A Week in the Horn

07.07.2023

The Ethiopian Peace Index: A Roadmap for Holistic Peace and Harmony

Public Diplomacy Caravan for Enhanced Ties

Ethiopia, Kazakhstan Hold Second Joint Political Consultations in Astana

Addis Hosts the First Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly of the OSC

News in Brief

Africa and the African Union

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced on Tuesday (July 04) the official handover of sequencing equipment to Government of Cameroon. The equipment list include machines, servers, and automated electrophoresis Tape Station systems which will help strengthen pathogen genomic surveillance in the country.

The African Union and United Nations envoys in Somalia praised Burundi peacekeepers for their stabilization efforts during their country’s 61^st Independence Day celebration on Saturday (July 01). Mohammed El-Amine Souef, head of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and Anita Kiki Gbeho, UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, praised Burundi’s key contributions to peace and stability in Africa, particularly in Somalia and Central Africa.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) held workshops with Airbus and ATR (Regional Transport Airplanes) on Friday (June 30) to improve access to finance for African airlines. These sessions were aimed to develop and adapt financing instruments for the continent’s aviation needs, boosting the air transport market. The workshops discussed bank financing instruments, credit risk assessments, and the outlook for Africa’s aircraft market. The bank is also exploring the feasibility of setting up an aircraft leasing platform, as operating leases account for over 45% of global fleets.

Ethiopia

During a dinner reception hosted in honour the visiting Djiboutian Public Diplomacy Delegation at the National Palace, President Sahle-Work Zewdie lauded the the longstanding Ethio-Djiboutian diplomatic relation as exemplary and pivotal the enhancement of trade ties between the Horn of African nations.

The House of Peoples Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia held its 2nd year 6th regular session on Thursday (July 06) in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Members of the parliament raised queries about issues related to economic, social and political developments in the country.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has launched the “Education for Generations” national campaign on Sunday (July 2), which is designed to improve the infrastructure of schools with the participation of all citizens and institutions. The Premier called on all Ethiopians to join hands together to build better schools in order to build a better Ethiopia.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Wednesday (July 5) addressed the Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. He reiterated the importance of the NAM as a key multilateral platform to strengthening South-South cooperation in the face of evolving and complex global challenges.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, on Tuesday (July 04) participated in an Ethio-Kazakhstan Business Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan. Investment opportunities in Ethiopia and related incentives were highlighted at the forum. The 2^nd Ethio-Azerbaijan Political Consultation which aims to further enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation was also held in Baku on 06 July. State Minister Amb. Mesganu led the Ethiopian delegation while Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev headed the Azerbaijani side.

European Union extends its financial support to Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) at a signing ceremony held on Wednesday (July 5) at the Ministry of Finance. The EU and several of its Member States as well as Norway have agreed to provide 7 million euros in initial support to the ENDC through a UNDP-managed multi-partner fund.

The Chinese Corporate Responsibility Forum of Chinese Companies in Ethiopia was held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday (July 05) under the theme “Join Hands with Ethiopia for a Win-Win Future”. The forum highlighted China’s commitment to social responsibilities and socio-economic benefits in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Investment Commission encouraged Chinese companies to seize the burgeoning opportunities in the country.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday (July 5) that as of Tuesday (July 4), over 60,000 Sudanese have arrived in Ethiopia through multiple border crossing points in Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella Regions.

Deputy High Commissioner of UNHCR, Kelly T. Clements and her delegation have visited Jewi Refugee Camp in Gambella Region of Ethiopia on Wednesday (July 5) focusing on income-generating infrastructure and Ethiopia’s commitment to hosting numerous refugees in its various parts. The visit praised Ethiopia’s commitment to hosting a large number of refugees in the region.

President Sahle-Work Zewde, Patron of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), on Tuesday (July 04) received and discussed with members of the Governing Board Oversight Group of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC).

