Month: April 2018

Flag-Pins-Netherlands-Ethiopia

Ethiopia and the Netherlands are Strengthening their Political and Socio-Economic Cooperation

Ethiopia and the Netherlands are consolidating their social, political and economic cooperations hand in hand, according to Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, His Excellency  Bengt van Loosdrecht.

The two countries are working together in three fields (food security, healthcare and political freedom) which are very important for the growing population that depends on agriculture production.

Ambassador Bengt also says that Ethiopia and the Netherlands have been partners since 1991 when the government of Meles Zenawi took over the power. Since then, the Netherlands felt that there is some important thing happened in this country and proposed projects with a programme of shared growth and vision with all Ethiopians, he added.

Secondly, the Netherlands want to support Ethiopia particularly in basic services like healthcare and education. In this regard, Ambassador Bengt says the two countries are cooperating in Sexual and Reproduction Health Rights (SRHR), which is important for a growing nation.

According to the Ambassador, it is essential to know what women rights are, that they have to access to healthcare and livelihood.

The other support is on good governance for the judicial system to widen democratic space and diversity without wanting to change the system overnight; it is about giving people an option to expressing or voicing their ideas in their country.

It is about establishing fundamental freedoms that Ethiopia has adhered to. The political, diplomatic, economic and social cooperation of the two countries will further continue to reach the highest level.

http://bit.ly/2JD8rfP

U.S. official pledges closer economic, security ties with Ethiopia

U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto wrapped up his three East African nations tour on Friday 27 April with a pledge to boost economic and security ties with Ethiopia.

Yamamoto, who started his East Africa tour in Eritrea on Monday 23 April and then went to Djibouti on Wednesday 25 April, arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday with economic, peace, security issues being priorities for discussion.

Speaking to reporters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Yamamoto said the U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump sees Ethiopia as a key partner in economic and political issues.

“We discussed a wide range of issues particularly initiatives President Trump is looking at positioning the U.S. in making it a clear and critical partner not only for Ethiopia but for all of Africa on economic development, trade and investment,” he told reporters.

Yamamoto especially singled out Ethiopia’s ambitious industrialisation drive which aims to make the country of around 100 million an industrialised middle-income economy by 2025.

“The U.S. government has expressed keen interest to engage in Ethiopia’s industrialisation drive, in addition, they want to help Ethiopia add value on agriculture, to help Ethiopian goods be able to be exported to U.S. market,” he said.

Meles Alem, Spokesperson of Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), told journalists that the U.S. is very keen on a partnership with Ethiopia on specific sectors.

“Yamamoto and his Ethiopian counterparts have reached agreement on how they can proceed on energy and aviation partnership,” said Alem.

The discussion between Yamamoto and Ethiopian officials also touched upon regional and continental peace and security issues.

Alem mentioned discussions focusing on how to end the civil war in the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, and to counter the threat of Islamic militancy in Somalia.

Ethiopia has been the main base for South Sudan peace talks ever since civil war broke out in December 2013 and is currently hosting about half a million South Sudanese refugees.

Ethiopia is also a major troop contributing nation to a peacekeeping force in Somalia known as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which since 2007 has been trying to counter the threat of Al-Qaida linked militant group Al-Shabab and support a fragile Somalia federal government based in Mogadishu.

Yamamoto commended Ethiopia’s efforts to bring about peace in South Sudan through its chairmanship of the East Africa Bloc, the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

He pledged full U.S. support for efforts led by Ethiopia and IGAD to end South Sudan’s brutal civil war which has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 4 million people.

Yamamoto also told journalists the U.S. is keen to partner with Ethiopia to help Somalia build institutions and to help security coordination between Somalia federal government and regional administrations.

PM Abiy Ahmed visits Djibouti on his first foreign trip

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed concluded his two-day visit to Djibouti on 29 April 2018. He arrived in neighbouring Djibouti on Saturday in what was his first foreign trip since taking office in early April 2018. Leading a large delegation that included ministers, he was received by Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh at Ambouli International Airport.

During his visit, the Ethiopian Premier met with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to review the multifaceted relations of the two countries and exchanged views on regional security issues. The two leaders agreed to work closely on common issues, elevate the existing economic relations to a new height and work closely to speed up the economic integration of the two countries. 
The two sides gave due consideration to strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two countries and underscored the need to attach huge attention to joint border development and security. Ethiopia and Djibouti are highly interdependent and have many interests in common. Those interests have been boosted by the establishment of a Chinese-built, 756-kilometer electrified rail project, which officially started operations this year.

They evaluated the ongoing projects that are instrumental to our integration such as railway, road, water and telecom, power, and discussed on improving logistics and port efficiency both regarding cost and speed, partnering in the new port development. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen the existing Joint Ministerial Commission and IGAD’s job in the field of security, particularly in the fight against terrorism in the sub-region.

