The Annual Conference of Ambassadors’, Consul Generals’ and Director General’s which was kicked off on August 31st in Addis Ababa has continued with more lively discussions, deliberations and debates in Hawassa, the capital of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Tamene Tessema from the Cabinet Office of SNNP’s Regional Bureau conveyed the message of the President of the Region stating Ethiopia’s growing Foreign Direct Investment scheme, outstanding role in regional as well as Global peace keeping operations and its significant activities in areas of climate change unequivocally signifies that the activities of the Ministry was not only in tandem with the Foreign and National Policies and Strategies of the country but also demonstrates that it was increasingly honing its capacity in enhancing the country’s foreign relations both in bilateral and multilateral foras.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu briefed participants on the overall performance of the ministry over the last fiscal year noting either the achievements or the flip-flops of the ministry should be evaluated against the backdrop of major national issues during the year 2016/2017. However, stated the Minister, the unrest in some parts of Amhara and Oromia and the State of Emergency that followed didn’t become excuses for indecisions and inactions for the ministry and its Embassies and Consulate Generals rather sources of strength and improvements. The possible dangers that might have emanated from the major concerns over the last fiscal year were thwarted if not lessened by operating efficiently with Government’s unrelenting efforts in handling the concerns in a more inclusive and comprehensive ways with the public in and outside the country as well as major development partners and multi-lateral organizations.
Research papers on Ethiopia’s foreign relations, the role of Ethiopia at the international arena, the crisis in the Gulf countries, and other topics are expected to be staged during the Conference. Scholars are also expected to present papers on the success and challenges of Ethiopia foreign relations. Furthermore, experts from other sectors will brief the participants on the activities carried out in the country in attracting investment, tourism, export, and the progress of renaissance dam.
The price was awarded by the World Future Council and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification on the 22nd of August 2017 in Ordos (China).
With unique collective action, voluntary labour and the involvement of youth, the people of Tigray are restoring land on a massive scale. As a result, erosion has decreased significantly, groundwater levels are recharged, and the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices made a significant contribution to food self-sufficiency and economic growth.
“The Ethiopian Tigray Region’s win of the Gold Future Policy Award is sending a strong, empowering message: they show how a small region in a climate vulnerable country can find a smart and highly effective way to successfully address a global challenge. This is placing Ethiopia firmly on the map as an environmental leader.” Alexandra Wandel, Director of the World Future Council
On the 30th of August 2017, the United Nations Security Council extended its authorization of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until the 31st of May 2018, approving a reduction of its uniformed personnel to a maximum 21,626 by the 31st of December 2017, with an eye towards the gradual handover over of responsibilities to Somali security forces.
Unanimously adopting a new resolution, the Council decided that the downsizing – the first ever for the African-led operation – would include a minimum of 1,040 AMISOM police personnel and five Formed Police Units.
A further reduction (from the current maximum of 22,126) to 20,626 uniformed personnel by the 30th of October 2018 would follow, unless the Council decides to accelerate that pace, taking into account the capabilities of Somali security forces.
Emphasizing that the long-term objective for Somalia, with international support, is for the Somali Security Forces to assume full responsibility for security, with AMISOM remaining critical during the transition, the Council welcomed the recommendation by the AU-UN review for a “gradual and phased” reduction and reorganization of the Mission.
Further by the text, AMISOM’s strategic objectives would be to enable the gradual handover of its security responsibility to Somali security forces, to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups, and to assist Somali security forces in providing security for Somalia’s political process and peacebuilding efforts.
The Council decided that AMISOM’s priority tasks would be, among other efforts, to conduct targeted offensive operations against Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups, including jointly with the Somali security forces, and to mentor the latter in cooperation with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and in line with national security structures.
It would reconfigure, as security conditions allowed, in favour of police personnel, and receive defectors on a transitory basis.
Poverty is the main driving force for the instability of the Horn of Africa region, said Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is at a three-day official visit to Sudan.
The Premier made the remark while presenting today a research paper for Khartoum-based diplomatic community and Sudanese intellectuals under the topic “Horn of Africa: Possibilities of an Economic Community.”
Responding to questions raised by participants, the Premier underscored that poverty is the main cause for the instability in the Horn of Africa.
According to the Premier, building global competitiveness via regional economic integration is the key solution for the peace and stability of the region.
The time is now for Africans to play their role by filling the market gap being observed at a global level, he said, adding that it is not an option to start swiftly practical activities not to miss this chance.
In a related development, PM Hailemariam today met with Vice-President of Sudan, Hassabo Mohamed Abdul-Rahman.
According to Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the Prime Minister and the Vice President discussed on the progress of bilateral relations and ways of boosting them further in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly people.
