News in Brief
Recent developments on the GERD negotiations and Ethiopia’s proposal for information exchange
Neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile
Ethiopia-Sudan Boundary dispute and Sudan’s slide off from 1972 Exchange of Notes
Ethiopia’s manufacturing-led 10-year development plan vs. Climate-resilient green growth
Africa and the African Union
The African Union (AU), the European Union (EU); Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN) issued a joint statement on Saturday (April 10) expressing their concern over the situation in Somalia. The statement, issued following a virtual meeting that was held on 9th April 2021, call upon Somali leaders to prioritize the national interest of Somalia and immediately return to dialogue to seek compromise on the outstanding issues, and to ensure that no actions are taken that would undermine the stability of Somalia, which is critical to the maintenance of international peace and security. The 17 September Agreement remains the most viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay possible, the statement underscored.
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability has convened virtually to conduct an assessment on the formulation of a Gender Parity Model Law. The Committee was also briefed on the status of the African Model Law on Disability adopted by the PAP Plenary in October 2019. The virtual Sitting of the Permanent Committees of the fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is currently underway and will be held until 22 April 2021.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde has sent a letter of condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the passing of her husband, Prince Philip on Saturday (April 10). The President highlighted the great example of service to one’s nation displayed by the late Prince Philip and expressed condolences on her own behalf as well as that of the people and government of Ethiopia. It is to be recalled that Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth and her husband Prince Philip visited Ethiopia at the invitation of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1965.
President Sahle-Work Zewde has met with the General Manager for Africa of CANAL+ Group who presented the company’s work in Ethiopia on Monday (April 12). CANAL+ Group has made a significant investment in the entertainment industry. President Sahle-Work appreciated the commitment of the company to incorporate Ethiopian content and content creators on the platform and highlighted the importance of using such platforms for education as well as entertainment. CANAL+ GROUP is expected to create employment for many Ethiopians throughout the country.
President Sahle-Work Zewde met with the new UNFPA (The United Nations Population Fund) representative in Ethiopia on Monday (April 12). The Country Representative reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the reforms happening in the country. She stated that UNFPA will work particularly hard to ensure the inclusion of adolescent girls and women. President Sahle-Work highlighted the significant partnership between Ethiopia and the UN Agency in achieving national development goals.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed along with high-ranking government officials has launched the construction of Roha Medical Center in the capital, Addis Ababa on Saturday (April 10). The Prime Minister was accompanied to the launching ceremony by senior government leaders, including Adanech Abiebie, the Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa. The state-of-the-art medical center whose construction started is said to deliver up-to-date medical care services backed by the latest technologies, and incorporate 5 hospitals that will have an aggregate of 1,200 beds. “Advancing healthcare for citizens is a critical priority. The Roha Medical center mega project launch demonstrates a commitment to this priority,” the premier said.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has conveyed a congratulatory message to the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh on his reelection as president of the country on Saturday (April 10). Ismail Omar Guelleh was re-elected for a fifth term as president with more than 98 percent of the vote. The Prime Minister in his message has wished prosperity to the people of Djibouti and affirmed that Ethiopia will remain a constant partner and neighbor. In related news, President Sahle-Work Zewde has congratulated President Ismail Omar Guelleh on his election victory. The President also wished Guelleh the best of success in his new mandate.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen and Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Seleshi Bekele briefed African Ambassadors in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (April 13) regarding the AU-led trilateral Ministerial meeting between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance (GERD) held in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 4-5 April 2021. In the briefing, the two Ministers highlighted the issues discussed at the Kinshasa meeting and Ethiopia’s perspectives on the matter. Ethiopia strongly believes that the AU-led trilateral negotiation is the only viable way to reach a win-win outcome. The Ministers stressed that cooperation and the spirit of African brotherhood are the best options for the management and utilization of the waters of the Nile. The Ministers have expressed disappointment on attempts of Egypt and the Sudan who claim the GERD as a threat to Arab water security while all riparian countries are Africans including Egypt and Sudan. Regarding the border conflict, it was revealed that Ethiopia is committed to resolving the matter through a peaceful means based on the bilateral agreements and existing boundary mechanisms.
Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ethiopia held talks with Pekka Haavisto, Special Envoy of the European Union and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland on Friday (April 9). Discussing the current situation in Tigray, the special envoy appreciated the recently announced agreement between the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the UN to jointly Investigate alleged human rights violations in the region. Demeke said the government is committed to bringing perpetrators to justice based on the findings of the joint investigation between the two institutions. On the humanitarian aid efforts in the region, the Deputy Prime Minister said the international community should support the government that still is covering 70 percent of the delivery reaching 4.5 million people so far.
