Since Ethiopia, unlike the downstream countries, firmly believes in resolving the outstanding issues with regard to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), it has persistently continued negotiating, Irrigation and Energy Minister Sileshi Bekele said.

Through the last negotiations and empathy for the two downstream countries, Ethiopia  extended the filling of the dam 4 to 7 years, although it can be filled within three years as per the design, the minister told Al Jazeera Arabic.

According to him, scientist of the three countries have developed a stage-based filling mechanism which takes about 4 stages where the first stages have 2 stages, and in the second year the dam will be filled up to 595 meters that constitutes dead storage volume.

Last year the filling happened for 4.9 billion cubic meters and another 13.4 billion cubic meters will be added in the subsequent year, Sileshi added.

Sileshi revealed that “ Ethiopia contributes 77 billion cubic meters but only takes this amount to fill its dam. So the Declaration of Principles articulates that the filling will happen while the dam construction continues. Filling of the dam is part of the construction.”

The Declaration of Principles (DOP) is a principle not a guideline. A guideline is subordinate to the DOP that will provide an instrument on how to put these rules and guidelines in place so that when we fill the dam it will be according to certain rules, the minister elaborated.

Rejecting the claim that no agreement has been reached so far, Sileshi said “we have reached certain very successful stages and almost every technical issue is solved through negotiations.”

He, however, argued that “since there are legal issues that are explicitly or implicitly trying to foreclose Ethiopia’s future development right and interest; we have to be careful in concluding these kinds of rules and guidelines.”

Article 5/A of the DOP is a guideline for the filling of the dam while 5/B gives more time for the operation phase which comes after the complete filling of the dam.

“Ethiopia suggested that all the parties conclude the first agreement based on the first filling up to the full level and then continue negotiating on the difficult part; which is the operational one  entangled with rules that are beyond GERD. This is where we have serious contention and still have not reached conclusion about,” the minister pointed out.

Ethiopia never blocked the AU process, Sileshi stated, adding that “however, I sometimes hear  the downstream countries accusing Ethiopia of hindering the process. We never obstructed the process.”

Elaborating on the point of disruption of the AU process, the minister said “ Ethiopia has been insisting on continuing the negotiation to solve the issues since we came to the AU platform.  Unfortunately, Sudan disrupted the process 7 times in 7 months.”

Ethiopia firmly believes in continuing the negotiations in good faith, Sileshi underscored.  elaborates:

“ In good faith means not bringing unnecessary complicated issues beyond GERD. The GERD is a single project for Ethiopia. Ethiopia has future development needs for power generation, agricultural productivity, drinking water supply and industrialization. But Ethiopia will not agree to article that prevents explicitly or implicitly its future development.”

Asked whether GERD is a political project to control the Nile water, the minister emphasized that the dam is not designed and built for political purpose rather to harness the socio-economic benefits that particular infrastructure provides.

The country has not achieved universal electricity access and access to electricity is very low. Some 65 million people in Ethiopia are without electricity. “ You cannot imagine this much people are sleeping in darkness.”

Ethiopia is not focusing on its development only, but also on the development of the region, he disclosed, adding that when it has excess electricity it can share to the region. “ We are already interconnected with Sudan and we supply them with up to 300 MW; and we are connected with Djibouti.”

Sileshi explained that the dam is very near to the border with Sudan, about 40kms. This is in fact a huge infrastructure that serves to transform Sudan. The assertion that GERD is built for political purpose is fake. It is meant to transform the lives and livelihoods of the 110 million people in Ethiopia who have actually contributed each and every walk of their resources to build the dam.

ENA. ET

 

Chatham House Africa Programme has held a Webinar today (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.

Head of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), Ms. Birtukan Mideksa, Attorney General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Chairman of Ethiopian Social Democratic Party (ESDP), Professor Beyene Petros, and Chairman of Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA), Professor Berhanu Nega were guest speakers.

Ms. Birtukan said the upcoming election would be a substantial national undertaking where 50 million people are expected to register for voting in all of the regions in Ethiopia except in Tigray.

All of the political parties will have equal access to public facilities and the media, although the number of candidates, gender, and disability issues will be considered in the latter, she said.

She also said changes in nominating and appointing board members of NEBE and increment of engagements with civic society would pave the way to a fair and free election.

Given the legal and institutional level reforms that his office took so far, Dr. Gedion Timothewos said, the upcoming election is not the alpha and omega of the election process but a step to the long-term view to building a democratic system in the country.

Training is being provided to the law enforcement personnel to adopt the position of restraint and moderation during the election period, he said, adding that it would be the most genuine election we have entertained so far, although it might not be flawless.

Professor Beyene Petros acknowledged the various reforms and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initiatives that helped competing political parties to have a say in different matters.

He also cited issues related to financing elections, unpaid civil servants and candidacy, and lack of updates on election monitors and observers as challenges that he has observed.