A high-level workshop on Ethiopia’s Holistic Programme for Productive Capacities Development was held on Tuesday (July 04). The workshop discussed UNCTAD’s National Productive Capacities Gap Assessment and its implications for fostering productive capacities for structural economic transformation and inclusive growth. The Ministry of Finance, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) inked a grant agreement for 30.2 million USD on Tuesday (July 04 to help the East African nation build a robust electoral system.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on Tuesday (July 4) received Trent Kelly, a Member of the House of Representatives of the United States and discussed on ways of deepening the bilateral relations.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Birtukan Ayano, praised the Djiboutian Public Diplomacy Delegation’s visit as a significant step in enhancing people-to-people relations during a welcoming ceremony in honour of the Djiboutian Public Diplomacy Delegation in Sheger City on Tuesday (July 4). The historic trip demonstrates the growing momentum between Ethiopia and Djibouti, highlighting the thriving relationship between the two nations.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday (July 3) laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Arbaminch Conference Resort, a 120-hectare property overlooking Lake Abaya. The resort will be part of the ‘Dine for Generations’ initiative, aiming to develop eight national tourism destinations.

DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen, on Monday (July 3) met with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Demeke hailed the new headquarters in Addis Ababa as a flagship project advancing health in Africa. Dr. Kaseya appreciated Ethiopia’s support since its inception and emphasized Ethiopia’s pivotal role in hosting the headquarters and assisting the Centre in fulfilling its responsibility to Member States.

Somalia

The United Nations renewed the African Union Transition Mission mandate in Somalia (ATMIS) for an additional six months which has a deadline of the end of September for the departure of a further 3,000 soldiers after it successfully completed the first phase of its withdrawal and the transfer of responsibilities to the Somali Army.

The Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF), a multi-donor country-based pooled mechanism established to allocate funding for the most urgent interventions in Somalia, has allocated USD 25 million to provide life-saving assistance to drought-affected communities, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday (July 5). Additionally, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has provided Somalia with $18 million as part of its global “famine prevention” allocation.

South Sudan

South Sudan is officially admitted to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the second largest forum after the United Nations, announced the Acting Foreign Minister, Deng Dau on Wednesday (July 5).

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met the Acting Foreign Minister Affairs of South Sudan on Wednesday (July 5) to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation, potential opportunities for development in economic, energy, trade, and health sectors.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Tuesday (July 4) pledged that delayed elections set for next year would go ahead as planned and that he would run for president.  Kiir told his supporters that his party is committed to implementing the chapters in the revitalised peace agreement as stated and the election will take place in 2024.

Kenya

Kenya secured USD 500 million syndicated loan arranged by a consortium of five international lenders, with the proceeds expected to fund ongoing development projects approved in the just-ended financial year. In a statement issued on Thursday (July 6), the lenders said the facility – as previously disclosed – is in two tranches of three and five years, but did not specify the respective amounts allocated to each tranche.

Kenya will delay the planned phased-out reopening of its border points with Somalia in the wake of the recent wave of terror attacks and cross-border crime. Interior Cabinet secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki said on Wednesday (July 5) the decision had been taken due to sustained Al-Shabaab attacks at the Somalia border.

African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a 26.1 million euros loan to construct an underground power transmission line as part of the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway to boost power supply at the Kenya’s Laikipia Airbase and surrounding areas on Tuesday (July 4).

Sudan

The European Union (EU) condemned the ongoing fighting in Sudan on Wednesday (July 5), as well as the continued refusal of the parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful solution. The EU urged all actors to allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to ensure safe, timely and unhindered access for humanitarian operations by all stakeholders.

Over 2.2 million people are internally displaced in Sudan, and 697,151 people have fled to neighbouring countries since violence broke out in the country in April, according to a report by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) released on Wednesday (July 5).

The Ethiopian Peace Index: A Roadmap for Holistic Peace and Harmony

This week the Ministry of Peace of Ethiopia in collaboration with International Organisation for Building Peace (Interpeace) together with the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD) and ABCON Research and Consulting House unveiled a pilot study entitled The Ethiopian Peace Index (EPI).

Minister of Peace, Binalf Andualem, in the Foreword to the report said, this pilot study identifies certain threats to peace and stability along with factors that contribute to peace. He noted, the EPI, will doubtlessly prove helpful to the Ministry when developing effective policies, strategies and intervention mechanisms to maintain peace and prevent conflicts in Ethiopia.

Binalf reiterated the fact that, peace is essential for the growth and development of any community as it helps build trust, foster co-operation and promote stability. The pilot study, principally aims to address questions and concerns pertaining to whether peace is present and its evolution, factors promoting or hindering sustainable peace as well as the different levels of peacefulness at individual, community or regional units, the Minister added.

