News in Brief
The UN Security Council lifts sanctions on Eritrea…
…but renews the arms embargo on Somalia for another year
An Ethiopian, Eritrean and Somali Summit in Bahir Dar last week
The AU’s Executive Council’s 20th Extraordinary Session
Security Council debate on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the UN
A string of car bombs in Mogadishu
Ethiopia at the China- Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum
An Ethiopian Embassy symposium in South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s Centenary
News in Brief
Africa and the African Union
The 20th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union met on Wednesday and Thursday this week (November 14-15) in Addis Ababa to discuss the reform of the African Union Commission. The Council deliberated on the draft reform proposals to be presented to the Assembly of the Union which is meeting in Extraordinary Session on Saturday and Sunday (November 17- 18). The proposals covered reforming the Commission, financing, and the division of work and authority, as well as duties and nominations of the Commission’s leadership. (See article)
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s lifting of sanctions imposed on Eritrea. He said it was a further step towards the consolidation of the recent positive developments in the Horn of Africa, marked by the improvement of bilateral relations between the countries of the region. These developments were a major contribution to the African Union drive towards silencing the guns by 2020 and advancing continental integration in the context of Agenda 2063 flagship projects. He called on regional leaders to sustain this momentum, to take any steps necessary to address any outstanding issues, and deepen cooperation for the shared objective of peace and prosperity. He said the African Union was ready to assist the process in any way appropriate.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a debate on “Strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations” at the end of last week (November 9). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the debate came just days before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Taye, noted underlined that today’s global concerns and realities required reaffirmation of full commitment to the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter, and to multilateralism. He emphasized Ethiopia would continue its commitment to play its part fully “as it has done for more than seventy years.” (See article)
Remembrance Day is observed by many nations, to commemorate members of armed forces who have died in the line of duty: “At the going down sun and in the morning: We will remember them.” It is held on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of the First World War at 11 am on that date in 1918. On Sunday (November 11), at 11.0 am a trumpeter of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, sounded the Last Post at the Gulele War Cemetery in Addis Ababa. This year, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a Peace Forum attended by dozens of world leaders.
Ethiopia
President Sahlework Zewde bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Brazil to Ethiopia, Ambassador Octavio Henrique Cortes on Wednesday (November 14). President Sahlework thanked the Brazilian ambassador for his efforts dedicated to enhance existing relations between Ethiopia and Brazil. The President underlined the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed hosted a tripartite meeting with President Isaias of Eritrea and President Mohamed Abdullahi of Somalia in Bahir Dar on Friday last week (November 9) They pledged to work towards the integration of the Horn of Africa region, according to a joint statement released by the three leaders on Saturday (November 10). (See article)
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy thanked the UN Security Council for responding to Ethiopia’s call to lift the sanctions on Eritrea. He said the lifting of the sanctions would have far-reaching effects in improving the stability of the Horn of Africa and in building peace and normalization of relations among the countries of the region. It would also enhance the collaborative gains achieved over the last few months.
Prime Minister Dr Abiy received a call from the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday (November 11). Mr. Juncker expressed his admiration for the ongoing reforms in the country and assured the Prime Minister of EU support. Ethiopia and EU have had 44 years of constructive bilateral relations in such areas as development cooperation, trade and economic development, consolidation of democratic institutions, regional peace and security and migration. Ethiopia is an important partner for the EU in Africa.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy met with Ms. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development of the Government of Canada on Friday (November 16). Ms. Bibeau reaffirmed her Government’s support to Ethiopia’s democratization and development reforms. The Prime Minister thanked Ms. Bibeau for Canada’s support to Ethiopia’s development efforts and said he looked forward to Prime Minister Trudeau’s first visit to Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy received Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner of Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship of the European Commission on Wednesday (November 14). Their discussion focused on enhancing the strategic alliance on common issues of interest between Africa and Europe as well as capitalizing on the long standing relationship between Ethiopia and the EU. The two parties agreed to work together to further strengthen these ties.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu headed the high-level Ethiopian delegation to the 20th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, meeting in Addis Ababa on Wednesday and Thursday this week (November 14-15). (See article)
Dr. Workneh hosted a reception for African foreign ministers attending the 20th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council at the Sheraton Addis on Wednesday (November 14). He assured them that the reports they received “from your ambassadors based in Addis about the ongoing reforms in Ethiopia is true”. Ethiopia, he said, “is undergoing a speedy and comprehensive reform processes.” He mentioned the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, pointing out this had a significant peace dividend to regional peace and prosperity. Noting that women account for 5o% of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy’s cabinet and taking note of the country’s women president and the appointment of women in other key government positions, including the President of the Supreme Court, Minister Workneh underscored that this showcased the reforms have prioritized empowering women’s decision making role in public life.
