News in Brief
The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council has been successfully held virtually from 3-4 February 2021
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s visit to Eritrean Refugee Camps in Ethiopia
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud’s visit to Tigray
Press Release of FDRE Attorney General on the Investigation into TPLF’s attack against the Northern Command of the National Defense Force and Related Grave Criminal Offences
Meet Professor Hirut Woldemariam Ethiopia’s candidate for AU Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation
Africa and the African Union
The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council officially opened on Wednesday (February 03) virtually, under the AU theme of the Year 2021, “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want”. The virtual meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers of AU member states, the leadership and officials of the AU Commission as well as some representatives from the AU organs. The outcomes of the Executive Council meeting will be presented to the 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government scheduled to take place from 6-7 February 2021 for consideration and adoption. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia participated in the meeting and addressed the session the current situation in the northern part of Ethiopia. (See article)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, concluded a two-day working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on Wednesday (February 02). The Chairperson was received by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, where the two leaders discussed a number of issues including the African Union Summit that will be held on 6 and 7 February 2021, as well as the peace and security situation on the Continent, including in the Sahel, Libya, and the Horn of Africa. Mr. Faki also met with Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, and Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki. The Chairperson also held the 9th General Cooperation Meeting of the Africa-Arab Partnership with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS), on 1 February 2021, at the premises of the LAS General Secretariat.
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has held a discussion with the new U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (February 04). In a Twitter post, the Prime Minister thanked Blinken “for commitment to support Ethiopia’s deep reforms that we will pursue undeterred.” “Our aspirations to democratize and build a multidimensional prosperous and peaceful country for all will be enhanced through strengthened Ethiopia-US relations,” he added.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has held a phone discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders’ conversation focused on strengthened cooperation between Ethiopia and France. They also exchanged views on support to address national and regional issues, according to information the Prime Minister posted on his Facebook page.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen said the Government of Ethiopia has been working to ensure the delivery of humanitarian services and improve the situation in Tigray. He said this to the AU Foreign Ministers at the 38th AU Executive council meeting on Wednesday (February 03), while delivering briefings on relevant current issues, especially the situation in Tigray. He also explained the reconstruction, rehabilitation, capacity enhancement, and Peace Building efforts of the Interim Government of Tigray and its due emphasis on the delivery of humanitarian support.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DR Congo, Marie Tumba Nzeza, has arrived in Addis Ababa today (February 05). State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano accorded a warm welcome to the Congolese Minister and her delegation at Bole International Airport. It is to be recalled that President Sahle-Work Zewde paid a visit to DR Congo a week ago. During the visit, the President announced Ethiopia ‘s plan to reopen soon its embassy in that country.
Chatham House Africa Programme has held a Webinar on Wednesday (February 03) under the theme, “Ethiopia’s Elections: Context, Challenges, and Prospects for Pluralism” where government officials and leaders of competing political parties appeared as speakers. The panel discussed preparations for the polls and the possibility of having secure, free, and fair elections from the perspectives of the government of Ethiopia and competing political parties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia held on Tuesday (February 02) a Promotional campaign supporting Professor Hirut Woldemariam who is running to hold the post of the AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. The event was held at Sheraton Addis in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen. Mr. Demeke called on the government and other pertinent bodies to support Professor Hirut Woldemariam honoring her outstanding professional caliber and ethical behavior that would make her a perfect candidate to run for the post of African Union Commissioner for ESTI. (See article)
