The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has learnt with disappointment of the decision of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to cancel the deployment of its observation mission for the upcoming general elections.

All possible efforts were made by the Government to conclude the Administrative Arrangement for the deployment of the mission, but these were to no avail. When the EU requested to observe the 6thnational elections earlier this year, the Government of Ethiopia immediately accepted and started negotiating in good faith on the draft agreement for the deployment of the observation mission. All concerned government institutions and the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) were engaged in the process, and while work was underway to finalize the Agreement, the Government also welcomed and facilitated the visit of the Exploratory Mission of the EU to Ethiopia two month ago. The Exploratory Mission had a productive stay and held discussions with various stakeholders. This was the impression the Government obtained from the Mission upon the completion of its work and whose recommendations later on led to the decision by the EU to deploy the observer mission.

While the Government was working tirelessly and expeditiously hoping to reach an agreement on the modality of the deployment, it is very unfortunate to have learnt that the issue of communications equipment was put forth as a deal-breaker for the EU to observe one of the most hoped-for democratic elections in the country’s history. The Government of Ethiopia, from the beginning, has made it abundantly clear that VSAT services can only be provided by the Ethio-telecom while accepting additional requests by the EU to import related equipment. As an important strategic partner and staunch supporter of the reform process, this demand by the EU has come as a surprise to the Government of Ethiopia, as none of these elements were a bone of contention in past elections. At a time when the telecommunication infrastructure in Ethiopia has made huge strides employing the latest available technologies, questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of its services is not a convincing reason to take the hasty decision of cancelling the mission’s deployment.

In the same vein, the EU has also rejected the proposal by the Ethiopian side to include in the Agreement that statements or public comments by the observer mission prior to the issuance of its preliminary findings and conclusions not be prejudicial to the election process or influence the perception of the public, on the result of the election to be announced only by NEBE. This concern stems from the fact that in the past, such pronouncements by other EU observer missions had serious repercussions on the country as a whole.

The Government is committed to make the upcoming elections free, fair, and democratic and is determined to continue working with all stakeholders to make it so. While external observers could add some value to strengthen the quality of electoral processes, they are neither essential nor necessary to certify the credibility of an election. The validity and legitimacy of Ethiopia’s election is determined solely by Ethiopian laws, Ethiopian institutions, and ultimately, by the people of Ethiopia.

Spokesperson Office
04 May 2021

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia had to issue this press statement because of the unwarranted, provocative and increasingly bellicose propaganda campaign by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan against Ethiopia. Ethiopia has for long refrained from reacting to the numerous fabricated stories appearing in the press statements of Sudanese institutions and remarks by government officials taking into account the historic and fraternal relations between the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and the Sudan. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia with a view of putting the record straight would like to make the following points very clear to the brotherly people of the Sudan and the international community at large.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sudan in its press statement issued on 1st May 2021, has once again attempted to mislead the people of the Sudan and the international community on issues related to the Ethiopia-Sudan boundary and the trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia, as an old independent and sovereign country, has time tested reputation in respecting international treaties and obligations it has signed.
The unfounded statement of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry only aims at covering up the continuing aggression committed by the Sudan since 6 November 2020, in violation of international principles, bilateral agreements and established joint boundary mechanisms. The unprecedented hostile military actions by the Sudan, the current Chair of our regional organization, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has resulted in the looting and burning of properties, killing of civilians as well as, the displacement of thousands of Ethiopians.
Ethiopia strongly believes that all the recent actions and vitriolic propaganda campaigns of the Government of the Sudan against Ethiopia do not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the peace-loving people of the Sudan. Ethiopia has been consistently calling the Government of the Sudan to reverse its aggression and resolve the boundary issue in accordance with bilateral agreements and joint boundary mechanisms to finalize the re-demarcation process.
The reference in the Sudanese statement to the BenishangulGumuz Region of Ethiopia is indeed utterly ridiculous. It is common knowledge that Ethiopia’s historic territories in the west would have been extended beyond what is now Ethiopia`s boundary if it was not for the existing boundary agreements.
The attempt by the Government of the Sudan to mix the boundary treaties with the unjust, exclusive and colonial-based bilateral “agreements” on the utilization of the waters of the Nile is regrettable. As far as Ethiopia is concerned, it has repeatedly expressed its position regarding those colonial-based agreements, whose sole aim was and still is to deny the rights of upper riparian states, including Ethiopia, to use the waters of the Nile. Ethiopia, therefore categorically rejects any and all attempts to preserve a self-appropriated water quota among the downstream countries. The insistence of downstream countries to monopolize the waters of the Nile and politicization of technical issues are the main challenges that the trilateral negotiations have faced.
Ethiopia calls for the peaceful resolution of the boundary issues with the Sudan based on the existing joint boundary mechanisms and finalizing the trilateral negotiations on the GERD in accordance with the Declaration of Principles (DoP) of 2015. In fact, it is not clear, to whose interest that the current authorities in the Sudan have suddenly changed their position, although they had repeatedly pointed out that the GERD has enormous benefits to the Sudan.
Ethiopia highly values the historical and brotherly relations that exist between the two countries and thus still committed to address all related issues through dialogue and negotiations. It once again calls upon the Government of the Sudan to desist from an unhelpful campaign and commit itself to dialogue and peaceful resolution. In this connection, Ethiopia looks forward to the engagement of the international community in encouraging the Sudan towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
SpokespersonOffice
04 May 2021

