News in Brief
DDR: The Road to Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at Twelve: Ethiopia Progressing in Resilience
Africa and the African Union
In commemoration of the International Mine Awareness Day (04 April) and assistance in mine action, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) held its 1146th session on Wednesday (April 5) with a focus on the effects of landmines on peace and security in Africa.
Director Sarjoh Bah commended Member States that had finished their mine clearance duties on behalf of Commissioner Bankole Adeoye and pleaded for assistance for those who were planning to do the same. The AU is still committed to helping with demining initiatives throughout Africa.
Sharing their experiences with mine action were representatives of the UN Office to the African Union, UNMAS, ICRC to the African Union, EU delegation to the AU, and the Halo Trust.
AUPSC urged Member States to ratify, sign, and domesticate the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention (Ottawa Convention) and emphasized the importance of Member States providing full support for the physical, mental, and financial circumstances of victims of landmine casualties.
Ethiopia
On Wednesday (April 5), a 27-member cabinet for the newly established interim administration in Tigray region was announced. General Tadesse Worede, commander of Tigrayan forces during the conflict, has been designated regional vice president in charge of peace and security, while Tsadkan Gebretensae has been made head of the secretariat for democratisation and decentralisation governance.
An Ethiopian High-Level delegation met with Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, in Mogadishu on Wednesday (April 04). The delegation was led by Adem Farah, Vice President of the Prosperity Party, and included the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, and other higher-ranking officials. The discussion focused on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest of the two countries. The delegation also paid a one-day working visit to the Republic of Djibouti on 05 April and met with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
During a post-cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday (April 04), Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, stated that Zimbabwe and Ethiopia are the only two African countries to achieve wheat self-sufficiency, producing 375,131 metric tonnes against a national requirement of 360,000 metric tonnes.
The EU Foreign Policy Head, Joseph Borell, stated on Tuesday (April 04), that the EU and the US were monitoring the implementation of the peace accord in Ethiopia and would only gradually restore relations with Addis Ababa. He also said that in order to maintain current progress, the EU and the United States must continue to collaborate.
A top Eritrean delegation led by Brig. General Abraha Kassa, Head of the National Security Agency, was on a working visit in Ethiopia at the invitation of the Ethiopian Defense Forces. The visit is part of enhancing Ethio-Eritrean strong relations, especially in the field of military cooperation. On Sunday (April 02), a senior Eritrean military team led by General Abebaw Tadesse, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Defense Forces, toured the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and was briefed on the project.
Africa Finance Corporation, the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, announced Ethiopia as its 40th member state on Monday (April 3). AFC has identified a USD 300 million pipeline projects to capture value from Ethiopia’s metal and mineral exports and bring jobs in catalytic sectors. Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said AFC’s experience, knowledge and capital will be essential to building sustainable infrastructure at scale to catalyze growth and jobs.
At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance, on Monday (April 03), the European Union (EU), the French Development Agency, and the Ethiopian government signed a 32 million Euros financial support agreement. The finance agreement is for the project Food Security and Agricultural Rehabilitation Measures in Conflict-Affected Areas of Ethiopia, which is sponsored by AFD at 18 million Euros and the EU at 14 million Euros.
Ethiopia expressed its willingness in resuming tripartite talks with Egypt and the Sudan over the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Saturday (April 01). The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, stated that Ethiopia is still interested in resuming talks with an “African solutions to African problems” approach.
Kenya
A 10-point climate justice action plan, including a promise to create a trans-national framework on environmental law, was adopted by participants during the 3rd Regional Symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa, which was held in Nairobi. 26 Chief Justices of African States came to an agreement at the conference’s conclusion on Wednesday (April 5) to increase information exchange in an effort to advance the body of environmental law jurisprudence. The conference included panel discussions and dialogue.
Days after agreeing to lead a bipartisan process to settle disputes that gave rise to weekly anti-government mass rallies, President William Ruto has ruled out shaking hands with Raila Odinga, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party leader on Tuesday (April 4). President Ruto, however, reaffirmed his commitment to refraining from entering into any ‘unconstitutional’ political agreements with the opposition.
