#Spokesperson of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, gave the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing on December 29, 2020 to the media. In his presentation, the Ambassador focused on the latest developments regarding the law enforcement operation in #Tigray, the recent situation over the #Ethiopian-#Sudanese border, and Economic and Citizen-centered diplomatic activities as well as efforts to employ #Publicdiplomacy to create awareness on current situations in Ethiopia and other key national issues. Here is the summary of the ambassador’s briefing:

I. Latest Developments in Tigray
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1. Things in Tigray are returning to normalcy:

• Service givers (telecommunication, electricity, banking and aviation) are reporting that they are resuming services gradually

• Tigray Interim Administration has appointed cabinet members and continued encouraging active public participation in administrative matters

• Ministry of Trade and Industry is consulting with manufacturing industries in Tigray on restoring operation and services in the region.

• Government has continued to rebuilding infrastructure

2. Dominant and misguided narratives regarding the operation in Tigray are slowly changing

• the public and , particularly, the media are slowly but surely understanding that the TPLF clique has disrupted electric and communication lines, demolished bridges, roads and airline runways (such as Aksum Airport) in addition to the fact that it has been fabricating lies that used to dominate the media

• People (both in Tigray and outside) are affirming that equating the people of Tigray with that of TPLF has been proved erroneous (plurality of views is made possible in Tigray following the law enforcement operation)

II. Recent military developments in the border areas with Sudan
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Ethiopian delegation (the Ethiopia-Sudan High-Level Political Committee) led by H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and the Sudanese side led by the Cabinet Affairs Minister Omer Manis have discussed the issue.

1. The Ethiopian team thanked the Sudanese for positive deeds
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• for being delisted from the state sponsors of terrorism
• for the unwavering support and understanding for our law and order enforcement operation in the Tigray Region
• for letting our citizens crossing their boarder and cordially hosting them
• affirmed to redouble our efforts to translate the strong bilateral relation into more strategic cooperation (Minister for Transport has visited Sudan to discuss with her Sudanese counterpart the cooperation projects on port utilization and railway development)

2. Ethiopia’s understanding of the reality on the border issue
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• what has happened in our common boarder recently did not commensurate with the longstanding principle of solidarity and fraternity that existed between the two countries
• Starting from November 9, 2020, we are observing organized attacks by the Sudanese Military Forces using heavy machine guns and armoured convoy
• Agricultural products of Ethiopian farmers are looted, their camps are vandalized, and they are also hampered from harvesting their own farms. A number of civilians have been murdered and wounded
• it is endangering the agreements we have reached to maintain the status quo in the area north of Mount Dagelish

3. Ethiopia’s stance on the issue
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• it is our firm position that reactivating the existing mechanisms and finding an amicable solution on settlement and cultivation are the only way to bring lasting solution to the issues in our common border.
• We believe that securitization and unnecessary escalation will only worsen the situation and create pointless tension in the border area and disrupt daily activities of our peoples living in the border area.

4. The Sudanese stance
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• Insisted to determine a date for the start of the border demarcation process (They said when the borders are demarcated, we can discuss anything, including the issue of Ethiopian farmers on the Sudanese territory)

5. Result of the meeting
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• The two sides issued a joint communiqué agreeing to submit reports to the leadership of the two countries
• Ethiopia believes that the issue can be solved through dialogue

6. Messages from H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
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• Ethiopia has always been keen on the stability of its neighborhoods to the same extent that it is keen on the stability and security of its people
• When the revolution erupted in Sudan to achieve the demand of the people for freedom and justice, the Government and people of Ethiopia stood by its brothers in Sudan
• he said some parties seek to create tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia
• he said the historical relations between Ethiopia and Sudan are too deep to be shaken by the desire of conspirators

III. Economic and Citizen-centred Diplomacy

• State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Tsion Teklu has participated in an online investment forum prepared to commemorate the 30th year of the commencement of diplomatic relations between #Ethiopia and #Israel. The Forum discusses investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

• Investors from #India, #Turkey, the #UAE, and #China have shown interest to invest in Ethiopia and some of the representatives of the companies in these countries have paid a visit to the country. The companies are interested to invest in agriculture, construction, textile, edible oil production and mining.

• Ethiopia has repatriated 328 citizens from Lebanon and Saudi Arabia

IV. Public Diplomacy

Ministry of Foreign Affairs conferred with the representatives of the Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Team (Cluster leaders) on the need to create awareness on current developments in Ethiopia and other key national agendas to people in Ethiopia and the international community.

#MoFA

 

Communique of the 38th Extraordinary Assembly of GAD Heads of State and Government,
Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
20th December 2020

As the 38th #IGAD Extraordinary Summit of Heads of States & Governments kicked off today (December 20, 2020) in Djibouti, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his delegation that comprises of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen were attending the Summit along with leaders of member states of the IGAD region.