The latest talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) were held in Kinshasa under the new convener and chairperson of the AU President Felix Thisekedi of the DRC. The meeting held on 4- 6 April was set to take stoke of the negotiation under the auspices of the AU and chart a way forward. Despite the efforts of Ethiopia to propose a format of negotiation that accommodates the concerns of Egypt and Sudan, the meeting ended with no substantial outcome. The two lower riparian countries also rejected the draft communique prepared by the Chairperson of the AU. No surprise, Kinshasa is yet another instance where the two lower riparian countries obstruct progress and plant a pretext to reject the African Union-led process. (See article)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen said, neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile but promoting cooperation, understanding, and integration should be the guiding spirit. The negotiations over the GERD provide this opportunity, he said if Egypt and Sudan follow a constructive approach to achieve a win-win outcome within the framework of the ongoing AU led process. The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks while participating in an online discussion hosted by the Ethiopian Embassy in London and moderated by Ambassadur Teferi Meles on Thursday (April 15) that aimed to provide an update on the ongoing negotiation over the GERD. (See article)
The Ukraine-Ethiopia Digital Business Forum was held in attendance of representatives of more than 27 Ukrainian companies and members of the diplomatic communities from the two nations on Friday (April 9). The forum was attended by more than 27 Ukrainian companies including Ukrainian diplomats. Ambassador Mulu Solomon, Ethiopia’s non-resident ambassador to Ukraine based in Berlin, Germany, delivered remarks highlighting Ethiopia’s untapped potential in the export of coffee, flowers, pulses, oilseeds, as well as leather and Leather products to Ukraine. 13 Ukrainian companies working in the Agriculture and Agro-processing, Pharmaceutical, transport, and logistics sectors showcased their products.
The boundary issue between Ethiopia and Sudan has been in a deadlock, due to the unilateral and unauthorized demarcation of the colonial master of Sudan in 1903. Gwynn’s demarcation was against the provisions of the 1902 Treaty that called for the establishment of a Joint Boundary Commission for the demarcation of the common boundary. Since then, Ethiopia has been rejecting Gwynn’s unilateral demarcation and expressing its concern for his subjectivity and biasedness against the territorial sovereignty of Ethiopia. (See article)
Since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, Ethiopia has been through multifaceted transformations and undertaking reforms as well as grand-scale plans, including the crafting of the Vigorous national 10 years’ (2020-2030) development plan, with anticipation of leading the country to prosperity. The plan’s 48.4% export earning source is taken up by the manufacturing sector in addition to other major focus areas like agriculture, mining, tourism, ICT, and the service sector. The plan is also keen on ensuring Ethiopia’s transition to a climate-resilient green economy. However, based on the experience of developed nations, development comes at the cost of the well-being of the climate. Thus, the principle of being able to preserve the environment whilst developing is always up for debate, consequently raising the question: “Is it ambitious of Ethiopia to follow the manufacturing-led 10 years development plan and promote green growth at the same time?” (See article)
The United States is providing an additional 152 million US Dollars in humanitarian assistance in response to the Tigray crisis, enabling USAID to reach 3 million people with food and non-food item supports on Friday (April 9). The aid package includes food and safe drinking water, medical support, shelter, and protection, and psycho-social support. “The American people are again standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our Ethiopian brothers and sisters to alleviate the needs and suffering of millions of people.” USAID Ethiopia Mission Director Sean Jones said.
The Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy of Ethiopia, Dr. Seleshi Bekele formally invited the Republic of Sudan and the Arab Republic of Egypt on Saturday (April 10) to nominate dam operators to exchange data before the second filling of the GERD commences in the upcoming rainy seasons in Ethiopia. In the letters addressed to the Minister of Water Affairs of Sudan and Egypt, the Minister of Water Affairs of Ethiopia said the invitation was based on the consensus that was reached on the filling schedule formulated by the National Independent Scientific Research Group (NISRG) of the three countries along with the period of the filling in July and August and it may continue in September depending on the hydrology. Stating the progress of the GERD construction and the approaching rainy seasons in Ethiopia, where the filling is scheduled, the Minister of Water, Irrigation, and Energy of Ethiopia underlined the need to work together on practical and important communication arrangements.
Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin said on Sunday (April 11) Ethiopia’s societal applications of nuclear technology in healthcare and agriculture would be supported by Russia aimed at boosting the country’s agriculture productivity and establishing high-quality healthcare. Ambassador Terekhin told the media that Russia is desirous to support Ethiopia’s efforts to utilize high-level technology including the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. As numerous Africans are affected by oncology disease having the treatment center in Ethiopia will help to treat millions, the Ambassador stated.
Ethiopia starts vaccinating refugees against COVID 19 on Monday (April 12). According to Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs, the vaccination started in refugee camps in the Gambella Region. The agency said close to 800 refugees have so far received the shots. Ethiopia has been vaccinating refugees across all camps since April 5, 2021.
The World Health Organization has inaugurated a national and regional emergency medical team (EMT) training center in Addis Ababa. The training center was inaugurated on Wednesday (April 14) by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia Health Minister. It will train disaster and health emergency management professionals from across the African region – enhancing their technical and practical skills. The training will include a wide scope of emergencies, including cholera, Shigella, and Ebola.
Eritrea
Seven patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out on Thursday (April 15) at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka, Southern, Central, and Southern Red Sea Regions. Out of these, two patients are from Quarantine Centers in Tessenei (1), and Goluj (1), Gash Barka region. Two other patients are from the Quarantine Center in Mendefera, Southern Region. Similarly, two patients are from a Quarantine Center in Asmara, Central Region. The last patient is from the Quarantine Center in Assab, Southern Red Sea Region. On the other hand, seven patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in the Northern Red Sea (6), and Anseba (1), Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities. The total number of recovered patients has accordingly risen to 3280 while the number of deaths stands at ten.
Djibouti
Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh was re-elected for a fifth term as president with more than 98 percent of the vote, according to provisional results announced early on Saturday (April 10). About 215,000 citizens were registered to vote. Guelleh, 73, has been in power since 1999. “President Ismail Omar Guelleh obtained 167,535 votes, which is 98.58 percent,” Interior Minister Moumin Ahmed Cheick told public broadcaster RTD early on Saturday.
Kenya
Kenya has overtaken Somalia as a source and destination of charcoal in the East Africa region despite a ban in its production in 2018, a new report shows. The report by Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-ATOC) dubbed ‘Black Gold; The charcoal grey market in Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan’ shows that Kenya is now a major transit point of charcoal coming from the neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan for local market and shipment to the Middle East where it’s used to fuel hookah pipes. Hookah pipes are the tubes through which shisha is smoked. According to the report, Al Shabaab’s diminishing control in Somalia has resulted in a decline in charcoal exports from the country to the Middle East thus making Kenya the leading export market for charcoal. Kenya imposed a nationwide moratorium on production in 2018 to conserve the country’s forests. The moratoriums did not extend to imported charcoal.
Catholic bishops in Kenya are urging the government to shelve plans to close two refugee camps in the north, which host refugees who fled civil war and famine in Somalia and South Sudan. The bishops’ appeal came after the government ordered the U.N. Refugee Agency to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in northern Kenya within 14 days. The two camps host a total of 410,000 people including a small number from South Sudan.
Somalia
Somali parliament on Monday (April 12) voted to extend the mandate of the president and the federal government by two years in a bid to end a political stalemate over national elections. In a special session, at least 149 lawmakers voted in favor of the motion, three members rejected it while one member abstained, according to the leadership of the country’s lower house of the parliament. Somalia’s next elections will be held in two years and will be based on one person, one vote election system, according to a resolution issued by the house speaker, Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman.
Somalia on Wednesday (April 14) warned the international community not to interfere in its national affairs after foreign nations questioned the move by Parliament to extend President Mohamed Farmajo’s term by two years. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Mogadishu will not tolerate external interference and threats on sensitive internal matters which solely falls within the realm of Somali people. “The heroic decision of parliament is in tandem with the aspirations of Somali people for universal suffrage to determine their own leadership and chart their own destiny,” said the Foreign Ministry. The statement came a few hours after the international partners said the Monday resolution endorsed by 149 lawmakers is a threat to peace and will disrupt efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.
Sayyid Badr Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman on Monday (April 12) received Mohammed Abdul Razzaq Mahmoud, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Hassan Muallem Khalif, Minister of State; envoys of the President of Somalia. The meeting reviewed the existing relations between the two countries in various fields. The two sides expressed joint keenness to promote these relations for mutual interests. They also exchanged views on latest developments of Covid-19 pandemic, and its economic and social repercussions, as well as the efforts exerted to address these impacts.
