News in Brief
Ethiopia launches its First-ever satellite
Friends of Sudan Meeting in Khartoum
The 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government
The first Global Refugee Forum in Geneva
A High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy
IGAD: Challenges and Achievements in Ensuring Peace and Security under Ethiopia’s Leadership
Africa and the African Union
The Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission (AUC) organized the second regional consultative and capacity building workshop on the implementation the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) from 16-18 December 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The overall aim of the meeting was to popularize the Policy and promote its effective implementation in Eastern and Western Africa. The meeting brought together over forty participants from the AU Member States in the two regions.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Saturday (December 21) donated an assortment of office equipment to the Somali Police Force (SPF) to enhance their operational efficiency. The office equipment, procured with funds from the Danish Government, was handed over to the SPF Director of Logistics, Ahmed Tahliil Mohamed, during a ceremony at the SPF headquarters in Mogadishu.
The 110th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers and 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government was held in Kenya, Nairobi from 6-9 December 2019. The summit was held under the theme: ‘A transformed ACP Committed to Multilateralism”. (See article)
The first Global Refugee Forum was concluded in Geneva on Wednesday (December 20) with more than 770 pledges of support, covering areas such as protection, employment, and education, for refugees and the communities which have taken them in.(See article)
Dr AmaniAbou-Zeid, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, addressed the third edition of the World Youth Forum organized in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 14 to 17 December 2019 under the auspices of President Abdelfattah El Sisi, Chairperson of the African Union. The event was attended by over 7000 participants from Africa and worldwide.
IGAD: Challenges and Achievements in Ensuring Peace and Security under Ethiopia’s Leadership(See article)
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde received the Minister of Home Affairs of the Australian government on Saturday (December 14). The Minister expressed his country’s interest in strengthening and deepening the ties between the two nations. The President also highlighted the various areas of potential cooperation between the two nations.
President Sahle-Work Zewde received a delegation of investors from Japan and China on Saturday (December 14). The investors, who have already made substantial investments in Ethiopia, have expressed a desire to increase their investments in the country. The President noted that the Ethiopian government is working to create a conducive environment for foreign investment and that she will support in any way that she can.
President Sahle-Work Zewde was selected as one of Forbes Women Most Powerful Women of 2019
Land Forces Commander of the Ethiopian National Defense Force Lt.Gen. MollaHailemariam on Saturday (December 14) met with Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora, U.S. Army Africa Deputy Commander. The two discussed a final planning event for the upcoming African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), which will take place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in February 2020.
The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr.MarkosTekle on Friday (December 13) has received a copy of credentials of Mr.SugeeshwaraGunaratna, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri-lanka to Ethiopia.
State Minister Dr.MarkosTekle received Mr.KristofferSivertsen, State Secretary for the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Immigration on Friday (December 13).The two consulted on ways to further boost the steadfast relationships between the two countries.
Ethiopia’s first-ever satellite was launched into space early in the morning today (December 20) around 6 o’clock from China space station – some 500 kilometers from the capital Beijing. (See article)
The leader of the Ethiopian delegation to the Doha Forum, Minister of Peace H.E. MuferihatKamil has conferred with high level Qatari Government officials including Prime Minister of Qatar H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday (December 15) on the sidelines of the forum. They discussed ways to further boost relations between the two countries.
Ambassador AddisuGebregziabher (PhD) Presented letter of Credence to Edgar Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia on 12 Dec 2019 at state house, Lusaka.
An Ethiopian Cultural Team led by Ministry of Culture and Tourism left for Eritrea on Tuesday (December 17) for a week stay. The team is composed of 66 people including members of Jano Band and artists representing the culture and values of various Ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
Kenyans are engaged in various investment sectors including finance, production and supply of medical equipment in Ethiopia. This was related at a forum held in Nairobi on Tuesday (December 17) under the auspices of the Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya.
The International Crisis Group on Tuesday (December 2019) announced the appointment to its Board of Trustees of HailemariamDesalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
State Minister Hirut (December 18) discussed with the French Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Ambassador Jean-Michel Dumond. The State Minister reiterated the positive role Ethiopia has been playing for ensuring peace and stability in Sudan and South Sudan as a key negotiator and being part of negotiations. Jean-Michel Dumond commended Ethiopia’s contribution to the peace process in Sudan, particularly in Abyei, and praised the contribution it made to the Peace Agreement in Sudan. He said the French Government would provide the necessary support to continue efforts to ensure sustainable peace and to promote joint prosperity in the region.