H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg and EU institutions, met and discussed with H.E. Franz Fayot, Minister of Development Cooperation and Economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Mr. Tom Reisen, Head of the sub-Saharan Division and Deputy Director of Political Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Ms. Cindy Thereba, Director of International Affairs of Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Diederick Zambon, Head of Division for Africa in European Investment Bank (EIB) in Luxembourg.

H.E. Ambassador Hirut has a fruitful exchange with H.E. Franz Fayot, Minister of Development Cooperation and Economy, on various issues, including the existing bilateral economic ties and ways to improve it further, as well as the current situation in Ethiopia and the upcoming elections. The two sides agreed to look into cooperation in the ICT and finance sector capacity building.

Meeting with Mr. Tom Reisen, Head of the sub-Saharan Division and Deputy Director of Political Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Hirut briefed him about the current situation in Ethiopia and the ongoing negotiation on GERD. Mr Reisen has expressed his country closely follows up the current situation through the EU framework and noted the briefing has given him a chance to see Ethiopia’s points of view. They also agreed to further deepen the relations and strengthen the cooperation between the two sides.

During her discussion with Ms. Cindy Thereba, Director of International Affairs of Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg, the Ambassador appreciated the made so far, including the Luxembourg business delegation that went to Ethiopia in 2016 and further noted the possibilities to create more links between the two chambers. Madam Thereba expressed hope more trade delegation exchange could happen once the COCID situation subsides.

Her Excellency Ambassador Hirut also exchanged views with Mr. Diederick Zambon, Head of Division for Africa in European Investment Bank (EIB) and his team and appreciated the Bank’s operational focus on the private sector, microfinance and women entrepreneurship and encouraged it to increase its activities and presence in more fields whilst speeding up its disbursements for the ongoing projects in Ethiopia. Mr Zambon, on his part, noted about more prospects to expand cooperation in the post cotonu framework.

Ambassador Hirut has concluded her mission to Luxembourg with the a fresh look on various areas of cooperation that could be promoted for mutual benefits.

On April 21, 2021, H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Belgium, Luxembourg and EU Institutions, presented her letter of credence to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg His Royal Highness Henri, in a ceremony organized at the Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg.

On the occasion, H.E. Ambassador Hirut and His Royal Highness exchanged views regarding the longstanding relations that the two countries have been enjoying for close to a century.

His Royal Highness has expressed wishes Ethiopia well succeed in its reforms and overcome its internal challenges.

Ambassador Hirut took the occasion to brief His Royal Highness about the upcoming election, the efforts to maintain peace and security and address humanitarian challenges in the country.

His Royal Highness also mentioned the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Hirut expressed to His Royal Highness her readiness to work in further deepening the relations between the two countries.

H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene held a virtual discussion with a team led by Mr. Patrick Jean Gilabert, Head of UNIDO Office in Brussels, Representative to the European Union, and OACPS, about how to collaborate to increase the efficiency of promotion activities for the country’s diverse range of investment opportunities.

