait. Senior government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs welcomed the returnees at Bole International Airport.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday (June 10) spoke at the WEF Great Reset virtual meeting on the theme of shaping the global economic recovery and a new trajectory of growth. Defining the global pandemic as a complex and adaptive challenge, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the challenges can only be addressed through collective action and global cooperation. “The current global landscape has created a new moral moment in history. There is a profound hunger for global leadership that can exercise moral imagination and moral courage on behalf of the common good,” he further shared.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has addressed questions forwarded from the House of People’s Representatives on Monday (June 08). The session covered several issues ranging from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic life of Ethiopians, Ethiopia’s stance regarding the construction, filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the economic performance of the country amid the current pandemic, on the water hyacinth that threatens to dry up lake Tana and about abducted Dembidollo University students. (See article)
Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt ministers of water affairs are participating in a virtual meeting as of late Tuesday afternoon (June 09) aiming at setting the agenda for further tripartite talks regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. It is recalled that before the current virtual meeting, Sudan has held bilateral talks with Ethiopia and Egypt regarding the dam. On the second day of this meeting, the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Irrigation of Ethiopia shared its position on the current tripartite discussion to the two downstream countries, according to a statement issued on the same day by the ministry. The ministry also issued another statement on Thursday (June 11) stating the latest developments in the talks. (See articles)
The House of Federation (HoF), in its second regular session held on Wednesday (June 10), approved a resolution allowing federal and regional state councils to continue functioning. The resolution extending terms of the councils due to the Coronavirus pandemic was tabled by the constitutional interpretation and identity affairs standing committee of the House. The House approved the resolution by 114 votes in favor, four against and one abstention. The committee also proposed the 6th general elections be conducted within 9 months to 1 year if pertinent bodies confirm that the pandemic will no longer cause damage to the country.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (June 09) has expressed condolences over the death of Burundi President Pirre Nkurunziza today. “I would like to express my condolences on the sudden passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza. Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Burundi.” the Premiere posted on Facebook. Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza, aged 55, has died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew on Tuesday (June 09) bade farewell to the departing Netherlands ambassador to Ethiopia, Bengt Van Loosdrecht. During their conversation, Mr. Gedu thanked the ambassador for his efforts to strengthen the relations between the two countries during his tenure in Ethiopia. The minister further appreciated the Government of the Netherlands for supporting the Global Financing Facility (GFF) to help low and lower-middle-income countries to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The ambassador thanked Mr. Gedu for Expressing sympathy and condolences on the loss of lives to COVID-19 in the Netherlands and underscored that cooperation is vital to minimize the effects of the pandemic.
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew on Monday (June 08) conferred with Maureen Achieng, Head of the IOM Special Liaison Office in Ethiopia. During their discussion, Gedu expressed his appreciation to the IOM for its strong partnership with Ethiopia on the issue of migration. He further thanked the organization for its continued assistance to Ethiopian nationals who find themselves in a vulnerable situation both at home and abroad, including those who were stranded in some countries in Africa and the Middle East due to COVID-19. Maureen Achieng appreciated the Ethiopian government for its unyielding support to the organization and hoped this would further strengthen the already excellent partnership that exists between Ethiopia and IOM since 1995.
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew appreciated the recent briefing made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the situation of GERD for calling the tripartite to resolve issues according to international law and accepted principles. Discussing with the Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin on Saturday (June 08), Mr. Gedu commended the long-standing fraternal relationship that exists between Ethiopia and Russia. The minister further appreciated the Government of Russia for urging the tripartite to resume negotiations over the GERD along with the spirit of the 2015 Khartoum Declaration of Principles. Recalling the long and historical relationship between the two countries, the Russian Ambassador reiterated that his country has a special place to its relation with Ethiopia. He further expressed Russia’s readiness to help Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt achieve mutually beneficial agreements on their negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Yasser Abbas, said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is safer than the dams in Sudan and Egypt. “The Renaissance Dam’s degree of safety is better than that of Sudanese dams and Egypt’s High Dam, based on some studies,” Abbas said in a television interview on Sunday (June 08). This, he explained, is due to the materials and technology used in its construction.
Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew said newly appointed Ethiopian Ambassadors are expected to actively engage in bilateral and multilateral fora that advance and safeguard their country’s fundamental interests. The Minister said this on Monday (June 08) in opening a four-day-long training that will be given to the newly appointed Ethiopian ambassadors back in March 2020. Gedu expressed his belief that the ambassadors will follow their predecessors in drawing FDI, promoting Ethiopia’s tourism and cultural assets, actively engage in technology transfer, and extending hands in protecting the rights and interests of Ethiopians living overseas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia organized the training and seasoned diplomats covered a range of topics regarding Ethiopia’s Foreign policy.
Addis Ababa City Administration is set to build two ultra-modern hospitals in a bid to meet the growing demand of high standard supplementary health facilities. The Health Minister, Dr. Lia Tadesse, and Deputy Mayor of Engineer Takelle Umma on Saturday (June 07) deliberated with other officials to solicit views to construction experts on the structural designs of the two modern hospitals. The two modern hospitals to be built in Nifas Silk and Lafto Keranio Sub Cities are said to have a total capacity of accommodating 940 patients, it is learned.
Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund on Friday (June 05) donated 40 million birr worth of medical equipment to the Ministry of Health to support Ethiopia’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Board Chairperson, Mr. Eyesuswork Zafu handed over the consignment of medical supplies to Dr. Lia Tadesse, Minister of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. Remarking at the event, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano appreciated the continuous support of the Trust Fund in the name of the National COVID-19 Resource Mobilization Committee.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed stated that planting trees in a physically distanced manner and at family- level need not deter the nation’s COVID 19 prevention efforts. “With the launch of this year’s Green Legacy, let us not think that the government is asking citizens to throw caution to the wind,” the Prime Minister stressed. According to the Premier, the already launched tree planting campaign is an opportunity for innovators and critical thinkers to constructively explore how and in what ways the country can meet its 5 billion trees target in a COVID 19 responsive way. “Strictly adhering to prevention measures is critical. Nevertheless, we can also maintain productivity and meet our goals while observing these measures put in place,” he added.
A team comprising high ranking government officials on Saturday (June 07) visited the process of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) led by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Gedu Andargachew, Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister, Dr. Sileshi Bekele, Prime Minister Office Secretariat, Nigussu Tilahun and Science and Innovation Minister, Abrham Belay were among the ministerial level officials who joined the team which visited the Grand Dam at Guba.
Ambassador of South Sudan to Ethiopia, James P. Morgan said his country will not do anything that would harm Ethiopia during the discussion he has had today (June 05) with the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew. The ambassador further dismissed the recent reports on social media that claim South Sudan’s agreement with Egypt to give a military base in Pagak as baseless. (See article)
State Minister Tsion Teklu last week on Friday (June 05) had given a call to Lamia Yammine, Minister of Labor of Lebanon to thank her for her support extended to the 35 abandoned Ethiopian workers. The two further discussed how to better help Ethiopian irregular migrants in Lebanon amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They agreed to work together noting the importance of the recent UN and AU resolutions that forbid mass deportation to deny COVID-19 fertile ground for expansion. In their discussion, State Minister Tsion noted the current economic challenge Lebanon is facing and said: “That is why Ethiopia gave priority to repatriate the most vulnerable of its citizens from Lebanon.”
Kenya
The coronavirus pandemic has put Kenya’s goal of ending female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2022 in jeopardy, campaigners against the practice warned, amid reports of “mass cuttings” involving hundreds of girls being held while schools are closed. One in five women and girls aged between 15 and 49 in Kenya have undergone FGM, which usually involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia and can cause a host of serious health problems, says the United Nations. Kenya criminalized the practice in 2011, but it persists as some communities see it is necessary for social acceptance and increasing their daughters’ marriage prospects.
