News in Brief
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen exchanges phone call with Foreign Minister of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt
On the release of high-profile political figures and expectations for a dynamic national dialogue
Ethiopia files an objection to the misconduct of WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom
On humanitarian aid supply in Tigray: The TPLF should be rebuked for treating the people of Tigray as expendables (Statement)
Ethiopian leaders have always been loyal to African causes, says State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano (See also her full speech)
Africa and the African Union
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission’s Chairperson, made a statement on Monday (January 10) expressing his delight at the release of political opposition figures detained in Ethiopia. The Chairperson welcomes this important gesture of appeasement of the political situation in Ethiopia. He also expressed his hopes that it would be the trigger for a political process, paving the way for the implementation of a genuinely inclusive National Dialogue process for the peaceful and consensual solution to the political and institutional problems facing the Federation.
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority of Development, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu resolutely on Thursday (January 13) condemns the terrorist attack in Mogadishu that left several people killed and scores injured. The Executive Secretary extends his heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families of those who have been injured and lost their lives and reaffirms IGAD’s commitment to extend any assistance needed by the Government and People of Somalia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a consultative meeting on Thursday (January 13) with African Ambassadors and diplomats on hosting the upcoming 35th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. The Director-General of Neighboring Countries and IGAD affairs at the Ministry, Ambassador Fissaha Shawel, and the Director-General for Northern, Western, Central, and Southern African Affairs Aklilu Kebede, led the meeting detailing preparations made to host the meeting. Besides readying all the necessary services to host the meeting, they said COVID testing and vaccination health centers are set aside by the government to secure the safety of attendees. The Ministry officials commended the unwavering solidarity of Africans shown to Ethiopia on various occasions. They urged the diplomats to inform their respective countries on the need to send relevant information to Addis Ababa on their delegates that will take part in the summit.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde on Thursday (January 13) said the terrorist TPLF has committed immense atrocities and destructions that should have never happened on the land of Ethiopia. The president made the remark in her message she delivered at the celebration of Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) particularly observed colorfully in the historical town of Lalibela last week.
President Sahle-Work Zewde on Saturday (January 08) has given promotion to a total of 100 high-ranking military officers of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) based on the nomination of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as per the Constitution. Accordingly, the first-ever military rank introduced to Ethiopia — the title of Field Marshal General, was given to General Berhanu Jula, the General Chief of Staff of ENDF, in light of his extraordinary acts in the face of a national crisis, it was noted.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday (January 10) held a phone call with the US President, Joe Biden. The two leaders discussed current issues in Ethiopia, bilateral relations as well as regional issues, according to the office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Abiy shared with President Biden the status of Ethiopia’s rule of law operations in the northern part of the country as well as the efforts being made by the government to address issues in relation to humanitarian assistance, human rights and rebuilding efforts in recently liberated areas.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday (January 07) said any solution that divides the national unity, Violates the dignity and sovereignty of Ethiopia and endangers the territorial integrity of the nation is unacceptable as they are a red line that should not be crossed. Addressing the challenges in a civilized manner is the government’s utmost priority.
Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a phone conversation on Wednesday (January 12) with Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister briefed the Norwegian Foreign Minister about the recent positive developments that have been taking place in Ethiopia. (See article)
The government of Ethiopia announced the release of some of the country’s high-profile political figures, including Sibhat Nega, Eskender Nega and Jawhar Mohammed. According to the statement issued by the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia on January 10, the cases of the individuals under the stated three files were dropped following the request of the public prosecutor of the Ministry of Justice that was submitted to the Federal High Court, Constitutional and Terrorism matters Criminal Bench to a partial and full withdrawal of charges on the files. FDRE Government Communication Service said the decision would make the proposed all-inclusive national dialogue a success by paving the way to reaching a lasting solution to Ethiopia’s problems in a peaceful, non-violent way. (See article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Redwan Hussein on Tuesday (January 11) urged the Ethiopian community in the Diaspora to boost trade and investment activities in Ethiopia through their active engagements. The Ambassador made the call while delivering a keynote speech during a forum on ‘Diaspora Investment’ organized by the Investment Commission of Ethiopia. He also appreciated Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia in the Diaspora for their spectacular commitment to defending Ethiopia’s interests in times of its needs.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia have held a symposium on Pan-Africanism on Tuesday (January 11). In a keynote speech, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said changes in leadership in Ethiopia have never changed Ethiopia’s commitment and loyalty to African causes. She said Africans should celebrate their success for meeting some of the ideals of Pan-Africanism, citing resistance movements against racial discrimination, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. (See article and full statement)
In a letter sent to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia stated its objection against the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom’s moral, legal and professional standing that threatened WHO’s organizational integrity. Although Ethiopia had nominated Dr. Tedros for the highest office in the global health body, he has not lived up to the integrity and professional expectations required from his office and position, the letter says. (See article)
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Kenya, Meles Alem, on Tuesday (January 11) received the Acting Director of United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) Africa Office, Oumar Sylla. During the deliberations, the Ambassador and Mr. Sylla exchanged ideas on the major of cooperation between the Government of Ethiopia and UN-Habitat such as sustainable solid waste management, institutional coordination in the urban sector and urban development, technical support for integrated regional urban planning, resettlement of IDPs, and the WASH project.
