News in Brief
Statement on the Arab League`s “Resolution” Concerning the GERD
Statement on the Negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
UNMISS Head Reports on the Peace Process in South Sudan to the UN Security Council
Khartoum Hosts IGAD-EU Informal Ministerial Meeting
10th AU-EU Meeting: a building block to further cooperate on Issues of the Economy, Climate, Security, and Migration
Africa and the African Union
Special Representative and head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer, presented his report on the situation in South Sudan’s peace process to members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday (February 4) via VTC. He said positive developments in South Sudan have “moved the country further along the road to sustainable peace.” (See article)
The IGAD-EU Informal Ministerial meeting was convened in Khartoum, Sudan on Saturday, February 29 to discuss several issues including peace and security in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Red-Sea Cooperation and climate change as well as migration. (See article)
The 10th European Union-African Union Commission-to-Commission meeting was held on Thursday (February 27) at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen co-chaired the meeting where both sides reiterated their commitment to support multilateralism as an effective modality in addressing global challenges. It is reported that the meeting was marked by record-high participation of 22 EU Commissioners and nine AU elected officials. (See article)
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has rejected the “Resolution” of the Executive Council of the Arab League issued yesterday (March 05) regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). “Ethiopia rejects the “Resolution” in its entirety,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement released today (March 06). According to the Ministry, the “Resolution” gives blind support to a member state without taking into consideration key facts at the center of the GERD talks. Ethiopia, however, commended the stance taken by the Government of Sudan for refusing to endorse the “Resolution” of the Arab League, the statement further stated. (See article)
A day after the US Secretary of United States Department Of The Treasury issued a statement after two days of negotiation between Egypt and Sudan regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Washington DC in the absence of Ethiopia, the latter issued a statement on Saturday (February 29) saying that it is disappointed with the statement. (See article)
The National Council on the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has expressed its displeasure over the recent statement by the US Department of Treasury regarding the dam. External interference and a move to put pressure on Ethiopia in the GERD negotiations is unacceptable, said Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen. “Any move to tell us what we should do and shouldn’t do is not appropriate,” said Demeke at the 12th regular session of the Council held on Thursday (March 05).
The United States and the National Elections Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on Friday (February 28) signed a memorandum of understanding for a new $30.4 million program to support the upcoming national elections. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Sean Jones and NEBE Chairwoman Birtukan Midekssa jointly unveiled the new USAID Ethiopia Election and Political Processes Program, which will help strengthen the capacity of NEBE officials to organize, administer, and conduct free and fair elections.
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation last week on Friday (February 28) announced that the company, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Turkish engineering company Egesim Energy Electro-Mechanic Construction Contracting Co., Ltd. have received an order of engineering, procurement and construction for Aluto Langano Geothermal Wellhead Power System in central Ethiopia, which is developed by the Ethiopian Electric Power Toshiba ESS will be in charge of supplying the steam turbine and the generator. This project will proceed under the Grant Aid scheme of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Ethiopia Internet Development Conference kicked off in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (March 03). The three-day event aims to create awareness amongst policymakers, regulators, businesses, technologists, and potential entrepreneurs about the Internet model, technology and organizations. It is also intended to create the foundation for a robust internet ecosystem in Ethiopia. The conference brought together policymakers, local and international private sector organizations, academia, and civil society.
The European Union (EU) will deploy an observation mission in Ethiopia’s general elections scheduled for August 29, reported last week on Friday (February 28) the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement. According to the press release, this was announced by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy the Spanish Josep Borrell during a meeting in Addis Ababa with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
Ambassador Mahlet Hailu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia on Thursday (March 01) conferred with resident ambassadors and diplomats of the European Union in Ethiopia. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the role of the EU in combating illicit trading in arms, ensuring gender equality, taking measures in mitigating climate change. They further discussed ways to address socioeconomic problems to ensure peace and security as well as stability in the world.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia has today (March 06) won the ‘Best Destination-Archaeology and Ancient History’ award. The Ministry received the award from the Pacific Travel Writers Association Awards (PATWA) at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany. Moreover, Ethiopia’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Hirut Kassaw, has won the ‘Best Tourism Minister’ award. The PATWA International Travel Awards are handed out once a year in March at ITB Berlin, the world’s biggest travel and trade fair. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that are involved in the promotion of tourism and other service providers related to the industry.
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Menelik Square in central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, in the annual celebration of the country’s national Adwa victory day on Monday (March 02). Over a century ago, Ethiopian Emperor Menelik and his wife Empress Taytu led a successful campaign against invading Italian forces, emerging victorious from the Battle at Adwa in the northern part of the country. In addition to dashing the hopes of fascist Italy to capture and colonize the entire Horn of Africa region, the Adwa victory inspired a continent-wide movement of pan-Africanism.