Somalia
There are now 2416 cases of the coronavirus in Somalia according to health ministry’s tally with a total of 85 deaths. On Tuesday (June 09) the health minister, Fowzia Abikar Nur reported 48 new cases in the past 24 hours. The total includes cases from 5 regions with Mogadishu having the highest being 19 cases. Somaliland and Puntland had 17 and eight cases respectively while Hirshabelle and Galmudug recorded 2 new cases. Of the new cases, 34 are male 14 are female and 489 patients have recovered from the virus while one person was reported dead bringing the number of fatalities to 85. The horn of Africa nation has banned large gatherings closed schools and has suspended international flights to contain the spread of the respiratory virus.
The federal government of Somalia has deployed the Somali police force in the road that connects Mogadishu with environs Jazeera of lower Shabelle in an operation to get rid of armed militias on Tuesday (June 09). The police were deployed in the area in the wake of attacks by armed militias who used to rob citizens who go to Jazeera beach a popular getaway for beach lovers. Mogadishu mayor who visited that area with other officials said they will not accept citizens to be robbed.
More than 500 people have succumbed to cholera and acute diarrhea and left tens of thousands of others sick in Somalia since January, the United Nations said on Thursday (June 11). The UN’s health agency said the epidemic had left more than 25,000 people sick, warning that number was likely to double by the end of June. WHO put the number of deaths since the beginning of the year from the epidemic at 524, while the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said 533 people had died.
The Somali government has repatriated citizens who were stranded in India on Sunday (June 07). Permanent Secretary of the affairs and International Cooperation ambassador Mohamed Ali Noor Haji welcomed the citizens at Aden Abdulle International Airport. Most of the civilians who were evacuated were people who went to India for treatment were stranded there because of COVID-19. The federal government embassy in India headed by ambassador Fatima Abdillahi Mohamed has evacuated 128 citizens from Hyderabad.
Somali National Army (SNA) on Saturday (June 06) killed 37 Al-Shabaab extremists in a fierce fight in the outskirts of Hudur town in the southern region of Bakol, officials confirmed on Sunday (June 07). Odawa Yusuf Rage, commander of SNA told journalists that the clashes started after government forces got intelligence of the militants’ presence in the area and conducted operations.”Our forces inflicted severe casualties on the militants, killing 37 of them, including the militants’ leader in Hudur area,” Rage said, adding that the army also recovered weapons from the militants.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s cantonment sites and training centers are on the verge of collapse due to lack of support and means, said the head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism on Wednesday (June 10). Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Aderie made his remarks at the two-day meeting of the CTSAMVM Technical Committee in Juba on Tuesday and Wednesday 9-10 June. Addressing the opening session on Tuesday, Aderie said the main focus of his mechanism was to monitor and verify the cantonment sites and barracks as well as training centers across the country. Most cantonment sites are near collapse because of the lack of logistical support, he said.
The World Food Programme (WFP), for the first time since 2018, has been able to send a humanitarian convoy on Tuesday (June 9) from Kenya directly into South Sudan through the Nadapal border crossing. The reopening of this route cuts travel times in half and will speed up the delivery of aid to hard-hit areas of South Sudan before most roads close during the rainy season. The nine-truck convoy carried some 280 metric tons of food which are enough to feed 20,000 people for a month.
South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar and Defense Minister Angelina Teny will return to their office on Monday 8 June, according to a statement issued in Juba on Saturday (June 06). Machar and his wife Teny had been in self-isolation at their home after announcing he had tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday 18 May. They “have both been discharged today as having fully recovered from the coronavirus,” said James Dak, the head of First Vice President Office’s Press Unit, in a statement released on Saturday. The First Vice-President and the Defence Minister have been tested negative for the second time on Saturday.