Following a welcoming speech from President Ismail Omar Guelleh of #Djibouti, #Sudan’s President Hamdok, the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly made remarks where he commended the IGAD and its member states for the huge success in combating #COVID19, effectively forcing back the locust invasion & fast-tracking the democratic transition in #SouthSudan.

The President appreciated the spirit of brotherhood the leaders demonstrated to deliver lasting solutions in many areas & called on the international community to remain steadfast to their commitments in working closely with the regional organ.

Noting the need to do more on maintaining regional peace, President Hamdok expressed his firm belief that the summit will provide the necessary platform for dialogues on current pressing issues in the region.

Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workneh Gebeyhu in his remarks noted, against the backdrop of the Covid Pandemic, floods, and locust invasion Governments of member states have clearly shown their faithfulness to the vision of IGAD which made the regional organization won the confidence of international partners.

Dr. Workneh, congratulating the government and people of Sudan for being removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, noted that it will play a vital role in ensuring the political transition in the country.

The Executive Secretary mentioned the recently inaugurated #Moyale One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) one among such commitments towards materializing the IGAD vision- regional integration.

The #Somalia-#Somaliland talks in Djibouti spearheaded by President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Premier Abiy Ahmed showcased “our capacity to resolve our own problems by ourselves,” he said.

Dr. Workneh, in light of taking a proactive measure on disease control, also called for the full operationalization of the IGAD emergency fund.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission ( #Africanunion C.) Moussa Faki Mahamat, in his speech, commended the Government of Ethiopia for its bold steps to preserve the integrity of the country.

Mr. Moussa Faki also stressed the need to sustain efforts to help solve the issues of affected people in the aftermath of the operation.

The current developments in the IGAD region, the state of #COVID19 in the region, and corresponding responses, as well as other matters of regional concerns, will be discussed at the Summit.

 

Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali is participating in the 38th Extraordinary summit of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (#IGAD) Heads of State and Government that is currently underway in Djibouti.

“The strength of stability in our region is based on cooperation for growth and development,” he tweeted adding, “I am glad as leaders we can come around the table and discuss pressing issues in our region.”

On the margins of the summit, he met with the Prime Minister of #Sudan, H.E. Abdalla Hamdok to discuss bilateral issues as a follow up to their last meeting in Addis Abeba.

He also met and discussed with the President of the Federal Republic of #Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo regarding recent regional developments and on how to strengthen cooperation among IGAD countries.

Meeting with H.E. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President of #SouthSudan, the Premier discussed bilateral issues and the continued efforts for peace underway in South Sudan.

President of the Republic of #Djibouti, H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of #Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, and the African Union Commission (#AUC) Chairperson, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat are also attending the summit.
#MoFA

State Minister H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussein and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti led a discussion today (December 19) with Ethiopian Social media activists on the importance of settling agendas that matter to the public at large.

The discussion covered pivotal national issues, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the law enforcement operation in Tigray, the fruits and challenges of the reform process as well as regional and international interests the country aspires to protect.

At the occasion, Ambassador Redwan said social media activists are encouraged to focus on issues that matter to the lives of Ethiopians and avoid destructive and petty nuances.

As agenda setters, social media activists are expected to put the government accountable for its actions, be aware of national interests, and agents of solidarity and brotherhood of the people, he added.

Ambassador Dina Mufti, recalling the swift changes in the media landscape, urged the social media activists to employ the potential of the new communication platforms to advance their country’s interests.

The meeting noted the importance of producing social media outputs tailored to the needs of an identified audience in the international community with specific goals that the country needs to meet for the sake of the wellbeing of the people and the integrity of the nation.

The meeting draws renowned Ethiopian social media activists who relate their works in English, French and Arabic languages, in addition to Local languages.

Participants thanked the ministry for creating the opportunity to deliberate on important issues that helped them focus on the big picture regarding their country’s domestic and international engagements.

 

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia welcomed UN senior officials to his office today (December 15) for a briefing on the latest developments in the #Tigray region.

Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Her.E. Dr. Vera Songwe, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Her. E. Dr. Catherine Sozi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the AU, Her.E. Ms. Hanna Tetteh, and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Mr. Parfait Onanga have attended the meeting.

On the occasion, Mr. Demeke thanked the UN senior officials for joining the meeting on short notice and told them Ethiopia’s appreciation to Secretary-General António Guterres for taking a principled stand on the situation in the Tigray region.

He informed them that the Interim administration in Tigray has started discharging its responsibilities in reestablishing the bureaucratic structure, conversing with the community, and facilitating the restoration of basic services to the people in the region.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the region and his discussion with the interim administration is an indication that life in the region is slowly turning into normalcy, he added.

He said a major part of the law enforcement operation is now over and what remains is the police work of apprehending the fugitives.

The main focus of the government now is in rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, he added.

In this regard, he said, the government has restored telephone and electricity lines in some areas and finalized preparation to rehabilitate damaged highways and airports.

Regarding the humanitarian issues in the region, Mr. Demeke underscored Ethiopia’s firm commitment to address concerns about internally displaced people, Ethiopian refugees in Sudan, and Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia.

