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.