H.E.Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia has participated in an online meeting facilitated by Atlantic Council-Africa Center on Thursday (January 28) to address current issues in the country and the region to the international community, where some US congress members and Staff of Biden administration were in attendance.

The meeting addressed several issues ranging from the current situation in Tigray and matters related to humanitarian assistance efforts and access to aid agencies in the region, allegations of human rights abuses and refugees, including the status of the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute.

The Deputy Prime Minister delivered briefings together with State Minister, H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussien and, Mr. Tesfahun Gobezay, Director General at Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA).

The meeting noted that following the successful completion of the law enforcement operation against the unwarranted attack of the TPLF clique on the ENDF, the region has returned to normalcy with the joint efforts of the federal government and the Interim government of Tigray in rehabilitating the socio-economic fabric of the society and rebuilding infrastructures destroyed by the junta.

The representatives of the Ethiopian government also provided accurate figures correcting the erroneous claims of some reports about the number of people who need humanitarian assistance in Tigray reiterating that 1.8 million people have already been in Productive Safety Net Programs and those of the people who are affected as a result of the crisis are 700, 000 people.

In this regard, they said, one million and 46 thousand people have been reached with the humanitarian assistance dispatched to the region, from all of the 92 distribution centers in the region’s zones, saving a few who have some security restrictions.

Downplaying the claims of some staff of INGOs and international organizations to politicize the matter, the Ethiopian officials said that the government of Ethiopia is providing humanitarian assistance for the people of Tigray and readying for partners to visit the area based on the guidelines of the government.

The issue of Eritrean refugees has also been a subject of discussion where the Ethiopian representatives expressed their uneasiness in witnessing false and politically motivated allegations even though local and International Agencies have addressed humanitarian assistance to 60% of the total Eritrean refugees in Tigray who are specifically sheltered in Mai Ayni and Adi Harush camps.

The remaining Eritrean refugees, who were in the sub-standard Shimelba camp and the inhospitable Hitsats site, where Eritrean opposition used to get military training from the junta, are sheltered in different parts of Tigray and the Amhara region, they added.

The meeting also highlighted the grave human rights violations of the TPLF clique, particularly in Mikadra, as attested by independent and international human rights groups and underscored the need to further investigate allegations of sexual violence by members of the ENDF, although no independent body has provided evidence yet for this and other egregious claims.

Regarding the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, it is said that Ethiopia is committed to resolving the problem through negotiation but requires the Sudanese side to evacuate their army that has encroached deep into the Ethiopian territories destroying lives and properties of Ethiopian farmers.

 

The National Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Multi-sectoral Response Ministerial Committee held its regular meeting in response to the humanitarian and social crisis in the northern part of the country as well as in the process of rehabilitating the affected areas.

Sector reports on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance as well as the rehabilitation process were presented.

The reports provided an overview of the activities of the center and sectoral stakeholders, as well as the ongoing humanitarian assistance and ongoing rehabilitation process.

The chairperson of the Ministerial Committee, Peace Minister Muferihat Kamil, advised to strengthen further identification of priorities and gave directions to continue provision of speedy humanitarian support and services.

MoP

HE. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia met today (January 27) with EU Ambassadors and representatives of European countries to discuss issues of mutual concern.

On the occasion, Mr. Demeke delivered a detailed briefing on the humanitarian assistance efforts that the government and pertinent bodies are undertaking in the Tigray region.

In this regard, he said food and non-food items, including pharmaceuticals, are being delivered to people in Tigray identifying their needs and facilitating the delivery through the 92 distribution centers.

He said various government agencies, international humanitarian organizations, and aid agencies are collaborating well in rendering humanitarian relief services in the region.

Telecom, banking, electric power supply, and other basic services have been reactivated and resumed functioning coupled with the government’s efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild destroyed infrastructures Mr. Demeke said.

He said the interim administration of the region is also functioning well and is undertaking its normal duties in all areas of the region with close consultation and collaboration with the federal government.

Regarding the allegations of human rights abuses, Mr.Demeke reiterated the government’s commitment to probing into the issue.

The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the ambassadors’ concerns on the upcoming general election in the country and other regional issues.

The ambassadors appreciated Mr. Demeke for addressing their concerns.

The meeting ended with an agreement to work closely and continue engagements.

MoFA

H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene addressed the joint committees of Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Development Committee (DEVE) of the European Parliament regarding the current situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, and exchanged views with the members of the joint committees, today on the 26th of January 2021.