An online discussion was held with stakeholders aimed at exporting Ethiopian leather and leather products to Greece. The talks, organized by the FDRE Embassy in Rome, were attended by investors and officials from the Ethiopian Leather Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ethiopia and Greece. During the meeting, Ambassador Demitu Hambisa said Ethiopia has great potential to supply leather and leather products.
The Ethiopian embassy in Switzerland had held an online discussion with Ethiopians and Ethiopian-born professionals working in the health and other sectors in Switzerland on ways to reconstruct destroyed health facilities due to the conflict. Ethiopian Ambassador in Geneva, Zenebe Kebede, thanked all the participants for their prompt response to the FDRE Ministry of Health’s urgent call to rehabilitate destroyed medical institutions and supply looted medicine and medical equipment.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Agency had organized a forum to discuss what is expected of Ethiopians in the Diaspora in supporting rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in areas that are affected by the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia. High level government officials from the Ministries of Education, Health, Transport and Logistics, Labor and Social Affairs, and Commissioner of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission have tabled reports on the level of destruction caused by the conflict. Their reports detailed the extent of damages to human lives, livelihoods, and displacements of people as well as the unprecedented destruction on health and education facilities, including public and private service giving institutions.
Ethiopian Ambassador in Sudan, Yibeltal Aemero, discussed with the leaders of Golddamin, a mining company in Sudan. He told them about the many investment opportunities available in Ethiopia and the government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors in Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union and several international organizations, and the fact that Ethiopian Airlines flies to many countries will provide a good opportunity for investors to promote their products in many countries.
Eritrea
President of the State of Eritrea, Isaias Afeworki has conducted his annual interview on the occasion of 2022. President Isaias raised a wide range of issues focusing on domestic, regional and global matters where he mostly covered Ethiopian issues giving emphasis to the TPLF terrorist group. The President mentioned that the TPLF has made continuous efforts from the beginning to roll back the reform process. He noted that the TPLF’s continued reckless military campaign of advancing into Afar and Amhara region, its lies about controlling Addis Ababa and its advancement to Kombolcha and Dessie without enough logistics was not comprehendible.
Over the week, the Foreign Minister and State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi paid an official visit to Eritrea and Kenya. The Chinese Foreign Minister and President Isaias Afeworki had an in-depth discussion over further consolidating the strategic partnership between the two heads of state, they agreed to conduct practical cooperation under the framework of the strategic partnership and Forum on China Africa Cooperation.
Kenya
The Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday (January 12) highlighting the message of compassion, healing, peace, mutual respect, and human dignity among people. The MoU is said to advance the people-to-people relationships between Ethiopia and Kenya by drawing on inter-religious, inter-cultural, and inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
Somalia
On Monday (January 10) the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, in a keynote address on the overall situation in the country commended the decisions of the National Consultative Committee chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, and urged the Heads of State and Government to implement their agreed electoral timetable.
The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Hussein Roble on Sunday (January 09) met with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre to discuss the implementation of on the agreement made on the same day and the completion of the elections.