South Sudan’s coronavirus tally has risen to 1,604 after the National Taskforce on Covid-19 reported 67 new cases on Sunday. The country has also reported four more fatalities, bringing the death toll to 19; while 15 people have recovered from the coronavirus. Speaking to the press on Sunday, taskforce spokesman Makur Matur Koriom added that the country currently has “1,570 active cases.”
Ambassador of South Sudan to Ethiopia, James P. Morgan said his country will not do anything that would harm Ethiopia during the discussion he has had last week on Friday (June 05) with the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew. (See article)
Sudan
Sudan and the International Monetary Fund have launched discussions on a Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) agreement to monitor Khartoum’s economic plans and eventually to create opportunities for international financing and investment. The SMP does not entail financial assistance but it is a necessary step to open the door for negotiations on debt relief and budget support programs. The two sides held an SMP in 2014 but the IMF advised to reach an agreement on Sudan’s removal from the terror list first, besides some other measures particularly the large arrears which block financing from the Fund.
The Sudanese authorities affirmed that Ethiopia had the right to build dams within its territory and benefit from the water resource. The Sudanese Foreign Minister, Asma Mohamed Abdullah, said on Saturday evening (June 06) that Ethiopia has the right to build dams, but according to international covenants, and basic principles. She called, during statements to the official Sudan TV, the need to negotiate between Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt on the file of the Renaissance Dam, explaining that Sudan always calls for negotiations as the only way to resolve such differences.
Sudanese government on Sunday (June 07) expressed reservations on some provisions of the United Nations resolutions about the extension of UNAMID mandate and the establishment of a new mission. On Thursday 3 June, the UN Security Council adopted two resolutions one establishing the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) to support the Sudanese government efforts to achieve peace and democratic transition, while the second extended UNAMID mission until the end of December.
After completing the technical tests on the connection lines, Sudan (June 07) announced doubling the amount of electricity it receives from Ethiopia, in a step to solve the problem of electricity shortage that the country suffers from. The Sudanese Minister of Energy and Mining, Adel Ibrahim, announced on Sunday that Sudan has doubled the amount of electricity it receives from Ethiopia, reaching nearly 200 megawatts per day. In a statement, the Minister indicated that the completion of technical tests in the electrical link lines between Sudan and Ethiopia, which enabled raising and increasing the electricity supply from Ethiopia to Sudan from 100 MW to 200 MW per day. Sudan suffers from a shortage of electricity, which leads to interruptions for several hours from homes.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) renewed calls to Sudanese authorities on Tuesday (June 09) to hand over or prosecute all the former officials indicted for alleged war crimes in Darfur. Fatou Bensouda made a regular briefing to the Security Council about the investigations on Darfur crimes on Tuesday 9 June which coincided with the arrival of Ali Kushayb, a Sudanese militia leader to the ICC custody in The Hague as he surrendered himself several days ago in the Central African Republic.
On Monday (June 08) Sudanese government and the armed groups held their third teleconference meeting about the national issues as they are expected to sign an initial peace agreement on 20 June. In a statement released on Monday in Khartoum after a three-hour meeting with the armed groups in Juba, the government senior negotiator spokesperson of its delegation Mohamed al-Hassan Eltaisih said they discussed reforms to ensure the independence of the justice system and a national census including displaced persons and refugees to ensure their participation in the general elections after the transitional period.
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Press Release on the Resumption of the Tripartite Negotiation on the GERD (I)
THE MINISTRY OF WATER, IRRIGATION AND ENERGY
10 JUNE 2020
Addis Ababa (10 June 2020): The Ministers of Water Affairs of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan conducted the tripartite negotiation on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for the second day. In the second day of this meeting, Ethiopia shared its position on the current tripartite discussion to the two downstream countries. In this regard,
- Ethiopia reiterated its commitment for a genuine dialogue and negotiation on the guidelines and rules for the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). It is in this context that Ethiopia welcomed the resumption of the talks at the level of Ministers of Water Affairs.
- Ethiopia stressed that the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP) on the GERD shall be respected in its entirety.
