US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Ethiopia, met with Prime Minister Abiy and Foreign Minister Demeke
In a bid to solidify the longstanding bilateral relations between the United States and Ethiopia the 71st U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken paid a two-day visit to Ethiopia from March 15–16, 2023. During his stay, Secretary Blinken met with Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and conducted bilateral consultations with Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
The discussions covered multitude of issues including normalization of the historic relation between the USA and Ethiopia on one hand, and the consolidation of progress being made on implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front.
In this regard, the Secretary appreciated the speedy implementation of the Agreement and recognized the remarkable progress in providing humanitarian access to those in conflict-affected areas in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions. He similarly noted, with satisfaction, the resumption of basic services in Tigray and neighboring regions. The discussions also covered the issue of ensuring accountability for alleged human rights violations as the Secretary of State recognized the launch of the Transitional Justice Mechanism as an appropriate mechanism to manage issues related to human rights in a holistic manner. He emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability to realize sustainable peace in Ethiopia. The secretary also reiterated his administration’s strong support for the National Dialogue Commission and its ongoing work to look for a roundtable solution to the multifaceted challenges in Ethiopia. To this end, he pledged U.S. assistance in the effective implementation of these mechanisms.
On normalization, the Secretary of State underscored the US’s readiness to revitalize relations between the two countries and looked forward to further consultations on issues of common concern, including the fight against terrorism as well as efforts in addressing the effects of climate change and food security.
On his part, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke highlighted progress on the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and said that it is progressing very well. He expressed Government’s strong commitment to its full implementation. He further elaborated on measures that the Government is undertaking in areas of accountability, especially the launch of the Transitional Justice Mechanism, which includes truth telling, reconciliation, and bringing to justice those who are alleged to have committed grave human rights violations. Despite internal challenges associated with conflict and drought, as well as external challenges exacerbated by the Russia- Ukraine conflict, the implementation of the domestic economic reform agenda is well on track. In this connection, he underscored that the United States’ support for Ethiopia in securing financial assistance from international institutions is highly appreciated. The utmost understanding and support of USA to address challenges of reform, climate change, and institutional capacity building have been highlighted by Demeke.
In the end, DPM and Foreign Minister Demeke also called upon the US to take a balanced position on the issue of the GERD and urge Egypt to cease internationalizing the Nile issue and come to a win- win approach. The two sides also agreed to collaborate in dealing with regional issues. The secretary has concluded his successful visit to Ethiopia and was seen off by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia.
In addition to Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Secretary Blinken also met with Daniel Bekele, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, as well as representatives of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He visited the Joint Emergency Operation Program center, where he announced humanitarian assistance by the US worth $331 million. The Secretary had interactions with Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He also gave a press statement at Addis Ababa University, during which he reflected on the purpose and outcomes of his visit to Addis Ababa. He also met with Mussa Faki Mahamet, Chairperson of the African Union Comission (AUC).
Efforts continued to Sustaining the Implementation of Pretoria peace deal
Following the signing of the Pretoria peace accord between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and Tigray People’s Liberation Front, there have been tangible changes in the northern part of Ethiopia. Besides restoring peace and order in the region, the peace deal has paved the way for unfettered delivery of the sought after humanitarian aid. The restoration of basic services has also been carried out smoothly. The resolve of the federal government have been vital in making the grand deal effective.
As things currently stand, the federal government has been assisting the progress of the reintegration of former fighters into society with a focus on making them lead harmonious and meaningful life. In addition to providing the former combatants with appropriate rehabilitation which is very vital to their existence, the National Rehabilitation Commission is greasing the skid for the disarmament and reintegration of TPLF fighters to the society. The Commission will open the door for demilitarizing fighters and giving them an opportunity to play a part in the development undertakings of the entire nation.
As a result of the immense destruction of, healthcare facilities stations, higher learning institutions, government institutions and other relevant infrastructures, the conflict had affected the lives of the population living in the conflict affected areas. It is due to such factors that both sides, immediately after the peace deal signed, both parties have begun putting the peace implementation into effect in accordance with the terms of the deal. In the aftermath of the commitment and determination of the Federal Government, they have been oiling the wheels of restoring essential services, smoothening the path of humanitarian assistance and other things of a similar kind.
In the same way, the restoration of amenities and essential services comprising electricity, telecom, banking, and other things of a similar kind have been producing results. In consideration of the foregoing, people in the northern part of the country have already embarked on breathing a sigh of relief and leading a normal life.
In the recent past, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with the Pretoria peace agreement implementation coordination committee to sustain the development and resolve defies encountering the ongoing peace implementation process. Since the onset of the peace agreement, the people of Tigray have been receiving humanitarian assistance from the government and its partners. As witnessed by various stakeholders, the existing circumstances in Tigray Regional State have continued to witness quite a lot of positive developments.
It is important to recall that a delegation of high- ranking government officials led by House of Speaker Tagesse Chafo vowed the unflinching stance of the incumbent in opening the door for unhindered humanitarian assistance, resumption of important services and other related issues.
As a matter of fact, as ensuring sustainable peace and tranquility all over the country is not an easy task that needs the efforts of all stakeholders, people from all walks of life have been working hand-in- glove for the successful implementation of the ongoing peace process.