Professor Berhanu Nega, on his part, said the upcoming election would be our chance to see a democratically elected government that is expected to entertain huge national questions in a civilized manner, without resorting to violence.

If we can succeed to have a genuine election in Ethiopia, the implication will be great to the rest of the continent and the future generation of Ethiopians, he added.

Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Teferi Melesse has also addressed the panel with a speech highlighting the government’s commitment to run a free and fair election.

Chatham House is an independent policy institute that envisages providing authoritative commentary on world events and offering solutions to global challenges.

Please click here to get access to the whole discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixwoVelt7LI&feature=youtu.be

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. 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, 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 to the delivery of humanitarian support.

According to the Minster, food and non-food items were delivered for more than 1.8 million beneficiaries aimed at addressing more than 2.5 million beneficiaries across the region as lack of banking service, market failure, and pending salary payments are forced to cover a greater number of beneficiaries.

He said, for efficient and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) has been established at Mekelle comprising of relevant line ministries, regional bureaus, UN-Agencies, bi-laterals, and international NGO’s.

Most parts of the region are accessible and a conducive environment has been created to speed up the delivery of food and non-food supplies to the needy people in the region, he added.

The federal government is working on mobilizing resources for the recovery and rehabilitation of damaged and destroyed economic and social infrastructures as well as humanitarian assistance, the Minister said.

According to Mr. Demeke, refugees in the region are one of the priority areas of the government to maintain their safety and security and ensure the continuous supply of food and non-food items.

In the refugee camps, where access and issues are related to safety and security, he said, the government has taken immediate action by relocating and maintaining basic humanitarian services.

MoFA

 

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, H.E. 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.

State Ministers H.E.Ambassador Birtukan Ayano and H.E. Mrs. Tsion Teklu, African Ambassadors and heads of international organizations based in Addis Ababa and other invited guests were also in attendance.

On the occasion, professor Hirut expounded on her plans to carry out if elected.

She also shared a wide range of her vision with the audience if her bid to the position in the AU would turn out to be successful.

Speaking at the occasion, the candidate’s friends and former colleagues presented their testimonials lauding her level of education and extensive experience she has acquired holding high-level public and private responsibilities that would make her well-suited to run the office.

MoFA

 

 

President Sahle-Work Zewde held talks with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. The High Commissioner, who visited the Tigray region to assess the security and rehabilitation efforts, said that he has seen some encouraging progress. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees will undertake various humanitarian activities in partnership with the government of Ethiopia to support the return of refugees from the region.
It is to be recalled that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has visited refugee camps in the Tigray region.

State Minister H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussien, conferred with the UN’s envoy to the Horn of Africa region, H.E. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.

The discussion between the two sides covered several issues related to the law enforcement operation in Tigray and events ensued after the conclusion of the campaign.

Ambassador Redwan briefed the UN envoy on the federal government’s efforts in rehabilitating and reconstructing destroyed infrastructure in Tigray and in delivering humanitarian assistance to affected people in the region.

The recent UNHCR Chief H.E. Filippo Grandi’s visit to Eritrean refugee camps in Tigray has also been fruitful for it has revealed the reality on the ground contrary to falsehoods and misrepresentations from various fronts.

Ambassador Redwan also briefed the UN official on Ethiopia’s commitment to peace in resolving the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute.

Mr. Parfait Onanga Anyanga, on his part, commended the government’s efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance in the Tigray region.

He said insatiability and insecurity are expected in such difficult times and the UN is keen to support the Ethiopian government by providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to affected people.

The special envoy also appreciated the Ethiopian government’s commitment to peace regarding its border dispute with Sudan.

Mr. Parfait Onanga Anyanga finally thanked Ambassador Redwan for making things clearer regarding issues surrounding the situations in Tigray.

MoFA

• Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, has presented the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing today (February 02) focusing on some of the notable diplomatic activities of the Ministry, Diplomatic Engagements with #Neighbouring and #NileBasin Riparian Countries, Various engagements by the Ministry and relevant bodies regarding issues related to #Tigray, including major activities related to #EconomicDiplomacy, #Citizencentred diplomatic activities and #capacity building. Please find the summary of the briefing below:

I. #DiplomaticActivities

• A three-day workshop regarding the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue was held in the presence of H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia. The meeting was concluded reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to resolve the issue peacefully through reactivating existing mechanisms for the re-demarcation process.
• H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia had a meeting with President-Designate of COP26 for climate change, Honourable Alok Sharma. Mr. Demeke reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to building Climate Resilient Green Economy.
• Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen bids farewell to outgoing US ambassador H.E. Michael Raynor appreciating his fruitful tenure that cemented relationships between the two countries.
• State Minister H.E. Tsion Teklu received copies of the credentials of Amb.-designate of Switzerland to Ethiopia, H.E. Tamara Mona. They discussed a range of issues, particularly on the need to cement relationships in trade & investment & cooperate on migration issues.
• State Minister H.E. Tsion Teklu received a copy of the credentials of the ambassador of Kenya to Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Jean Njeri Kamau. The two sides noted the need to exhaust opportunities to expand relations in trade, investment, tourism, & people-to-people engagements.
• State Minister H.E. Tsion Teklu received at her office H.E Ambassador Elhamdi Salah of Algeria to Ethiopia to discuss ways and means to foster the economic cooperation between Algeria and Ethiopia.
• H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene addressed the joint committees of Foreign Affairs and Development Committee of the European Parliament regarding the current situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, and exchanged views with the members of the joint committees.