Fresh data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that Kenya imported a record 68.48 million kwh of power in January, with Ethiopia supplying 39.73 million units. The two nations inked a power purchase agreement (PPA) to allow cheaper electricity from the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to be evacuated (GERD). Kenya and Ethiopia have a 25-year energy import agreement under which Kenya Power will take up a maximum of 200 MW from the GERD in the first three years, rising to 400 MW for the remainder of the term. Kenya purchases Ethiopian power at a rate of 6.50 US cents per kWh, which is much cheaper than the rates paid by independent power producers.
The Kenya Space Agency is set to launch the country’s first earth observation satellite, Taifa-1, on April 11. According to a joint statement from the Kenyan defence ministry and Kenya Space Agency, the satellite is designed to provide earth observation data for use in agriculture, food security and environmental management. It is fully designed and developed by Kenyan engineers in collaboration with a Bulgarian aerospace manufacturer. The mission is seen as a milestone for Kenyan scientific innovation, especially in the field of food security, as the country is struggling with its worst drought in decades and five failed rain seasons. As of 2022, at least 13 African countries had manufactured satellites, and more than 50 African satellites have been launched as of November 2022.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for State Department for Medical Services, Eng. Peter Tum, on Wednesday (05 April) met with the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Ambassador Saqlain Syeda, to discuss healthcare partnerships between the two countries. Kenya intends to sign four cooperation agreements with Pakistan pertaining to pharmaceuticals, e-health, human resource for health exchange in specialties, and a general MoU, to improve healthcare access and quality in the East African nation.
An MoU covering ten areas of cooperation between Kenya and Rwanda was inked to improve relations on Tuesday (April 04). It is expected to provide channels for efficient collaboration in the areas of education, information and communications technology, gender and child development, youth, and capacity building for the public sector. Corrective services, health, diplomatic training, agriculture, and cooperatives are further areas of collaboration. Presidents William Ruto and Paul Kagame of Rwanda declared that their nations have decided to collaborate for the welfare of their citizens. Ruto stated that Kenya was dedicated to collaborating with Rwanda to advance trade, investment, and Agenda 2063 implementation as well as peace and security. They concurred that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and South Sudan all need ongoing monitoring.
Somalia
Somalia Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse announced on Tuesday (March 04), that Somalia and Cuba have decided to re-establish diplomatic ties after a 46 years’ hiatus. Having established diplomatic ties with the Republic of Cuba between 1972 and 1977, we welcome the renewal of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba characterized by collaboration and mutual respect, he said.
An explosion struck a convoy of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Mogadishu, while peacekeepers were going about their daily patrols. At least three individuals were dead as a result of the landmine explosion, which was set very close to the road. No one has officially claimed responsibility for the incident, but the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab took credit for prior strikes in the Horn of Africa nation.
The reconfigured African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which took over from the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on April 1, 2022, celebrated its first anniversary. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, congratulated the Federal Republic of Somalia on its mission to combat terrorism in its pursuit of long-term peace, security, and stability. Aside from congratulating President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his achievements and perseverance, he also recognized the African Union forces’ service and honoured their ultimate sacrifice for the peace and security of Somalia.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced South Sudan’s ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) on Wednesday (05 April), making it the latest African nation to do so. South Sudan is expected to submit ratification documents to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union. The Maputo Protocol is one of the most pioneering agreements on the rights of women and girls in the Africa.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu welcomed a Parliamentary delegation from South Sudan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 05 April. He said, India is proud to be a major troop contributor to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan and will extend full support in the process of drafting a new constitution. Indian soldiers are also playing an important humanitarian role and contributing to furthering relations between the two countries.
South Sudan has accused neighbouring Kenya and Uganda of stealing its territories and has appealed to the African Union (AU) asking for intervention on Wednesday (April 5). Acting minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Deng Dau said, the Government has engaged Kenya, but is still asking for AU intervention.