Speaking at the 66th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers on Friday (November 16), Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Workneh emphasized that IGAD was taking substantive measures which would lead the Horn of Africa to integration. “Critical tasks accomplished by the IGAD in the areas of security, infrastructural development, trade and climate change are taking the Region to the higher levels of achievement”, he said. He added that peace in East Africa created fertile conditions to strengthen IGAD. Commending the peace achieved in South Sudan and the progress of the implementations of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, Dr. Workneh called on IGAD and IGAD partners as well as the international community to continue their support to stand make the peace sustainable.
Dr. Workneh met Dimitris Avaramopoulos, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship on Tuesday (November 13), Discussions covered the ongoing comprehensive reforms in Ethiopia and aspects of regional peace and security. They agreed to elevate the all round cooperation between Ethiopia and the European Union. Minister Workneh noted that unemployment has been one of the main sources of migration in Africa, and mentioned the understanding with the European Union to expand cooperation on job creation initiatives, as well as stemming illegal migration through cooperation to facilitate legal migration. The Minister noted the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea and its peace dividend to the region.
Dr. Workneh held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, on Wednesday (November 14) on the margins of the 20th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council. Dr. Workneh noted their bilateral relationship and stressed the need to further strengthen these. Mr. Shoukry said the peace processes in the Horn of Africa, initiated by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, were playing a positive role for regional peace and prosperity. They discussed the ongoing studies and the remaining tasks to be finalized in connection with the GERD. On the filling of GERD, they commended the progress being made by the scientific group in which Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan are represented. They discussed the remaining tasks that need to be completed as well as on ways of implementing the Trilateral Infrastructural Fund.
Dr. Workneh met with Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Foreign Minister of the Gambia on Thursday (November 16). The two sides exchanged views on ways of expanding bilateral relations. Dr. Workneh said Ethiopia valued its relationship with the Gambia. He stressed that Gambia was an important member of the African Union adding, “The relationship with African counties is at the core of our foreign policy”. Making business and strengthening relations with African countries is of significant importance, he added.
Dr. Workneh expressed his condolences over the passing away of Elias Sabure, who had been Ethiopia’s Honorary Consul in Finland. Dr. Workneh said Mr. Elias Sabure had contributed a lot to strengthening relations between Ethiopia and Finland, in promoting Ethiopia’s tourist attractions and trade and investment as well as enhancing people-to-people ties . Minister Workneh noted that Mr. Elias Sabure had served as Honorary Consul since 2004, and served the interests of the Ethiopian Diaspora community in Finland. The Minister expressed his deepest sympathy to Mr. Elias’ family and friends,
State Minister of foreign Affairs, Dr. Markos Tekle bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Brazil to Ethiopia, Ambassador Octavio Henrique Cortes on Tuesday (November 13). State Minister Dr. Markos extended his gratitude to the Brazilian ambassador for enhancing the existing relations between Ethiopia and Brazil. Ethiopia, Dr Markos said, would like to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture, energy, and sugar industry. He referred to the importance of technology transfers. He said the direct flights of Ethiopian Airlines to Brazil would further enhance the trade and investment ties.
State Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. HirutZemene and Dr. AkliluHailemichael visited a temporary shelter in Beirut on Tuesday (November 13). The shelter, which currently houses about 70 young Ethiopian girls, hosts Ethiopians who have escaped abuse in Lebanon. The Embassy, in cooperation with the community, is helping recover unpaid salaries and insurances as well as repatriating the victims. The State Ministers’ visit was part of the consultations with all Ethiopian missions in the Middle East as part of the effort to legalize foreign employment of Ethiopians and stem human trafficking and smuggling, as well as establish a legal approach to migration.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, said the Government was working to ensure the rights of citizens working overseas. He told a training session in Beirut, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Labor Organization, that the Government had the duty to ensure the safety and rights of its citizens who work overseas, and it was in the process of signing a series of bilateral agreements with countries. The training brought together heads of Ethiopian missions in the Middle East and diplomats as well as representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
The Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa, in collaboration with Global Citizen, the Ethiopian Professionals’ Association in Southern Africa and Ethiopian Airlines’ South Africa Office, organized a Symposium on Nelson Mandela’s Centenary at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria on Thursday this week (November 15). (See article)
A delegation from the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing and the Ethiopian Consulate General in Chongqing participated in the first ‘China- Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum’ in Chengdu on Monday and Tuesday this week (November 12-13). The Forum attracted over 500 participants including representatives from over 20 African countries to discuss development and prospects of e-commerce industry in China and Africa. (See article)
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Ambassador Girma Temesgen met this week with Mr. Mehmet Coskun, Chairman of the Turkish Industry Holding, which recently signed an agreement with Tigrai Regional State to build an industrial park in Adi Gudem. The construction of the first phase of the park will begin in March next year and is expected to be finalized within 2 years at an estimated cost of 750 million euros.
Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, Director General for European Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held discussions with Mr. Radu-gabrielSafta, Director General for Global Affairs in the Foreign Ministry of Romania on Tuesday (November 13). They considered how to further strengthen the longstanding relations and cultural ties and agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, education and communication. Ambassador Tesfaye also briefed the Romanian delegation on the current reforms taking place in Ethiopia.