The Ethio-Saudi Arabia Joint Trade and Investment Forum took place on Wednesday (December 18) in Addis Ababa. Remarking at the event, Ambassador DawanoKedir urged the Saudi Arabian companies to invest in the manufacturing sectors in Ethiopia. Mr. Sami Jamil Abdullah, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia reiterated Saudi Arabia’s interest to extensively engage in various investments in Ethiopia. The forum was an extension to the business forum the two countries have held last week in Addis Ababa aiming at enhancing the flow of trade and investment between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.
The 10th meeting of the Ethiopian-Russian working group on military and technical cooperation took place in Moscow on 17-18, December 2019.The meeting was aimed at scaling up the military and technical cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday (December19) met with Dr. Khalid S. Alkhudairy of the Saudi Fund for Development and his delegation in a discussion on investments and development support for various endeavours underway. Prime Minister Abiy also presided over the signing of two concessional loan agreements with Saudi Fund for Development amounting to 140 million USD to support road, water supply and sanitation development signed by Ahmed Shide, FDRE Minister of Finance and Dr. Khalid S. Alkhudairy.
State Minister H.E. Hirut Zemene on Wednesday (December 18) exchanged views with the Vice Director General of the African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Einat Schelein. The two praised the solid relationship between Ethiopia and Israel. Mrs.Hirut also highlighted what Ethiopia has been doing to finalize the recent agreements signed between the two countries during Dr.Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Israel to collaborate on Cyber security, agriculture and fishery. She also expressed Israel’s desire to share its vast experience in water management with Ethiopia.
Eritrea
The Commission of Culture and Sports on Monday (December 16) hosted dinner reception at the Asmara Palace Hotel in honor of the cultural delegation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The National Union of Eritrean Women Executive Committee conducted its 11th regular meeting on 16 and 17 December in Asmara.
Kenya
A High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy was held in Mombasa, Kenya from December 2 – 4, 2019 calling for fully harnessing, managing and developing Africa’s marine resources in a sustainable manner.(See article)
Somalia
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Saturday (December 14) signed a new cooperation agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia, which underlines both parties’ mutual interest to strengthen cooperation and to work together on migration issues to promote economic and social development.
A joint trade exhibition organized by Somalia and Turkey opened in Mogadishu on Sunday (December 15). Hundreds of participants thronged the venue for the meeting whose aim is to strengthen trade between the two countries.
A top Somali military court on Monday (December 16) sentenced a man to a total of 10 years in prison after convicting him of being a member of the al-Shabaab militant group.
The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) and Finnish Foundation for media and development (VIKES) on Monday (December 16) have jointly concluded labour rights advocacy campaigns for ten radio stations in Mogadishu.
The security forces of Somalia’s northeastern Puntland State have launched an operation in northern Galkayo town on Monday (December 16) following an overnight attack on a police station. At least three people, including two policemen, were wounded in two grenade bombs hurled at the police station on Sunday evening, according to the sources.
Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire on Monday (December 16) said his country is keen to open doors for investors and provide a safe investment environment, in addition to strengthening the country’s business sector.Khaire said this in delivering a speech at a Doha Forum session.
International partners on Tuesday (December 17) called on Somalis to embrace dialogue to agree on a way forward and to cooperate to realize the priorities agreed for the year ahead. The partners including the Africa Union, UN, EU and the U.S. among others said the leaders including institutions and communities should work together provide a conducive environment for universal polls finalize the constitution and fight al-Shabab in 2020.
A 2-day national seminar on the Role of Trade Unions in Somalia’s Constitutional Review Process was concluded on Monday (December 16) in Mogadishu, bringing together more than 30 trade union representatives and leaders from 12 affiliated unions of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU).
An international delegation on Tuesday (December 17) visited Jubaland’s capital, Kismayo, where it held meetings on how the country can implement the national priorities it has set for the coming year.”We are here to engage with a range of stakeholders, and to hear their views on how key national priorities can be achieved in 2020. These include preparations for ‘one-person, one-vote’ elections, finalisation of the Federal Constitution, continued progress towards debt relief, and the fight against Al-Shabaab,” the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said on behalf of the delegation.