The South Sudanese Government on Tuesday (04 April) claimed that it is being intimidated by the UN after a report proposed criminal investigations against senior officials over human rights abuses. The acting Foreign Minister decried the UN report and said the country won’t accept it.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs sent 300 more soldiers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (EACRF-DRC) to join a peacekeeping mission on behalf of the East African Community Regional Force on Monday (April 3). The country has chosen to deploy more troops to the regional peace efforts in Eastern DRC, according to Deng Dau Deng Malek, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He stated that the country is worried about regional peace and stability.
Sudan
A disagreement between various Sudanese military factions has postponed the signature of an agreement to resume Sudan’s democratic transition. The signing ceremony that was supposed to take place on Thursday (06 April) has been postponed once more as a result of the soldiers’ talks picking back up on April 1 and 6. Civilian representatives have called for new national rallies.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Libya, wrapped up his first official trip to Sudan, Chad, and Niger on Wednesday (April 5). SR Bathily was welcomed in Khartoum by Abdulfattah Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan. The President voiced his support for UNSMIL’s initiatives to bring about peace and stability in Libya, which would also help to maintain regional stability.
According to a statement released from the Egyptian military on Monday, (April 03), a joint military drill between the naval forces of Egypt and Sudan was completed at the Red Sea naval facility of Port Sudan. The manoeuvres included lectures and workshops on marine security, illegal immigration, counter-terrorism, and other uncommon threats in addition to combat training.
DDR: The Road to Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia
With the signing of the Declaration of The Senior Commanders on The Modalities for The Implementation of The Agreement for Lasting Peace Through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 12 November 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya Ethiopia has embarked on a massive Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) exercise pertaining to ex-combatants of the TPLF.
To this effect, a roundtable discussion on DDR and NRC was held in Asossa, Benishangul Gumuz on 05 April 2023. The Asossa Chapter of the public consultation was preceded by similar deliberations in Mekelle and Bahir Dar. The continuation of these debates on further solidifying the DDR is a milestone towards achieving sustainable peace in Ethiopia.
Arguably, the DDR program is an understudied example of success towards achieving calm. On top of that, the media attention accorded to this crucial dialogue process has been minimal since its commencement. Notwithstanding, it is a process worth paying due attention to as it exclusively capitalizes on the full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Among others, the DDR focuses on:
- Ensuring permanent cessation of hostilities of the Parties by halting and disengaging from all forms of military engagements and taking all necessary actions to achieve the overall purpose of the implementation of this Agreement
- The complete and gradual disarmament of Tigray Armed Combatants, including heavy and light weaponry, thereby paving the way for the effective Silencing of the Guns
- Protection of civilians by prohibiting attacks against civilians, facilitating the orderly movement of civilians, and of the safety and security of civilian institutions and infrastructure, etc.…
- Unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid
- Cooperation of the Parties with the Monitoring, Verification Team of the African Union
- Responsible and constructive use of the media
The six pillars above guide the roadmap to the achievement of peace and calm not only in Tigray but also in the adjacent Afar and Amhara regions that also need emollient attention.
Throughout the DDR process, the Federal Government has shown immense commitment while the support of the international community has been next to nothing across the board. The full implementation of the DDR and the coming of peace to the Nation cannot be achieved without the contribution and support of the international community. Help, however, should be extended by governments and aid agencies under the principles of neutrality, non-interference and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. After all, the prevalence of peace and stability in Ethiopia is a boon not only for the perennially troubled Horn of Africa but also for the entire world.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed succinctly put it during his address to parliamentarians at the 11th Regular Session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives “Peace entails everyone standing at the forefront in pursuing peace”. By the same token, it is high time to heed his clarion call for holistic peace in Ethiopia and that “We need to think about sustaining these efforts even with shortcomings as the alternative is a path not useful for Ethiopians”. And the global polity needs to buttress, in every way it can, the collective and incessant efforts of the People and Government of Ethiopia to sustain peace toward the achievement of development and prosperity, a step towards shared growth in the region.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at Twelve: Ethiopia Progressing in Resilience
02 April 2023 marks the 12th anniversary of the laying of the foundation for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The construction of the dam is necessitated by the immense need to lift millions of Ethiopians out of abject poverty and meet their basic needs. Constructing a dam is not a luxury for Ethiopia but rather a necessity. In this modern world, one cannot think of development or a dignified life without energy security. It has been repeatedly stated that countries that were successful in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were those with better energy production. By the same token, the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is highly associated with whether countries are able to produce adequate energy or not.