Ambassador Hirut briefed the honourable members of the joint committees of the European Parliament on the genesis and reason behind the Law and Order ascertaining Operation in Tigray, and current efforts of providing humanitarian assistance as well as the task of rebuilding damaged infrastructures and the restoration of public service in Tigray. Ambassador Hirut further explained that the government is now focused on the following key priorities: delivering much needed humanitarian assistance, bringing the perpetrators before the law, investigating atrocities, reassuring the community, and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

The Chair of the Development Committee, Tomas Tobe, recalled that he had visited Ethiopia with members of his committee fifteen months ago, and expressed hope that Ethiopia will be a shining example of success for its region, but it is urgent to address the humanitarian challenges.

The Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Witold Jan Waszczykowski, mainly expressed concerns about the current situation in Ethiopia and invited the Ambassador to clarify some of the issues.

Representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the International Partnership Commission (INTPA), and the Commission for Crisis Management also presented their views on the situation in Ethiopia and the region at large.

The Ambassador responded to the questions and opinions raised by the members of the joint committee, among others, on the humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, the upcoming national elections in Ethiopia, and the relations between Ethiopia and the Sudan.

The exchange of views session is hoped to bring a balanced view about the current situation in Ethiopia.

H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance briefed Mr. Erik Habers, Charge De Affair and Head of Cooperation of EU Delegation in Addis Ababa on the ongoing humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Tigray. The minister addressed concerns raised by the EU delegation regarding access to humanitarian assistance in Tigray region. He elaborated that the ground security situation has improved significantly paving way for more access to the provision of humanitarian assistance such as food, non-food items, and medical supplies to most parts of the region.

The Minister underlined the distribution is being facilitated by the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC). He also said the distribution involves various government institutions and is being undertaken in coordination with development partners such UNOCHA and others. He also explained that priority is given to women, children, elderly and disabled persons in the distribution. The minister affirmed that the Government of Ethiopia is working hard to address the humanitarian needs of the region with a sense of urgency.

The meeting was concluded by agreeing to have a continuous engagement with the view of strengthening the multifaceted cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU.

Ministry of Finance – Ethiopia

Minister of Peace, H.E. Muferihat Kamil, has received the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr. Catherine Sozi, to discuss the ongoing humanitarian assistance in Tigray Region.

The Minister has reiterated that road infrastructure; banking and telecom services are being restored in the state. She said the government is giving priority to ensuring the rehabilitation of those affected following the law enforcement process in the northern part of the country. Minister Muferihat also stated her concerns regarding the misinformation being disseminated on the issue.

Dr. Sozi, for her part, said the progress being made in providing vital humanitarian assistance is commendable. She added that she would work through her organization to investigate the misleading information that has been disseminated in connection with the situation.

The two sides have also underlined that they would continue to work together in connection with the humanitarian assistance being provided in the northern part of the country.

 

 

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, has presented the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing today focusing on major diplomatic activities, the latest developments in Tigray, the Ethio-Sudan border issue, including major activities related to Economic Diplomacy, citizen-centered diplomacy and activities in capacity building. Here is summary of the press briefing:

I. Diplomatic Activities

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia met UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, H.E. Dominic Raab on January 22 at his office and had discussions on a wide range of issues. Mr.Demeke’s briefing focused on the ongoing humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Tigray and Ethiopia’s commitment to continue to address the effects of climate change. The Secretary of State expressed the commitment of the UK government to continue to support Ethiopia’s development efforts, including girls’ education. [During his stay in Ethiopia, Mr. Dominic Raab, signed agreements, visited a school in Addis Ababa, and Gondar (to observe UK’s support related to humanitarian assistance), met with H.E. President Sahle-Work and H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed].

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen had a telephone conversation on Wednesday with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr.Tibor Nagy. Their conversation covered, A briefing by Mr.Demeke on the successful rule of law operation in Tigray, the ongoing humanitarian efforts, including the rehabilitation of the infrastructure destroyed by the TPLF junta in the region, the government’s efforts to stabilize Tigray, the situation and treatment of Eritrean refugees, the atrocities committed in Maikadra and other areas, and the efforts to apprehend criminals. Mr.Tibor Nagy, on his part, lauded Ethiopia’s efforts to overcome the situation in the Northern part of the country. He underscored that the United States government applauds Ethiopia’s success as its own achievement.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia received at his office today (January 25), the departing ambassador of the state of Israel to Ethiopia, H.E. Raphael Morav. The two sides noted the strong cooperation between the two countries in health, agriculture, capacity building, and technology transfer. Their discussion also included the efforts made by the Ethiopian government to address the needs for humanitarian assistance in Tigray. They also noted that the recent border dispute with Sudan and the ongoing negotiations over the GERD should get peaceful resolutions.

H.E. TayeAtske Selassie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations met on January 23 with UN SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms.Pramila Patten and briefed her on the situation in Tigray. He underscored Ethiopia’s ZERO tolerance policy on sexual violence and emphasized the need for further engagement on the alleged violations made by her office.

