29.03.2024
President Sahle-Work Address the Women Political Leaders Summit in Greece
Ethiopia Committed to Realising All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China – FM Ambassador Taye
NEWS IN BRIEF
Africa and the African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in communique dispatched on Thursday (March 28) congratulated the President-Elect of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election victory and wished him success during his tenure. He also assured the President-Elect of AU’s solidarity with the great Senegalese people.
The African Union Commission (AUC) together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday (March 26) launched the 2nd Edition of the Africa Migration Report in Geneva, Switzerland. The AUC said, asserting and painting a true picture on Africa Migration narrative is a preoccupation for the African Union and actors that actively lead migration discourse in Africa. The new report that focuses on “Connecting the threads: Linking policy, practice & the welfare of the African migrant” disclosed that migration has remained predominantly within the continent, as opposed to outside of Africa.
The African Union in partnership with AfriLabs on Thursday (March 28) announced the launch of AU Tech 2.0, the second edition of the Tech Fellowship Initiative that is poised to build upon the successes of its predecessor to further harness technology and innovation for socio-economic development across the continent. AfriLabs noted, the initiative stems from the AU’s endorsement of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (DTS) during its 36th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which aims at leveraging digital technologies to promote integration, economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication, provides the foundation for initiatives like AU Tech 2.0.
On Monday (March 25, the African Union in collaboration with the European Union launched a dashboard dubbed the ‘Dashboard of Initiatives’ to help coordinate innovation efforts and investment in environmental sustainability, health and technology in line with the 2023 Joint Innovation Agenda towards implementing shared vision for 2030.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewdie took part in the three-day (19-21 March 2024) 2024 Women Political Leaders Summit held in Athens, Greece under the theme “Democracy for the 21st Century”. President Sahle-Work delivered remarks during the Summit and reiterated the need for bringing more women to positions of leadership (See Article).
President Sahle-Work on Wednesday took part in the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day organized by the Deborah Foundation. The Head of State addressed the participants of the event themed “End the stereotype” and said “Many of our problems are not the wraths of God… citizens with down syndrome can achieve their dreams if supported.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on Monday morning (March 25) received at his office the Director General of Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of South Sudan, General Akol Koor Kuc and discussed shared goals for fostering stability and development in the Horn region.
On Tuesday (March 26), Premiere Abiy took part in the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Mid-Term Review in the Capital Addis Ababa and reiterated the importance of the technology systems developed by the Government geared towards benefiting citizens. He said, “We have made significant strides as a nation since beginning our digital transformation journey. Digital Ethiopia 2025 empowers us to thrive in the digital economy, necessitating support for innovators and the creation of digital enablers. “
As part of the series of public consultations on burning issues of the different sections of society, PM Abiy on Thursday (March 28) met with women representatives from all corners of the country and underscored the multifaceted roles Ethiopian women play in our society.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh presided over the launching ceremony of the national #BeatPollution campaign. In his opening remarks, the DPM said, “living in harmony with nature key to alleviate poverty” and that “we can win the fight against poverty by protecting our environment!”
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, on Monday (March 25) conferred with Maltese Minister of Foreign, European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg and discussed on ways of further enhancing diplomatic ties and foster cooperation between the two nations. They also exchanged views on issues of common concern.
On Wednesday (March 27), Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye held bilateral talks with Chinese Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Ambassador Xue Bing on various issues of mutual interest including the current state of relations accentuated by the All-Weather Partnership Agreement. They also discussed the upcoming China-Horn of Africa Peace Conference and Forum of China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting which are scheduled to be be held coming June and September of this year in Beijing, China (See Article).
FM Ambassador Taye received at his office on Wednesday afternoon (March 27) members of the AU High-Level Panel on the Sudan (HLP-Sudan) led by the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns Muhammed Ibn Chambas and reiterated the critical need for a Sudanese-owned and AU-led peace process in the Horn of African country.
During a forum held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Regional Peace and Solidarity for Sustainable Economic Integration”, Minister of Peace Binalf Andualem in his opening remarks stated, bolstering regional peace and security is critical to economic integration. As such, he said, building and maintaining peace and stability is necessary for successful regional integration. The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Peace and the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
State Minister for Resources and Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano held discussions on Wednesday (March 27) with US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Ambassador Rena Bitter on an array of consular issues including the issuance of visas, and other consular services in both countries. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in consular affairs and other related issues.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga on Tuesday (March 26) met at his office with the Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations at the U.S. Department of StateAnne Witkowsky and discussed bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. The officials highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations and the importance of reviewing bilateral engagements to expand economic cooperation.
The newly-appointed Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC), Temesgen Tilahun, assumed office on Monday (March 25) succeeding Ambassador Teshome Toga. The NRC, established by the Council of Ministers through Regulation No. 525/2022, is a commission tasked with coordinating post-war disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation of ex-combatants, especially, in light of the signing of the Pretoria Peace Accord in November 2022.
During an interview with ENA, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Addis Ababa, Henk Jan Bakker said, Dutch investment in Ethiopia has surpassed one billion US Dollars, with particularly significant contributions in the horticulture and floral industries.