H.E. Ambassador Hirut stated that UNIDO has been involved in various industrial capacity development projects in the country for many years. The most recent example of UNIDO’s involvement in the country’s evelopment projects are the technical assistance project for upgrading the Ethiopian leather and leather products industry, as well as its support in the development of the Integrated Agro Industry Parks (IAIPs), she added.

Mr. Gilbert, on his part, noted that Ethiopia is one of the eight ACP countries selected for the UNIDO program called “Business Friendly and Inclusive National and Regional Policies to Strengthen Productive Capacity and Value Chains.” He also underscored his office is ready to collaborate with the embassy on investment promotion capacity building program to improve the promotional activities.

During the discussion, Mrs. Aurelia Patrizia CALABRO, UNIDO’s Country Representative and Regional Director, explained that UNIDO is currently working in Ethiopia on three major investment projects: agro-industry, leather and leather product industry, and textile industry.

Both parties agreed to collaborate closely to explore how Ethiopia can benefit from UNIDO’s national and regional business promotion capacity building programs.

Ethiopia’s 6th National Elections are scheduled to take place in the month of June 2021— a mere few weeks away. The highly anticipated elections will arguably be the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s first free and fair elections. Since 2018, the current administration has embarked on a path of democratization with a commitment to widening the political space and enabling a conducive environment for a democratic and informed discourse. Realization of this commitment is not without any difficulties. Nevertheless, the Federal government’s will to persevere along the intended path of democratization remains uncompromised.

Following the failure of the previous regime to build a democratic culture, Ethiopia is now confronted with the twin challenges of building the necessary institutions and mindsets to enable a robust democratic culture and practice. Ethiopians are also presented with an opportunity to transition the country into a new era of governance and prosperity befitting its long history and aspirations of its proud people and the ample growth potential our country possesses. To this end, the Federal government’s commitment to hold the first free, fair and peaceful elections has been founded on ongoing preparations to meet this goal.

A National Election Security Committee comprising members of the Federal Police, the Attorney General, the National Intelligence and Security Service, and the Ministry of Defence and regional representatives has been established by the government to ensure a peaceful and legitimate election. Discussions have been underway on the role the government must play in ensuring citizens exercise their Constitutional rights to vote freely. Special measures are being taken by the committee to identify areas where there is a risk of conflict. To deal with any election related grievances, the Federal Supreme Court the Supreme Court has set up dedicated electoral dispute adjudication benches. Political parties are aggressively campaigning across the country. To help voters make informed choices, election debates among contesting parties have begun with active participation of independent media and civil society on topics of national importance.

With a vested interest and commitment to democratization, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to convene Regional Presidents and the Head of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia with the objective of identifying and resolving bottlenecks or challenges in the pre-election phase. Resultantly, on February 2S, 2021 and April 17, 2021, the Prime Minister held virtual meetings to follow up on security arrangements and set up of polling stations in each region.

With a few weeks remaining, citizens are encouraged to timely register to vote in exercising their democratic rights and engage constructively throughout the electoral process to collectively ensure free and fair elections.

 

The spokesperson of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, gave the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing on 15 April 2021, to the media. In his presentation, the Ambassador focused on political diplomacy (with a focus on situations regarding humanitarian support and alleged atrocities on rights violations in Tigray and the GERD negotiations), the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, economic diplomacy, capacity building and citizen-centered diplomatic activities. Below is Summary of the Press Briefing

I. #PoliticalDiplomacy

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Demeke Mekonnen and H.E. Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Seleshi Bekele briefed African Ambassadors in Addis Ababa on the #GERD talks in Kinshasa and the Ethiopia Sudan border Issue. The Ministers:

• Highlighted issues at the Kinshasa meeting and Ethiopia`s perspectives on the matter.
• Said the AU led trilateral negotiation is the only viable way to reach a win-win outcome.
• Cooperation and the spirit of African brotherhood are the best option for the management and utilization of the waters of the Nile.
• said attempts of Egypt and the Sudan who claim the GERD as a threat to Arab water security (despite being in Africa like every other riparian country and unnecessarily politicizing the matter) is disappointing
• Said In line with the Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting of the African Union Bureau of the Assembly in July 2020, the most practical and workable way for a successful negotiation is first to agree on the first filling and related operations and then to proceed to a comprehensive agreement on the utilization of the waters of the Nile.
• underlined that Ethiopia, in good faith has invited Sudan and Egypt to assign operators for data exchange

• Regarding the border dispute, they said Ethiopia is committed to resolve the matter through a peaceful means based on the bilateral agreements and existing boundary mechanisms.