Djibouti
This week the World Bank approved an International Development Association package of $20 million to support Djibouti’s efforts to improve the living conditions for residents of urban areas, and help to achieve its Zero Slum strategy. The project will support social infrastructure to relieve densely populated areas and facilitate public transportation, emergency assistance and the movement of people and goods as well as provide job opportunities. The World Bank’s portfolio in Djibouti consists of eleven IDA-funded projects totaling US$ 150 million. These are focused on social safety nets, energy, rural community development, urban poverty reduction, health, education, modernization of public administration, governance and private sector development, with emphasis on women and youth.
Eritrea
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday (November 14) to pass resolution 2444 (2018) lifting the sanctions imposed on Eritrea nearly a decade ago, Resolution 2444 came four months after the signing of the historic peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in July this year; following that agreement, Ethiopia, currently a non-permanent member of the Council, called for the Security Council to lift the sanctions. (See article)
Somalia
Following last week’s tripartite meeting between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, President Mohamed Abdullahi has welcomed the new regional cooperation and said this would benefit all in the region including Somalis. He said that Somalia will host the next tripartite meeting between the leaders of Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday (November 14) renewed the arms embargo on Somalia for another year, as well as the exemptions for government security forces. Resolution 2444 also replaced the Monitoring Group by a six-person Panel of Experts on Somalia, tasked with giving monthly updates to the Sanctions’ Committee, and a final report by 15 October 2019. (See article)
Four car bombs exploded outside the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu on Friday last week (November 9). With over fifty people killed and more than a hundred injured, most innocent civilians. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.
The first high level National Economic Policy Forum was held this week in Mogadishu. Hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled and the Chair of the National Economic Council, Dr. Ali Issa Abdi, it was attended by the Federal Minister of Finance, Dr. Abdirahman Dualeh Beileh, and of Planning, Gamal Hassan, as well as Federal and Members State officials, UN officials, and private sector representatives. Participants discussed a national investment strategy, financial governance, tackling corruption and how to enhance regional economic cooperation with other East African countries. Deputy Prime Minister Guled stressed the government was committed to enacting policies and developing strategies to revive the economy.
Somalia has renewed its interest in joining the East African Community. Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko, Secretary General of the EAC says the EAC Secretariat is sending a preliminary team to Somalia later this month to assess the level of readiness in preparation for a verification exercise team to be organized by the EAC Council of Ministers. Conditions for membership include adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice. Other requirements are contributing towards the strengthening of integration within the East African region; geographical proximity to and inter-dependence between the applicant and Partner States; and the establishment and maintenance of a market driven economy.
AMISOM has appealed to the government of Ghana and the Ghana Police Administration to consider deploying a Formed Police Unit contingent to Somalia to advance peace and security efforts. Ghana currently has contingent of 37 Individual Police Officers serving with AMISOM but no Formed Police Unit. AMSIOM has FPUs from Uganda, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. AMISOM currently has 718 police personnel, but needs 322 more to reach its 1,040 target and would like another two FPUs. AMISOM’s police component has a mandate to train, mentor, monitor and advise the Somali Police Force and has so far trained over 4,000 Somali police officers.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday (November 14) that an estimated 4.2 million people in Somalia would require humanitarian assistance in 2019. It said an estimated 2 million people continued to receive food assistance every month, and noted that the 2018 Deyr rainfall season had so far performed less well than expected and some areas had not received significant rain.
Sudan
President Omer al-Bashir met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on Saturday (November 10) and praised developing bilateral relation between the two countries. This followed the joint Sudanese-Russian high-level committee for political consultation which met in Khartoum on Friday. The President expressed appreciation of Russia’s support for Sudan at all international forums, stressing the strong relations between the two countries and Sudan’s keenness to promote these ties to serve the interests of the two peoples.
Sudanese Prime Minister Mutaz Musa held discussions with Mikhail Bogdanov, on Sunday (November 11) and pledged to create an enabling business climate for Russia in the country. He said the new economic horizon with Russia would further boost the already excellent collaboration between the two countries. Mr. Bogdanov said the meeting helped to further consolidate continued Sudanese-Russian cooperation, focusing on economic aspects, especially in the fields of oil, gas and agriculture. They also discussed preparations for the meeting of the joint Sudanese-Russian Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee, scheduled to take place in Moscow in mid-December. This will discuss prospects of cooperation in various areas, as well as implementation of the agreements already signed.
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The UN Security Council lifts sanctions on Eritrea…
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday (November 14) to lift the sanctions imposed on Eritrea nearly a decade ago, passing resolution 2444 (2018). Thisterminated the measures imposed on Eritrea by resolutions 1907 (2009), 2023 (2011), 2060 (2012) and 2111 (2013), the arms embargo, travel ban, assets freeze and targeted sanctionson certain individuals.