The Somali government conducted an air strike on a suspected al-Shabaab militant in the country’s south in cooperation with the United States military, Somalia’s federal government said on Monday (December 16).
Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire held talks with Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Geneva on Monday (December 16).The two discussed ways to enhance bilateral diplomatic engagement and boost trade, economic cooperation between the two friendly states to improve Somalia’s growing economy.
Tens of thousands of hectares of farmland is being destroyed as desert locusts swarm over Somalia, in the worst invasion in 25 years. The locusts have damaged about 70,000 hectares of farmland in Somalia and neighboring eastern Ethiopia, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Wednesday (December 18).
The International Monetary Fund’s executive board has approved a financing plan that will help the IMF cover its share of debt relief for Somalia, IMF Managing Director KristalinaGeorgieva said in a statement on Wednesday (December 18).
Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire held talks with Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister, Ann ChristinLinde in Geneva on Tuesday (December 17).The meeting at the sideline of the world refugee forum focused on the support of the Scandinavian state towards ongoing Somalia’s debt relief process.
South Sudan
At least $270 million is urgently needed to avert a looming famine in South Sudan where about 5.5 million people could face starvation next year, the United Nations said on Thursday (December 19).David Beasley, World Food Programme’s (WFP) Executive Director disclosed that the agency remained $270 million short of the $697 million required to preposition food before the coming dry season.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in his report on South Sudan on Wednesday (December 18), said there were 17 alleged clashes between the National Salvation Front (NAS) and government forces within the Central and Western Equatorial areas. He said a political solution, through sustained dialogue, is the only way forward for lasting peace to be achieved in the young nation.
Egypt is arranging a meeting in Cairo between South Sudan’s President SalvaKiir and opposition leader RiekMachar, the Egyptian leader Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said Monday (December 16).
South Sudan’s President SalvaKiir and the main opposition leader have agreed to form the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) by end of the extended 100 days of pre-transitional period, regardless of the outstanding issues. Speaking to reporters in Juba on Tuesday (December 17), Kiir said he and his arch rival on Tuesday agreed to speed-up the implementation of the security arrangements and establish humanitarian fund to assist the internally displaced persons and the refugees returning voluntarily.”We said that after 100 days we must form the government of national unity. If the arrangements are not complete, we shall form a transitional government of national unity to implement the outstanding issues,” said Kiir.
Troops from all parties signatory to South Sudan’s peace deal remain deployed, despite the ongoing cantonment, the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMVM) said on Monday (December 16). “This means that there has yet to be full disengagement,” Maj. Gen. DestaAbicheAgeno, the CTSAMVM chairman said in Juba Monday.
South Sudanese government, through the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), has allocated $16 million for implementation of the country’s security arrangements. Speaking to reporters in the capital, Juba on last Friday (December 13), the Cabinet Affairs, Minister Martin EliaLomuro said the incumbent government is committed to ensuring that lasting peace is achieved in the young nation.
Sudan
The Friends of Sudan meeting which was convened in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Wednesday (December 11) addressed the ways to tackle the political and economic challenges Sudan has been facing lately. (See article)
The head of UN Security Council sanctions committee called to explore ways allowing to use the sanctions as a means to support the largely normalized situation in Darfur. Joanna Wronecka briefed the Security Council last week on Thursday (December 12) about the finding of her recent visit to Khartoum and Darfur from 11 to 14 November, where she met with the government officials and IDPs representatives. The transitional government and armed groups in the country have agreed on a cessation of hostilities and engaging talks in Juba to reach a political agreement to address the root causes of the conflicts across the country. In her briefing, Wronecka said that the security situation in Darfur “with no doubt” has “largely normalized”, except in limited areas of Jebel Marra held by a holdout group.
Two U.S. groups have called to accelerate the ongoing process for delisting Sudan from the State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) list but called for targeted sanctions on those who might obstruct peace and democratic reforms. In a joint statement issued on Friday (December 13), the U.S. watchdog group The Sentry and U.S. advocacy group Enough Project said that “The time has come to remove Sudan” from the SST and the Trump administration “should accelerate its ongoing process”. The two groups pointed to efforts done by the new transitional government in Khartoum to end the war, ensure humanitarian access and dismantle the former corrupt regime.