The study noted, using participatory and quantitative research methods, the EPI measures a broad range of peace factors and the relationships among them in three regions: Sidama, the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region and the South West Ethiopian Peoples region. The EPI measures present relevant stakeholders in the peace and stability of the country with a bird’s eye view of the efficacy of peace initiatives in these regions and point to aspects to be improved, the study surmised.

As duly indicated in its Executive Summary, the main finding of the EPI of is that a peaceful community and intergroup relations are the most critical factors to be improved to achieve holistic peace in Ethiopia. In this regard, the study noted, despite peacefulness at the individual level was found to be high among fellow Ethiopians surveyed, community-level peace indicators were inconsequential. Parallel to this, localised violent conflicts were echoed by 43 per cent of community members necessitating the need for bolstering harmony between and among ethnic groups.

Inter alia, the EPI pilot study benchmarked the Agreement for Lasting Peace Through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities (commonly referred to as the Pretoria Peace Agreement) as the backdrop against which conditions for consensus and peaceful coexistence across the country can be built, in spite of it being not directly pertaining to the regions under consideration. Coupled with the National Dialogue Process (NDC) that the government launched towards the end of 2021, the Pretoria Peace Agreement is a major milestone, suggesting that peace is on the horizon, the study indicated. Concurrently, the report stated, peacebuilding is a core pillar of Ten-Year Perspective Development Plan (2021 – 2030), as it strives towards ensuring sustainable internal peace and prevailing peace and security while placing emphasis on peaceful coexistence and plural identities.

To bring about lasting peace and stability in the most populous nation in East Africa, the study brought forth the following five key policy recommendations:

1. Promote a multisectoral, multilevel approach and partnerships to build comprehensive peace (resilient peacefulness, resilient well-being and resilient food security) in Ethiopia.
2. Use social capital as a catalyst of sustainable peace in Ethiopia.
3. Ensure inclusiveness in the process and outcomes of peacebuilding efforts to benefit socio-economically disadvantaged segments of society
4. Promote the use of data-driven accounts of peace to inform national initiatives on peace, reconciliation and reconstruction.
5. Promote the contribution of regional blocs and interstate initiatives to support and leverage national endeavours on peace indexing and curating peace works.

The EPI pilot study was conducted with a generous support from the Royal Government of the Netherlands. As clearly stipulated in its Executive Summary, plans are underway in 2023 to extend the Ethiopian Peace Index surveys to the remaining regions of Ethiopia providing the possibility of comparing the state of peace in the three southern regions with other regions in the country and consequently, creating a national baseline. In fine, the EPI chiefly promises to enable peacebuilding actors across Ethiopia to identify, design and implement evidence-based interventions to build lasting positive peace for the whole country.

Public Diplomacy Caravan for Enhanced Ties

The Ethio-Djibouti public diplomacy train trip delegation, led by Sirag Omar Abdulkader, the State Minister for the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Djibouti, embarked on an historic journey from Nagad station in Djibouti on 02 July 2023. Prior to their departure, a press conference was held, followed by a farewell ceremony attended by high-ranking officials including, Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibout, Berhanu Tsegaye; and IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.

Comprising over a hundred participants from various ministries, civic societies, youth associations, green clubs, diaspora associations, journalists, entrepreneurs, respected elders, religious leaders, and representatives from the Ethiopian community in Djibouti, the public diplomacy delegation paid a visit to Ethiopia from 02 to 07 July 2023. Their journey commenced aboard the century-old Ethio-Djibouti train, symbolizing the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

The first city stopover by the delegation was Dire Dawa, where they aimed to foster people-to-people relations with one of the oldest cities in the Horn with which Djiboutians have special attachment. President of Djibouti was also born in Dire Dawa. The mayor of the city, Kedir Juhar, and the city administration officials warmly received the delegation. During their stay, the delegation participated in the Green Legacy Initiative by planting trees at park named after artiste Ali Birra, renowned Ethiopian, who also used to perform in Djibouti. They also visited the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone and the former railway station, Chemin de Fer.

Continuing their enriching cultural exchange, the delegation made a stop in Adama, where they were warmly received by the city administration. They then proceeded to Lebu Train Station in Sheger City, where a high-level delegation, including Foreign Affairs State Minister Amb. Birtukan Ayano and Sheger City Mayor, Dr. Teshome Adugna warmly welcomed them.