Director General of Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Agency (INSA) Dr. Shumete Gizaw received on Thursday (March 05) President of Internet Society, Andrew Sullivan. During the discussion, the two sides agreed to work together in order to ensure that the policies developed by the agency meet international standards. They also exchanged views on how to cooperate in capacity building, research and awareness-raising campaign.
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional $10 million in humanitarian assistance to support regional operations to control locusts in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Today’s announcement brings the U.S. government’s regional humanitarian response to the locust outbreak to $19 million, according to a statement the US Embassy sent to media today (March 02).
Ethiopia and Italy have signed a loan and grant agreement amounting to € 28.7 million. Of the total, €16 million is a loan, while the remaining €12.7 million is a grant. The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa on Thursday (March 05) by Admassu Nebebe, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, and Arturo Luzzi, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia.
Scientists have discovered nearly completed hominin cranium and a partial cranium in Ethiopia that date back 1.5 million and 1.26 million years, respectively. The crania were discovered from the Gona study area, in Afar region, by Dr. Sileshi Semaw, Senior Research Scientist from CCENNIEH (Burgos, Spain), Prof M. Rogers from SCSU (Connecticut, USA) and their research team. According to a statement Authority of Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage sent to media on Wednesday (March 04), the research team has been investigating the Gona deposit since 1999.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, has arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday (March 03) to discuss the opening of consulate general. During a discussion with Ethiopians living in the Middle East countries last month, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy pledged that his government will open a consulate to closely follow up on the status of migrants in Bahrain. Accordingly, the delegation will hold consultations with Bahrain officials regarding the opening of the consulate. The delegation will also confer with the Ethiopian community and Foreign Minister and other relevant Bahrain officials on the rights, benefits, and safety of Ethiopians.
President Sahle-Work Zewde on Wednesday (March 04) received a delegation from Djibouti composed of individuals in various fields. Members of the delegation, which were in Addis Ababa to celebrate the Victory of Adwa, stated that this celebration is not only a victory for Ethiopia but also one for Africa. The President highlighted the long-standing and deep relations between the two countries and encouraged such people to people interactions.
The office of the President of Ethiopia announced on Tuesday (March 03) that President Sahle-work Zewde has appointed 15 ambassadors. However, the office did not disclose the country to which the new appointees are heading to as Ethiopia’s ambassadors. Some of the new appointees are from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. Hirut Zemene (State Minister within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia), Nebiat Getachew (spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia), and Markos Tekle (former State Minister within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia) are in the list of the nine newly appointed Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia.
Eritrea
Natnael Tesfatsion, a member of the Eritrean Cycling National team have won the 12th Tour Du Rwanda 2020. Natnael also won the jerseys for best African rider and best young rider, whereas compatriot Dawit Yemane won the jersey for the best sprinter at the UCI 2.1 category. Over 70 riders from 16 countries as well as other internationally recognized cycling teams took part in the Tour Du Rwanda 2020 that was conducted from 23 February to 01 March. Natnael Tesfatsion has become the third Eritrean to win Tour of Rwanda following Daniel Teklehaimanot in 2010 and Merhawi Kudus in 2019.
Djibouti
The President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, received on Sunday (March 01, 2020) the Speaker of House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Tagesse Chafo. The visit took place following the Speaker’s official participation at the opening of this year’s 1st ordinary session of the National Assembly of Djibouti the same day.
Kenya
Kenya’s president and his Somali counterpart agreed to appoint joint committees to resolve recent tensions between the two nations, the Somalian presidency said on Thursday (March 05). In a phone conversation, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo “discussed a range of bilateral issues, underlining the significance of their joint cooperation in strengthening security along the borders and across the region,” the statement said.
Somalia
At least 10 people were killed and several others wounded when fierce fighting between the military forces and a militia took place in Somalia’s southwest, an official said on Monday (March 02). The fight began after Somali Special Forces attacked the militia loyal to Abdirashid Janan, a fugitive former security minister in Jubaland State.
The United States military on Monday (March 02) said that it killed one Al-Shabaab terrorist and wounded two others after it conducted two airstrikes in the southern region of Somalia. According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrikes were conducted in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow. AFRICOM said no civilians were killed or injured in the latest airstrike according to an initial assessment of the strikes.
The Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdirahman Duale Beileh who is in the Ivory Coast met on Wednesday (March 04) with African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. In a meeting, the two officials discussed the reform of Somalia’s economic development, the importance of strengthening co-operation and development of the relationship between Somalia and the African Development Bank after the debt relief.