Ministry of Peace Muferihat Kamil has held talks with Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Parfait Onanga–Anyanga. The minister briefed the UN Special Envoy on activities being carried out by the government to preserve national consensus and maintain longstanding shared values among the peoples of the country in the light of the ongoing reform. Muferiahat also briefed Parfait Onanga-Anyanga on the ongoing rehabilitation activities and humanitarian response in Tigray. The special envoy commended the activities being carried out to meet humanitarian needs in Tigray region and reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to continue necessary assistance to the country in multifaceted engagements. In related news, State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein, had also conferred with the Parfait Onanga-Anyanga on issues related to the law enforcement operation in Tigray and events ensued after the conclusion of the campaign.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen had held a productive meeting with UNHCR Filippo Grandi on Monday (February 1). They discussed humanitarian assistance efforts underway in Tigray Region, hospitability to Refugees, and relevant current issues. In related news, Mr. Filippo Grandi, accompanied by Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Peace Ambassador Redwan Hussien, State Minister of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Mr. Tesfahun Gobezay, Director General at Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA) visited Mai-Aini Refugee camp today (January 30). (See article)
On his mission to Ethiopia, UN Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, Gilles Michaud discussed with government officials in Addis Ababa and Mekelle on speedy and secured delivery of humanitarian assistance in Tigray. It is recalled that State Minister, Ambassador Redwan Hussien had held discussions with the Under-Secretary-General on Friday (January 29) regarding current situations in Tigray, particularly issues related to the humanitarian operations in the region. (See article)
The formation of a convention bureau to facilitate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Ethiopia would enable the country to exploit tourism potential by hosting regional and international events, according to Tourism Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Convention Bureau was inaugurated on Tuesday (February 02) in the presence of President Sahil-work Zewde, other high ranking government officials, and stakeholders of the tourism sector. The newly established Bureau, which operates under Tourism Ethiopia, would be in charge of promoting the sector through MICE.
The Government of Japan has announced a new humanitarian assistance package worth $16.5 million to Ethiopia through its partnerships with various international organizations. Japan has been one of the key donors for African Development, particularly through the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) Initiative. As a follow-up to the commitments made at TICAD7 in Yokohama, Japan will provide a new humanitarian assistance package worth $16.5 million to Ethiopia in the 2020/2021 Japanese Fiscal Year.
Minister of Urban Development and Construction, Engineer Aisha Mohammed, on Wednesday (February 03) received a Russian business delegation. Engineer Aisha discussed with members of the delegation that are drawn from construction, industry, and information technology companies on investment opportunities available in urban development and construction sectors. The Minister briefed the delegation about the huge investment potential available in the housing sector and the government’s interest to invite private and foreign firms to address the problem. Members of the delegation for their part expressed their interest to engage in social infrastructure investment sectors, such as education and health.
Eritrea
Forty two patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out on Wednesday (February 03) at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka, Anseba, Southern, Southern and Northern Red Sea, and Central Regions. Out of these, twenty six patients are from Quarantine Centers in the environs of Shilalo (11), Adibara (7), Goluj (3), Barentu (2), Tessenei (2), and Ali Ghidir (1) in Gash Barka Region. Eleven patients are from a Quarantine Center in Keren, Anseba Region. Another three patients are from Quarantine Centers in Tio (2), and Afambo (1) in the Southern Red Sea Region while the last two patients are from Quarantine Centers in Ghidae (1), Northern Red Sea Region; and Asmara (1), Central Region. On the other hand, twenty six patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in the Gash Barka (20), and Central Regions (6), have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities. The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly risen to 1683 while the number of deaths stands at seven. The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has increased to 2309.
Somalia
Somalia has declared a state of emergency on Thursday (February 04) over a new generation of desert locust swarms that have caused major damage to farmlands. On its official Twitter account, Somali state television announced that the country’s Ministry of Agriculture had declared a state of emergency due to the desert locust invasion. This decision was taken during a meeting held by officials of the Somali Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of the South West State of Somalia and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday (February 03) launched a 6 million U.S. dollar three-year project to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and Somalia to prevent further community spread of COVID-19. Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, EU Ambassador to Somalia, said the project will also strengthen the health services delivery across the country as Somalia’s health systems start recovering from the aftershock of the pandemic. “In the path towards a prosperous and stable Somalia, COVID-19 should be seen as an opportunity to develop better public services and make Federal and States’ institutions work together in a more coordinated way,” said Martinez in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu.