They also discussed on ways to enhance cooperation on multilateral fora such as the AU and the UN as well as underlined the importance of working towards the realisation of complete integration of the two economies. They further emphasised the need to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region to achieve the target set to transform the livelihoods of people of the two countries.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy also addressed the Djiboutian Parliament as well as visited Port Djibouti, Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) and Djibouti industrial park.

 

Ethiopia on right track towards ensuring human rights: UN Human Rights chief

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s visit to Ethiopia on April 22-25, 2018 has been very successful.

During his stay in Ethiopia, the Commissioner held talks with PM Abiy Ahmed, Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu, Speaker of the House Muferihat Kamil, Ethiopian Human Rights Commissioner, officials from Oromia regional state, Addis Ababa University community and different parts of the society in and outside Addis Ababa.

In his discussion with PM  Abiy, Prince Zeid Al Hussien noted during his visit to various parts of the country; he has been able to witness a new chapter unfolding in the development of human rights and democracy in Ethiopia.

The Commissioner said, following the inaugural speech of the Premier, he was “deeply impressed” by the renewed interest, hope and commitment all Ethiopians have demonstrated.

According to Zeid, this renewed feeling of the people would give further impetus to government’s ongoing efforts to bring about social justice in the country.

The Commissioner reiterated that he has taken pleasure with the idea that the speech by Prime Minister Abiy fully embraced the basic Declaration of Human Rights.

Expressing his contentment for being able to visit areas outside Addis without any restrictions, Zeid noted his talks, particularly with Aba Gaddas and officials of Bishoftu, confirmed the longstanding Ethiopian culture of democracy that has transcended millennia.

The Commissioner pledged to support the government of Ethiopia in its commitment to fulfilling the high demands of the wider public for a fast-paced transformation, giving due emphasis to technical and institutional capacity building of the Government, particularly in the field of human rights protection.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to open a Regional Office in Addis that covers 17 Eastern and South African countries.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Workneh and the Commissioner.

Ethiopia to introduce term limits for the office of Prime Minister

PM Abiy Ahmed announced his intention to amend the country’s constitution to the effect that terms of office for the Prime Minister to two terms.

Abiy Ahmed told thousands who welcomed him in the Hawassa capital of the Southern regional state that he was committed to deepening democratic reforms in the country. The trip was part of the countrywide tour that Abiy undertook upon taking office on April 2.

“Any leader of the country will not serve in office beyond two terms following the amendment on the constitution,” Abiy said, and added that “seizing power for a lifetime come to a dead end in Ethiopia.”

The current constitution stipulates that the term of office for the Prime Minister is unlimited.

Ethiopia uses a parliamentary system of government where the party with majority seats in parliament nominates a prime minister.

Abiy commended his predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, for resisting the temptation to cling to power.

‘‘Hailemariam resigned at a time when he can contribute a lot to his country. However, some leaders refuse to leave office though they have to retire.’‘

The prime minister also responded to various questions raised by participants regarding infrastructure, good governance, corruption, and gender equality among others.

He pledged to prioritise the fight against theft and corruption, improve empowerment of women and fill infrastructure gaps after necessary studies have been conducted to understand the needs.

Ethiopia and the EU hold a dialogue on regional peace and security

As part of the continuing sectoral dialogue under the EU-Ethiopia strategic engagement, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene conferred with a delegation led by Koen Vervaeke, the Managing Director for East Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 24 April.

The EU and Ethiopia decided to enhance the level of the partnership on 14 June 2016, when the then Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn and European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker signed a Joint Declaration towards an EU-Ethiopia Strategic Engagement.

The European Union wants to work with Ethiopia on regional issues and today’s discussion is part of the Union’s strategic engagement developed with Ethiopia over the years, Mr Vervaeke said.

Following the dialogue, he said that Ethiopia is a critical partner of the European Union, which already has a strong relationship with the country in political, development, security, and trade issues.

He added that the European Union is looking forward to further strengthening the existing relationship to the regional level.

“We mainly discussed the existing cooperation we have in Somalia and South Sudan; but also the critical positions to be taken in the coming months in order to pursue our commitment there,” Vervaeke elaborated.

According to him, the partners have also developed new areas of dialogue in the region overlooking the Red Sea and Yemen and impacts of the situation in the Horn of Africa. “It is really important to listen to what Ethiopia’s view, and see how we can work together,” he added.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene said Ethiopia had developed a strong strategic relationship with the European Union over the years.

She indicated that the discussion was focused on how to cooperate with the European Union on regional issues.

Hirut added, “we mainly discussed on the regional peace and security across the Red Sea line and the situation in the Horn of Africa, and the EU supports focusing on the stability of the Horn.”

PM Abiy Ahmed continues his national tour by stopping at Hawassa

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, who arrived in the city of Hawassa today (SNNP regional state) as part of his national tour, addressed the crowds at the Hawassa stadium.