- The role of the Observers is agreed not to exceed that of observing the negotiation and sharing good practices when jointly requested by the three countries.
- The working document of the legal and technical teams of the three countries during the meeting of February 12-13, 2020 should be the basis for negotiation. In this context, Ethiopia shared its guidelines and rules on first filling and annual operation of the GERD. Sudan also submitted its position.
- As agreed in the first day of the tripartite discussion on 9 June 2020, the discussion shall continue daily on virtual meetings except for Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays until the negotiation is completed.
Ethiopia strongly believes building the necessary trust and confidence among the parties to make progress in the tripartite discussion is absolutely imperative. Nevertheless, Egypt`s approach to participate in the ongoing tripartite negotiation, while at the same time attempting to resort to the United Nations Security Council for the second time to exert external diplomatic pressure is not an indication of transparency and good faith in the negotiation.
Therefore, Ethiopia calls on the Parties to engage in genuine dialogue and negotiation in order to make sure their concerns are incorporated in the guidelines and rules for first filling and annual operation of the GERD and earnestly hopes that the international community will urge them to do so. Ethiopia is fully committed to doing its part.
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Press Release on the Resumption of the Tripartite Negotiation on the GERD (II)
THE MINISTRY OF WATER, IRRIGATION AND ENERGY
11 JUNE 2020
Addis Ababa (11 June 2020): The tripartite negotiation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the Guidelines and Rules for the first filling and annual operation for the GERD continued for the third day on Thursday, 11 June 2020, via video-conference in the presence of the observers.
Under the Chairmanship of Ethiopia, the three countries deliberated on issues of concern on the first filling and annual operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. They also exchanged views on the Guidelines and Rules Ethiopia shared with the two downstream countries and the proposal by Sudan.
Ethiopia reiterated the need for the three countries to focus on and approach the negotiation with good faith and commitment to achieve a win-win outcome.
Ethiopia also underlined the only avenue for a result that serves the mutual benefit of the peoples of the three countries lies in technical negotiation.
Today’s meeting resulted to adoption of the terms of reference for the observers that was discussed and agreed on the previous day. It has also been agreed to compare the exchanged documents and focus on the upcoming negotiation on the outstanding differences.
The negotiation will reconvene on Saturday, 13 June 2020, with the chairmanship of the Sudan.
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Prime Minister Abiy addresses Parliament
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has addressed questions forwarded from the House of People’s Representatives on Monday (June 08). The session covered several issues ranging from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic life of Ethiopians, Ethiopia’s stance regarding the construction, filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the economic performance of the country amid the current pandemic, on the water hyacinth that threatens to dry up lake Tana and about the case of Dembidollo University students.
Addressing the parliament on the pandemic, the Prime Minister said that the effects of COVID19 pandemic on the global economy are devastating and Ethiopia will also feel the impact. He said, “food insecurity will be further exacerbated and global slowing down has affected the tourism and aviation sectors.”
“This pandemic has tested global political, social, and economic systems,” said the Prime Minister, adding, “The post COVID19 world that will emerge will be entirely different from the one that we have been used to. In Ethiopia, we will have to evaluate its effect and impacts in a similar manner.”
According to the Premier, three zones have been governing responses to the COVID19 pandemic – i. fear; ii. learning and iii. growth. He said Ethiopia has chosen to take the growth/opportunity approach to learn and build upon its existing capacities. He cited the expansion of testing labs as an example here.
Regarding the performance of the economy amid the pandemic, the Prime Minister said the work of the government should focus on sustaining the growth that has been registered over the past few months. He said: “The macroeconomic team has been working with a focus on increasing exports.” “Over the past year exports have grown by 13%. In the past 10 months, there has been a 16% growth in coffee sales alone worth $667mil. Meat exports have increased by 21% with $41mil in sales.” Reiterating that Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, the Prime Minister further said: “Despite the pandemic, we have committed to ensuring no land remains uncultivated in this period.”