At least 8 people were killed; 5 police guards and 3 civilians, and 4 injured in a suicide car bomb attack in Mogadishu’s Waberi district on Wednesday (January 12), SONNA reported. A car filled with explosives hit a convoy of a private Security Company known as Jamus was targeted by Al-Shabab. The Police are expected to provide more details on the casualties and the target of the terrorist militant group of Al-Shabaab later on.
South Sudan
The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Monday (January 10) announced a $14 million grant to boost food security, value addition and trade in South Sudan. The financial institution’s country manager for South Sudan, Benedict Kanu said the five-year project would be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Costello Garang Ring Lual, South Sudanese Presidential Adviser discussed in Khartoum ways to reopen Babanusa-Wau railway linking the two Sudans. The line between Babanusa of West Kordofan and Wau in Bhar El-Ghazal State was fully rehabilitated by the United Nations and reopened in 2010, after the signing of the peace agreement in 2005.
The Central Bank of South Sudan said it will inject $13 million weekly into the economy as part of efforts to strengthen the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against the dollar. Speaking to reporters in the capital, Juba on Tuesday (January 11), the Central Bank governor Moses Makur Deng said the financial institution would auction $ 8 million to commercial banks and $5 million dollars to forex bureaus.
Ethiopian Ambassador in South Sudan, Nebil Mahdi held talks with Honorable Angelina Teny, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan. The ambassador said the destructive acts of the TPLF have now been reversed due to the ENDF’s measures and Ethiopians unity at home and abroad. The Minister, on her part, said the Ethiopian Government has ensured that it has full capacity to stabilize its internal situations. She also said that the stability in Ethiopia is the stability of the whole region and Africa as well, she added. The two sides have also held deliberations on other issues of common concern.
Sudan
President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan on Tuesday (January 11) has praised the growing interest of the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, in following up on the current political events, and for his appreciated role in supporting the peace and stability process through mediation, and finding a common base for dialogue between all components to reach a unified vision that achieves the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant-General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, received on Friday (January 07) a phone call from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, who affirmed the commitment of the international organization to support the transitional period until the elections. al- Burhan, during the phone call, briefed the UN’s Secretary-General on the developments of the situation in Sudan and the efforts made by the transitional partners to lead the transition process towards democratic transformation and good governance.
African Union envoy to Sudan called for the swift formation of a government of technocrats to achieve the remaining tasks of the transition. Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission to Sudan, Mohamed Belaiche, on Tuesday (January 11) met with Shams al-Din Kabbashi Member of the Sovereign Council.
Ethiopian Ambassador in Sudan, Yibeltal Aemero, discussed with the leaders of Golddamin, a mining company in Sudan. He told them about the many investment opportunities available in Ethiopia and the government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors in Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union and several international organizations, and the fact that Ethiopian Airlines flies to many countries will provide a good opportunity for investors to promote their products in many countries.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen exchanges phone call with Foreign Minister of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt
Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a phone conversation on Wednesday (January 12) with Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister briefed the Norwegian Foreign Minister about the recent positive developments that have been taking place in Ethiopia.
Congratulating the Foreign Minister for Norway’s Presidency at the United Nations Security Council for the month of January, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed hope that Norway will use its presidency to constructively carry a well-balanced and reasonable outlook which will reflect the commendable measures that the Ethiopian government has been undertaking lately.
Mr. Demeke further stated his firm belief that Norway would play a positive role during its presidency at the United Nations Security Council.
The Foreign Minister of Norway thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for his briefing and appreciated the progress the Ethiopian government has been able to register so far.
Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt further affirmed that Norway does not have any plans to make Ethiopia an agenda at the United Nations.
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On the release of high-profile political figures and expectations for a dynamic national dialogue
The government of Ethiopia announced the release of some of the country’s high-profile political figures, including Sibhat Nega (one of the founders of the TPLF), kidusan Nega, Abay Woldu (former President of the Tigray regional state), Abadi Zemu, Mulu Gebregziabher and Kiros Hagos from the TPLF camp, and Eskender Nega (the leader of the Balderas for Genuine Democracy opposition party) and Jawar Mohammed (member of The Oromo Federalist Congress) as well as all others accused under the same criminal file.