South Sudan
Prime Minister, Dr. Abdalla Hamdouk, lauded the role of the mediation of the Republic of South Sudan in completing the comprehensive peace process in the country. This came when Dr. Hamdouk received on Wednesday (April 14) the delegation of South Sudan mediation led by its rapporteur Dr. Dhio Mattok.
A Turkish charity organization on Wednesday (April 14) distributed food aid packages among vulnerable people in the South Sudan capital, Juba. More than 500 families are to benefit from food packages distributed by the Turkish organization Ab-i Hayat during the Muslim holy month.
The United States announced on Thursday (April 15) the allocation of more than $95 million to support the response to the South Sudan humanitarian emergency. The announcement includes nearly $53 million through the USAID and nearly $43 million from the U.S. Department of State. This brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to more than $482 million in Fiscal Year 2021, said the US Department of State in a statement.
Sudan
Sudan has declined an Ethiopian offer to share data on the second filling of a giant dam before reaching a legally binding agreement (April 10). Egypt has adopted a similar position. Ethiopia’s foreign ministry on Saturday said it has formally requested Sudan and Egypt to “nominate dam operators to exchange data before the second filling of the GERD commences in the upcoming rainy seasons in Ethiopia”.
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has called his Egyptian and Ethiopian counterparts for a closed-door meeting over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Tuesday (April 13). The Sudanese cabinet in a statement said the invitation is in line with the Declaration of Principles of 23 March 2015 that was signed between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.
The first Sudanese delegation to visit Israel will arrive in Tel Aviv on Friday or Saturday to coincide with the celebration of National Day. On Tuesday (April 13), Reuters unveiled that a Sudanese delegation will visit Israel next week for the first time after the normalization of bilateral relations under the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration.
Sudan decided to deploy a joint force including former rebels in the Darfur region to maintain security and protect civilians. The decision came in the wake of the recent deadly tribal violence in El Geneina, West Darfur state, which killed 137 people and injured 221 others. The Security and Defence Council (SDC) held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the security situation in the country and recent developments in West and East Darfur.
Sudan’s Interior Minister on Wednesday (April 14) discussed with West Darfur tribal leaders the implementation of security measures to restore social peace and bring to justice the responsible of the intercommunal violence. Minister Izzeldin al-Sheikh arrived in El-Geneina on Monday with the head of the Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to inspect the security situation, visit the areas affected by the recent attacks and met with the different social components in the state including traditional and political leaders.
The Minister of Interior , Gen. Izz-Eddin Al Sheikh discussed with representatives of the UN agencies and the voluntary organizations in Al- Genaina ways of provision of urgent humanitarian assistance to people affected by the Al Genaina recent incidents on Thursday (April 15). The Minister committed during meeting with representatives of the UN agencies and the voluntary organizations in Al Genaina and in the presence of Wali (governor) of West Darfur State and the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner to provide guards for the organization and facilitate their movement.
The Minister of Justice, Dr. Nasr-Eddin Abdul-Bari, on Wednesday (April 14) received the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes, and the accompanying delegation, and discussed ways of cooperation between the two sides to ensure the realization of justice and to accomplish the tasks of the transitional period. The Minister briefed the Head of UNITAMS and the accompanying delegation on the tasks of the ministry and what has been accomplished and the ministry’s priorities in the coming period.
*******************
Recent developments on the GERD negotiations and Ethiopia’s proposal for information exchange
The latest talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) were held in Kinshasa under the new convener and chairperson of the AU President Felix Thisekedi of the DRC. The meeting held on 4- 6 April was set to take stoke of the negotiation under the auspices of the AU and chart a way forward.
Despite the efforts of Ethiopia to propose a format of negotiation that accommodates the concerns of Egypt and Sudan, the meeting ended with no substantial outcome. The two lower riparian countries also rejected the draft communique prepared by the Chairperson of the AU.
No surprise, Kinshasa is yet another instance where the two lower riparian countries obstruct progress and plant a pretext to reject the African Union-led process. Both Egypt and Sudan have been sabotaging the AU-led tripartite negotiation. Since the advent of July 2020, Sudan scuttled the trilateral meetings nine times – presenting incoherent and contradicting excuses. This tactic by officials of Sudan is unworthy of the name and stature of the Republic of Sudan in international relations.