In his speech, the Premier branded the SNNP regional state, the home of various nations and nationalities, as “the little Ethiopia” and “reflection of the great Ethiopia.”

“The Southern nation, nationalities are proud people who sacrificed for the sovereignty and unity of Ethiopia,” he said.

The Premier is hopeful that residents of the regional state will contribute their share for the unity and growth of the country.

The federal government, in partnership with the regional state, will work to ensures the sustainability of the economic growth being registered in the region, he said

The Premier finally called on the residents, and the youth, in particular, to exert utmost efforts for the economic growth of the country.

Chief Administrator of SNNP regional state, Desie Dalkie, for his part said the regional state is committed to the economic growth of the country.

He urged the Premier to work towards addressing corruption and maladministration in the regional state and ensuring its fair share of resources.

The Chief Administrator said the regional state will rally alongside the new Premier for the success of his plan. Desie also wished Prime Minister Dr Abiy a success.

The Premier also held a discussion with representatives of the society drawn from all parts of the regional state in the afternoon.

In his opening remark, he said, “the responsibilities that we discharge won’t be complete if we enter into works without consultation with the public.”

“We’ll enter into work after taking ideas and recommendations from the people. Our focus will be on development,” the Premier said.

“In order to build democracy, we’ll work to limit leaders’ term of office to two,” he added.

Former Premier given warm farewell

Former Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemaraim Desalegn was given a farewell yesterday by senior government officials and diplomats, including Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy presented the former Premier with the country’s Highest Medal and Highest Diploma of Honor at a farewell ceremony held at the National Palace.

During the event, Prime Minister Abiy thanked the former Premier for his contribution to the country and described him as “an academic who has a special quality that could be a model for all of us.”

“Hailemariam taught us a lot. He taught us that power should be used to serve the public, not for personal use,” he said.

The Premier further thanked former First Lady Roman Tesfaye for her contribution to the success of the former Premier Hailemariam Desalegn.

Hailemariam said the new Premier should be given time, support, and advice for the challenges that lie ahead, instead of criticizing him.

“The Prime Minister is young and can contribute a lot,” he said, adding “I’m happy to see that our country is on a good hand.” “Currently, the country is in a good wind of change. We should do our best to make the change meet the needs of all of us,” he said.

The former Premier finally thanked his form cabinet, public service staff, and all Ethiopians for the contribution they made for his success during his tenure as Prime minister.

Hailemariam resigned from his posts as Chairman of EPRDF and Prime Minister of Ethiopia in February to become part of a solution for the reforms underway in the country.

The former Premier transferred power peacefully to the newly elected Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.

Hailemariam was elected as Chairman of EPRDF and Prime Minister of Ethiopian in September 2012 following the sudden death of the great leader Meles Zenawi in August 2012.

 

Ethiopia intensifies efforts to realize pan-African university

Ethiopia has intensified its efforts towards the establishment of a pan-African university that aspires to pay tribute to black people’s achievements and history, with due emphasis given to the fight against colonialism.

An international conference that envisaged to fast-track the establishment of the Adwa Pan-African University is underway in Ethiopia’s northern town of Adwa.

Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, while addressing conference participants, has stressed the importance the Adwa Pan-African University in preserving African history and culture by focusing on Africans’ solidarity in the fight against colonialism.

Desalegn, who previously called on Ethiopians to support the establishment of the Adwa pan-African university as it mainly aspires to signify the contribution of black people from every walks of lives, also stressed the historical importance of the university for Ethiopia and Africa in general.

The Adwa Pan-Africa University is named after the battle of Adwa held in 1896, in which the less-equipped Ethiopian forces scored a victory against the colonial Italian force.

The battle of Adwa, which is also referred to as the first Ethiopia-Italian war, marks the first black victory against a colonizer force in the African continent. The war is believed to initiate other freedom fighters in the African continent to struggle towards independence.

The conference, which is also expected to discuss the design of the university, cost and public participation in the construction of the university, has also attracted the pan-African bloc’s attention.

Thomas Kwesi Quartey, African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson, who recognized the Ethiopian government’s initiative in its cause, said that the Adwa Pan-African University signifies the battle of Adwa, which he said had helped other African countries to strengthen their struggle for freedom.

As the Ethiopian government expects a continent-wide support for the construction of the pan-African university as it signifies alliance among Africans, other African countries had recognized Ethiopia’s ambition towards establishing a pan-African university.

African leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, were among the high-level officials attending the cornerstone laying ceremony for the construction of the university in the northern part of the east African country back in April 2017.

The Ethiopian government has allocated some 150 hectares of land for the construction of the Adwa Pan-African University.

The university, whose construction is scheduled to start within the coming two months period, will be constructed in Ethiopia’s Tigray regional state in the town of Adwa.