Somalia will receive the COVID-19 vaccine this February, according to the World Health Organization. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Somalia, Dr. Mamunur Rahman Malik said that Somalia will receive 1.2 million doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine is a combination of first and second hand and will be given to 600,000 Somalis. Dr. Malik also said that in March and April they will receive another vaccine for 20% of the Somali population. Vaccines for 20% of the Somali population are free, provided by the Covax Center, a joint venture between the World Health Organization and GAVI.
Somali president, prime minister and regional leaders met in the central town of Dhusamareb on Wednesday (February 03), starting a three-day summit to end political stalemate and find consensus on the delayed election. President Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and regional leaders, including Puntland President Said Dani and Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, are discussing the next election to finalize the September election model agreement signed by the central government and the federal member states.
Mogadishu police announced that Somalia’s al-Shabab armed group launched a car bomb terror attack on Sunday (January 31) on a hotel in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu, killing at least nine people. According to the latest reports, at least nine people including four attackers died and over 10 civilians were injured. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble said in a statement that among those killed was a former military general, Mohamed Nur Galal.
South Sudan
The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday (February 03) signed protocols to disburse a $14 million grant to boost agricultural markets in a project to be implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in South Sudan. The Agricultural Markets, Value Addition and Trade Development (AMVATD) project aims to enhance agricultural productivity and boost the marketing and trade of agricultural products in South Sudan. The project will be implemented by FAO in close liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The nominees of the armed groups to the Sovereign Council will be appointed on Thursday while the new cabinet will be formed next week, said the spokeswoman for partners’ council on Wednesday. Last week, the transitional period partners agreed to form the new cabinet which will include the representatives of the armed groups on Thursday 4 February. But Mariam al-Mahdi, the Council’s Spokeswoman told reporters on Wednesday evening that “The Sovereign Council will appoint on Thursday the members nominated by the armed groups signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement.” In line with the Juba peace agreement, the armed groups shall be represented in the Sovereign Council by three members. Therefore the collegial presidency will be composed of 14 members instead of the current 11.
A top United Nations official has welcomed the Government of South Sudan’s approval to establish transitional justice mechanisms, including the African Union (AU) Hybrid Court for South Sudan. In a statement issued on Tuesday (February 02), Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide said the decision is a crucial step towards establishing accountability for serious human rights violations, many of which may constitute atrocity crimes, that have taken place since violent conflict broke out in December 2013. “The decision is an important initial step towards justice and accountability for the many victims who have suffered brutal crimes during the conflict in South Sudan, including heinous acts of sexual and gender-based violence” she noted. Last week, South Sudan’s cabinet approved the establishment of the AU Hybrid Court to try war crimes committed during a civil war that lasted over five years.
South Sudan will switch to a new time zone starting from Monday (February 01, 2021), the government has officially announced. In a statement, the undersecretary in the Labour and Public Service ministry, Mary Hillary Wani Pitia said the young nation will shift back one hour from the Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) +3 to UTC+2. The new time zone is based on South Sudan’s location on the globe. “This means that the current time will be set back by one hour, the current 1:00 am will be set to 00:00 am, effective 1st February 2021,” reads the minister’s statement. This means the East African country will be in the same time zone with Egypt, Sudan, and Malawi.
Sudan
Volker Perthes, the head of the United Nation Mission Integrated Transitional Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday (February 02). Perthes was appointed on 7 January 2021 by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. His last moment appointment ended months of bargaining and consultations at the UN Security Council between several candidates. He was received at Khartoum airport by Omer al-Sheikh, head of Sudanese coordination committee with the UN political mission to support the democratic transition and peace implementation in Sudan.
The Vice Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, “Hemetti”, met on Sunday (January 31) with the Emir of Qatar and the head of Qatari legislative council. Hemetti accompanied by the foreign minister and director of the Sudanese intelligence agency quicked off on Saturday a three-day visit to Doha. On his second day, the Sudanese officials met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The meeting, according to the Sudanese government, discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, in addition to developments in the situation in Sudan and in the region in general. The official news agency SUNA further reported that the meeting touched on the situation on the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders.