Resolution 2444 came four months after the signing of the historic peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in July this year. Following that agreement, Ethiopia, currently a non-permanent member of the Council, called for the Security Council to lift the sanctions.Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed congratulated the people and Government of Eritrea on the lifting of sanctions. The Prime Minister also thanked the UN Security Council for responding to Ethiopia’s call to lift the sanctions on Eritrea. He said the lifting of the sanctions would have far-reaching effects in improving the stability of the Horn of Africa and in building peace and normalization of relations among the countries of the region. It would also enhance the collaborative gains achieved over the last few months.
The United Kingdom, as penholder on the sanctions drafted the resolution, and its Permanent Representative Ambassador Karen Piercesaid that the resolution recognized recent positive developments in the Horn of Africa while committing the Council to support the ongoing normalization of relations between the sub-region’s nations. She also said: “Not only is it a very important step for the countries in the region, I think it sends a helpful wider signal to the international community that, if the right steps are taken, that sanctions can be lifted.”The Security Council welcomed recent meetings between representatives of Eritrea and the Chair of the Sanctions’ Committee and with the Coordinator of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group, as well as the September meeting between the Presidents of Djibouti and Eritrea. It also underlined the importance of continuing efforts towards the normalization of relations between Eritrea and Djibouti.
Speaking on behalf of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, PermanentRepresentative of Ethiopia to the UN, welcomed “unreservedly” the adoption of the resolution which his country fully supported. He said “We are supporting this resolution today at a time when a major and historic development is unfolding in the Horn of Africa” including the recent rapprochement between Eritrea and Djibouti. He noted: “The breakthrough arising from the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea is already producing unprecedented and far-reaching positive consequences and is significantly changing the political landscape of the Horn of Africa and beyond.” It was, he said, critical for the Security Council to take such important decisions when countries were turning a new page, adding that its decision would help countries usher in a new era of friendship.
The acting Eritrean Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Amanuel Giorgio, hailed the lifting of the sanctions. He said: The long overdue call for justice is finally answered,” and this marked the end of a difficult period for Eritrea and the region which had entailed “two decades of missed opportunities for peaceand socio-economic progress.”He said: “Eritrea as a nation is committed to work with all its neighbors. The peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and the tripartite agreement between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, mark the beginning of a new dawn.” He said it was now time to work closely with neighbors to build a region at peace with itself, adding it needed understanding and the policy space to chart its own future, based on shared history, culture and interest of the people of the region.
…but renews the arms embargo on Somalia for another year
The Security Council meeting reaffirmed the arms embargo, and requested that the UN Secretary-General conduct a technical assessment of the embargo in force against the country. With regard to Somalia, the Council renewed the arms embargo on Somalia for another year until November 15, 2019, as well as the exemptions for deliveries of weapons, ammunition or military equipment to the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia to provide security for the Somali people.Resolution 2444 also terminated the mandate of theMonitoring Group and replaced it with a six-person Panel of Experts on Somalia, tasked with overseeing the remaining sanctions and providing monthly updates to the Sanctions’ Committee, a midterm update and a final report by 15 October 2019. The panel should continue to investigate the export of any chemicals to Somalia that might be used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. The Council condemned Al‑Shabaab’s involvement in the illicit charcoal trade, and reaffirmed the ban on the import and export of Somali charcoal. It expressed concern over continued reports of corruption and the diversion of public resources in Somalia. It decided to expand the targeted sanctions on Somalia to include the planning, directing or commission of acts involving sexual and gender‑based violence.
The Council reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea. It welcomed the development of a conditions-based transition plan with clear target dates for the progressive transfer of security responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali security institutions. It underlined the critical importance of accelerating the implementation of the National Security Architecture agreement between the Federal Government and Member States to integrate and provide federal support to regional forces.It also emphasized the primary responsibility of the Federal Government to protect its population, and its responsibility to build the capacity of the national security forces as a matter of priority. It also emphasized capacities of the Somali National Security Forces, in particular the provision of equipment, training and mentoring, in order to enable the gradual handing over of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces. It encouraged further donor support and coordination for AMISOM. It called on the Federal Government and the Member States to work constructively together to implement the outstanding elements of the National Security Architecture agreement, including decisions on the make‑up, distribution and command and control of the security forces and resource sharing. It underlined the importance of timely and predictable payment of salaries to the Somali security forces.
The resolution commended Federal government efforts to restore key economic and financial institutions, increase domestic revenue and implement financial governance and structural reforms, as well as progress on the anti-corruption bill. It underlined the “importance of financial propriety in contributing to stability and prosperity.”It welcomed the efforts to address sexual- and gender-based violence. It welcomed improvements in weapons registration but expressed concern over reports of continued weapons diversion. It noted the Security Council was committed to monitoring and assessing improvements in order to review the arms embargo when all conditions as set out in Security Council resolutions are met. The Security Council also expressed grave concern at the continuing humanitarian situation in Somalia and its impact on the people, condemning in the strongest terms attacks against humanitarian actors and any misuse of donor assistance and the obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid. It reiterated its demand that all parties facilitate full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to persons in need across Somalia.
