News in Brief
Operations to Restore Law and Order in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region: How Did We Get Here? – By Abiy Ahmed
Opening Remarks of Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the FDRE At Ethiopia-Sudan High Level Political Committee Meeting
IGAD Concludes 38th Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government
Africa and the African Union
The 38th Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government was concluded on Sunday (December 27) in Djibouti. The assembly deliberated current developments in the IGAD region, the latest issues on COVID19 with that of corresponding responses, including other pivotal matters of regional concerns. (See article)
The African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) on Tuesday (December 22) convened its Second Ordinary Session of the third Permanent General Assembly (GA). The GA is the highest decision-making body within ECOSOCC and is required to meet in Ordinary Session once every two years and may meet in Extra-Ordinary Sessions under conditions specified in the rules of procedure of the Organ. This year’s GA is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The GA will discuss and review progress and workplans from its sectoral cluster committees; discuss the national chapters’ framework and chart the Organ’s programmatic approach for its activities, more especially in view of the COVID19 Pandemic restrictions.
The IGAD Security Sector Program (IGAD SSP) has successfully concluded a three days national training last week on the Role of Media in Preventing and Countering Terrorism. The objective of the training was to raise awareness on the role the media plays as well as enhance the capacities of journalists, editors, and media professionals in countering and preventing terrorism, violent extremism, and other serious crimes.
Ethiopia
The second Ethiopia-Sudan high-level political dialogue which was held in Khartoum for two days focusing on border issues was concluded on Wednesday (December 23). Higher officials of the two countries have exchanged views on the current situation in border areas. It is indicated on the occasion that the current developments seen in border areas since the mid of October, 2020 contravened the agreement signed between the two countries. The current developments, which are further changing the reality on the ground, should be ceased immediately, Ethiopia urged. Addressing the second Ethiopia-Sudan second high level talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen said, “The government of Ethiopia is very much concerned by this recent development in the border areas,” adding “it is endangering the agreements we have reached to maintain the status quo in the area north of Mount Dagelish.”
In related news, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the historical relations between Ethiopia and Sudan are too deep to be shaken by the desire of conspirators. In a statement issued in Arabic language on Thursday (December 24), he said, the social and cultural relations and bonds between the people of the two nations go back to centuries ago and are still shining. Ethiopia has always been keen on the stability of its neighbourhoods to the same extent that it is keen on the stability and security of its people, he said. The government has recently been closely following what some parties are doing to distort the unique, intimate and good-neighbourly relations between Ethiopia and Sudan, he said. According to the Prime Minister, these parties move persistently to sow doubts and disunity between the governments of the two nations. Driven by hidden agendas, these actors planned and financed the recent confrontation that took place in the Ethio-Sudan border areas, he said. “Knowing who was behind these despicable acts does not require any effort from us or to think deeply,” the Prime Minister indicated. The conflicts that occurred recently do not represent the desire of both Ethiopia and Sudan at all, he said.
The Ethiopian delegation that was led by Minister of Transport, Dagmawit Moges has successfully concluded its visit to Khartoum that commenced on Monday (December 21). During its stay in Sudan, the delegation held fruitful discussions with Sudan’s high level government officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation and it’s accountable institutions, the Ministry of energy and Mining, the Ministry of Trade as well as Sudan Customs and Aviation. Agreement was reached on different areas where both Ethiopia and Sudan show commitment to realize different bilateral agreements that had been reached earlier especially on use of Port Sudan & Sudan Transit Corridor for handling of Ethiopia’s import and export cargoes to different parts of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) announced the launching of the second satellite ET-Smart-RSS on Tuesday (December 22). In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald ESSTI Deputy General Director Dr. Yishrun Alemayehu said the second satellite has high advanced resolutions and capable of taking cleaner pictures than the former one. “Preliminary design was conducted here in Ethiopia and detailed and technical works were underway in collaboration with Chinese experts in China through zooming and other platforms,” he noted.