Kenya
President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday (March 28) appointed former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process upon the request of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, State House Nairobi revealed. Concurrently, President Ruto appointed Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as the Assistant Mediator.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday (March 27) during the latter’s official visit to Kenya. Musalia disclosed on social media, the bilateral discussions centred on exploring new opportunities to strengthen our relations that spanned six decades. PCS and CS Mudavadi said, Kenya looks forward to enhanced partnership in advancing peaceful use of nuclear energy, especially through the implementation of the MoU on capacity building in nuclear energy signed on the same day.
Somalia
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday (March 26) issued an updated travel advisory on Somalia warning UK nationals “against all travel to Somalia, including the 3 eastern regions of Somaliland – Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool – and excluding the 3 western regions of Somaliland – Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil.” “This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence,” the travel advisory point out.
The bicameral House consisting of an Upper House (Senate) and a Lower House (House of the People) concluded on Saturday (March 24) the debates on the first four chapters of the proposed amendments to the constitution during the 29th session of the House in the Capital Mogadishu. Former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo” and Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nor Madobe, the Speaker of the Lower House, were among the participants of the session.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir Mayardiit on Monday (March 25) conferred with DR Congo counterpart Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on peace and stability situation in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Eastern DRC. According to the Office of President Kiir, the two leaders “called for urgent adherence to the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, initiated by the EAC and AU, respectively, in order to restore peace and stability in the region.” Similarly, President Kiir also travelled to Luanda, Angola to meet with President João Manuel Lourenço on issues facing the region.
On Thursday (March 28), President Kiir met at his office with the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, to discuss the pressing regional and national issues that are affecting the Horn of Africa region and to exchange views on how to collaborate closely to address the Sudan crisis and restore stability in the troubled nation.
President Sahle-Work Addresses the Women Political Leaders Summit in Greece
The President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewdie, addressed the 2024 edition of the Women Political Leaders (WPL) Summit held in Greece Capital, Athens under the theme “Democracy for the 21st Century” from 19 to 21 March 2024. The Summit was spearheaded by the astute leadership of Greece President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
In her keynote address at the 2024 WPL Summit at the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel on Wednesday (March 20), President Sahle-Work said, more representative parliaments would help bolster democratic institutions. “The current narrative is that we are in an era of democratic backsliding,” she added. President Sahle-Work told participants, “When democracy is under threat, it will have a negative impact on women” and called upon women around the world to rise up and “change the nature of power but not power to change the nature of women.”
The Head of State further stressed the fact that “Women constitute the majority of the electorate…we are contributing, in a substantive manner, to bringing men to power.” She echoed, “There needs to be a proportional representation in our parliaments for inclusivity… There is a need for women to be at the table of power.” Despite significant progress, men remain largely overrepresented in political leadership, President Sahle-Work stated in her keynote address.
The first and incumbent President of Ethiopia is the recipient of the WPL Trailblazer Awards 2023 presented to her during the WPL Summit Brussels. The WPL Trailblazer Award is presented to incumbent and former women Presidents and Prime Ministers for breaking political glass ceilings and reaching the highest echelon of political leadership.
Ethiopia Committed to Realising All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China – FM Ambassador Taye
On March 27, 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie received at his office and engaged in fruitful discussions with the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Xue Bing. The meeting explored bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common interests.
Ambassador Taye reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to realizing the newly forged All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China. The Foreign Minister also expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support across various sectors of Ethiopia’s development endeavours and lauded its constructive role in addressing security, development, and governance challenges across Africa.
The relationship between Ethiopia and China has recently evolved to an unprecedented level, transitioning from a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership. This elevation underscores a significant milestone, fostering mutual political trust and paving the way for increased cooperation on strategic goals for mutual benefit. Furthermore, it enables collaborative efforts on regional and international platforms to advance shared interests.
The discussion also touched upon the upcoming 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, slated for September in Beijing. The Special Envoy emphasized the far-reaching impact of the Africa-China partnership on global governance, diplomacy, and economy, extending beyond the borders of both China and Africa to benefit the global community. A high-level Ethiopian delegation is poised to participate in the upcoming summit at the highest level, to reflect the nation’s profound commitment to the partnership.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the Second China-Horn of Africa Peace, Governance, and Development Conference, scheduled for June 2024 in China. This conference underscores China’s commitment to fostering peace, regional development cooperation, and good governance in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, alongside seven other Eastern African countries, as well as the African Union and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), will actively participate in this significant event.
Foreign Minister Taye also stressed Ethiopia’s strong support for China’s Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa, recognizing it as a testament to China’s constructive role in the promotion of sustainable peace, development and governance. Ethiopia stands ready to collaborate with China to continue implementing this initiative, contributing to the long-term peace, stability, and development, prosperity of the Horn of Africa region.
It is to be recalled that the first China-Horn of Africa Peace, Governance and Development Conference was held in Addis Ababa in June 2022, and it was co-hosted by Ethiopia and China.
Generally stating, the discussions underscored Ethiopia’s keenness to actively participate in the upcoming FOCAC Summit and the 2nd China-Horn of Africa Peace, Governance, and Development Conference and to further solidify the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries.
– ENDS –
MFAEthiopia Blog 