AbukarDahir Osman for Somalia, hailing the normalization of relations in the sub-region, called the sanctions on Somalia “flawed and outdated measures” that violated Somalia’s sovereignty and prevented it from building an effective national army, and called for the sanctions to be lifted. They did not, he added, target Al Shabaab effectively, and Al Shabaab continued to receive weapons and support from abroad.
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An Ethiopian, Eritrean and Somali Summit in Bahir Dar last week
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia hosted a meeting with the President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Mohammed Abdullahi of Somalia on Friday last week (November 9) in the capital of Ethiopia’s Amhara National Regional State, Bahir Dar. It was their second trilateral summit, the first being in Asmara in September. According to Prime Minister Dr.Abiy’s office, the discussions were based on three broad areas, focusing on “regional economic integration; strengthening peace and security in the Horn region, and on developing a common and aligned voice on international agendas.”
Following the talks, a statement was issued on Saturday (November 10). This said the leaders of Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Mohammed Abdullahi Mahmud and President Isaias Afwerki had held a series of consultations in Bahr Dar. The three sides stressed that this, their second meeting in as many months, highlighted the historic transformation towards peace and integration in the Horn of Africa.
The statement said: ”In their consultations, the three leaders reviewed developments and achievements since the signing in Asmara of the Joint Declaration on Friendship and Comprehensive Cooperation between the three countries. They noted with satisfaction the tangible and positive outcomes already registered and agreed to consolidate their mutual solidarity and support in addressing challenges that they face individually and collectively.In this regard, they stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia as well as their firm support for the Somali people and the Federal Government of Somalia and all its institutions. They also commended them for the progress they are making towards peace and stability.”
“The leaders of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea welcomed the impending lifting of all sanctions against Eritrea and underscored their conviction that this act of justice would contribute to enhancing peace, development, and cooperation in the region. They also reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive regional peace and cooperation. The Presidents of Eritrea and Somalia expressed their profound appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy and the people and government of Ethiopia for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them and their delegations in the historic city of Gondar and the beautiful city of Bahr Dar, a reception that reflected the close and historic ties among the three nations.”
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The AU’s Executive Council’s 20th Extraordinary Session
The 20th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union met on Wednesday and Thursday this week (November 14-15) in Addis Ababa to discuss reforming the AU Commission. Its deliberations covered details of the draft reform proposals to be presented to the Assembly of the Union at the end of the week and provided the opportunity to exchange views on reforming the Commission, on its financing, the division of labour and authority as well as the duties and nominations of the Commission’s leadership and other areas. The High-level Ethiopian delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.
Moussa Faki Mahamat. Chairperson of the African Union Commission, opening the session, stressed that the institutional reform the commission was undertaking was one of the most ambitious initiatives for change carried out by the Union. He said that the reform underway touched upon all aspects of the Commission’s operations and concerned all its organs. Mr. Faki noted that at the continental level, several initiatives were underway to speed up economic integration efforts and put an end to the numerous acts of violence that continued to ravage different regions of Africa. “These developments demand that we enhance the efficiency of our Union” he said. Noting previous attempts at reform, the Chairperson stressed the need to demonstrate a strong commitment to finalize the business of reforming the Commission. It was, therefore, significant that the Heads of State and Government had decided, in January last year, to be directly involved in the process.” He added that he also welcomed the contributions of other organs of the Union, noting the in-depth considerations of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee last week.
The Chairperson stressed that streamlining the structure of the Commission, its leadership and their portfolios, the method of selecting members and creating measures to ensure real accountability both within the Commission and to the Member States, would be the focus of the reform. He said it was imperative to preserve the fundamental principles that underpinned the composition of the Commission. These were gender parity and equitable regional representation. He said: “It is necessary to take into account the heavy tasks to be performed, which demand that they be properly distributed”. He also welcomed the recommendations made with regard to the process of transforming NEPAD into a Development Agency and the division of labour between continental and regional levels as well as strengthening the African Peer Review Mechanism.
Mr. Faki underscored the need to provide a vision to underpin the reform which is comprehensive and all-encompassing, with every step part of an overall architecture. He called on the representatives of member states to pass relevant decisions to bring practical operation to various AU bodies, including the Pan African Parliament, the African Court and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Committee of Experts on the Rights of the African Child, and the Advisory Board on Corruption as well as the Commission on International Law. Detailing the bottlenecks the Commission has been facing, the Chairperson referred to delays in ratification of the instruments that were hindering their universal applicability across the Continent, the low level of implementation of decisions adopted and the lack of human and financial resources which limited and impeded their capacity and credibility of AU Commission organs. On financial matters, the Chairperson proposed considering sanctions on member states which did not comply with membership responsibilities in order to put an end to the chronic delay in the payment of the statutory financial contributions.