President Sahlework Zewde has received on Wednesday (December 23) the credentials of seven newly appointed ambassadors to Ethiopia. Ambassadors of India, Japan, China, Pakistan, South Korea, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe presented their credentials for the President. Speaking at the occasion, President Sahlework reiterated Ethiopia’s keen interest on scaling up bilateral relations with the respective countries. Commending the benefits of forming strategic partnerships with some of these countries, the president expressed hope that the others would also follow suit. President Sahlework also briefed the ambassadors on current developments in the Tigray State, including the restoration, rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance activities. The Ambassadors, for their parts, congratulated Ethiopia for completing the operation in Tigray. They have also expressed their commitments to enhance cooperation between Ethiopia and their respective countries during their stay in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia and the World Bank have signed today a $100 million financing agreement. The agreement was signed by State Minister of Finance, Yasmin Wohabrebi, and World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea, Ousmane Dione. The additional funding will be used to finance the women entrepreneurship development project. The project has been providing female entrepreneurs with finance, skills and services they need to grow their business.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US is providing more than 18 Million US Dollars to Ethiopia in support of the country’s rehabilitation activities. Secretary Pompeo said on Thursday (December 24) the donation is extended in humanitarian assistance to help refuges and host communities affected by the law enforcement operation in Tigray region. He tweeted that civilians must be protected from harm and humanitarian workers should be provided safe and unhindered access to the affected areas.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) announced that within the past five months, it gained a total of 1.33 Billion USD from the agriculture, mining, industry and other sectors. Briefing journalists on Tuesday (December 22), Minister Melaku Alebel said that industries have played an important role in creating sustainable jobs and increasing productivity. Small and Medium Enterprises had greater contribution in this regard, he added. As to him, the Ministry, setting goal to obtain 1.4 Billion USD from the sectors, it has gained 1.33 Billion USD. Of which, the agriculture sector covers 62 percent while, mining and industry contribute 23 and 12 percent respectively.
The Ministry of Peace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIZ Ethiopia on Wednesday (December 23) to collaborate on the Benishangul-Gumuz Region and the Blue Nile border area. State Minister of Peace in the sector of Federalism and Pastoral Affairs, Dr. Seyoum Mesfin, said the agreement is part of the aim to expand access to drought-stricken communities, provide training for women and youth to be peacekeepers and resolve conflicts, as well as to create joint development on the border area. Maike van Ueuem, Head of BGR component, GIZ on her part said that the program will be funded by the European Union and will continue until 2021
Eritrea
Minister of Information, Yemane G. Meskel announced on his Twitter Page today (December 25) that as confirmed by the Branch of Geophysical Survey in the Ministry of Mines & Energy, and Geophysical Laboratory at EIT, an earthquake of 4.4. Magnitude on the Richter scale occurred 91 kms northwest of AGordat at 1:22 a.m. last night. He said no loss of life or damage to property reported.
Seventy-four patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today (December 25) at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka Region (48); and, OPD Services in various districts in Asmara (26), in Central Region. The 48 patients at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka Region are from Adibara (24), Agordat (14), Om-Hajer (4), Tessenei (3), Barentu (2), and Goluj (1).The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has accordingly risen to 951. One patient who has been receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Gash Barka Region has recovered fully and released from the facility. The total number of recovered patients to-date thus stands at 600 while the number of deaths is one.
Djibouti
Somaliland President Muse Bihi has received a red carpet reception in Djibouti, more than a week after his tour of Kenya incensed Mogadishu and led to severing of ties. Mr Bihi arrived in Djibouti city on Wednesday morning for an official visit on the invitation of his host, President Ismael Guelleh, according to the Somaliland Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry. Last week, Heads of State and government gathered in Djibouti under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) and asked the two sides [Somalia and Somaliland] to continue holding talks. “[The Assembly] Commended the resumption of talks between the Federal Republic of Somalia and Somaliland, and appreciated the role of regional leaders and the region in hosting and facilitating the talks,” said a communique from the 38th Extraordinary Summit on Sunday.