The Friends of Sudan group said concerned about tribal attacks in Darfur and called on the transitional government to implement the National Plan on the Protection of civilians. The group held a teleconference meeting hosted by the German government on 28 January to discuss the ongoing transitional process in Sudan, including peace efforts to settle the armed conflicts and the implementation of Juba peace agreement. In a statement released on Friday (January 29), the meeting voiced concern about the attacks by the Arab tribes on a camp for displaced persons inhabited by Massalit people. Also, this revenge attack was followed by tribal clashes between the falatah and Rizeigat over cattle raid.
******************
The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council has been successfully held virtually from 3-4 February 2021
The Virtual meetings of the Policy Organs of the African Union have been underway starting with the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) meetings.
As usual preceding the 34th ordinary Summit of the Assembly, which will be held virtually on the 6th and 7th February 2021; the 38th Executive Council session was held on 3rd and 4th February 2021.
The Ministers deliberated on the report submitted by the Chair of the PRC. The main agenda of the Assembly will be the annual election of the Bureau Members of the Assembly for the year 2021 and the election of the AUC Senior Leadership i.e. the AU Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and the six Commissioners. Adoption of the Theme for the Year 2021 and discussion on Covid-19 are also major items in the Agenda of the Assembly. Adoption of the realigned Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the Statute of the Commission in line with the AU reform process are also on the agenda of the Assembly and are expected as important outcomes of the Summit regarding legal instruments of the Union.
The Executive Council has received a report on the COVID-19 Pandemic, the vaccination financing and distribution strategy of the African Union, and adopted the report of the PRC which among other agenda items has dealt with the humanitarian situation in Africa.
The Ethiopian delegation headed by Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia participated at the Council’s meeting. Demeke Mekonnen made remarks during the meeting including highlights on the humanitarian situation in Africa and provided a detailed briefing about the current humanitarian situations in Ethiopia. He underscored that 2020 was a difficult year for Africa, as the continent experienced both natural and manmade disasters such as drought, flooding, locust infestation, and conflict situations compounded with the COVID19 pandemic. He noted these disasters forced large numbers of fellow Africans to flee their homes and become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.
The Deputy Prime Minister provided an in-depth briefing to the Council on the developments related to the law enforcement operation in northern Ethiopia and the massive humanitarian resources deployed by the government to the Regional State of Tigray. Ethiopia, Demeke stated, had more than her fair share of humanitarian emergencies during the year, which required the country to deploy every effort together with international partners aiming to avoid loss of lives. He recalled that Ethiopia has a strong tradition of welcoming refugees and partnering in response operations for humanitarian issues both globally and at the African Union level. He also stated that Ethiopia is always committed to hosting refugees and currently close to a million refugees and asylum seekers are sheltering in different parts of the country. He assured the Council that Ethiopia will not only care about disaster-affected citizens but also continues to maintain an open-door policy for refugee inflows. The country, he reaffirmed, supports humanitarian assistance, provide access and protection to those seeking asylum in our territories.
The Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted that thousands of Ethiopians had to cross into the Sudan during the recent law enforcement operation in the northern part of Ethiopia. Any claims about the inability to access refugee camps in Ethiopia, according to the Deputy Primes Minister are unfounded. He stressed that the focus of the Government was more on mitigating practical operational and logistical challenges that may hinder timely delivery of assistance to the already aid-dependent areas of the region. Demeke Mekonen underlined that the government of Ethiopia is doing everything possible to make sure that all the needy will receive the necessary help. He emphasized the situation is continuously improving as the law enforcement operation has come to its conclusion and the government of Ethiopia is now intensifying the humanitarian work together with work with its partners. Ato Demeke made it clear that helping the affected people rather than engaging in rhetorical claims and counter-claims will be our priorities and Ethiopia takes its responsibilities under international law seriously.
The Deputy Prime Minister in addressing the Council expressed Ethiopia’s profound thanks and appreciation to all the member states of the African Union for their solidarity and support during this difficult time. He also expressed Ethiopia’s gratitude to the Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Chairperson of the AU Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, for their unreserved support to Ethiopia throughout these challenging endeavors.