Despite the huge potential it has, Ethiopia`s current installed energy capacity is less than 6000 megawatts. Access to electricity in Ethiopia is one of the lowest in Africa, with nearly 65 million people living in darkness. The level of energy poverty is extremely high. The energy demand is also increasing by more than 10 percent every year since 2021. This has affected the attainment of all kinds of development goals, be it in health, food, education, urbanization, etc. Ethiopia, therefore, has to be able to produce adequate energy and ensure its energy security. Of the 45,000 megawatts of hydropower potential Ethiopia has, the Nile Basin accounts for about two-thirds. That is why utilizing the waters of the Nile is a matter of life and death for Ethiopia. The completion of the GERD and expansion of transmission lines across the country is, thus, critical. This is the basic reason that Ethiopia is resiliently progressing towards the completion of the construction of the GERD.
In the 12 years of its progress, the GERD project has passed through a trajectory that is making Ethiopia more resilient and determined. At the construction site, personnel are busy to reach the goal for this year and make the dam ready for the next stage of filling. As of April 2023, the level of construction has reached 91 percent.
Completion of the Dam is all about realizing the dreams of past, present and future generations. Popular support and participation among the public is immense. Ethiopians, both at home and in the Diaspora have continuously contributed in various ways. For instance, the public, so far purchased nearly 1.5 billion Ethiopian birr worth of bonds and 18 billion birr is collected as a gift. The public has also been engaged in environmental conservation and rehabilitation activities worth 120 billion Ethiopian birr to maintain the health of the Nile River, which will contribute to extend the service life of the dam by nearly hundred years. That is why the dam is “a Yes, we can do it” insignia for all Ethiopians.
As the GERD is under construction on a transboundary watercourse that originates from the womb of our nation, Ethiopia has been genuinely working as a responsible and civilized nation by showing its commitment to cooperation with co-riparian states. Ethiopia`s conduct of the fillings of the last three stages and the operation of the dam is based on scientific studies and in a way that accommodates the genuine interests of its lower riparian states, Egypt and the Sudan. Ethiopia will continue to conduct the fourth filling responsibly, as it did in the previous stages.
Since the inception of the project, Ethiopia has left no stone unturned to reach an agreement with downstream states on the first filling and annual operation of the Dam. It has been seeking genuine cooperation on the management and utilization of the waters of the Nile anchored on the cardinal principles of international law namely the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation to prevent causing significant harm. However, Egypt’s adamant position to maintain self-proclaimed and colonial treaty-based “water quota” that deprives Ethiopia of its natural and legitimate rights from utilizing the waters of the Nile is the only challenge that is the way of any fair agreement.
Irrespective of the contrary engagements of Egypt, Ethiopia strongly believes in genuine cooperation and a fair agreement as a lasting solution. Hence, internationalization or any attempt of politicization is not a solution except for creating hurdles and complicating matters. As has been argued over and over again, the Nile is an African river, and so is the GERD that will contribute to the attainment of regional economic integration. Ethiopia’s continued commitment to the trilateral negotiation facilitated by the African Union attests to this very fact. Put simply, Ethiopia expects downstream countries to uphold the dictum “African solutions to African problems” and engage in a genuine dialogue to resolve the remaining outstanding issues.