Somalia
Somalia’s electoral commission announced on Wednesday (December 23) dates for much-awaited Senate elections. The Federal Electoral Implementation Team said elections for the Upper House by the Federal Member States (FMS) parliaments will begin next week. “Registration of candidates for the Upper House elections will begin on December 26, 2020, while State Presidents are expected to issue a list of candidates on December 29, 2020, and elections for Upper House seats will be completed between December 31, 2020, and January 6, 2021,” it said in a statement.
Kenya and Somalia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations following talks between leaders of the two neighbouring countries in Djibouti, a Somali government official said on Monday (December 21). Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud, the foreign minister of Somalia, told journalists in Mogadishu that regional leaders who attended the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit which was held on Sunday in Djibouti pressured Somalia to de-escalate tension. Mohamud said Somalia accepted the request by the East Africa bloc to resolve the issue through talks on the condition that an IGAD fact-finding team is formed to probe Mogadishu’s complaints.
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one (1) airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Thursday (December 24). The initial assessment concluded the strike damaged the compound and several al-Shabaab fighters fled, thwarting nefarious activity. The command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. Efforts to disrupt enemy operations, as well as monitor and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab network continue.
South Sudan
South Sudan government plans to take full control of its oil sector through establishment of a training facility and controlling data storage, a senior official said Tuesday (December 22). Speaking during the launch of a Petroleum report in the capital Juba, the country’s Petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol said the training facility will equip South Sudanese ahead of 2027 when the government plans to phase out foreign investors from its oil sector.
At least seven people were killed and several others injured in a series of recent inter-communal clashes in Tonj North County of South Sudan’s Warrap state, officials confirmed. The chief of the criminal investigation unit of the county, 2nd Lt. Bona Bak Akot said fighting occurred a few kilometers outside of Warrap town. “The police did not intervene because local youth are well armed; sometimes, they overran government forces. In this situation the police are vulnerable,” he told VOA.
Sudan
Sudan and Ethiopia expressed the need to settle border issues and develop bilateral cooperation to fit with the strong relations between the people of the two neighbouring countries. Sudanese and Ethiopian delegations started in Khartoum on Wednesday (December 23) the meetings of the Ethiopia-Sudan High-Level Political Committee to discuss bilateral cooperation and recent border clashes. The visiting Ethiopian delegation was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonen while the Cabinet Affairs Minister Omer Munis chaired Sudanese side.
The Security Council decided on Tuesday (December 22) to terminate the mandate of Darfur hybrid peacekeeping operation (UNAMID, on 31 December. The Council “Decides to terminate the mandate of UNAMID as of 31 December 2020,” reads the resolution 2559 (2020) which was unanimously adopted by the 15 members in a videoconference meeting. The resolution further provided to “Commence the drawdown of UNAMID personnel on 1 January 2021 and to complete the withdrawal of all uniformed and civilian UNAMID personnel by 30 June 2021. The decision comes in line with the recommendations of the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Report to the Security Council.
U.S. lawmakers finally approved a bill reinstating Sudan’s sovereign immunity for after months of political wrangling. The legislation which was endorsed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress was released as part of US government funding bill and sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law. The ’Sudan Claims Resolution Act’ would quash all terror-related claims in court with the exception of 9/11 cases currently pending.
The Commander in Chief of the Sudanese Army Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, briefed a meeting of the transition partners on the recent military developments in the border areas with Ethiopia. The transition partners council held a meeting on Sunday (December 20) to discuss the formation of the transitional institutions after the signing of a peace agreement with the armed groups. In a statement released after the meeting; the Council spokeswoman Mariam al-Mahdi said that al-Burhan briefed the meeting on all developments on the eastern borders of the country. “The council hailed the armed forces and the deployment of troops to protect Sudan, its territorial integrity and its citizens as well as preserving the sovereignty of the homeland,” she further said.