The Executive Council has also deliberated on the report of the Commission on the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The council has expressed its concern on the COVID-19 pandemic that has exposed the existing health challenges and associated challenges of medical regulatory system in Africa that are compounded by sanctions targeted on some African countries. However, the council has recognized the progress made in the establishment of the African Medicine Agency (AMA). The Executive Council has commended efforts by Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in association with the Jack Ma Foundation, which led to a major boost in the prevention and control of the outbreak of COVID19 in the continent. The Council underlined the need to have 60% of Africa’s total population vaccinated by the end of 2021 and adopted a common African position that requests the WTO the waiver of certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the Prevention, Containment, and Treatment of COVID19 as contained in the WTO legal instruments.
The Executive Council will reconvene to elect six Commissioners immediately after the Assembly elected the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission. Equitable regional representation and gender parity are among the key principles to elect the AU top leadership, and three of the six Commissioners are expected to be female. According to the decision, the regions that secure the place of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will automatically withdraw their candidatures from the positions of Commissioners. Therefore, the Eastern region will have a chance of producing two Commissioners if and only if the Deputy Chairperson is elected from the Western Africa region. Previously Eastern Africa has served as the Deputy position (Rwanda and Kenya) for three consecutive terms. In this round of the elections, while Ethiopia submitted its candidate for the position of Commissioner Djibouti and Rwanda are running for the AUC Deputy Chairperson. All the elections will be held virtually on 6 February 2021.
The Assembly will elect the Chair of the AU for the year 2022 and the members of the Bureau for the year 2021. Based on the Troika arrangement, the outgoing chair will remain a member of the bureau for the following one year as a Rapporteur. Accordingly, the current Chair, South Africa, and the Chair of 2021 (DRC), and the Chair-elect for 2022 will work together as bureau members for the year 2021.
The Eastern Africa region has unanimously endorsed the Union of Comoros to be a member of the Assembly Bureau for the year 2021 replacing the republic of Kenya. South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, and Egypt were the members of the Bureau for 2020. The normal term of bureau membership is one year but there is no term limitation as long as the region endorses the incumbent.
The Summit will be officially closed on Sunday 7th February 2021 by appointing the new leadership of the AU Commission for the term 2021-2025, adopting decisions and declarations submitted by the Executive Council.
*****************
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s visit to Eritrean Refugee Camps in Ethiopia
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi was on a visit to Ethiopia from 28 January to 1 February 2021. During his visit, he met with higher officials of the government and undertook a field trip to the Tigray region to look at the situation of the camps hosting Eritrean refugees. The High Commissioner had a fruitful conversation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Healso met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to discuss a wide range of issues related to the humanitarian situation in the Tigray region. Mr. Grandi finally had paid a courtesy call on President Sahle-Work Zewde before his departure.
During his visit, the High Commissioner showed concerns over the issue of humanitarian access and how the clearance system can be made clear, efficient, and quick. He suggested the possibility of establishing a civil-military coordination mechanism to address security concerns based on experiences in other countries.
The High Commissioner was able to talk to the refugees and listen to some of their concerns during his visit to Tigray. He had visited the two refugee camps – Mai Aini and Adi Harush – which host Eritrean refugees accompanied by Minister of Peace Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Redwan Hussien, and Director-General of the Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs Ato Tesfahun Gobeze. He raised issues related to the Eritrean refugees that were hosted in the other two camps- Shimeleba and Histat- and the need to find those who are believed to have been dispersed in different places.