• The Ambassadors on their part expressed their profound thanks for the briefing and emphasized the importance of reaching a win-win outcome on the GERD through the AU led negotiation based on the principle of “African solutions to Africa`s problems.” They further appreciated Ethiopia`s determination to resolve the Ethiopia-Sudan boundary issue peacefully.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia held talks on Friday (April 09) with Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Special Envoy of the European Union and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland. Their meeting had covered the situation in Tigray, GERD, and Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute. Regarding the situation in Tigray the following points were raised:

• the government is committed to bring perpetrators to justice based on the findings of the joint investigation of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the UN
• the international community should support the government that still is covering 70 percent of the delivery reaching 4.5 million people so far.
• a roadmap has been charted out by the government to resettle internally displaced people before the upcoming rainy season.
• Life in the region has returned to normalcy and the government is initiating plans to have a wide-range consultation with the community to make the peace process sustainable while outlaws would have no option but to face justice.
• Mr. Haavisto said during his visit to the region the humanitarian agencies and the media operating there have told him that access to the region has been very much improved.
Regrading the Grand Renaissance Dam:
• Mr. Demeke reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the AU-led process and appreciation to the new Chairperson’s initiatives.
• The special envoy expressed his view that expediting information and data exchange before the commencement of the filling of the dam would be advisable.

Speaking about the Ethiopia-Sudan border conflict Mr. Demeke said it is regrettable that the international community did not openly criticize Sudan for occupying Ethiopia’s territories through the use of force.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia received at his office on Friday (April 9) the newly elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa. They discussed current situations in Tigray, Ethiopia’s commitment to the AU-led process over the GERD negotiations and the need to cooperate over COVID 19 vaccination issues.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Demeke Mekonnen had received yesterday WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti. Mr. Demeke said Ethiopia is keen to work with WHO to add up on the achievements registered in expanding Primary Health Care in the previous decades and cooperate on initiatives supporting affordable vaccine to COVID-19.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has held a phone conversation on Thursday (April 08) with Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Jeppe Kofod. They talked about GERD, Ethiopia’s commitment in bringing alleged human rights violation in Tigray based on the results of the joint Ethiopia-UN investigation, the Ethiopia-Sudan border issue and the upcoming election. On the election, Mr. Demeke said preparations are well underway to make it fair and free augmented by the efforts of the newly restructured and independent institution- the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia- (NEBE).

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a telephone conversation with National Security Advisor to President Biden, Jake Sullivan. Mr. Demeke said the situation in Tigray is improving, though demanding serious intervention and discussed issues over the #GERD where he underlined that the AU-Led negotiation is instrumental to solve outstanding issues. Mr. Demeke also talked about the border issue with Sudan and said it would be solved peacefully.”

State Minister H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano had attended the 27th anniversary commemoration of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis. She said the genocide in Rwanda was the result of divisive policies and hate speech and recalled that Ethiopia has played a leading role in sending peacekeepers, protecting the vulnerable and rehabilitating the country.

New ambassadors of Ethiopia who were appointed to Italy and Saudi Arabia have submitted their copies of credentials to officials of the stated countries, while Ethiopia has received copies of the credentials of new ambassadors of Israel, Bangladesh and Canada to Ethiopia.

II. #Ethiopia-#Sudan Border Dispute

Although Sudan is the current Chair of IGAD, it is regrettable to see it as the main actor in jeopardizing the peace & security of the Horn of Africa by invading Ethiopian territories, plundering and displacing civilians and beating war drums to occupy even more lands.

Ethiopia urges the international community to put pressure on Sudan to come to its senses and evacuate its troops from Ethiopian territories that it has forcefully occupied since 6 Nov. 2020 while the Ethiopian army was preoccupied with the law & order operation in Tigray.

Ethiopia is ready to solve its border dispute with Sudan using existing conflict resolution mechanisms once the status quo is maintained as per the 1972 Exchange of Notes b/n the two that prohibits displacement & force to solve border issues till amicable solution is found.