The European Union decided to give additional €23.7 million to Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan to face the humanitarian crisis in the region following the law enforcement operation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. “Humanitarian partners working in Ethiopia will receive an extra €18.8 million and €2 million will go to Sudan to help with the influx of refugees from Tigray. In addition, €2.9 million will be mobilized to address the fast deteriorating food security situation of refugees in Kenya,” said the European Union’s crisis management commissioner in a statement on Saturday (December 19).
*****************
Operations to Restore Law and Order in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region: How Did We Get Here? – By Abiy Ahmed
When I took office as Prime Minister of Ethiopia in April 2018, I had only one driving mission for my premiership – to put my country and people on a path to lasting peace and prosperity. I vowed to myself, my family and my people, in private and in public, that I would never resort to force as a way of resolving internal political differences. I believe that no problem is worthy of any bloodshed, that all problems can be resolved amicably if we have the courage of our convictions to sit around a table, in good faith, in search of mutually acceptable solutions. I further declared that the only enemy I would mobilize my people and resources to wage war against was poverty.
However, my vision and determination came under severe strain right from the start of my premiership. It did not take long for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leadership to launch a campaign, covertly and overtly, to undermine my administration and make our people and the rest of the world believe that, without them at the helm, Ethiopia would be ungovernable. To make their case, the TPLF leadership had to produce the evidence of ungovernability themselves, organizing a clandestine nationwide campaign of criminality and violence: sponsoring, financing, and training disaffected individuals to instigate communal clashes and attacks on members of ethnic minorities in different parts of the country. Attacks sponsored and orchestrated by the TPLF leadership left more than two million people internally displaced and thousands dead in the past two and half years.
I was fully aware that the TPLF leadership orchestrated the mayhem, bordering on party-sponsored terrorism, diverting budgetary resources allocated by the Federal Government to pay for their criminal enterprise and destabilize the nation. But, despite overwhelming pressure from the public for the Government to stop them by all means necessary, including through the use of force, I made it clear, repeatedly, that my Government would never resort to force to resolve the matter. I shared this firm and clear position to the TPLF leaders directly, in person and on the phone, and reassured the Ethiopian people, including our citizens in the Tigray Region, through mainstream and social media.
When the TPLF leadership rejected my personal invitations to engage with my administration in constructive dialogue on the future of our nation, I encouraged the country’s most senior religious and community leaders to travel to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray Region, and help federal and regional political leaders resolve the differences peacefully. Regrettably, these most revered community and religious leaders were rebuffed by the TPLF leadership, treating them with utmost contempt and sending them back with nothing.
Even then, I did not give up; I would not. As I’ve said before, my own life has taught me that war is “the epitome of hell for all involved”. I did not come to office to take my people to hell; on the contrary, I came to office with a commitment to lead my people towards peace and prosperity. Since I came to office just over 30 months ago, I reiterated, time and again, that nothing would distract me away from my firm position on this matter. Regrettably, all my persistent efforts to avoid conflict by all means were taken for weakness.
In the end, however, the choice was not to be mine. While I was preaching peace and prosperity for my country and people, and working day and night to realize it, a violent attack was launched against my Government and people. On the night of 03 November 2020, the TPLF leadership launched, under cover of darkness, what they later described, on public television, as a “lightening pre-emptive attack” against the Northern Command of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), which had been stationed in the Region since the outbreak of war with Eritrea over two decades ago. Using traitors recruited from within the army along ethnic lines, not only did the TPLF leadership cause the massacre of unarmed soldiers in their pyjamas in the dead of night, they also took possession, illegally, of the entire military arsenal of the Northern Command. I was thus left with a decision only of how, not whether, to fight to defend the integrity of my country and restore the constitutional order.