A Sudanese criminal court on Saturday (December 14) sentenced the former President Omer al-Bashir to two years of detention on charges of corruption and detention of hard currency. Al-Bashir trial for corruption is the first one of a series of lawsuits, including the coup d’etat of 30 June 1989 that undermined the constitutional order, crimes against humanity and intentional homicide.
The Transitional government and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) signed an agreement on Saturday (December 14) to extend a goodwill agreement for two months. On September 11, the two parties signed a goodwill agreement including confidence-building measures and a pledge to sign a final peace agreement before 14 December.TutGatluak, the chief mediator and South Sudanese presidential adviser told reporters in Juba that the government and the RSF agreed to extend negotiations until next February to allow more time for the discussions on the outstanding issues.
The UN humanitarian agency World Food Programme (WFP) achieved Wednesday (December 18) the first operation of food distribution in Yabus area of the Blue Nile State not far from the border with South Sudan and Ethiopia. The humanitarian breakthrough was witnessed by the WFP Executive Director, David Beasley, accompanied by teams from WFP’s Sudan and South Sudan. This is the first time since 2011 UN personnel have been able to bring food and medicines to the south-eastern Sudan town of Yabus which is 80km south to Kurmuk.
Sudanese transitional government and the SPLM-N led by Malik Agar Tuesday (December 17) signed a framework agreement to cease hostilities and deliver humanitarian aid to the war-affected areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. The agreement was signed by Mohamed HamdanDaglo, the head of the government negotiating delegation and Malik Agar SPLM-N Agar leader as well as Presidential Adviser on Security Affairs Tut Kew Gatluak for the South Sudanese mediation.
The General Intelligence Service (GIS) on Sunday (December 15) decided to shut down three media outlets affiliated with the former security agency long years ago.
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Ethiopia launches its First-ever satellite
Ethiopia’s first-ever satellite was launched into space early in the morning today (December 20) around 6 o’clock from China space station – some 500 kilometers from the capital Beijing.
Ethiopia, under the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute has been collaborating with China to co-develop the 70kg Multi-Spectral Remote Sensing Satellite, known as ETRSS-1. The Ethiopian government envisages that the satellite, once it commences its operations, would help the country’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector.
It is recalled that President Sahle-work addressed the Parliament at the beginning of the fiscal year concerning the launching of the satellite saying: “The satellite will provide all the necessary data on changes in climate and weather-related phenomena that would be utilized for the country’s key targets in agriculture, forestry as well as natural resources protection initiatives.” Last month in an interview with a local newspaper, Space Science and Technology Institute Director-General Solomon Belay revealed that the Ethiopian Government would save over 350 million birr according to an assessment made two years ago on the amount of money spend by 6 ministries for data obtained via space satellites.
During the launching of the satellite in China, high level Government officials, Ethiopian scientists who have participated in the project, the Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia and other dignitaries were present at the Entoto space observatory facility- the command and control center of the satellite in Ethiopia. It is said that after launching the ETRSS-1 from China, Ethiopian engineers will fully take over the control and monitoring of the satellite from the multi-satellite tracking and data receiving ground station built at Entoto Observatory. The Entoto space observatory facility is located on the 3,200-metre hills of Entoto on the outskirt of the capital Addis Ababa.
Minister of Ethiopia’s Innovation and Technology Eng. GetahunMekuria said that Gradually Ethiopia aims to fully design build and launch satellite by its own engineers and from Ethiopia in the future. “…Currently as a nation we are spending a lot in foreign currency for transponder satellite renting. In order to avoid such huge recurrent spending in the future, we are now working to build fully our own satellite within three to four years time,” he said. He also indicated that when Ethiopia will build its own satellite and launch it to the pace within four year time, the country will also be able to serve other eastern African countries. “We have finalized feasibility study on how we generate foreign currency by providing satellite services to neighboring countries,” he added. Ethiopia’s ongoing space exploration and catching up with technological advancement will have significant impact on the country’s overall development.
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Friends of Sudan Meeting in Khartoum
The Friends of Sudan meeting which was convened in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Wednesday (December 11) addressed the ways to tackle the political and economic challenges Sudan has been facing lately. A total of 20 projects were presented at the meeting for financing. The meeting was attended by representatives of 24 countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Norway as well as Arab countries and it was chaired by Norway’s Special Envoy to the Sudan and South Sudan, DrEndreStiansen. A statement was issued at the end of the meeting outlining the main points of deliberation.