South Sudan
The SPLM-IO on Sunday (March 02) has called to speed up the establishment of the hybrid court for South Sudan which should be established by the Transitional National Unity Government in cooperation with the African Union. The Hybrid Court, the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and Compensation and Reparation Authority are the three mechanisms agreed in the revitalized peace agreement to achieve transitional justice in South Sudan after five years of civil war.
The National Democratic Movement (NDM) led by Lam Akol on Sunday (March 01)dismissed purported reports that they would not take part in the transitional government and the implementation of the revitalized peace pact. The rumor circulated after the NDM’s objection to the intervention of President Salva Kiir in the selection of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) candidate for the position of vice-president. “The rumors that the NDM will not participate in the implementation of R-ARCSS, simply because it did not get the position of Vice President, is not only false but is an attempt to distort history,” said David Lawrence Lual le Movement spokesman.
A senior member of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council said discussions are progressing well in Juba for the formation of the national unity government. Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” met on Tuesday with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to discuss the formation of the revitalized transitional government of national unity.
The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called to support the peace implementation process stressing that doubts should be put aside and to give South Sudanese leaders a chance. In a video briefing from Juba to the UN Security Council on Wednesday (March 04), UNMISS chief David Shearer hailed the decision of President Salva Kiir to revert to the ten states saying he did it “against the wishes of many of his many supporters”. He also praised the courageous decision of the First Vice-President Riek Machar for his return to Juba “despite transitional security arrangements not yet in place”. (See article)
Sudan
During a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in Washington on Thursday (February 27), Sudan’s Foreign and Irrigation Ministers stressed Khartoum’s stance that all involved parties must attend Nile Dam negations to reach an agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Sudan News Agency reported.
The European Union is seriously committed to supporting democratic change in Sudan because Sudan’s political instability and economic failure will affect Europe also, said EU top diplomat. During a two-day visit to Sudan on 29 February and 1 March 2020, Josep Borrell announced an additional €100 million to support the development of the transitional political period, and 30 million of humanitarian aid to the war-affected areas.
Sudan has stripped 13,000 foreigners of their naturalized Sudanese citizenship in a bid to eradicate the misuse of Sudanese passports delivered under the former regime. According to the Khartoum based Al-Sudani newspaper, the decision was signed by the head of the Sovereign Council upon a request made by the interior minister at a cabinet meeting. However, the newspaper did not indicate the date of the decree.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the Sudanese transitional government to repeal legal dispositions punishing blasphemy and people who leave a faith. USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins and Commissioner Anurima Bhargava were in Sudan from February 26 to March 1 where they held a series of meeting with the Sudanese officials including Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasr al-din Mufreh, religious leaders, civil society groups, and women’s rights activists. In a statement issued from Washington after their return from Khartoum, Perkins recognized the “desire to bring a new era of openness” in Khartoum following the regime change in Sudan that ended a 30-year regime of religious repression in Sudan.
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Statement on the Arab League`s “Resolution” Concerning the GERD
Addis Ababa
06 March 2020
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia notes with dismay the “Resolution” of the Executive Council of the Arab League concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issued on 05 March 2020. Ethiopia rejects the “Resolution” in its entirety. This “Resolution” gives blind support to a member state without taking into consideration key facts at the center of the GERD talks.
Ethiopia, however, commends the stance taken by the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for refusing to endorse the “Resolution” of the Arab League. Sudan has once again demonstrated its position of being a voice of reason and justice in the latest orchestrated so-called “Arab League position” on the GERD. Ethiopia expresses its profound appreciation to Sudan’s principled position that helps advance win-win solutions for all the parties involved, through a commitment to open dialogue.
Ethiopia’s relations with the peoples’ and governments of member states of the Arab League are longstanding based on common values, deep rooted cultural ties and traditions. The relationship demonstrated the power of justice in the face of adversity, sanctuary in the face of persecution, cooperation at the time of need, and friendly relations during alienation. As an institution composed of sovereign countries, the League is expected to follow an approach that allows an accurate representation of facts and balances all interests involved. When acting contrary to this norm, the credibility of the League and its ability to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the increasingly globalized world is at risk.
Ethiopia reiterates its longstanding and firm position as expressed by successive governments that it “has the right to use its Nile water resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations.” As the Nile is a transboundary water resource Ethiopia is committed to the principles of equitable and reasonable use, not causing significant harm and that of cooperation. We firmly believe that through continued open and transparent dialogue there is great potential to arrive at an amicable solution. Hegemonic posturing is unproductive and need not have a place in our interdependent global order.