III. #EconomicDiplomacy

State Minister H.E. Tsion Teklu, has received a delegation of Romanian investors led by the Honorary Consul of Ethiopia in Romania. The State Minister highlighted investment opportunities and called on them to invest, especially in the agricultural sector.

Ethiopian Consulate General in Chongqing, China took part in the Chongqing Urban Tourism Festival and Intercity Tourism Trade Fair. Ethiopia’s coffee accompanied with the special ceremony was on display. Unique tourist destinations of Ethiopia were promoted during the ceremony as well.

The Consulate General Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Los Angeles in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and other stakeholders hosted a virtual Trade and Tourism Promotion Forum on Thursday to strengthen tourism and business ties between Ethiopia and the United States of America. This virtual promotion made a successful deliberation on Trade and Tourism opportunities available in Ethiopia.
In the virtual promotion forum, more than 102 Trade & Tourism representatives, representatives of various chambers of commerce and government representatives and different organizations are represented and attended both from Ethiopia and the United States of America.

The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry had held a virtual business forum on March 31, 2021, under the theme; “Introducing the Investment Opportunities and Trade Potentials of Ethiopia” in Abu Dhabi. The main objective of the event was to introduce the immense investment opportunities in Ethiopia and the vast trade potential that Ethiopia has to offer to the Abu Dhabi business community. More than 100 private companies of Abu Dhabi and higher government officials from Ethiopia took part in the event.

IIII. #Citizencentred Diplomacy

We have repatriated 2344 Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia (904 from Jeddah, 1348 from Riyadh) and 92 from Yemen.

Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East have continued to support the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

V. #Capacitybuilding

UAE’s “Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy” in collaboration with the Ethiopian Foreign Service Training Institute and Ethiopia’s embassy in UAE/ Abhu dabi has given a three day training for Director Generals at the headquarter via zoom on various topics, such as Combating violence and extremism, intercultural awareness, international cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and youth empowerment. The training has ended on 15 April 2021.

 

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia held talks today (April 09) with Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Special Envoy of the European Union and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Discussing the current situation in Tigray, the special envoy appreciated the recently announced agreement between the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the UN to jointly Investigate alleged human rights violations in the region.

In this regard, Mr. Demeke said the government is committed to bring perpetrators to justice based on the findings of the joint investigation between the two institutions.

On the humanitarian aid efforts in the region, the Deputy Prime Minister said the international community should support the government that still is covering 70 percent of the delivery reaching 4.5 million people so far.

The second round comprehensive assessment in identifying people who need humanitarian assistance in the region is concluded and is already under implementation, he said.

In some pocket areas where security problems exist the government provides humanitarian assistance in cooperation with the Ethiopian Defence Force, he added.

Mr. Haavisto, on his part, said during his visit to the region the humanitarian agencies operating there have told him that access to the region has been very much improved.

Speaking on the internally displaced people in the region a roadmap has been charted out by the government to be implemented to resettle people before the upcoming rainy season.

Life in the region has returned to normalcy, said the Deputy Prime Minister adding that the government is initiating plans to have a wide-range consultation with elders, the youth and the community in the region to make the peace process sustainable.

In this regard, following the end of the ultimatum issued by the government recently, outlaws would have no option but to face justice.

Their discussion also covered the GERD negotiations where Mr. Demeke reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the AU-led process and appreciation to the new Chairperson’s initiatives.

The special envoy expressed his view that expediting information and data exchange before the commencement of the filling of the dam would be advisable.

Speaking about the Ethiopia-Sudan border conflict Mr. Demek said it is regrettable that the international community did not openly criticize Sudan for occupying Ethiopia’s territories through the use of force.

The special envoy had paid a visit to Ethiopia a couple of months back and is expected to present his findings in his latest visit to the council of Ministers at the end of this month.

H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene held a discussion with the Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament, Honourable Witold Jan Waszczykowski today on the 7th of April 2021.

The discussions mainly focused on the current situation in the #Tigray Regional State, the upcoming National Elections in #Ethiopia, and latest developments on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (#GERD)negotiations, among others. The two sides further agreed to keep on exchanging views on national and regional matters.