II. Situation in Tigray

• Humanitarian organizations, such as the UNHCR, have been given access to Adi Harush and Mai Aini camps of Eritrean refugees
• The government, through its agencies and in collaboration with humanitarian agencies, has continued providing food and non-food items to people in Tigray
• Reports that claim that 4.5. Million people in Tigray in need of humanitarian assistance are unsubstantiated
• The authority on this matter, the National Disaster Risk Management Commission said 2.5 million people require humanitarian assistance and 1.8. million of them are registered aid recipients way (under various schemes) before the commencement of the law enforcement operation
• the National Disaster Risk Management Commission has continued to distributing all the necessary supplies, food, non-food items and pharmaceuticals to the needy, although infrastructure destroyed by the TPLF clique made the distribution difficult
• As Ethio Telecom has announced, preparations are underway to fully restore telecom services in all parts of Tigray
• The government has allocated all its time, energy and resources to rebuild infrastructures that are irreparably damaged by the TPLF group
• Allegations regarding sexual violence in Tigray will be investigated. But the allegation do not commensurate to Ethiopia’s zero tolerance to sexual violence and the ethical track record of the Ethiopian defence forces serving in various UN peacekeeping missions. We do not have to rule out the possibility that the alleged violence might be committed by opportunistic criminal groups, including thousands of prisoners that the TPLF clique had deliberately released from prisons in Tigray.

III. Ethiopia-Sudan Border Issue

• the leaders of the Sudan are beating war drums and have continued to looting and displacing Ethiopian farmers
• Ethiopia still believes that the issue can be solved amicably through negotiation
• But before the commencement of any negotiation, we demand the Sudanese army to evacuate the area that it has occupied currently by displacing Ethiopian farmers as of November 6 2020, and respect its agreement to keep the status quo

IV. Economic Diplomacy

• State Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with Ethiopian Leather Industries Association, held an online discussion to promote ‘Ethiopian High Land Leather’ to the African market with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency project to promote high-quality Ethiopian products in potential market areas. Our missions in Kampala, Pretoria, Abuja, Accra, & Rabat participated in the meeting. Based on market demand assessments, State Minister H.E. TsionTeklu said, two Ethiopian missions in African countries will be selected in the current fiscal year to create market linkages through trade fairs and other activities through the JICA project.
• H.E. Fitsum Arega Ambassador of Ethiopia to the USA, had an engaging roundtable discussion with about 40 U.S. Business representatives, hosted by the U.S. Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU). He briefed the participants on the investment opportunities available in Ethiopia for U.S. businesses & the enabling environment for the private sector by the ongoing economic reform programs. He highlighted the priority areas of Ethiopia’s 10 Year National Perspective Plan recently adopted by the Council of Ministers.
• H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg, and EU institutions, discussed the pharmaceutical sector investment opportunities in Ethiopia with a group led by Mr. Mohsen Ramez, Managing Director of Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. The embassy briefed the company on the wide-ranging opportunities that exist in the pharmaceutical sector in Ethiopia.
• Ethiopian Embassy in Algeria hosted Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Investment Promotion Event, attended by 44 participants. The event showcased Ethiopia’s potential to Algerian companies. Potential Cooperation framework was discussed between regulatory agencies of the two countries.
• Ethiopia is participating in the 38th Khartoum International Trade Exhibition that kicked off on Thursday (January 21). Ethiopian companies engaged in Small and Medium-scale Industries such as textile and garment, leather products, traditional food and agro-processing, construction materials production are promoting their products to visitors. The Exhibition enables, the Embassy in Khartoum to promote Ethiopian trade, investment, and tourism opportunities as well as to conduct its campaign themed under Rising Ethiopia.

V. Citizen-Centred Diplomacy

• State Minister H.E. Ambassador BirtukanAyano announced that Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent who are living abroad have contributed 27 million birr so far in supporting the ‘Gebeta le Hager’ Project. The State Minister also appreciated and hoped for the continuance of the remarkable financial and other contributions to the construction of the GERD, the fight against the COVID19 pandemic, and humanitarian assistance to affected people for various reasons.
• The positive Campaign on Ethiopia under the theme Rising Ethiopia has started its second phase successfully ending the first phase that aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s potential in tourism. The second phase will be held under the theme, “Diaspora Business week” from 25th-31st January. It aims to promote Ethiopian Diaspora Business using social media platforms.
• We have repatriated 281 citizens from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

VI. Capacity Building

The Ethiopian Foreign Service Training Institute, via State Minister H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano and H.E. Ambassador Arega Hailu Teffera presented its 6 months performance to the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Standing Committee for Peace and Foreign Relations. The institute provided 12 diplomatic training to over 800 staff of the Ministry covering a range of topics.