The Foreign Minister of Rwanda and current Chairperson of the Executive Council Dr. Richard Sezibera said that the institutional reform was already registering progress in a number of areas. So, “We must continue these constructive debates, while keeping in mind that time is of the essence. Let us not put off for tomorrow, what we can do today.” He said that besides putting up design performance management mechanisms for the Commission, member states must commit themselves to being more accountable, to fulfil their obligations. They should be held to account when they fail to do so. He said that providing self-financing for the AU in a sustainable and predictable manner would be a key determinant of the changes required. He emphasized: “For this to be sustained, we must create the necessary growth to enable us to continue to do so, starting with the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area; and by honouring our financial obligations, including by adopting the 0.2% levy through our national legislative bodies.”
Dr.Sezibera stressed, “the AU Reform process goes beyond the Commission alone, even if it has been the predominant focus of our talks this year.” He said: “We know that the entire institutional architecture of our Union has to be addressed. Whether it is about organs dealing with development matters such as the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and its pressing need for a clear mandate; or about those dealing with governance objectives, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and related financing modalities; or about a strategic division of labour among the AU, Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other key continental institutions, there is still much to be accomplished”. He called delegates to use the session as a platform to come up with workable solutions and clear recommendations to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government who will be meeting on Saturday and Sunday (November 17-18).
Dr. Workneh said that Ethiopia strongly supported African Union’s reform agenda. He underlined the Commission’s structure was crucial to the over-all reform of the African Union, adding that, “Making the Commission’s leadership structure lean and performance oriented would be critical for realizing Agenda 2063”. Explaining his position in this regard, Dr. Workneh said that Ethiopia fully supported the proposal to have six commissioners to avoid duplication and overlap of responsibilities. Regarding gender equality, which lies at the heart of the current ongoing reforms in Ethiopia, the Minister called for support for the principles of gender and regional parity.
The Session also considered the issue of a new agreement with the European Union regarding Post-Cotonou arrangements. Mr. Faki said this would offer the AU the opportunity to build a relationship that could really take into account Africa’s achievements in peace and security, governance and integration. It could also serve as a lever for the fulfilment of the aspirations laid out under Agenda 2063. The Chairperson called on member states to consider their positions and be prepared to come together in the interest of the continent. Dr. Sezibera underlined the importance of Africa speaking with one voice and negotiating as one, describing it as “the only fitting way for a vibrant Africa to take her rightful place in the concert of nations.”
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Security Council debate on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the UN
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a debate on “Strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations at the end of last week (November 9). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the debate came just days before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, a conflict which he described as a colossal tragedy and a frightening harbinger of bloody decades to follow. He said: “Without multilateral mechanisms for international problem-solving, war erupted and lasted for years. It took a second global cataclysm to trigger the multilateral arrangements we know today. These”, he pointed out, “have a proven track record in saving lives, generating economic and social progress and avoiding a third descent into world war.”
The Secretary-General took note of the recent inspiring achievements in international diplomacy, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Peace operations authorized by the Council, her said, were also important expressions of multilateralism in action and peacekeeping had helped a great many countries recover from armed conflict.e saidH He said: “Our missions are often critical bulwarks against chaos and bloodshed. That is why I am so encouraged that 151 countries, along with 4 leading international and regional organizations, have expressed support for the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which aims to strengthen these collective partnerships.” However, the Secretary-General cautioned, multilateral efforts were under immense stress in the face of multiplying conflicts, advancing climate change, deepening inequality and rising tensions over trade. It was a period when people were moving across borders in unprecedented numbers in search of safety or opportunity, and equally, there was risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and, he said, we are only just beginning to reckon with the potential dangers of new technologies.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of a return to international cooperation. He said: “We need a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system. In the end, multilateralism is nothing more than countries coming together, respecting one another, and establishing the forms of cooperation that guarantee peace and prosperity for all in a healthy planet.” To that end, he added, a stronger commitment to a rules-based order was needed with the United Nations at its center, with the different institutions and treaties that bring the Charter to life. Adopting laws and international conventions, vital as they are, were not enough, he said. “We need new forms of cooperation with other international and regional organizations – a networked multilateralism. And we need closer links with civil society and other stakeholders – an inclusive multilateralism.” In this regard, he urged the Security Council to play a central role in showing the value of international cooperation.
Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Taye Atske-selassie, said that the need for multilateralism had never been more indispensable to ensure a collective response in the face of unprecedented challenges and threats to global peace and security of today. At the core of international multilateralism was, of course, the United Nations which had been an indispensable platform for advancing collective security and promoting multilateral cooperation among member States – in line with the spirit of its Charter. The UN, he said, had faced many challenges; it had successes as well as failures. “We can,” he said, “draw lessons from some of its achievements; but we should also have the courage to admit its shortcomings – and make every effort to redress them. At the same time, we would all agree that the United Nations is the only indispensable universal organization we have. Despite all its faults, it is an organization we cannot live without. The question is how do we make it more effective, more functional and more relevant to address the challenges and threats faced by humanity in the twenty-first century.”