The statement reads that the Friends of Sudan expressed clear and united support for the civilian-led government and the leadership demonstrated by Prime Minister AbdallaHamdok and ministers. Participants recognized that the Transitional Government has already made significant achievements in three months. Prime Minister Hamdok and his government have initiated comprehensive reforms of the public sector. A broad review of existing legislation is also underway. The government has already contributed to combating corruption. The Prime Minister has strengthened Sudan’s relations to neighbouring countries and the international community. They complimented the Prime Minister on the recent appointment of the Sudan as IGAD’s new chair, a strong sign of trust by the countries in the region.
Participants reviewed the overall objectives of the Constitutional Declaration of 17th August 2019, and appreciated progress with regards to the implementation of the key provisions. The recent removal of legislation that put restrictions on personal freedoms was an important milestone. They noted that continued progress is a shared responsibility of the Sovereign Council, which is composed of both civilian and military members, and the civilian- led government. Participants stressed that issues relating to the up-coming elections need to be addressed in a timely manner and as agreed in the constitutional declaration.
Prime Minister AbdallaHamdok briefed participants on his recent visit to Washington D.C., the first by a Sudanese Head of Government in more than 30 years. The visit led to a break-through in the bilateral relations, notably the agreement to exchange ambassadors and issues relating to the Sudan’s designation on the List of States Sponsoring Terrorism. Participants called on the Sudan and the US to continue the positive dialogue and resolve all outstanding issues. Participants also noted that it is already possible to begin preparing the ground for debt relief.
The Friends of Sudan heard a presentation regarding status of the peace process and welcomed the start of negotiations in Juba the day before (the 10th). They called on armed groups to participate in the negotiations in good faith and without preconditions. They expressed concern that a protracted process of negotiations will fail to take advantage of the new opportunities created by the change of government and may undermine the transition. The peace negotiations should not delay the formation of the Transitional Legislative Council and the appointment of civilian governors.
The Transitional Government’s commitment to unrestricted access of humanitarian assistance to all conflict affected areas, cross border or cross line was strongly praised and supported. Delegations called upon humanitarian organizations to scale up delivery of aid in all areas, including in the newly accessible areas, and armed groups to allow unfettered distribution of humanitarian aid. Many advised that development programs should give priority to needs in conflict areas and address the root causes of the conflicts. The Friends of Sudan agreed with the Transitional Government on the importance of moving from humanitarian assistance to self-reliance and sustainable development.
The Friends of Sudan expressed strong support for the plans of the Transitional Government to reform and revive the economy, and welcomed the presentation by the Minister of Finance on this issue. The Transitional Government of Sudan’s overall objective is to promote diversified and equitable growth with job opportunities especially for young people through the effective utilization of national resources. The decision to frame the budget around the Sustainable Development Goals provides a unifying framework and bears witness to the transitional Government’s commitment to combat poverty and ‘leave no-one behind’. The Transitional Government seeks to address macro-economic imbalances and improve domestic revenue mobilization, and has renewed its dialogue with the IMF in preparation for debt relief. Sudan partners pledged to support the broad reform agenda.
Many participants expressed appreciation to the countries in the region that have already come forward with generous contributions to meet immediate and urgent needs in the Sudan. These contributions have helped the transitional government deliver services and maintain stability. During the meeting, participants referred to their increased support to the Sudan, including technical and financial support and sectoral preferences.
The Friends of Sudan made clear commitments as a group to strengthen coordination within the group and transparent engagement with the Transitional Government of Sudan, to share information on sectoral focuses of their cooperation over the short and medium term. Established in 2018, the Friends of Sudan is composed of a number of countries and international organizations that support Sudan.
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The 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government
The 110th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers and 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government was held in Kenya, Nairobi from 6-9 December 2019. The summit was held under the theme: ‘A transformed ACP Committed to Multilateralism’. About 79 members of the ACP countries Heads of states, ministers and others governmental delegates participated in the summit. Women and Youth Forum and a Business Summit were also the side events of the summit.
ACP Summits take place on average, every three years in an ACP Member State. The Summit provided ACP leaders from members of ACP Group an opportunity to review the major developments of interest and concern to its members on the international scene in general, and in ACP States in particular. In this regard, the main objectives of the summit were to review the major developments of interest and concern to its members on Sustainable development, unity and solidarity among ACP States, multilateralism, peace and stability, environmental sustainability and Climate Change and the Intra-ACP Cooperation- Social and Economic Development.