On the surface, the disruption of the negotiations and the three great countries not being able to resolve their issues is not fathomable. However, it shall be noted that the conducts explain the policy positions of the two lower riparian countries on the Nile. Egypt and Sudan are accustomed to imposing their wish and monopolizing the river Nile with complete disregard for the rights of the source countries. The GERD that disrupts the illegal and obsolete status quo is not welcome by these two countries. Reaching a fair agreement that complies with accepted international principles is a defeat for the two. Both are unequivocal in stating, they will take all measures against a state that touches a drop of Nile water. They have declared their commitment to preserve their “historic right”. Hence, the problem is not the negotiation format. The issue has nothing to do with the role of observers. Rather, the rift is on the divergent policy position on what the countries could consider to be an acceptable agreement. For Ethiopia, an acceptable agreement ensures the equitable and reasonable use of the Nile setting aside the status-quo of water use of the self-claimed share over the resource. On this basis, any approach that threatens to impose the unacceptable or pressure Ethiopia into submission has no place.
Ethiopia engages with the Sudan and Egypt, out of its resolve to change the unhelpful unilateral route of non-cooperation, which Egypt and Sudan forged over the Nile. It should however not be lost for anyone that Ethiopia has no obligation emanating from law or practice to seek the agreement of Egypt or Sudan in operationalizing its dam. In a clear demonstration of good faith and behavior of a responsible nation, Ethiopia provided information on the commencement of the dam construction. Ethiopia also initiated an International Panel of Experts to scrutinize the project. Ethiopia availed to Egypt and Sudan 153 study and design documents.
Ethiopia altered the design of its dam to accommodate the extravagant demands of Egypt and Sudan. It is also Ethiopia that volunteered to conduct transboundary environmental and social impact assessments over the Dam. Not only that, Ethiopia found a way for Egypt and Sudan to continue in the process despite their outrageous claims of water share by creating a joint scientific group. In the face of ingratitude and accusations coming from the two lower riparian countries, Ethiopia provided them with data on the preparatory works on the second filling of the GERD and offered designation of focal points for information exchange.
Egypt and Sudan are now arguing before the world that Ethiopia cannot fill the dam without their agreement. This is an expression of the ultimate bad faith and self-claimed privilege. The truth of the matter is, Ethiopia has every right to fill the dam with or without an agreement. The efforts to create transparency are not invitations to undermine Ethiopia’s sovereign right. Ethiopia cannot possibly depend on the agreement of Egypt and Sudan, which have a pact to hold a common position on negotiations with other Nile Riparian Countries. Ethiopia will continue to do its part to reach a negotiated settlement that serves the legitimate interests of the three countries. Ethiopia is committed to make the AU-led process a success. The process ought to prove to the world our ability to solve our issues.
*******************
Neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile
The GERD is a hydro-electric dam project that we Ethiopians from all walks of life are building with our own resources. Ethiopia contributes 86 percent of the Nile waters. This is two thirds of the country’s surface water.
Ethiopia as the main source of the Nile waters believes that it has a legitimate right to utilize the Nile waters to meet the needs and aspirations of its people. While doing so, we are certainly mindful of our obligations towards equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation not to cause significant harm.
The Nile is a lifeline for our country and the GERD is emblematic of the hopes and aspirations of Ethiopians for a dignified life. The GERD will ease the burden of extreme poverty and give access to clean energy for sixty million Ethiopians who currently have no access to electricity. The GERD is not only an Ethiopian project but also a regional one with enormous benefits for the Nile Basin and beyond.
When we embarked on constructing the GERD, we made an unprecedented initiative of ensuring transparency and building confidence between the riparian countries. In spite of the consistent efforts of Egypt and later the Sudan to sideline Ethiopia, our government engaged with the two countries in good faith. Our actions are based on accepted principles of international law, which are also enshrined in the Declaration of Principles signed between the three countries in 2015.
While the two countries are fully aware of the benefits of the GERD, they have been intentionally politicizing and internationalizing the matter to exert unnecessary pressure on Ethiopia and maintain their self-claimed water quota in line with old colonial era treaty. Ethiopia cannot and will not agree to such unfair terms that intend to elicit its endorsement for a colonial era treaty and maintain the hydro hegemony of Egypt and the Sudan.
The ongoing trilateral negotiation on the filling and annual operation of the GERD has been going on since 2017. Since then, we have considered several approaches with the view to genuinely reaching a science and evidence based filling and annual operation scenario.