Ambassador Taye emphasized that the United Nations’ collective security system had helped reduce the danger of war, and had also made enormous contributions in peacekeeping, but the the global geopolitical landscape had changed significantly since the UN was established. There was now a rising number of intra-state conflicts, threats of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as other transnational crimes by non-state actors, posing greater risks to world peace and security. The prevalence of poverty and inequality, the spread of pandemic diseases, the impact of climate change and other socio-economic challenges, all had major implications for the security, and the survival, of humanity.
Ambassador Taye stressed: “At this juncture in human history, we need the United Nations more than ever before. And that is why we need an organization capable of addressing its own weaknesses. It must have the capacity to make real difference not only in security but also in economic, social, human rights and humanitarian areas.” The reform of the United Nations was critical so the organization could remain true to the preamble of the Charter – so it remains the organization of the peoples of the United Nations. He said, “We fully support the reform agenda of the Secretary-General – “to make the UN more able to respond to the needs and aspirations of we, the peoples, that generated this organization”.
Ambassador Taye stressed that UN Charter provided a number of possible tools for the Security Council to address the world’s problems. He mentioned Chapter Six of the Charter, underlining the primacy of peaceful settlement of disputes and emphasizing the need to take measures to prevent conflicts before they erupt. Chapter Seven provided parameters for action in regard to threats to peace, breaches of peace, or acts of aggression; Chapter Eight allowed for regional arrangements to buttress peace. Ambassador Taye said, “It is deeply regrettable that we remain unable to take full advantage of what the Charter offers to help overcome the challenges we face. This, in effect, undermines the credibility of the Security Council”, and he went on: “I hardly need remind you, this is the body which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
Equally important, he emphasized the need for reform to start at the top, with the membership of the Security Council. He underlined the critical need to remain faithful to the principles of the Charter: sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-intervention and peaceful settlement of disputes. Ambassador Taye noted that the global concerns and realities of today required reaffirmation of full commitment to the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter, and to multilateralism as well as the required courage and determination to rise up to these challenges. He concluded: Ethiopia would continue its commitment to play its part fully “as it has done for more than seventy years.”
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A string of car bombs in Mogadishu
Four car bombs exploded outside the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu on Friday last week (November 9). There were three explosions in front of the hotel and then as medics started to try to rescue and treat victims, a fourth explosion. Somali security forces killed four gunmen who entered the hotel after a hole was blown into the hotel’s wall. The attackers managed to reach the roof and fired down on people from above before being killed by security forces. The bomb blasts outside the hotel also killed many civilians. Over the weekend, hospital and police sources said the death toll had risen to 53 with over 100 injured. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, saying it was targeting the government and security services. Most of the casualties were innocent civilians.
Three years ago Abdirashid Shire Ilqeyte, the owner of the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu was killed by Al-Shabaab fighters who stormed the hotel and fifteen people died, among them General Dhagabadan, and i MP Abdi Mohamed Abtidoon. On Friday, his son, Abdifatah Abdirashid Shire, was killed by the explosions.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, noting that terrorism has been a threat not only to Somalia but also to the region at large, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. In a letter to Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Isse Awad, Dr. Workneh expressed his profound sorrow over the death of innocent civilians. He offered his deepest sympathy to the people and Government of Somalia, and his condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The European Union (EU) condemned the ‘heinous’ attacks which claimed lives of innocent people. Maja Kocijancic, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs extended the EU’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded: “Mutual solidarity and unity is essential to defeat terrorism and construct a brighter future for the population of Somalia. At this critical moment for the country, the EU reaffirms its continued commitment to stand by the Somali people to build a stable Somalia,”
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) also strongly condemned the attack. The UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, said: “We join the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in condemning this act of terror in no uncertain terms – such reprehensible acts of terrorism will not in any way undermine the determination of the Somali people to pursue their state-building, economic recovery, and security priorities. The United Nations and the wider international community stand with them.” UNSOM expresses its condolences to the families of the victims of the attack and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured.
The United Nations Security Council in a press statement on Saturday condemned the terrorist attacks in Mogadishu. Members of the Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Somalia. They said, “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, ” adding that “acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.” The statement underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of “these reprehensible acts” of terrorism to justice and urged all states to cooperate actively with the government of Somalia and all other relevant authorities in this regard. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also condemned the attacks. He reiterated the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and government of Somalia in their efforts to deal with Al-Shabaab.
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Ethiopia at the China- Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum
A delegation from the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing and the Ethiopian Consulate General in Chongqing led by Mr. Genet Teshome, Charge d’Affaires of the Ethiopian Embassy in China, participated in the ‘China- Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum’ in Chengdu on Monday and Tuesday this week (November 12-13). This first ever China-Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum attracted participants from Guinea, Cameroon, Comoros, Ghana and another 19 African countries. Resident Ambassadors and diplomats of Africa in China, corporate leaders, representatives of business associations and experts and scholars in the field of electronic commerce attended the forum which hosted over 500 participants to discuss the development and prospects of e-commerce industry in China and Africa, and jointly plan a new vision for the future.