During the summit, leaders defined the main orientations of the ACP Group’s general policy for the coming years and provide the Council of Ministers with appropriate directives for its implementation. In addition, the Summit took stock of the Group’s cooperation with the European Union, its key development partner.
Finally, the summit approved the draft report and the declaration submitted by the council of ministers that focus on members commitment to multilateralism, the positive trend in democratization, governance and political transformation, the environmental sustainability and climate change, and the Intra-ACP Cooperation- Social and Economic Development. The summit also approved the election of H.E Ambassador Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, from Republic of Angola as a Secretary General of the ACP Group States to serve for the period of 2020-2025.
Ethiopia’s delegates led by H.E Dr.MarkosTekle participated at the summit. The delegates were from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and from Ethiopian Embassies at Nairobi and Brussels. On the summit H.E Dr.MarkosTekle made an intervention to support Sudan to lift the USA sanction and remove it from the list of countries supporting terrorist groups.
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The first Global Refugee Forum in Geneva
The first Global Refugee Forum was concluded in Geneva on Wednesday (December 20) with more than 770 pledges of support, covering areas such as protection, employment, and education, for refugees and the communities which have taken them in. UN refugee agency UNHCR announced that its initial analysis have shown that Development banks, as well as states and other stakeholders made financial commitments totaling more than $10 billion.
For the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Forum revealed a “decisive shift” towards long-term action to assist the more than 25.9 million people worldwide who have fled their homelands due to conflict, persecution or violence. “Public support for asylum has wavered in recent years. And in many cases communities that host refugees have felt overwhelmed or forgotten. But refugee situations are ‘crises’ only when we let them become so, by thinking short term, by failing to plan or work together across sectors, and by neglecting the communities they arrive in,” said Filippo Grandi, who also heads UNHCR
The Forum is a key element of the Global Compact on Refugees which the international community signed last December. It calls for Global Refugee Forums to be held every four years. More than 3,000 participants attended this first gathering, ranging from representatives of governments, international financial organizations, business, civil society, and humanitarian and development organizations, as well as refugees themselves.
In a speech delivered at the Forum, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen related the challenges that have profoundly shaped views about the global refugee response system. He said, “more than 70 million people are currently forcibly displaced, of whom 25 million are refugees and the staggering number of forcibly displaced persons has stretched our capacities for response to its limits.” He also noted that the drivers of displacement have also changed manifestly with the growing impact of climate change, natural disasters, inequality and deprivation. “However,” he said “over the years, the number of charitable hands who warmly welcome refugees have gone down. Similarly, the international protection system is facing assault from a rising populism and anti-refugee and migrant sentiments elsewhere.”
In relating Ethiopia’s commitment to host the largest number of refugees in Africa, he said that at the Leaders’ Summit on refugees in September 2016 in New York, the Government of Ethiopia has made bold commitments through the nine (9) Pledges that aim to sustainably improve the lives of refugees and host communities. Since then, he added, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, Ethiopia has already made a significant progress in achieving some of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. This is particularly evident in the increasing number of refugee enrollment in all levels of education including tertiary education and jobs and livelihood opportunities. According to Mr.Demeke, the number of refugees residing outside of the camps in Ethiopia has significantly increased. The new refugee law that was adopted in 2019 also sets legal framework to enhance freedom of movement and inclusion of refugees in our national systems.
As a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment, in addition to formally launching the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework at national and local levels in November 2017 and embracing the subsequent adoption of the Global Compact on Refugees in December 2018,he said: “ A National Comprehensive Refugee Response Strategy is tabled for approval for Council of Minister a view to gradually creating self-reliant and resilient refugees and host communities, through enhancing harmonized and integrated services and solutions.”
Mr.Demeke concluded his speech by calling upon all stakeholders to work together in tackling the root-causes of forced displacement and reminding attendees on the importance of giving due attention to ensure reintegration of refugees remains sustainable.