Although we had inched closer to make a deal in a few instances, the numerous obstructions by Egypt and Sudan prevented us from reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.
Now, in the GERD negotiations, we are being pressed to give up our right over the Nile by assenting to the monopoly of the Nile by Egypt and Sudan. It is critical to understand that this is what is essentially at stake.
Considering the demographic dynamics in the Nile basin, where our population is expected to double in few years and also because of the impact of climate change, it is only rationale to work towards a comprehensive legal framework over the Nile Basin. This framework has to be rooted in internationally accepted principles of reasonable and equitable utilization. This is what the Cooperative Framework Agreement on the Nile seeks to do.
The Nile Basin countries, especially Egypt and Sudan will need to abdicate the self-claimed full control over Nile waters and demonstrate the necessary political will and commitment to negotiate in good faith with the upper riparian countries with a view to achieving a comprehensive settlement that will ensure the benefit of all riparian countries.
Neither politicization nor sabotage should guide policies over the Nile—not anymore. Instead, promoting cooperation, understanding, and integration should be the guiding spirit. The GERD provides this missing element and valuable opportunity. We hope Egypt and Sudan will follow a constructive approach to achieve a win-win outcome within the framework of the ongoing AU led tripartite negotiation process. We on our part are ready to agree on the filling and operation of the Dam, while negotiations can continue on reaching a comprehensive agreement. The AU led process is the appropriate platform for achieving this objective.
*******************
Ethiopia-Sudan Boundary dispute and Sudan’s slide off from 1972 Exchange of Notes
The boundary issue between Ethiopia and Sudan has been in a deadlock, due to the unilateral and unauthorized demarcation of the colonial master of Sudan in 1903. Gwynn’s demarcation was against the provisions of the 1902 Treaty that called for the establishment of a Joint Boundary Commission for the demarcation of the common boundary. Since then, Ethiopia has been rejecting Gwynn’s unilateral demarcation and expressing its concern for his subjectivity and biasedness against the territorial sovereignty of Ethiopia. As a result of his demarcation, Ethiopian territories, particularly in the boundary sector north of Mount Dagleish, were placed in Sudan. It is worth mentioning that Gwynn himself noted in his memoir published in 1937 that “On the whole, however, the delimitation of the frontier provided a working basis for future dealings between the two Governments, which was about all that could be hoped for at the time.” Hence, Major Gwynn himself makes it abundantly clear that his 1903 unilateral demarcation was not final and conclusive.
Consequently, continued Ethiopia’s opposition followed by a series of negotiations and the convergence position of the two countries has led to the signing of the 1972 Exchange of Notes. By signing the 1972 Exchange of Notes, Ethiopia and Sudan regardless of the issue concerning the validity of the Gwynn demarcation basically accepted the Gwynn demarcation and agreed to re-demarcate the entire boundary, which will include rectifications in the different sectors of the boundary. In this context, Sudan agreed to drop its position that, the “Gwynn Line” is the final demarcation, and accepted the re-demarcation of the boundary based on mutually agreed rectifications. Therefore, the 1972 Exchange of Notes is a manifestation of the intention of both Ethiopia and Sudan to resolve their boundary dispute amicably.
In recognition of the 1972 Exchange of Notes, the government of Sudan had notified its ratification and informed the steps taken in accordance with Article 102 of the UN Charter to deposit it with the Organization treaty series. Accordingly, to implement the provisions of the 1972 Exchange of Notes, Ethiopia and Sudan established joint mechanisms which include, the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the Joint Technical Boundary Committee (JTBC) established under the JBC, and the Joint Special Committee. All committees had convened several round meetings based on their respective mandates. The two countries also established the Joint Select Working Group which undertook field surveys between 2004 and 2005 and documented the de-facto holdings of both nationals. Furthermore, in 2009 the technical experts of both countries undertook a joint survey and reconnaissance along the common boundary South of Mount Dageleshi in order to facilitate the rectification of the boundary line. Nevertheless, all the committees have not yet completed their mandated tasks. Even more recently until July 2020, the government of Sudan had been communicating the boundary dispute issues based on the 1972 Exchange of Notes.
However, the Sudanese are trying to provoke and escalate the situation, which is against its previous commitment in the implementation of the 1972 Exchange of Notes. It is also very unfortunate to witness Sudan’s provocation and escalation of the situation especially as it is the current chair of IGAD, which challenges the purpose of IGAD in the promotion of peace and stability. The recent attempt of the government of Sudan to reject the validity of the 1972 Exchange of Notes is a clear demonstration of undermining the process of peaceful resolution of the matter and promotion of a third-party intention targeting to destabilize the entire region.