Ethiopia participated in the panel discussion, “The Status and Future Development of Global International Trade between China and Africa”. As a panellist, Mr. Genet emphasised there was still a lot to work out to make the best of the relationship between Africa and China in a win- win fashion. He pointed out that 50% of the trade volume between Africa and Chinawas contributed by only four African countries. He noted the balance of trade was in favour of China and that was indicative for the scope for further cooperation in trade. Ethiopia, he said needed to work on expanding foreign direct investment; improving physical, intellectual and institutional infrastructure; and improve diversification and trade facilitation to increase the volume of exports to China. Efforts in this regard, he stressed, were firmly in line with the major initiatives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
Ethiopia took the opportunity to promote trade links at the Forum. The Consulate General in Chongqing explained the availability of organic products available in Ethiopia, the sustainably supply of agricultural products; their internationally-attested quality; the zero tariff schemes and the integrated land, air and sea transport for commodities from Ethiopia to China and vice versa. Other advantages include the willingness if both governments to balance imports and exports, the political commitment and synergy both display, and their strongly helpful bilateral diplomatic relations. On the sidelines of the promotional presentations at the Forum, the Consulate General also held a Government to Business interaction to meet potential companies to encourage foreign direct investment.
The Forum was an excellent example of industrial promotion and trade facilitation initiatives which were among the major initiatives of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. The industrial promotion initiative included opening a China- Africa Economic and Trade Expo. The trade facilitation initiative aimed at increasing imports, particularly non-resource products, from Africa. Under this, the Chinese government committed itself to supporting African countries’ participation in the China International Import Expo held in Shanghai last week. Ethiopia also participated and as the Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) observed, Ethiopia’s stand had lots of traffic from expo attendees, drawn there, in part, by the opportunity to have coffee. The report noted: “The country that’s home to this beverage is the ideal first stop. …Ethiopian coffee is potent, but it’s so much more than just a cup of coffee. Thousands, of years of history and centuries of civilization from one of the best coffee producers are distilled into a cup so small, and it might as well be a shot glass’’. Ethiopia’s participation in the China-Africa E-Commerce Industrial Investment Forum this week is another step in using such platforms to promote major export commodities and, focus on recruiting investors for priority sectors.
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An Ethiopian Embassy symposium in South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s Centenary
The Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa, on behalf of IGAD Ambassadors’ Forum in Pretoria and in collaboration with Global Citizen, the Ethiopian Professionals’ Association in Southern Africa (EPASA) and Ethiopian Airlines’ South Africa Office, organized a Symposium on Nelson Mandela’s Centenary at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria on Thursday this week (November 15).
Ambassador Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to South Africa and Dean of the IGAD Ambassadors’ Forum in South Africa opened the Symposium: “This year, we celebrate Madiba’s Centenary with the theme of “Be the Legacy” which requests all of us to live the legacy Nelson Mandela gave us and to transfer it to generations to come. His legacy offers peace, reconciliation, equality, unity, dignity, justice among other qualities. These be taken as guiding principles for all humanity. We need to further expand these forward-looking ideologies and let them touch the ground to shape our world today.”
Ambassador Dr. Shiferaw detailed the important role Ethiopia played in the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela as well as South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Ethiopia, he said, gave “direct financial and technical support for Nelson Mandela and the South African people during the bloody war against Apartheid. On January 1962, Ethiopia issued Nelson Mandela a passport. Using his Ethiopian passport, Mandela secretly left South Africa and travelled as a journalist around African continent and visited England to gain support for the armed struggle. He received direct military training in Ethiopia and returned to South Africa in July 1962. In Ethiopia, military commanders taught him tricks of applying guerrilla warfare and the use of weapons. Madiba was also trained on how to be the commander-in-chief of the then armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).”
The Ambassador added that, “As we are observing Nelson Mandela’s centenary, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm Ethiopia’s support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 to realize a prosperous, peaceful and integrated Africa. Ethiopia’s solidarity with African brothers and sisters remains the same as our contribution to the struggle for liberation during colonization.” Dr. Shiferaw thanked Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed for the series of measures now being taken in Ethiopia to bring about national consensus, enhance national unity, empowering women and creating a country in which Ethiopians were inspired to stand in unison, regardless of their ideologies, and take the country forward. Alluding to the recent regional rapprochements, Dr. Shiferaw noted that countries in the region were now working together in an integrated manner to harness their economy and grow together and to ensure their stability and play a pivotal role in making a stronger Africa in general and Horn of Africa in particular. He said Ethiopia’s contribution was inarguably significant, adding that reconciliation, unity and peace building processes were its anchors.
The Ambassador’s opening remarks were followed by a series of presentations by the Ambassadors of the Sudan and of Uganda as well as Pan-Africanist scholars. Panellists responded to the numerous questions raised by participants at the Symposium with much vigor and enthusiasm.