According to the statement issued by the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia on January 10, the cases of the individuals under the stated three files were dropped following the request of the public prosecutor of the Ministry of Justice that was submitted to the Federal High Court, Constitutional and Terrorism matters Criminal Bench to a partial and full withdrawal of charges on the files. “The Bench examined the submission in light of the applicable procedural law and the mandate of the public prosecutor under Proclamation No. 943/2016, Article 6(f) and granted permission for the withdrawal of charges and ordered the Federal Prison Administration to discharge the accused persons with the condition that “no new charge” is made against them.”
Following the release of these prominent politicians, the UN Secretary General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, issued statements that commended the bold measures taken by the government to calm down the political temperature in Ethiopia. They underlined that the release of the prisoners is a step forward to start a transparent and inclusive National Dialogue that will contribute to resolving the political and institutional problems of the country. The AU Commission Chairperson, pledging the Union’s support to the proposed national dialogue, said, the decision “will be the trigger for a political process, paving the way for the implementation of a genuinely inclusive National Dialogue process for the peaceful and consensual solution to the political and institutional problems facing the Federation.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, remarking at the inaugural ceremony of the new building of the Ministry of Defense on Sunday (January 09) said that the decision of the government to release some prisoners was made for the benefit of the people with a view to ensuring the national unity and sustainable peace of the country.
FDRE Government Communication Service said the decision would make the proposed all-inclusive national dialogue a success by paving the way to reaching lasting solution to Ethiopia’s problems in a peaceful, non-violent way. The key to a lasting unity is dialogue and Ethiopia will make any sacrifices to this end, the statement said highlighting the government’s strong belief in addressing Ethiopia’s problems in a comprehensive dialogical approach.
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Ethiopia files an objection to the misconduct of WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom
In a letter sent to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia stated its objection against the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom’s moral, legal and professional standing that threatened WHO’s organizational integrity. Although Ethiopia had nominated Dr. Tedros for the highest office in the global health body, he has not lived up to the integrity and professional expectations required from his office and position, the letter says.
He has been interfering in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, including Ethiopia’s relations with the State of Eritrea, the letter says, adding that he continues as an active member and supporter of TPLF that is proscribed as a terrorist group by the Ethiopian parliament.
According to the letter, Dr. Tedros uses his office to advance his political interest at the expense of the interest of Ethiopia, despite hopes that he would cease his misconduct eventually.
Dr. Tedors encourages the TPLF in his media engagements and celebrates what is presumed to be a military success of the group, besides engaging in a selective outrage where he discriminately addresses the humanitarian concerns in Ethiopia, the letter adds. Through his acts, says the letter, he spread harmful misinformation and compromised WHO’s reputation, independence, and credibility which is evident from his social media postings that openly endorse the terror perpetrated by the TPLF against the Ethiopian people.
According to the letter, Dr. Tedros has abused his position by assigning staff in WHO’s country office in Ethiopia with a task of executing the plot to inflate the emergency level in Ethiopia, from 1.8 million people to 3.8 million, to warrant humanitarian intervention. “This misrepresentation of facts is used to misinform the UN Security Council.” In a manner that denigrates the integrity of the UN system and the work of other offices, Dr. Tedros uses his platform to mobilize the UN community against Ethiopia besides providing technical and financial support to the activities of the TPLF, the letter adds.
The Government of Ethiopia finally urges the WHO Executive Board to commission an investigation on the Director-General to identify his misconduct and violation of his professional and legal responsibility as provided under the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, staff rules and regulations of WHO, and Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of WHO.
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On humanitarian aid supply in Tigray: The TPLF should be rebuked for treating the people of Tigray as expendables (Statement)
The TPLF has been accusing the government of Ethiopia of blocking aid to the Tigray region on accounts of lack of transport, fuel, and humanitarian corridors. The Government of Ethiopia, once again, calls the truth of the matter to the attention of the international community.