*******************
Ethiopia’s manufacturing-led 10-year development plan vs. Climate-resilient green growth
Since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018, Ethiopia has been through multifaceted transformations and undertaking reforms as well as grand-scale plans, including the crafting of the Vigorous national 10 years’ (2020-2030) development plan, with anticipation of leading the country to prosperity. The plan’s 48.4% export earning source is taken up by the manufacturing sector in addition to other major focus areas like agriculture, mining, tourism, ICT, and the service sector. The plan is also keen on ensuring Ethiopia’s transition to a climate-resilient green economy.
However, based on the experience of developed nations, development comes at the cost of the well-being of the climate. Thus, the principle of being able to preserve the environment whilst developing is always up for debate, consequently raising the question: “Is it ambitious of Ethiopia to follow the manufacturing-led 10 years development plan and promote green growth at the same time?”
Although the manufacturing sector is known for enhancing research, accelerating development, innovation, and export while creating employment opportunities, it’s also recognized for adding a strain on the environment. Along with this understanding, governments still tend to choose to follow the manufacturing-led economic system as it can generate more economic benefits and increase the per capita income of their citizens than any other sector. The principle of being able to preserve the environment whilst developing is still up for debate. Since there is a fallacious assumption that green growth might strain rapid economic development, the world doesn’t seem to squarely face the issue of environmental protection. Industrialized economies urge developing countries to reduce carbon emissions while emerging economies blame advanced nations for avoiding the fact that they went through the same process to arrive at their current position. This back-and-forth accusation and blame-shifting has led the world to turn a blind eye towards climate change. Regardless of which side is right or wrong developing nations get affected the most due to the aftermath of climate change.
Hence, developing nations like Ethiopia plan optimistically to achieve economic development as well as a climate-resilient green economy. Green growth is a necessity and a golden opportunity for Ethiopia as it is both a reason and a need to recognize the country’s enormous renewable energy potential and to halt the agro-ecological collapse that threatens to put millions of its people into poverty. Accordingly, every development and investment opportunity is accentuated if it incorporates climate-sensitive measures as climate change and development are inextricably linked. Adaptation to climate change is essential for long-term inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainability. Even in emerging nations, the most vulnerable group from the society meaning women, children, and IDPs will be affected more by climate change due to constraints in the mitigation or adaptation process.
Although the plan prioritizes the manufacturing sector, it also illustrates the importance and techniques of achieving a climate-resilient economy. Acknowledging the fact industries are bound to affect the environment, there are mitigation protocols or adaptation measures in place to protect the environment. Observing the priorities of the current administration of Ethiopia with its symbolic ‘green legacy’ program, there is assurance that Ethiopia was not bluffing in planning to achieve both. Even the green legacy movement that resulted in a record-breaking number of trees to be planted in the country can also be considered as one of the early indicators for the success of the adaptation programs. The plan put forth a green economy as a major strategic pillar incorporating employment of modern energy-saving technologies, forest protection, and development activities and improved productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing production of electricity from renewable sources. The emphasis is given to these focus areas and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (Ph.D.) commitment to environmental protection gives the plan a solid ground for feasibility.
However, given the issue of availability of skilled labor and lack of sophistication in the technological and financial capacity of the nation, assistance from industrialized countries is indispensable to the success of the plan. Ironically, the after-effects of climate change like floods and drought put strains on developing nations though they are the least contributors to the problem. These countries lack the financial and technological capacity to implement mitigation or adaptation measures towards the problem. Thus, industrialized economies need to carry the obligation of addressing the obstacles of emerging nations as the latter are victims of climate change mostly induced by the former. Nevertheless, the global environmental dynamics is facing massive hindrances as some leaders of the developed nations ascend to power while claiming that climate change does not exist and encouraging their industries to run a business as usual. Such actions from the biggest economies pose a prodigious threat to the global ecosystem.
Therefore, to label Ethiopia’s plan as ambitious is rather farfetched as the development needs to be inclusive to all. It is very responsible of Ethiopia that is trying to make sure the future generation will not be at the receiving ends of the brunt of today’s reckless actions when it comes to the environment. However, as dedicated as Ethiopians and their government are to realize the plan, the support of the international community is undeniable.