The final destination of the delegation was Addis Ababa, where the Ethio-Djibouti Public Diplomacy Forum took place at the Sky Light Hotel. The forum provided a platform for exchanging ideas on topics such as migration, public diplomacy, and the Green Legacy Initiative. Notably, the Ethiopian and Djiboutian youth councils, along with diaspora associations, actively participated in the forum. On the fifth day, the PD delegation planted seedlings at the Bole Lemmi ICT Park in Addis Ababa, with the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

The visit served as a remarkable milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Throwing a dinner reception in of the caravan, President Sahle-Work Zewde, who also previously served as Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti for almost a decade said, people-to-people relations between the two countries is not only exceptional but also strategic.

Ethiopia, Kazakhstan Hold Second Joint Political Consultations in Astana

The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mesganu Arga, participated in the Second Ethiopia – Kazakhstan Political Consultations held on 03 July 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan, with the aim of deepening the two countries’ bilateral relationship. The Kazakh side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Kanat Tumysh.

Among other things, the consultations centred on ways of further enhancing cooperation the two countries at bilateral and multilateral levels. The two sides reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen trade and investment ties focusing on agri-business, manufacturing, tourism and energy sectors. They also expressed their commitment to organize official visits between the two countries and expand legal frameworks of cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships.

A consensus was also reached to cooperate and share experiences on transportation, logistics and aviation sectors. Both sides also explored ways of solidifying Ethio-Kazakhstan people-to-people relations through cooperation in public diplomacy utilizing inter-parliamentary dialogue as well as partnership between educational and research institutions.

Apart from bilateral issues, they discussed regional issues relating to latest political and security developments in the Horn of Africa. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation on various global issues of mutual interest.

The Ethiopian delegation also took part in the Ethio-Kazakhstan Business Forum. The Ethiopian side presented to the representatives of Kazakhstan business enterprises the ample investment potentials in Ethiopia and incentive packages offered to foreign investors. A high-level Kazakhstan business delegation is expected to pay a working visit to Ethiopia to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

Addis Hosts the First Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly of the OSC

The First Extraordinary Assembly of the Organization Southern Cooperation (OSC) was held both at Ministerial and Summit levels in Addis Ababa, from 27 to 29 June 2023 under the theme “Building the Organization We Deserve: Shaping the Multilateralism We Need.”

Ethiopia as a host country of the OSC has also taken the responsibility to   chair  in the capacity of inaugural  president of the first Extraordinary  Assembly, presided over Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen with the spirit of reaffirming Ethiopia’s  age -long   commitment to  multilateralism.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took part in the Summit of the Extraordinary Assembly of the OEC along with Comoros President Azali Assoumani. PM Abiy presented the report of the Ministerial Session to the  Summit and afterwards   handed  over  the  Presidency  to  President Assoumani.

In his address, Dr.  Abiy stated that “the Global South for far too long has lived under an international system that paid inadequate attention to their interests, perspectives, and initiatives adding that the time is now time to explore a just multilateral system that works for all.” In this regard, he expressed the commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to support the OEC and his strong belief in the OEC’s capacity to rekindle global solidarity and renew South South cooperation.

Alluding to the Ethiopian “Medemer” philosophy, the Prime Minister accentuated the significant strides Ethiopia is making in its ambitious and transformational environmental action under the rubric of the Green Legacy Initiative.

Speaking at the Ministerial meeting of the Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Hassen reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment as a host country to support the international body to promote the interests of Member States, majority of which are developing countries in the Global South.

The existing global governance architecture is outdated and unfair, unable to address these complex challenges, Demeke noted and called for new global dynamics that require new ways of thinking about multilateralism. Creating an inclusive, fair, and effective global system that responds to the legitimate demands of the Global South should be top of the international agenda, the DPM and FM stressed. He also emphasised the fact that, we need to forge genuine global cooperation befitting the 21^st century to advance the peace, security and prosperity aspirations of our Peoples. As such, Demeke said, we need to institute a revitalized global architecture that promotes the collective interest of the Global South while heeding to the voices of developing countries with the ambitious vision of Leaving No one Behind.

Previously known as the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), the OSC was established on 29 January 2020 by African, Middle Eastern, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Pacific Islands states International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in Djibouti in February 2020. The name nomenclature was adopted as a result of the passing of a unanimous resolution on the name change, inn which Member States echoed the fact that the new name gives proper geographical identity of the Global South of the aforementioned regions and constitutes future membership of the Organisation.

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