Ethiopia is also firmly committed to the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP) which provides the basis for the first filling and annual operation of the GERD. The DoP provides that first filling will be done in parallel with the construction of the GERD.
Finally, Ethiopia is confident that the Arab League will live up to the standard of objectivity and the longstanding relations and common values in its engagements with Ethiopia. We look forward to a strengthened partnership and to work closely on common goals.
Statement on the Negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
29 February 2020
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia noted with disappointment the Statement issued by the United States Department of Treasury on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) released on 28 February 2020, following a meeting held without Ethiopia’s participation. Ethiopia had notified Egypt, Sudan, and the US that it needed more time to deliberate on the process.
Ethiopia as the owner of the GERD will commence first filling of the GERD in parallel with the construction of the Dam in accordance with the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and the causing of no significant harm as provided for under the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles (DoP).
Ethiopia does not accept the characterization that the negotiation on the Guidelines and Rules on the First Filling and Annual Operation of the GERD (Guidelines and Rules) is completed. The “text” reportedly initialed by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Washington D.C. is not the outcome of the negotiation or the technical and legal discussion of the three countries. Ethiopia made it clear that the Guidelines and Rules must be prepared by the three countries. The Countries are yet to address outstanding issues pertaining to the finalization of the Guidelines and Rules.
Ethiopia, with the full knowledge and agreement of Egypt and Sudan has addressed all dam safety related issues during the International Panel of Experts process. Egypt and the Sudan had expressed their appreciation under Principle 8 of the DOP and Ethiopia will continue to implement it in good faith.
Ethiopia is committed to continue its engagement with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of the Sudan to address the outstanding issues and finalize the Guidelines and Rules on the first filling and annual operation of the GERD.
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UNMISS Head Reports on the Peace Process in South Sudan to the UN Security Council
Special Representative and head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer, presented his report on the situation in South Sudan’s peace process to members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday (February 4) via VTC. He said positive developments in South Sudan have “moved the country further along the road to sustainable peace.” He appreciated the South Sudanese President Kirr’s decision to revert back to 10 states, with three newly designated administrative areas, despite immense pressure from his supporters against his decision. The special envoy also noted that Mr. Machar had “accepted the challenge to join a transitional government in Juba serving as the country’s First Vice President – despite transitional security arrangements not yet in place”. Shearer noted that the decisions taken by Kirr to “make critical concessions” and by Machar “to agreeing to return to the capital” showed that these big political figures in South Sudan have put their country’s interest first to their own personal interests. “We often speak of courage in war and battle”, he said. “But peace also requires courage”.
In describing the impact of the newfound peace in South Sudan, Shearer said groups who did not sign on to the 2018 Peace Agreement will return to Rome next week for negotiations. Taking into account the 800, 000 returnees to South Sudan after the Peace Agreement was signed, he expressed hope that the new government can prompt positive results. Regarding the role of UNMISS, the special envoy said noting that the ceasefire and the free movement of opposition leaders across South Sudan have lowered the risk of violence, the Mission has prioritized peacekeepers to “hot spot locations and areas of return”.
The special envoy also addressed the need to abide by the words of the Peace Agreement that dictates an end to impunity, corruption, dependency, and exclusion of South Sudanese from a democratic process for the proper functioning of the state. He also told the Security Council remembers his concern over the lack of health and education in rural areas that has discouraged returns and which must be redressed by humanitarian and development actors, “including donors”.
In describing the daunting array of challenges that will test the new government’s unity, Shearer said the need to move on the transitional security arrangements is the most urgent since “implementation is dangerously lagging” in this regard. He also cited the extensive flooding that devastated the livelihoods of many, the recent desert locust invasion that devoured crops have contributed as the major problems that triggered communal violence and deteriorated health conditions, particularly for children and
Regarding the future of UNMISS, Shearer said it would be premature to propose a significant change in its mandate although the UN mission is due for renewal. He said the Mission has, for the time being, planned to scale up its riverine and air support, particularly during the rainy season in addition to expanding UNPOL’s role and Rule of Law unit to shift to civilian law enforcement. “International partners must remain engaged – both in solidarity and, at times, with pressure – to encourage compromise to achieve and maintain the unity”, said Shearer. “South Sudan’s future depends on it”.
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Khartoum Hosts IGAD-EU Informal Ministerial Meeting
The IGAD-EU Informal Ministerial meeting was convened in Khartoum, Sudan on Saturday, February 29 to discuss several issues including peace and security in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Red-Sea Cooperation and climate change as well as migration.
The Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workeneh Gebeyehu presented IGAD’s 100 days plan, priorities, and reform. IGAD member states and the EU welcomed IGAD’s 100 days plan and encouraged its ongoing reform.