According to UNHCR attendees at the forum made commitments to including school places for refugee children, new government policies, resettlement, clean energy, infrastructure and better support for host communities and countries. Business groups pledged $250 million, while at least 15,000 jobs will be made available to refugees as will some 125,000 hours per year of free legal aid. Additionally, several countries-of-origin made commitments relating to the voluntary return and reintegration of refugees and other displaced communities. UNHCR also said further pledges are also expected, and indicators have been established to track progress and assess success, for example in jobs created, school places and reduction of poverty levels. A stock-taking meeting will take place in two years, and the second Global Refugee Forum is scheduled for late 2023.
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A High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy
A High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy was held in Mombasa, Kenya from December 2 – 4, 2019 calling for fully harnessing, managing and developing Africa’s marine resources in a sustainable manner. The Kenya Government in collaboration with the UNDP organized the High Level Panel meeting for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Regional Bloc.
On the margins of fourth Sherpas’ meeting for the High Level Panel (HLP) on Sustainable Ocean Economy held in Lisbon in May, 2019, the three Sherpas representing the African Continent agreed to coordinate and hold regional meetings for their respective regional blocs which would culminate in an Africa-wide position to be discussed and adopted during the AU Summit in February 2020. Therefore, the High-Level Panel is a unique initiative committed to catalyze bold, pragmatic solutions for ocean health and wealth.
The meeting has discussed issues that are unique to the Africa region pertaining to fisheries, climate change and ocean health and wealth and developed an Africa position on these issues in preparation for AU Summit in February and Lisbon 2020.
Upon the opening of the panel discussion Mr.WalidBadawi, Resident Representative of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Kenya, stated that a vibrant blue economy is key to promote inclusive growth, climate resilience, cross border trade and advanced manufacturing. He has also underscored that “The African Union’s Agenda 2063 affirms the Blue Economy to be “Africa’s Future,” and recognized the key role the ocean plays as a driver for socioeconomic transformation.
UNDP Resident Representative has also emphasized that the need to a strategic and pragmatic approach to guarantee social inclusion and collective responsibility in the sustainable use and conservation of oceans and other marine resources as critical matter. Adding that the establishment of systems that enhance the protection of the world’s dwindling waters and its resources will be essential as countries explore the new realm of economic opportunities that promote inclusive human and socio-economic growth, preservation of livelihoods and strengthening of communities’ resilience. At the end of his remark Mr.Walid Badawi called for commitment of all to ensure that our oceans do not suffer the same fate as other natural resources such as our precious forests where we only realize only too late that our unsustainable practices in pursuit of uncontrolled economic growth should have been prevented much earlier on.
Likewise Mrs. Ruth Kagia, Kenya Cabinet Secretary and Head PASU – HLP Sherpa, on her remark also underscored : “The sustainable harnessing of maritime resources is key for job creation, poverty eradication and economic growth,” adding that Kenya aims to become a blue economy powerhouse through promoting investments in aquaculture and maritime transport.
The meeting brought together 18 regional governments including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda; 9 international organizations; 9 regional organizations as well as other organizations involved in the ocean economy. Ethiopia was represented by Dr Aziza Geleta, Minister for Political Affairs and United Nation at Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi. On her statement Dr Aziza have noted that the Ocean Economy binds all to a common destiny and also noted that Oceans are the heart of our planet, containing 97 percent of the Earth’s water, supply nearly half the oxygen we breathe, absorb over a quarter of the carbon dioxide we produce and regulate the weather and temperature.
She also noted that the world is already experiencing the impact of climate change, which risks triggering rising temperatures that would flood and destroy large sections of economies. “But,” she stated: “progressive actions enable all to sustainably use, nurture and protect marine resources”.
Dr Aziza Geleta also said: “success in managing global aquatic resources for sustainable global development critically hinges on all of us working together”. To this end, she reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to innovative and transformative ways of using and sustaining our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers.
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IGAD: Challenges and Achievements in Ensuring Peace and Security under Ethiopia’s Leadership
IGAD has transformed from an organization that merely focus on draught and disaster as it used to be during its inception in 1986 to that of dealing with regional peace and development matters. It is now one of the eighth recognized building blocks of the AU. During the 13th Ordinary Summit of the IGAD held in Addis Ababa on November 29th, 2019 Sudan was elected to take over the next chairpersonship from Ethiopia. Reflecting on some of Ethiopia’s achievements and the challenges observed in the functioning of IGAD through a decade-long Ethiopia’s leadership would serve as a spring board in shaping the future activities of the organization under the leadership of Sudan or other countries that would assume the chairmanship in the future.