II. Diplomatic Engagements with #Neighbouring and #NileBasin Riparian Countries

• H.E. President Sahle-Work Zewde paid a working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania. During the discussions with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, the Presidents exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and continental issues. They highlighted the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries. In line with this, the two presidents have agreed to hold the next joint-ministerial commission meeting in March or April of this year and to work closely in the many sectors including trade, investment, and aviation. It is to be recalled that Tanzania was the first riparian country to ratify the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) on the use of the Nile waters.
• H.E.Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the FDR of Ethiopia visited the DRC and held discussions with H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the DRC. They discussed bilateral and regional issues. They, in particular discussed about the diplomatic representation of Ethiopia in the DRC. President Sahle congratulated H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi as in few days he will receive the chairmanship of the African Union to from South Africa. President Sahle-work promised to bring him help, support and hospitality during her term at the head of the continental institution. In keeping with the principle of finding African solutions to African problems he will be presiding over the tripartite negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
• H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia received at his office, H.E. Mohamed Abdirizak, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Discussions included bilateral & regional issues of common interest.
• H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and a special envoy to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, delivered H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s message to H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya. On the occasion, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues. The Ethiopian delegation also comprises State Minister, H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussein and other senior officials.

III. Engagements and relevant activities regarding Situations in Tigray

• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of H.E. Demeke Mekonnen participated in an online meeting facilitated by Atlantic Council-Africa Center to address current issues in the country and the region that concern the international community. His presentation clarified foggy issues and debunked unfounded claims over the objectives of the law enforcement operation and matters related to humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation efforts in Tigray, including the situation of IDPs and Eritrean refugees. Some members of the Biden administration were in attendance.
• Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, briefs EU Ambassadors and representatives of European countries on the humanitarian assistance efforts underway in Tigray.
• President Sahle-Work met and discussed with High Commissioner for UNHCR Filippo Grandi regarding the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Tigray. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of H.E. Demeke Mekonnen also held a fruitful discussion with Filippo Grandi on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Tigray and the situation of refugees. Mr. Grandi, accompanied by H.E. Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Peace H.E. 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) also visited Mai-Aini Refugee camp.
• UN Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, H.E. Gilles Michaud discussed with government officials in Addis Ababa and Mekelle on speedy and secured delivery of humanitarian assistance in Tigray. He had discussions with Minister of Peace H.E. Muferihat Kamil regarding the provision of effective and secured delivery of humanitarian assistance in Tigray regional state. He also met State Minister, H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussien to discuss issues related to the humanitarian operations in the region.
• The Ministry of Women, Children and Youth (MoWCY) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have announced that a special joint task force has been established to investigate claims of violence against women in Tigray
• ENDF announced that it has seized stock of pharmaceuticals plundered by the TPLF clique from various health facilities

IV. #Economic and #CitizenCentred Diplomacy

• Rising Ethiopia campaign has started its third phase by launching the Ethiopia Investment Promotion Weeks which will last from 1 Feb – 14 Feb 2021.State Minister Tsion Teklu and other high-level officials have presented remarks at the webinar that heralded the commencement of the third phase.
• The Embassy of Ethiopia in the Hague, Netherlands, in collaboration with key Ethiopian and Dutch stakeholders, hosted an investment opportunities promotion webinar on Ethiopia’s agriculture. The promotion webinar entitled “Ethiopia: Focus on Agricultural Investment” was attended by over 50 individuals composed of Dutch companies and sectoral associations, Dutch business promotion organizations and financial institutions, as well as government officials from Ethiopia and the Netherlands.
• Ethiopian Embassy in Seoul and companies in South Korea held a virtual discussion on investment opportunities with Ethiopian stakeholders.
• Ethiopian Embassy in Newdelhi in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and in the presence of State Minister H.E. Ambassador Misganu Arega, successfully conducted an online business promotion event. More than 130 Indian companies have participated in it.
• More than 900 Ethiopian citizens were repatriated from Saudi Arabia

V. #CapacityBuilding

• Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs standing committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia appreciated the 6 month performance of the Ministry and pointed out some issues that the Ministry has to deal with even to register a better performance.
•Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs standing committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia and some senior government officials are attending a 3-day seminar prepared by the Ministry that aimed at equipping the attendees with the major activities of various departments in the Ministry, including core issues in the country’s foreign policy.

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