Meeting with Demeke Mekonnen, the High Commissioner delivered briefings about his visit to Sudan and his discussion with the Ethiopian refugees. He said, some of the refugees are willing to return and UNHCR is ready to repatriate them. In terms of the concerns expressed by the Ethiopian Government on some of the refugees allegedly involved in committing crimes, he requested the Ethiopian government to provide evidence for UNHCR to handle the matter. Regarding allegations of crimes committed in the Tigray region, he said the best way forward is to undertake the necessary investigation. In this regard, he expressed satisfaction with the good discussion he had with the Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
On his part, Ato Demeke explained the overall context of the situation in the Tigray region and the unprecedented challenges faced on November 3 when the TPLF clique perpetrated a heinous attack against the ENDF forces. He informed the High Commissioner that there has been visible and gradual progress in the overall situation in the region. He said, the government is still handling some pocket areas but the major preoccupation at this stage is rehabilitation and reconstruction of the region. He also explained that banking services are being restored, salary payment has resumed, and the local market is reviving.
Regarding the humanitarian response, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister explained that assistance is being delivered through 92 distribution centers and 4 refugee camps. So far, he said the government has been able to reach 80 distribution centers. Demeke pointed out that there were 1.8 million people under the safety net program before the crisis. That number has now increased and 2.5 people need urgent assistance. He said a second round needs assessment is being done covering rural and marginalized areas.
Demeke informed the High Commissioner that NDRMC under the leadership of Ato Mitiku is coordinating the relief efforts through the 10 clusters set up within the framework of the MoU signed with the UN. He also shared the concerns about the bureaucratic hurdles in securing the necessary paper works. He assured the High Commissioner that the Ministry of Peace is working on expediting the process.
Demeke further expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to abide by its international obligations. He said it is unfortunate that the two refugee camps – Shimeleba and Histat – are not functioning. He assured the High Commissioner of the government’s commitment to tracing the 17 thousand refugees that are missing. He mentioned the temporary camps that have been prepared to receive those Ethiopian refugees who are willing to return from Sudan. He explained to the High Commissioner that most of the refugees fled from Humera and the surrounding areas, which are now relatively peaceful. Therefore, he sought the support of UNHCR in repatriating them. But he noted that some were involved in committing serious crimes and that there is a need for serious security screening. He agreed with the High Commissioner that investigation on alleged crimes committed in the region is indeed important, and he informed him that the outcome will be disclosed to the public and the international community at large.
Demeke underscored the need for reconciliation and rehabilitation and mentioned that a national coordinating team on post-conflict development, involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Peace, and the Planning Commission has been set up and they are trying to work closely with the World Bank and the African Development Bank. In general terms, the Deputy Prime Minister informed Mr. Grandi that things are well on track to leave the crisis behind and he assured him of the government’s commitment to further enhance efforts in terms of the humanitarian response, the issue of refugees, and IDPs.
The visit is believed to have helped the High Commissioner and his team to have a better appreciation of the situation on the ground. The United Nations Secretary-General has welcomed this positive engagement with the High Commissioner for Refugees and other senior officials of the United Nations who visited Ethiopia recently.
*****************
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud’s visit to Tigray
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Mr. Gilles Michaud visited Ethiopia from 28 -31 January 2021. During his visit, he met and held discussions with the Minister of Peace Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador RedwanbHussien. He also visited Mekelle and met with the representatives of the Tigray regional interim administration.
The United Nations Department for Safety and Security leads and coordinates security operations and requirements. In this regard, it provides critical advice and rapid decision-making capacity on United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policy and operational issues to UNSMS members, senior United Nations management and personnel, including through leadership of the Crisis Operations Group, and/or Executive Group on Security. The Under-Secretary-General visited Ethiopia in relation to the humanitarian operations in the Tigray region. His Department has been doing security assessments in the region to allow for safe and secure delivery of humanitarian assistance in the region.
In his discussion with State Minister Redwan, Michaud called for unimpeded humanitarian access and clearance for hundreds of UN staff to be deployed on the ground for humanitarian works. He said that he fully understands the security concerns and assured State Minister Redwan that the UN has a long experience of operating in a risky environment. He also underscored the need to speed up the clearance process for the UN staff to enable them to respond to the urgent situation on the ground.