More than the attack, what shocked me and my fellow Ethiopians to the core was the level of cruelty the TPLF leadership displayed in the conduct of their criminal operations. After they surprised and overpowered several regiments of the ENDF forces, the TPLF identified and separated hundreds of unarmed Ethiopian soldiers of non-Tigrayan origin, tied their hands and feet together, massacred them in cold blood, and left their bodies lying in open air. Never would I have imagined it humanly possible for any person to kill their fellow soldiers while asleep and record themselves singing and dancing on the bodies of their victims.
Following their surprise attack on their own unsuspecting fellow Ethiopians, it didn’t take long for the TPLF leadership to start celebrating and gloating in public about their prowess and invincibility in war and how they have now transformed themselves, overnight, into the largest fighting force in the entire Horn of Africa.
With the benefit of hindsight, the surprise attack by the TPLF forces had three interrelated objectives. First, by attacking the Northern Command, which accounted for the bulk of Ethiopia’s most experienced combat forces, they aimed to weaken the capability of the ENDF to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Second, by using ethnic Tigrayans members of the ENDF to carry out the attack on their comrades-in-arms from other ethnic groups, they aimed to divide and destroy whatever was left of the ENDF as a cohesive national defence force. Third, once the ENDF was so fractured, defeated and destroyed, and the country almost certainly descended into anarchy, the TPLF would present themselves as the only force that could put the country back together, thus removing and replacing the federal government by force.
My primary duty as prime minister and commander in chief is to protect the nation and its people from internal and external enemies. That is why the Federal Government launched and successfully executed defensive operations to restore law and order in the Tigray Region, regrettably making the use of force the only tool left in our arsenal.
I recognize that, in the end, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Only history will judge whether the Federal Government under my leadership could have done anything else to resolve the existential crisis my old and proud nation faced on that fateful night of 03 November and its aftermath.
As I write this article, the Ethiopian army has completed its mission according to plan and captured the regional capital of Mekelle without the large-scale civilian casualties and war crimes that so many in the international community confidently predicted. Yet, despite the success of these operations, I’m not celebrating; I cannot be. While I admire the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniforms, I know the conflict has caused unimaginable suffering. This is a conflict in which Ethiopians had to kill their fellow Ethiopians, target and destroy their own defence infrastructure and weaken their own defence capability. At the same time, I also know that the Federal Government was forced to engage in this operation for existential reasons – the future of Ethiopia as a sovereign nation and the peaceful co-existence of its people was at stake. The heavy cost we incurred as a nation was necessary.
Now that the active phase of military operations is over, our next task is to launch the process of healing from the aftereffects of this traumatic conflict, to ensure our citizens in the affected areas, including those who have been forced to cross the borders to the Sudan, have unfettered access to humanitarian assistance and other support necessary to rehabilitate them back to normal life at the earliest opportunity. Also critical is the need to restore the transport and communications links destroyed by the conflict.
Having witnessed afresh the courage and determination of the Ethiopian people to protect their country from its enemies, I am confident that Ethiopia will rise back to its traditional role as the anchor of stability for the entire subregion and beyond.
At the same time, the peace and security we have restored at so much cost remain fragile. That is why we are determined to ensure our next elections, scheduled to take place in mid-2021, are fair, free, and inclusive, and that the people of Tigray, like all other Ethiopians, shall soon be led by a regional government of their free own choice.
*****************
Opening Remarks of Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the FDRE At Ethiopia-Sudan High Level Political Committee Meeting
Your Excellency, Mr. Oumar Beshir Manis, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency, the brotherly people and government of the Republic of the Sudan for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation since our arrival in the beautiful city of Khartoum, our second home.
It is my great honor and pleasure to convey our warmest congratulation to the people and government of the Republic of the Sudan for being delisted from the state sponsors of terrorism.
Ethiopia strongly believes that this long overdue decision by the government of United States to remove Sudan from such a list and lifting of economic and financial sanction will pave the way for the Sudan to re-engage with its development partners in realizing the development aspiration of its people. It is indeed a clear recognition of the fact that the reform is on the right track and will open a new chapter for progress and prosperity of the country.