He expressed hope that the humanitarian situation will significantly improve soon with the stabilization of the peace and security of the region coupled with the ongoing restoration and rehabilitation works.

He also assured them that the government is closely studying the concerns raised about Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia in order to provide appropriate response.

The UN officials said the Secretary-General believes that Ethiopia is an anchor of peace in the region and stability in Ethiopia means stability for the Horn of Africa.

The meeting ended with the UN officials thanking Mr. Demeke for facilitating the discussion and addressing the UN concerns over the issue.

On December 15, 2020, in his presentation, the Ambassador focused on current situations in Tigray, the diplomatic activities that are mainly related to the law enforcement operation in Tigray, and economic and citizen-centered diplomatic activities within the past two weeks. He also addressed questions related to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to Kenya and the visit of Sudanese Prime Minister to Ethiopia.

Press Briefing Summary 15 December 2020
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I. Situations in Tigray
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1. Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Aby Ahmed’s Visit to Tigray

• The visit of the Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, to Mekelle after the end of the law enforcement operation in Tigray Regional State shows that peace in the region is returning to normalcy.

• Meeting with senior military leaders and the interim administration of Tigray, the Prime Minister underlined that the most important task left now is restoration and rehabilitation in addition to manhunting the criminals.

2. The interim administration in Tigray is establishing its bureaucratic structure in various cities of the region from the kebele to the upper structure.

3. Telecom and Electricity Services

• Infrastructure in the region sustained heavy damages because of the criminal clique militia’s irresponsible acts

• Mobile voice services in Mekelle city and Maiychew have been restored, in addition to Dansha, Humera, Maikadra, Turkan, Maytsebri, Korem and Alamata.

• Electricity has been restored to Mekelle city and surrounding towns, in the north western part of the country — specifically Metema, Humera and Welkayit.

• The relevant Federal stakeholders are undertaking repair work to enable unhindered service provision in the region.

4. Humanitarian assistance

• The destruction of infrastructure has affected the humanitarian response to the community. The government, for instance, has to build makeshift bridges to make the supply of food and medicine in the Tigray region a bit easier.

• The humanitarian assistance has been mainly covered by the Ethiopian government.

• A favourable environment is now created for making the aid accessible

• The delivery of humanitarian assistance lies within a coordination framework under the Federal government’s overall authority.

II. Diplomatic activities
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1. H.E. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs has delivered his remarks via a pre-recorded video message to the UN’s two days Special Virtual Session held on (3-4 December 2020) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hope that the session would catalyze and coordinate a unified global response and pave the way for an inclusive, sustainable, green, and resilient recovery. The session was convened upon the request of Azerbaijan on behalf of members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in recognition of the need for a global response to the pandemic.

2. H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia held phone conversations with the Foreign Minister of South Korea Her.E. Kang Kyung-wha and the Foreign Minister of Ireland, H.E. Simon Coveney. Discussions included:

• safety of foreign citizens in Tigray
• humanitarian assistance in Tigray
• the latest situations in Tigray.

3. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen briefed on Monday (December 07) the ambassadors of Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa on the current situation in the Tigray region. He appreciated the ambassadors and leaders of the countries that they represent for fully supporting the law enforcement operation in Tigray. He also briefed them on the most important tasks the government has been undertaking since the capture of Mekelle. The ambassadors:

• appreciated the federal government for rapidly concluding the law enforcement mission without compromising the lives of civilians

• affirmed that they are willing to support the federal government of Ethiopia in its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected people.

• reiterated that the leaders of their respective countries’ are committed to stand by Ethiopia noting that Ethiopia is an anchor of peace in the region.

4. State of Emergency Spokesperson, H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussien, and Disaster Risk Management Commissioner H.E. Mitiku Kasa gave a briefing last week on Tuesday (December 08) to the media about the current situation in Tigray, particularly on the humanitarian assistance activities in the region.

III. Economic diplomacy and Citizen centered diplomacy
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• State Minister Tsion Teklu spoke at the Ethio-Scottish Investment Forum organized by our Mission in London over the week. She explained that Ethiopia is on the right track in creating a conducive environment for foreign investment. Her speech also covered potential sectors for investors and government incentives.

• We have repatriated 82 citizens from Lebanon.

#MoFA

 

Today on the 14th of December 2020, H.E Ambassador Hirut Zemene discussed with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, regarding the over all situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, the humanitarian and human Rights situation, and the efforts being made by the Ethiopian government to restore communications, provide humanitarian assistance, and rebuild infrastructure in the region.

The two sides agreed to further enhance bilateral consultations on the latest developments in Ethiopia on a regular basis.

Today on the 14th of December 2020, H.E Ambassador Hirut Zemene discussed with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, regarding the over all situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, the humanitarian and human Rights situation, and the efforts being made by the Ethiopian government to restore communications, provide humanitarian assistance, and rebuild infrastructure in the region.

The two sides agreed to further enhance bilateral consultations on the latest developments in Ethiopia on a regular basis.