State Minister Redwan explained factors that caused enormous security challenges in the aftermath of the law enforcement operation, which impacted the humanitarian response. He mentioned the destruction of the entire essential economic and social infrastructure which posed an enormous challenge to humanitarian access and the delivery of humanitarian relief to the people. State Minister also pointed out that TPLF had released thousands of prisoners who are engaging in committing all sorts of crimes. Although more than 80 percent of Tigray is accessible to humanitarian assistance, he said there are armed elements intermingled with the people who could carry out attacks and disrupt the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He also mentioned that there are pocket areas where ENDF is also engaged in active shootings.
State Minister Redwan assured Mr. Machaud of the government’s commitment to expediting the clearance process. He also explained that humanitarian assistance is being delivered in two of the four Eritrean refugee camps- Adi Harush and Mai Aini. As for the other two camps -Shimileba and Histat, he stated that the camps were set up at a distance shorter than 20 km from the Eritrean border in violation of obligations under international law prohibiting refugee campsite at a distance shorter than 50 km from a border. He explained the efforts being made to trace refugees that left two camps.
State Minister Redwan also explained the limitations faced by the regional interim administration and the enormity of the challenges facing them. He underscored the need for close collaboration with UN institutions in helping fill the gaps.
*****************
Press Release of FDRE Attorney General on the Investigation into TPLF’s attack against the Northern Command of the National Defense Force and Related Grave Criminal Offences
It is to be recalled that criminal investigation is underway for grave offences committed by the leadership of the TPLF as well as former national defense and police force members loyal to the TPLF. A Taskforce composedof the Ethiopian National DefenseForce, the Office of the Federal Attorney General, the Federal Police and other relevant security institutions is conducting the investigation.
The investigation so far has established the commission of three major crimes: High Treason, Crimes against the Constitutional Order, and Terrorism.
349 suspects have been identified and a court order for their detention has been issued in accordance with the laws of the nation. From these suspects, 253 are retired and active members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force and Federal Police and 96 are key members and top leadership of the TPLF. So far, 680 documentary evidences and testimonies of witnesses have been collected and 124 suspects have been detained as per the courts’ order.
The investigation further uncovered that the November 3rd treasonous act committed by the rogue members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force against the Northern Command by the order of the TPLF leadership, was not an isolated and spontaneous attack. According to the evidences collected by the investigation team, TPLF had prepared a detailed plan to stage an armed insurrection, as a continuation and finale of the violence it has been financing and orchestrating to derail the reforms for the last three years. In order to achieve its goal, the TPLF leadership and its accomplices had first established an Operation Division composed of the Tigray Regional State Militia under the leadership of General Haile Selassie Girmay. It then changed its structure to Central Command of Tigray and made Lieutenant General TaddesseWerede its commander through an official letter issued by Dr.Debretsion G/Michael, the then Vice President of the Tigray Regional State. The entire structure of the Central Command of Tigray was organized in such a manner that it mimics the exact structure of the Ethiopian National Defense force.
Furthermore, investigations reveal that prior to the change of administration at the federal level in 2018, the Tigray Regional State had recruited close to 5000 militia members per annum while after the reform, it recruited 47,173 and 37,373 militia members respectively per annum in the year of 2018 and 2019 alone. These massive recruitments resulted in a situation where the TPLF was able to command an irregular militia force with more than 170,000 members.
Similarly, before 2018, the regional state engaged in recruitment of about 450 Special Force members per annum. After the change in administration that occurred in 2018, the TPLF dramatically scaled up its recruitment to 5000 per annum. The Special force, under the Central Command was organized in 8 Divisions and 23 Regiments.
These strategies and pre-meditated plans and actions clearly show that TPLF undertook a massive preparation to wage war against the Federal Government and other regional administrations with a view to regain its dominant position at the center which it had lost due to peaceful popular demands and reform initiatives.
Another key finding of the investigation is that TPLF was the mastermind for the communal conflicts and atrocities committed in various parts of the nation. TPLF had sponsored different communal conflicts and backed armed rebel groups to inflict atrocious attacks against innocent civilians. According to the evidences collected, several actors behind communal conflicts and armed attacks against innocent civilians around the nation had received training and financial backing of the TPLF to conduct the atrocious attacks. The TPLF leadership endorsed and provided tangible support to those orchestrating violent conflict in various parts of the country.
