Ethiopian Prime Minister: “We will continue to defeat long rooted arch-enemy, poverty”

“We are defeating our long rooted arch-enemy – poverty – since the beginning of the third Ethiopian millennium and we will continue to do so”, said Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn.

The Premier addressed tens of thousands of Ethiopians gathered Sunday night at the millennium hall to celebrate the 2010 Ethiopian New Year.

Recalling that the country has witnessed an average of 10 percent growth over the past more than ten years, Hailemariam said all Ethiopians should further advance their strong commitment in achieving the country’s development goals.

Modernizing agriculture, industrial development, strengthening small and medium enterprises, and attracting FDI are among the priority areas in the New Year, he pointed out.

He also said that an extensive work will be done to equip the youth with the up to date technologies while creating an abundance job opportunities in urban areas.

In addition, empowering women and make them active participants of and beneficiaries from the overall development of the country is also continue to be a priority.

Speaking of politics, the Premier said activities geared towards maintaining the multi-party system and enhance the democratization process will further be continued.

The government, as a continuation of its in-depth evaluation, will work to root out any poor governance and rent-seeking attitude, he emphasized.

Noting that Ethiopians had managed to maintain the unity even during in times of adversity, the Premier urged the public to continue to strengthen the culture of peaceful coexistence and harmony.

Hailemariam wished that the 2010 Ethiopian Year be a year of peace, unity, and development. (ENA)

State Minister Hirut welcomes newly appointed EU Ambassador

On the 13th of September 2017, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hirut Zemene received the newly appointed European Union Ambassador for European Union (EU) office in Addis Ababa, Mr Johan Borgstam.

The State Minister emphasized that the government of Ethiopia attaches significant importance to its relations with the EU.

Hirut added that Ethiopia is looking forward to strengthening the strategic partnership with the European Union on key areas of cooperation, including migration, terrorism, job compact, EU-Africa relations.

Ambassador Johan Borgstam commended Ethiopia’s Open-Door Policy for refugees from neighboring countries, adding that the EU is open for further discussion and collaboration with Ethiopia in all areas of engagement.

He also emphasized that the cooperation between Ethiopia and the EU should be further strengthened through the strategic partnership, which he said, has been key to address a range of common concerns.

Source: Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Government ready to bring Ethiopia’s growth in new year into new high

Preparations have been made to cope with any challenges and bring Ethiopia’s growth in the new year into a new high, said Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO).

In a press conference he issued on the 9th of September 2017, Office Minister Dr Negeri Lencho, said the government has attached prime attention towards carrying out successfully works in the new year through integrating peace, unity, democracy and development.

Ethiopia launched a ten-day celebration on August 30 to welcome the new near, which is starting on Monday the 11th of September.

The events include Day of Love, Mothers’ and Children’s Day, Elders’ Day, Peace Day, Reading Day, Green Development Day, Respect Day, National Feelings Day, Unity Day and Ethiopia Day.

The celebration contributed a lot in inspiring Ethiopian people for enduring peace and enhanced development in the new year, Dr Negeri told journalists.

The government will toughen its strategy of solving problems before they arise, he said, adding it has been solving the boundary disputes which arose between Oromia and Ethiopian Somali as well as between Amhara and Tigra regional states.

He said the government has made preparations to improve the economic growth of the country by completing mega projects, attracting more investments and coping with emergencies, including drought.

The government would also intensify ongoing fight against corruption in the new year, he said, urging the public to do their part for the success of government’s new year plan.

Dr Negeri finally wished all Ethiopians a new year of peace and health.

Ambassadors’, Consul Generals’ and Director Generals’ Annual Conference underway at Hawassa

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.

Source: MFA Ethiopia

Tigray region wins Gold Future Policy Award 2017 for its policy against land degradation

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

Read more: www.worldfuturecouncil.org/press-release-fpa-2017/

Security Council extends AMISOM mandate

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 main driving force for Horn of Africa instability, says PM Hailemariam

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.

Ethiopia, Norway sign $80 million forest protection, restoration agreement

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.