Responding to some of the questions regarding the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the tourism and services sector, the Prime Minister said that the pandemic has hit the sector but the government has been busy developing urban parks and state of the art tourist sites. He said these newly built urban parks, “will not only generate income post-pandemic but also demonstrate our capacity to realize high standard works in an effective manner within a short period of time.”
The Prime Minister also addressed the parliament on the ongoing challenge the water hyacinth has created on Lake Tana. He said: “Combating the water hyacinth on Lake Tana has continued through the use of machines and human power. However, it is not sustainable and requires environmental protection as a long term solution to address the root cause of the problem. Purchases of additional machinery is underway and the government is paying attention in this regard.”
The premier has also delivered a detailed speech on the construction, filling, and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, including the government’s intentions in building it. He said: “Ethiopia does not have a history of causing harm to others nor are we interested now in harming others. Our need is only one – to develop, prosper, and remove our people from the grips of poverty. More than 50mil Ethiopians do not have access to clean water – that is almost the population of one country. More than 50mil do not have access to electricity. To this day Ethiopian mothers still carry firewood. Meeting their basic rights and needs is of paramount importance. The development of GERD is therefore for our growth as it is equally to the benefit of lower riparian countries. Seeing this project in a positive light is therefore critical.”
In addressing the parliament on the case of Dembidollo University students, Prime Minister Abiy said: “The Federal Government has been undertaking various operations over the past months to find answers. We do not have a report of deaths nor are there any forces that have claimed the kidnapping. Nevertheless, many who have facilitated this incident have been reprimanded. There are ongoing efforts and the Federal government has not shied away from putting in the required resources to address this issue.”
The Prime Minister Office reported that after the conclusion of his address to the FDRE House of People’s Representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed planted seedlings as part of this year’s Green Legacy efforts together with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House.
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South Sudan Ambassador to Ethiopia Refutes Baseless Social Media claims
Ambassador of South Sudan to Ethiopia, James P. Morgan said his country will not do anything that would harm Ethiopia during the discussion he has had last week on Friday (June 05) with the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gedu Andargachew.
The ambassador further dismissed the recent reports on social media that claim South Sudan’s agreement with Egypt to give a military base in Pagak as baseless. The South Sudanese ambassador said his government has issued a statement that refuted the baseless reports. He also recalled his press statement that he has given to the local media in Addis Ababa yesterday debunking rumors perpetrated by groups that could not stand the long-standing and cordial relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Gedu on his part expressed his strong belief that the claims are unfounded adding that South Sudan would not have any justifiable reasons to engage in activities that would harm the brotherly relationship that existed between the two countries.
In their discussion about the construction, filling, and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the ambassador told Gedu that Ethiopia has got the right to equitably utilize its resources under the auspices of the accepted principles of ‘causing no significant harm’ and cooperation. In concluding their discussion, the ambassador thanked the government of Ethiopia for donating medical supplies to his country’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
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AMISOM condemns the attack on its base at Janaale, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia
The African Union said that three civilians were killed and two others injured during a firefight between its forces in Somalia and Islamists from the Al Shabaab group. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said its troops clashed with Al Shabaab fighters who had laid a roadside ambush on Monday northeast of Janale in Lower Shabelle, a hotbed for the insurgents. “Regrettably, three women were killed in the crossfire while two were injured and are currently receiving medical attention at the AMISOM hospital,” AMISOM said in a statement late Tuesday. “We would like to render our sincere apologies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
According to AMISOM’s statement, the terrorists planned to attack and disrupt the movement of people and goods in the area.” “While fighting terrorists, we remain committed to protecting the population and main supply routes where terrorists often plant IEDs and detonate to cause mayhem. The Monday, June 8, 2020 incident was unfortunate, and I sincerely offer my condolences to the families of the deceased”, said the Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Madeira. He pledged AMISOM would step up security to ensure enhanced protection of civilians.