Concerning the Mai Kadra massacre, the investigation team has identified 279 suspects who were directly involved in the ethnically motivated massacre out of which only 36 had been detained. The rest are believed to have fled to Sudan claiming a refugee status. So far, 117 graves for victims of the massacre had been identified and have been uncovered and are undergoing forensic investigations.
The objectives of the Investigation are to hold accountable the perpetrators of the above-mentioned heinous crimes; to set the record straight on the atrocities committed by TPLF by documenting the truth for the benefit of future generation and the national reconciliation and healing efforts; and to recover embezzled public assets from the perpetrators and their affiliates.
*****************
Meet Professor Hirut Woldemariam Ethiopia’s candidate for AU Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation
The African Union Summit will shortly meet to elect the next Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (ESTI). The Union selected three candidates to compete at the final stage of the election process. Accordingly, Professor Hirut Woldemariam will compete representing Ethiopia, while Molapo Qhobela and Fanuel Tagwira represent South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively. All three have developed vast experience and fulfill ESTI’s established criteria.
Africa’s Heads of States, meeting in Addis Ababa, will be deciding which candidate could best lead the needed reforms. The reforms will be expected to enable an inclusive, Africa-relevant, and high-quality education for all. Contestants should also be able to foster relevant research and innovation that will unleash the potential of Africa’s youth for the Continent’s advancement as per Agenda 2063 aspirations.
Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, recently announced that he was pleased to endorse Professor Hirut, who is an exceptional candidate for the post. Currently, she is serving as the Social Sector Advisor to the Prime Minister. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia has also showered her with admiration remarking at a promotion campaign that his Ministry hosted to support Hirut. He said that Hirut has spent her life breaking invisible ceilings and achieving numerous “firsts” as a pioneer woman in leadership and holding the highest academic rank; making her best fit not only to lead the commission but also to serve the advancement of the African continent.
Professor Hirut has started leadership with a good track record of achievements, ascended from Department Chair-Associate Vice President-to Vice President, at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia’s oldest University.
People who know Professor Hirut have also lauded her achievements in her academic career. She has published three dozen peer-reviewed articles in international academic journals besides being the first and only woman with a full professorship in humanities and Social Science at Addis Ababa University. She has also proved her worth in running commendable reforms in the years that she has been serving as the Minister of three different Ministries- the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
She is the founding Minister of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The Ministry was responsible oversee the academic and administrative wings of 46 public universities, 250 private higher educations, and 1,300 TVET institutions and nurturing Science and Research. She has also provided proactive and exemplary leadership in the development of a new curriculum for higher education with cutting-edge global concepts and skills such as critical thinking, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, inclusiveness, and ethics among others to contribute to the advancement of students’ versatile skills which satisfy the needs of the market. Professor Hirut is also credited for initiating new regulations for public-private partnerships, university-industry linkages, and internationalization in the Ethiopian higher education and TVET sectors, including the introduction of digital literacy. All these achievements were registered amid the COVID19 Pandemic.
At the same time, Hirut was encountering ESTI and other international agencies not as an insider, but as a “client”. Her determination to get effective support and solutions for Ethiopia’s major problems in education and her key priorities of Pan-African Education and training, establishing a global center of excellence, recognizing an ecosystem framework of education, research and innovation; revitalizing African universities should help her to lead ESTI. Prof. The renowned Ethiopian Historian, Baharu Zewdie described her as “one of the brightest public servants I ever worked with”.
It is in those broad contexts and spirit of serving Africa that Ethiopia presented, Professor Hirut Woldemariam whose proven leadership qualities, skills, and competence make her an ideal fit for ESTI. High-level Ethiopian leaders and well-known scholars are endorsing Hirut in their deep belief that she can bring her extraordinary experience, distinguished service, coupled with her charming behavior to the betterment of the office.
*****************