IGAD under Ethiopia’s leadership and in collaboration with all member countries has addressed a number of peace and security matters. Neutralizing Al-Shabab and help Somalia form a stable government, mediating the warring parties in South Sudan and help them agree to form a united transitional government, supporting Sudan’s parties to help them form a transitional Government and constructing a regional framework to manage the situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden can be cited as successes of IGAD under Ethiopia’s leadership to forge peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In IGAD’s long-time effort to re-establish a sovereign government in Somalia, 13 attempts have been made to get Somalia back on track paving the way for the success of the 14th attempt which resulted in helping Somalia form the transitional government of President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed. Although, Al-Shabaab still poses substantial threat on Somalia and the region, it is undeniable that under AMISOM, where IGAD member states are the major troop contributors, it was made possible to stabilize the country and fight the insurgents and liberate large parts of Somalia.
Under Ethiopia’s chairmanship, IGAD also made lengthy negotiations to make the two major conflicting Parties in South Sudan- the Government and SPLM/A-IO- sign the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) in August 2015. After A Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) which was established in April 2016 entered into a crisis, It was again IGAD that decided to step in and help to revitalize the ARCSS in 2017 by appointing Ambassador Ismail Wais as the Special Envoy of IGAD to the South Sudan Peace Process. Following a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) which was signed on December 21st 2017, the signing of September 2018 R-ARCSS made fighting in South Sudan significantly recede and hundreds of Refugees and Internally displaced People (IDPs) return to their villages. Currently, almost in all parts of South Sudan, except in some pocket areas of the Equatorial Region calm prevails and Humanitarian access is open for the needy. The effort of IGAD to silence the guns in South Sudan has largely succeeded. The critical step now requires the formation of one national army and consensus in the internal issues of the number and boundaries of states.
Following the social uprise in the Sudan that deposed former President Bashir from power in April 2019, the focus has been in facilitating a peaceful transition through dialogue and negotiation between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the opposition represented by the Forces of Freedom and Change. This was done in the framework of the African Union-Ethiopia led mediation. IGAD has been closely supporting to assure stability in the Sudan. The Council of Ministers convened its 68th extraordinary session held in Addis Ababa on 19 June 2019 and deliberated on ways and means of assisting the Sudan. Ethiopia, the Chair of IGAD together with the AU closely assisted the reconciliation and understanding of the Sudanese stakeholders. The successful signing of the political and constitutional declaration and the formation of the Transitional Civilian Government on August 21, 2019, in response to the demand of Sudanese people was very exemplary.
The reconciliation process between Ethiopia and Eritrea to end the deadlock has not been confined to Ethiopia and Eritrea. A significant process of normalization between and among all the countries of the Horn has started to unfold. A new phase in relations between Djibouti and Eritrea opened with the two countries agreeing to normalize their ties. Somalia and Eritrea have also re-established diplomatic relations. These dramatic developments have contributed to advancing regional peace and stability.
Noting the revival of Competition and the presence of big and middle powers in Red Sea has increased the geostrategic importance in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and understanding that the absence of a regional framework to manage the situation in the area was a missing link, Ethiopia brought the Agenda to a collective IGAD’s attention for the collective interest of peace and development. The IGAD Task Force on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has moved progressively in forging common positions and developing a comprehensive regional plan of action through a knowledge-led policy-oriented research. The Declaration of Principles on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, an instrument for the work of the Task Force’s concretization on the matter, was adopted by the 13th IGAD Summit. Now IGAD is in a better position to promote a coordinated platform both with regards to the region where necessary in and collaboration with other partners on the matter.
Despite the spectacular success registered by IGAD, lack of sustainable peace and security environment are still the major challenges that led IGAD astray from focusing more on economic and social cooperation. Hence, encouraging developments in solving peace and security challenges in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea need to be consolidated and followed through.
Though considerable gains have been registered in tackling violent extremism and terrorism in the region particularly in fighting Al-Shabab, It leaves more room for regional cooperation not to regress on gains so far and even find lasting solution to the problem. The region’s effort needs to continue to be supported by international partners.
In addition, IGAD member states should note that the Challenges facing the IGAD region to create a peaceful and secured region such as, election-related disputes, violence, radicalization and violent extremism, transnational threats and organized criminal activities, proliferation small and light weapons, as well as migration, smuggling and human trafficking are not yet fully resolved.