I wish also to commend the people and government of the Sudan for the Peace Agreement that was signed between the Transitional Government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front on October 3, 2020 in Juba and for the efforts of the Transitional Government in bringing durable peace in the country. I want to assure you Ethiopia’s firm commitment to support and accompany you in this important transition period.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the people and government of the Republic of the Sudan for the unwavering support and understanding for our law and order enforcement operation in the Tigray Region. In addition, we would like to express our thanks and gratitude for letting our citizens crossing your boarder and cordially hosting them. This is indeed a clear testimony of the longstanding fraternal relation between our two countries.
Excellency, I wish to seize this opportunity to inform you that the operation conducted by the Federal Government to restore law and order in the Tigray Region has been successfully completed. Now, the peace and security situation in the Tigray Region by in large is stable and the Interim Administration is on the ground engaging with the communities and restoring basic services. Therefore, I believe it is high time to let our citizens who had been sheltered in the Sudan since the law enforcement operation to begin returning to their homes and join their families. Ethiopia is ready to facilitate their voluntary return and providing the necessary support.
Excellency ladies and Gentelmen,
Ethiopia always attaches great importance to its relation with the people and government of the Sudan. The longstanding brotherly relations between our two countries and peoples are, of course, very well-known. We need to redouble our efforts to translate the strong bilateral relation into more strategic cooperation that would accelerate the economic integration of the two countries and bring concrete benefits to our peoples. We should aim to elevate our all rounded relations into a new and higher level for the mutual benefit of our two brotherly peoples.
This week, our Minister for Transport is visiting Sudan to discuss with her Sudanese counterpart the cooperation projects on port utilization and railway development. I believe this will help the two countries to further strengthen trade and investment flows. Similarly, last October the Sudanese business delegation was in Ethiopia to assess business and investment opportunities and held a fruitful discussion with their Ethiopian counterparts on the possibilities of joint venture. No doubt, all these engagements necessitate the need to reactivate various bilateral mechanisms with a view to further strengthening our cooperation across different sectors.
The role of border trade that involves and benefits communities around our common boarder is very crucial in ensuring peace and stability in the border area. We need to revise the existing preferential trade agreement and finalize the negotiations of the protocol on the rules of origin. I am glad to learn that border trade protocols between our two countries that were signed some twenty years ago are under discussion for revision to accommodate current realities. It is my strong belief that this will in turn help us to be part and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will become operational starting from January 2021.
Excellency ladies and Gentlemen,
The principle of solidarity and fraternity has been one of the defining characteristics of our bilateral relations. The strong and longstanding ties between our two countries are intertwined and whatever happens in Ethiopia will certainly have spillover effect in the Sudan and vice versa. However, what has happened in our common boarder recently did not commensurate from this longstanding principle of solidarity and fraternity.
Starting from November 9, 2020, we are observing organized attacks by the Sudanese Military Forces using heavy machine guns and armored convoy. Agricultural products of Ethiopian farmers are looted, their camps are vandalized, and they are also hampered from harvesting their own farms. A number of civilians have been murdered and wounded. As a result, the government of Ethiopia is very much concerned by this recent development in the border areas. Furthermore, it is endangering the agreements we have reached to maintain the status quo in the area north of Mount Dagelish.
During our last meeting that was held in Addis Ababa from 16-18 May 2020, we had fruitful discussion and constructive engagements to address the boarder issues and maintain peace and security in order to forge positive interaction among our border communities. But, what we have witnessed recently did not resemble the cordial relation that exists between our two countries.
Therefore, it is our firm position that reactivating the existing mechanisms and finding an amicable solution on settlement and cultivation are the only way to bring lasting solution to the issues in our common boarder. We believe that securitization and unnecessary escalation will only worsen the situation and create pointless tension in the border area and disrupt daily activities of our peoples living in the border area.