The meeting also sought ways to achieve peace in Horn of Africa, particularly in South Sudan as peace in the world’s youngest country is an essential issue for both Ethiopia and Sudan.
The meeting also discussed agreements and protocols signed between the two countries within the context of the joint Sudanese-Ethiopian high economic committee.
PM Hailemariam and the Vice-President agreed that the committee to hold meeting in next -September in Khartoum.
On the 16th of August, Ethiopia and Norway signed 80 million US dollars agreement for investment aiming to protect Ethiopia’s remaining natural forests and for transforming the forest sector.
The grant will be used for forest protection and restoration activities and for establishing innovative public-private partnerships in the forestry sector.
The support will contribute to Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy which aims for middle-income country status by 2025 while maintaining greenhouse gas emissions at 2010-level.
To achieve this, Ethiopia plans to avoid greenhouse gas emissions of 255 Mt CO2e by 2025, compared to a business as usual emissions scenario. Half of these emissions will be avoided by protecting and restoring forests.
The agreement constitutes the main element of Phase II of the Ethiopian-Norwegian partnership agreement on forests and climate.
On the 10th of August 2017, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen briefed representatives of international development aid organizations on the ongoing drought relief efforts in Ethiopia.
The government has been working to provide support for those who are in need of emergency food assistance as a result of the drought that hit the country, Demeke said at the meeting held at his office.
Previously, the government had exerted maximum efforts to prevent and control the worst drought which resulted from the El Nino weather phenomenon, he said.
The Deputy Premier further said that the government is always ready to do all it can to prevent the loss of a single life due to the drought which hit lowland and pastoral areas in the aftermath of El Nino weather phenomenon.
Demeke also called on development aid organizations to strengthen their support for the ongoing drought relief efforts.
Praising government’s efforts to cope with the drought, representatives of the organizations pledged to give the appropriate responses for the demand of the government, according to office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
This contribution of the Embassy of Ethiopia, Beijing, was originally published in the 7th issue (July 2017) of The Ethiopian Messenger, the quarterly magazine of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels.
Ethiopia is one of the African countries that welcomed with enthusiasm China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious intercontinental development strategy that intends to boost trade and stimulate economy along the proposed Belt and Road routes and beyond. Officially named “The Silk Road Economic Belt” and “The 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”, the BRI will build massive amounts of infrastructure connecting China to countries around the globe. It will also boost market integration and create a regional economic cooperation framework that will benefit everyone.
Whilst the original Silk Road historically connected China with Europe via Central Asia and the Middle East, the new initiative will also link China’s southern coast to East Africa and the Mediterranean. Although the exact significance of the BRI for Africa remains to be defined, it will help the continent plug its infrastructure deficit, a necessary step for economic development, and in particular industrialization. Africa clearly stands to benefit from such reconfiguration, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Many factors, such as the country’s strategic location near Africa, Asia and Europe, combined with its astounding abundance of resources, could contribute to make Ethiopia a key partner for the BRI in Africa. In fact, China is already investing heavily in industrialization projects in Ethiopia through the construction of industrial zones and major infrastructure projects.
Addis-Djibouti Railway, constructed in cooperation with Chinese companies
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
China has enhanced its cooperation with Africa to promote the development of transformational infrastructures and industrialization on the continent, and Africans have responded positively to such initiatives.
In 2000, Africa and China’s engagement was formalised trough the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the chief platform for China-Africa relations. The 2015 FOCAC Summit upgraded China-Africa relations to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. China pledged multi- billion dollars in financial support to the FOCAC Action Plan (2016-2018) adopted in Johannesburg, with a focus on infrastructure development and industrialization.
In April 2016, China singled out a number of countries which would be the focus of its industrial cooperation with Africa before extending the cooperation to the whole continent. The same countries are likely to become the gateways for the Belt and Road Initiative on the African continent, and Ethiopia happens to be at their core.
Facilities connectivity and green energy
Ethiopia aspires to scale up its infrastructure investment, which is a strategic pathway to lift growth and foster employment creation and sustainable development and a priority area for implementing the BRI. The physical infrastructures undertaken with Chinese partnership and support are already making a difference in Ethiopia’s overall attractiveness for investments. In addition, both countries are pushing the promotion of green and low-carbon infrastructure construction and operation management, taking into full account the impact of climate change on the construction. Ethiopia has been globally praised for its commitment to building a green non-carbon economy by 2025 and power generating plants and grids built with Chinese financing in Ethiopia are 100% based on developing renewable energy sources.
China has also partnered with Ethiopia through supporting massive telecom infrastructure developments, that have helped in increasing telecom service access and coverage across the nation’s territory as well as in upgrading the existing networks to new technologies. Chinese telecom giants – Huawei and ZTE- have been participating in execution of many projects in Ethiopia.