More than 1010 aid trucks that should have been on the road delivering much-needed humanitarian support are stranded in the Tigray region. The TPLF claimed that the trucks are still in Tigray because the drivers, many of whom are allegedly Tigrayans, refused to drive outside of Tigray due to security reasons. The federal government, notwithstanding its legitimate claims over the return of the trucks,
1. Announced its decision to give blanket amnesty to every truck driver,
2. Proposed the creation of a buffer area, which could be run by UN humanitarian agencies where swapping of drivers could be arranged and managed for those who wouldn’t wish to travel outside of Tigray,
3. Issued temporary UN plates for trucks that the WFP has acquired from Sudan,
4. Decided to facilitate additional flights to augment land transportation of food and medical aid.
Despite the lack of audience, the federal government issued several statements calling on the international community to condemn the TPLF for repurposing the trucks for war activities. The TPLF has also failed to take any accountability to the claims of fuel shortages that allegedly disrupted humanitarian supply in the region. The following are in public records,
1. The federal government left 14 million liters of fuel in Mekelle city alone when it evacuated its troops from Tigray in June 2021, declaring a Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire,
2. The TPLF looted millions of liters of fuel from a federal depot in Kombolcha when it expanded the conflict into the Amhara and Afar regional states,
3. The TPLF had been selling fuel in black markets in Tigray, profiteering out of the misery of the public,
4. The stranded trucks in the Tigray region were loaded with enough fuel to make a return trip.
No one tried to hold the TPLF accountable for misusing the fuel reserves. It is also regrettable to see that no one cared to question how the group was able to fuel its military vehicles and tanks during its invasion of adjacent regional states.
The reckless behavior of the TPLF also restricted options for having additional humanitarian corridors for supplying aid to the region. Setting aside all the destructions in Afar and Amhara, it is surprising to see the group launching fresh attacks on Abala – the only operating corridor supplying aids to Tigray.
The International community should wake up to the real reasons that have made the delivery of humanitarian assistance increasingly daunting. The Government of Ethiopia would like to bring the matter once again to the attention of the international community, to put the blame and pressure where it is due, and hold the TPLF accountable for the crime of starving the people in Tigray, under whose name it has been wreaking havoc
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Ethiopian leaders have always been loyal to African causes, says State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano
The Ethiopian Diaspora Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia have held a symposium on Pan-Africanism on Tuesday (January 11). In a keynote speech, State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said changes in leadership in Ethiopia have never changed Ethiopia’s commitment and loyalty to African causes.
She said Africans should celebrate their success for meeting some of the ideals of Pan-Africanism, citing resistance movements against racial discrimination, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.
The State Minister also thanked Africans and people of African descent for the solidarity that they have continued to show to Ethiopia in times of its needs, citing the 1935 mistreatment of Ethiopia by the League of Nations. Although Ethiopia was frequently dragged to the Security Council almost every month by some forces, it was the Africans and friends of Africa that rescued us from unjustified attacks, she said.
Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and ECA, spoke on “Ethiopia, the AU, and the diaspora in the context of Pan-Africanism.” He lauded the aspirations of the AU to make Africa a better place to live in through launching various flagship projects, such as the undergoing construction of the building for Africa CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) in Addis Ababa in collaboration with the government of China. He appreciated the formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area envisaged by the AU to create an integrated intra-Africa market and enable the free movement of people and goods within the African boundaries.
Dr. Samuel Tefera, from Addis Ababa University Center for African and Asian Studies, also tabled a paper on building Africa by reviving the ideals of Pan-Africanism and Engaging African Diaspora in Development projects. He called on the African Diaspora to act as Ambassadors to Africa in dispelling false narratives on the continent and shaping the foreign policies of international actors toward Africa and transferring knowledge for the industrialization of the continent.
The symposium drew more than 250 guests comprising Ambassadors of African Countries accredited to Ethiopia, and diplomats from Latin America and Eurasia, Ethiopians in the Diaspora, and friends of Ethiopia from African and Caribbean countries. The symposium entertained lively discussions on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and suggestions to hold such kinds of meetings on a yearly basis.
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Statement of Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the occasion of the Pan-African Conference in Addis Ababa
January 11, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Excellency Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honored to speak today on Pan-Africanism. A subject that I value greatly! What subject would be more compelling than the concept of fraternity, common prosperity and unity in the face of adversity! Let me begin by citing some verses from the African Union Anthem which was adopted from the poem of an Ethiopian Poet, Laureate Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin, entitled, “Proud to be African.” It says;
“Let us all unite and sing together
To uphold the bonds that frame our destiny
Let us dedicate ourselves to fight together
For lasting peace and justice on the earth”
Basing myself on these verses, I would like to raise a couple of questions. Do we have achievements to sing for? Do we have common issues we need to fight for? What are the bonds we need to uphold? And above all what are the bonds that frame our destiny?