I hope we will be able to continue our engagement on this issue with the spirit of fraternal cooperation and commitment that has always been a mark of the Ethiopia – Sudan relation.
Once again, I would like to reaffirm my government’s firm commitment to work closely with the Government of the Republic of the Sudan in all bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
I am very hopeful and confident that we will have a very fruitful and productive discussion that will further enhance our fraternal relations.
I thank you.
*****************
IGAD Concludes 38th Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government
The 38th Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government was concluded on Sunday (December 27) in Djibouti. The assembly deliberated current developments in the IGAD region, the latest issues on COVID19 with that of corresponding responses, including other pivotal matters of regional concerns.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation comprising the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen attended the Summit with leaders of member states of the IGAD region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took the opportunity to brief participants about the now-concluded law enforcement operation in the Tigray regional state. He expressed his deepest gratitude to IGAD leaders for understanding and acknowledging Ethiopia’s law enforcement measures as legal and legitimate. He also thanked the leaders for the commitment they demonstrated in supporting Ethiopia during the law enforcement campaign.
In a statement issued after the end of the meeting, IGAD reaffirmed the primacy of constitutional order, stability, and unity of Ethiopia. IGAD also welcomed the agreement signed between Ethiopia and the UN on 29 November 2020, allowing “unimpeded, sustained and secure access” to humanitarian support. The media have widely quoted the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat’s remarks where he commended the Government of Ethiopia for its bold steps to preserving the integrity of the country. Mr. Moussa Faki has also stressed the need to sustain efforts to help solve the issues of affected people in the aftermath of the law enforcement operation.
Prime Minister Abiy also conducted a number of sideline meetings with the leaders showing Ethiopia’s genuine concerns for the peace and stability of the region. “The strength of stability in our region is based on cooperation for growth and development,” he tweeted adding, “I am glad as leaders we can come around the table and discuss pressing issues in our region.” Accordingly, he met with the Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok to discuss bilateral issues as a follow-up to their last meeting in Addis Abeba. He also met and discussed with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo regarding recent regional developments and on how to strengthen cooperation among IGAD countries. Meeting with Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President of South Sudan, and the Premier discussed bilateral issues and the continued efforts for peace underway in South Sudan.
The assembly also witnessed remarks that were indicative of some of the pressing issues in the region. Sudan’s Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly commenced his remarks by appreciating the spirit of brotherhood the leaders demonstrated to deliver lasting solutions in many areas and urging the international community to remain steadfast to their commitments in working closely with the regional organ. He commended the IGAD and its member states for the huge success in combating COVID19, effectively forcing back the locust invasion and fast-tracking the democratic transition in South Sudan.
Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workneh Gebeyhu has also delivered remarks and noted, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 Pandemic, floods, and locust invasion Governments of member states have clearly shown their faithfulness to the vision of IGAD which made the regional organization won the confidence of international partners. Dr. Workneh, congratulating the government and people of Sudan for being removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, noted that it will play a vital role in ensuring the political transition in the country. The Executive Secretary mentioned the recently inaugurated Moyale One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) one among such commitments towards materializing the IGAD vision- regional integration. The Somalia-Somaliland talks in Djibouti spearheaded by President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Premier Abiy Ahmed showcased “our capacity to resolve our own problems by ourselves,” he said. Dr. Workneh, in light of taking a proactive measure on disease control, also called for the full operationalization of the IGAD emergency fund.
The communiqué issued after the deliberation of the assembly has addressed many of the issues that were the subjects in the opening remarks of the IGAD’s Chairperson and the Executive Secretary. The communiqué can be accessed here: https://igad.int/attachments/article/2598/Final%20COMMUNIQU%C3%89%20OF%20THE%2038TH%20EXTRAORDINARY%20ASSEMBLY%20OF%20IGAD%20HEADS%20OF%20STATE%20AND%20GOVERNMENT.pdf