Linking China and Africa: The Aerial and Maritime Silk Route
Ethiopian Airlines (EAL), as one of the largest and longest serving flag carriers in Africa, operates 31 weekly flights from 48 African cities to five gateways in China, (Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu). As it is expected that both Africa and China will increase their cultural, tourism and educational exchanges in the future, this expansion will lead to the creation of a real “Aerial Silk Road” in the skies of Africa, that will play an essential role in promoting investment, trade, tourism and people-to- people relations between Africa and China.
In terms of maritime transport, the Ethiopian Shipping Lines (ESL) has been sailing to 30 ports in China since 1994 and Chinese companies have already started investing in Djibouti’s port infrastructure. As shipping is the lifeblood to the globalization thrusts in the spirit of BRI, transportation, sipping lines will continue to expand to satisfy the ever- growing needs of private and public enterprises.
Growing industrial and people-to-people bonds
Sino-Ethiopia partnership in industrialization and production capacity building has started dispelling negative myths associated with Africa and supported the narrative of Africa rising instead. China’s surplus capacity is bringing about to Africa employment, quality products, and technology and development ideas, while Ethiopia has strived to develop economic zones and industrial parks as structural booster to jump in industrialization. Chinese enterprises have also started building their own industrial hubs or cities along the railway line running between Addis Ababa and the port city of Djibouti.
At the same time, Ethiopia and China have a intensifying people-to-people relation. Thousands of Ethiopians are studying and doing business in China and tens of thousands of Chinese nationals are working in Ethiopia on various projects. These interactions are crucial player to deepen cross-cultural relations and understanding between the two people.
Partnering for building a global community of shared future
The relation between Ethiopia and China is not limited solely to the economic sphere, but also extends to peace and security. By improving the living standards of people in the BRI intercontinental sphere, the BRI aims to lay down solid foundations for social stability and favourable conditions for regional peace and the resolution of security issues
Ethiopia and China have always been committed towards these goals. In Ethiopia, the fight to make poverty history has for long been connected to its national security and stability. China, for its part, supports the African Union, its regional economic communities and other African sub- regional institutions to play a leading role in coordinating and solving issues of peace and security in Africa. This showcases China’s commitment to global responsibilities and Sino-African solidarity. But it is also important for the two countries to create more economic zones to continue to attract productive investment in a bid to benefit from production capacity cooperation, employment generation and sustainable economic transformation. Though it is a Chinese initiative, the BRI implies a common journey of nations that will take them to a shared destiny with an incremental process of synergetic cooperation.
On the 7th of August 2017, Addis-based ambassadors and diplomats have been briefed on the government’s decision to lift the state of emergency.
On the occasion, Dr. Negeri Lencho, Minister for Government Communication Affairs Bureau recollected the reasons over why the state of emergency was declared in Ethiopia back in October 2016, following the unrest in some parts of the country, the measures taken in the course, the ongoing political reforms and grounds for lifting the state of emergency.
Dr. Negeri Lencho, Minister for Government Communication Affairs Bureau and Mrs. Hirut Zemene, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dr. Negeri recalled that following the unrest in Oromia and Amhara regional states, hundreds of lives were unnecessarily lost that included women, children and even security forces and close to 50 investments were affected due to the unlawful acts of anti-peace elements. Accordingly, the Minister added that the promulgation of the state of emergency was meant to restore law and order and ascertain the peaceful conduct of day-to-day activities of the public.
Minister Negeri also reminded his listeners that important sections of the state of emergency had been revised following the improvement of the security situation, which he said included the lifting of the partial curfews and travel restrictions on diplomats, the release of over twenty-one thousand detainees and the full reinstitution of the internet.
Touching on the measures taken in the course to redress the genuine concerns of the public, the Minister mentioned among others the thorough investigations by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the wide range of consultations with the various members of the public, the ongoing serious investigations on corruption and the inter-party dialogues now underway in a bid to widen the political space.
Dr. Negeri added the government’s decision to lift the state of emergency is ascribed to the restoration of law and order in the country, adding that, with the exception of few places, the situation has been reversed and now that the normal local administration and security mechanisms could take over.
Mrs. Hirut Zemene, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, on her part thanked the diplomatic community for the patience and confidence it has shown over the country’s leadership in the course of enforcing the state of emergency.
Mrs. Hirut reiterated that the series of consultations and town-hall meetings made with the different segments of the public, including women, youth and civil societies, the 10-billion Mobile Youth Fund, the inter-party political dialogues, the government’s commitment to deal with the problems of mal-administration and stem corruption are all set on track to advance sustainable and equitable development, and social equality, and ensure democratic governance and the respect of human rights.
Taking stock of the proposed reforms of the country’s election law and of the ongoing inter-party political dialogues, the State Minister said “We are optimistic that we will manage to bring more people on board the political space.”