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yes, we have a lot to celebrate. Look how far we have come since concerned, and committed people all over the world started to question and resist all forms of oppression, which ultimately led to the concept of Pan-Africanism. Pan-Africanism is a struggle against racial segregation, a struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism. Above all else, it was a struggle for equality and dignified life. We were finally able to institutionalize the ideals of Pan-Africanism through the OAU and later on with the AU. We all have the right to celebrate all these achievements.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ethiopia is grateful for the support it has received during its time of need in fascist Italy’s colonial aggression in 1935. Africans and people of African descent showed great commitment to protect Ethiopia which was a symbol of freedom and a beacon of prosperity. The League of Nations, where Ethiopia was one of the founding members, betrayed its founding principles by imposing an arms embargo both on Ethiopia and the colonial aggressor. Ethiopia was left with an understanding that it stands stronger with Africa and African-led multilateral institutions to maintain peace and security. A couple of decades later we were able to host the Pan-African Freedom Movement for East, Central, and Southern Africa. In 1963 the leaders of African countries endorsed Ethiopia to be the seat of the Organization for African Unity. Even in 2002, when the OAU was transformed into the AU, the new generation of African leaders chose Ethiopia to continue as the seat of the Union. All the recognition given to Ethiopia by Africans emanated from Ethiopia’s unyielding and uninterrupted commitment to the fulfillment of the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
Changes in leadership have never changed Ethiopia’s commitment to stand by Africa. Allow me here to mention only one unforgettable experience of my country in hosting and giving military training to the then young South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. We always knew that standing with Africa, pays off and as Madiba’s story reminds us; our sense of oneness is among the bonds that Africans need to uphold.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Although we have reasons to celebrate, a lot remains before we fully realize the ideals of Pan-Africanism. Our political independence will not be successful if we remain shackled by poverty. The good news is that we have started to actualize our vision of creating an intra-Africa market by establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area. We have to laud this since it is a tangible expression of the Pan-African dream to realize economic integration among Africans.
Africa is a huge and significant continent, and through our unity, we can make it a power to be reckoned with. That is why African leaders have started to demand a permanent representation at the Security Council. Our own experience showed us that when Africans speak with one voice, they can resist unwarranted third-party influences. We have seen how the concept of “African Solutions to African Problems,” is of immense value. At this juncture, I would like to thank our brothers and sisters who have demonstrated their solidarity with us at multilateral levels in times of our needs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you have observed, Ethiopia has been subjected to the bias of the international media besides being dragged to the Security Council every month by forces that refused to recognize our right to defend our sovereignty. Which government refuses to maintain law and order when its national defense forces are attacked, mercilessly butchered, and their arsenals looted? Unfortunately, the law enforcement operation of our government has been wrongly equated with genocide by the international media. Many Africans and people of African descent have joined the NoMore movement which reiterates independence and opposes undue external pressure. Ethiopia will always be grateful to all Africans and friendly states that chose to stand with the truth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the past, our country has endured many internal and external pressures. Nonetheless, it was able to maintain its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and it will never compromise on these non-negotiable issues. Even today, with this generation and era, our country has been able to withstand the complex and catastrophic pressures imposed from all directions. Appropriate and robust measures have been taken to ensure that they will not revive in the future and will no longer be a threat. It should be made clear that the atrocities and attacks on our country are still not over. Destruction plans and risk trends are clearly visible in all directions, so it requires careful observation and safe reversal.
One fact that should be known is that the enemies of Ethiopia in this chapter have not only returned to destroy our country but also tried to destroy it from the face of the earth. However, their ill-intended wish was defeated by the all-peace-loving citizens, at home and abroad, who have played a historic role in defending our national interests and our independence through the challenges we have made so far and the distance we have traveled. Above all, I would like to assure you that our efforts to strengthen our unity and guarantee a lasting victory by fighting against those who create suspicion and fear stand strong.
United we stand, divided we fall!
I thank you
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MFAEthiopia Blog 