Both IGAD member states and the EU welcomed the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan. They reiterated their support for the peace process and R-ARCSS (Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan). They encouraged all parties to resolve outstanding issues including security arrangements.
IGAD and the EU noted the ongoing transformation in Ethiopia and welcomed the strong support from across the region and beyond for the civilian-led Transition in Sudan and applauded the efforts of the Sudanese parties to make progress in the peace talks.
The EU and IGAD agreed to promote and strengthen inclusive regional and cross-regional cooperation and dialogue between stakeholders across the horn of Africa and the Red-Sea on a wide range of issues of mutual interests such as economic cooperation, environment, and maritime security. They also discussed climate change and migration and the recent desert locust invasion in the Horn of Africa. The EU pledged 11 million Euros to tackle the challenge posed by locust invasion.
All sides stressed their desire to consolidate regular dialogue between the EU and the IGAD Member States, while IGAD Ministers expressed their appreciation for the EU’s constructive role in the region.
Ambassador Hirut Zemene, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, attended the meeting. The State Minister commended IGAD for the adoption of the recent transformative protocols on the Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance. Ambassador Hirut underscored that the peace process in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea need to be cherished as symbols of ‘African solution for African problems.’
The State Minister also expressed appreciation for the EU’s constructive role and support in the region particularly as a sole financial provider for restoring peace and stability in Somalia by supporting AMISOM.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Omer Gamareldien, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan and attended by IGAD member States. H.E Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Union Commission and high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.
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10th AU-EU Meeting: a building block to further cooperate on Issues of the Economy, Climate, Security, and Migration
The 10th European Union-African Union Commission-to-Commission meeting was held on Thursday (February 27) at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen co-chaired the meeting where both sides reiterated their commitment to support multilateralism as an effective modality in addressing global challenges. It is reported that the meeting was marked by record-high participation of 22 EU Commissioners and nine AU elected officials.
The meeting was convened as a building block of an enhanced partnership to be followed by AU-EU Ministerial Meeting on May 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda, and the AU-EU Summit that will be held in October in Brussels in the same year. The meeting took note of the progress on the priorities set in the 2017 Abidjan Declaration and discussed the alignment of positions in four main areas: (i) sustainable growth, trade, investment, and digitalization; (ii) climate change and resilient infrastructure; (iii) peace, security and governance; and (iv) migration and mobility.
On sustainable growth, trade, investment, and digitalization, the two Commissions stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and agreed on the need to prioritize regional infrastructure. They agreed to maximize synergies between European and African private sectors and to promote the diversification of African economies. The two sides agreed to improve domestic resource mobilization and complement Africa’s efforts to stop illicit financial flows. The two Commissions agreed to enhance youth skills development and better match skills with the labor market. They reaffirmed the contribution of rural transformation to sustainable growth and job creation and both continents agreed to enhance their partnership on digital infrastructure and the single digital market.
On climate change and resilient infrastructure, the two Commissions reaffirmed their commitments under the Paris Agreement and to work together at the UNFCCC conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2020. The African Union Commission took note of the Green Deal presented by the European Commission as the way to ensure a sustainable green transition for Europe. Both Commissions agreed to continue supporting the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and to use the recommendations from the AU-EU Task Forces on Digital Economy, Transport and Connectivity, and Sustainable Energy Investment.
On peace, security, and governance, the two Commissions emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation implemented through the 2018 AU-EU Memorandum of Understanding on Peace, Security, and Governance including the promotion of multilateralism, conflict prevention, crisis management, peacebuilding, and health security. In view of promoting “African solutions to African security challenges”, they stressed the need to adapt and upscale cooperation against common threats. Recognizing the need for sustainable financing, both sides stressed the significance of the AU Peace Fund and exchanged on EU plans to establish the European Peace Facility.
On migration, mobility, youth, skills, and innovation, the Commissions recalled commitments to developing a joint framework for a strengthened Continent-to-Continent dialogue on migration and mobility. They agreed to reinforce joint strategic management of refugees, migration, and mobility at the continental level. They pledged to continue their efforts to provide protection in line with international standards, to create opportunities for refugees and host communities and to find sustainable solutions. They committed to intensifying efforts in building capacity on migration management at continental, regional and national levels, built on the experience of the AU-EU-UN trilateral Taskforce.
On youth and skills, the two Commissions agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation through expanding the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Mobility, apprenticeship, and other work-based learning and career guidance to address the skills mismatch. They further noted the need for harmonization of higher education to improve the relevance of curricula, academic mobility, and recognition of qualifications, quality assurance, and accreditation. The two sides committed to continue cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