In addition to restoring peace and tranquility in every part of the country and putting smiles on the faces of each and every one, the peace implementation has been making life easier. The speedy developments being witnessed in terms of basic services restoration in every part of the northern part of the country has been making progress in the right direction.
The Government of Ethiopia is working with commitment to ensuring reintegration of former combatants into the society and lead peaceful life, National Rehabilitation Commissioner Teshome Toga said. The National Rehabilitation Commission which was established following the peace agreement signed between the federal government and the TPLF has recently held a stakeholder’s consultative forum in the Tigray Regional Capital Mekele that focuses on national rehabilitation issues.
Commissioner Teshome said on the forum that the National Rehabilitation Commission, which was established by the Council of Ministers, has officially started work.
In accordance with the peace agreement, the commission will disarm combatants, bring them to a center, provide appropriate rehabilitation, and support them to participate in the development, peace and democracy building. Recalling the terrible damages caused by the war, the commissioner stated that it has given lesson to Ethiopians to stop and reflect.
“We should say no to war” in the future and focus on collaboratively building Ethiopia. Noting that the government has been carrying out huge activities with respect to implementing the peace agreement, he added that it is also working with determination to ensure the success of the disarmament and reintegration of the combatants into the society.
The commissioner further elaborated that ex- combatants will be given all the necessary support to lead a stable life like any other citizen. For this to happen, the commitment of politicians and other stakeholders is crucial, Teshome underscored. He finally called on ex-combatants to prepare them to work hard for the development of their country and people with their energy and knowledge.
Ethiopia Places a Particular Importance on the Peace and Stability of South Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made a one-day visit to the Republic of South Sudan on Monday (March 13). The purpose of the visit was to encourage the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to settle any disagreements that developed during the agreement’s implementation through dialogue. The President of the Republic of South Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayaradit, welcomed Prime Minister Abiy and his delegation upon their arrival at Juba International Airport. The two leaders discussed a variety of bilateral, regional, and multilateral concerns. During the visit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with First Vice President Riek Machar at the Presidential Office in Juba. They discussed the status of the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
It is to be recalled that, after the subsequent failure of the first agreement (ACRSS) in 2016, among the political parties and groups trying to solve the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed played a significant role in the negotiations for the R-ACRSS. The South Sudan’s rival parties together signed a revitalized peace agreement on September 12, 2018 in Addis Ababa, which has provided a beacon of hope to the people of South Sudan.
In 2020, parties to the 2018 (R-ARCSS) implemented its power-sharing arrangements, with Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit serving as president of the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) of the Republic of South Sudan and Riek Machar as First Vice President. The R-ACRSS implementation has made significant achievements in terms of constituting the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity, establishing Transitional National Legislative Assembly and regional bodies, and establishing all relevant institutional mechanisms to implement the peace process.
The visit of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came during this particular period and succeeded in bringing the two principals to the table for discussion and dialogue. In a half-days’ worth of efforts, Prime Minister Abiy could be able to mediate the leaders of both parties to come to the discussion table, where both the President and First Vice President would agree and commit themselves to resolving the disputes amicably.
Ethiopia, UAE agree to Cooperate on Civil Aviation Industry
Civil Aviation Authorities of Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic partnership issues to take the aviation industry of both countries to a better place, said Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA).
The delegation led by Seif Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of United Arab Emirates and the Director General of Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Getachew Mengstie, have signed the Memorandum of Understanding as part of the growing cooperation between the two countries. It is said that the Agreement will boost Ethiopia’s aviation industry to a better height and is part of the growing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
According to ECAA statement on its official page, the agreement will help Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority to support service delivery through digital technology and specially to convert the services provided to pilots to electronic service delivery (E-Service) and build education, training capacity, establish operation licensing and control system related to drone technology and the two authorities offices. It includes basic agendas that enable cooperation on various international platforms. It includes the basic agendas of the two authorities in building the capacity of education and training, establishing an operational licensing and control system pertaining to drone technology, and enabling them to work together in various international forums.
Saif said that his office will provide technical support to the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority’s plan to establish an African Safety Excellence Center and to develop the sector in general.
He is confident that the Center of Safety Excellence to be established will help to further enhance aviation safety in Africa, according to the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. The UAE delegates held talks with Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Simie. They also visited various infrastructures in Ethiopian Airlines. As the Civil Aviation Authority of Ethiopia has many years of experience, there are many experiences that the civil aviation of the United Arab Emirates can take from it, it was learnt.
EMBASSY WARNS AGAINST FRAUDULENT WEBSITES OFFERING ONLINE VISA SERVICES
The Ethiopian Government has launched an online visa application system to simplify and expedite the process of obtaining a visa for Ethiopia. However, the Embassy has recently become aware of some fraudulent websites that mimic the official e-Visa website and mislead applicants into believing that they are applying through the official channels.
The Ethiopian Government has not entered into any agreement with the owners of these websites, and therefore visa applications submitted or payments made through these websites will not be accepted.
The official website for the Ethiopian Online Visa service is https:/ www.evisa.gov.et/ and no other website should be used for visa applications. Applicants are urged to submit their visa applications through the official e-Visa website only.
Please note that the following websites are not affiliated with the Ethiopian Government and should not be used for visa applications:
- ethiopiaevisa.com,
- ethiopiaonlinevisa.com
- evisaforethiopia.com, or any others.
To avoid any complications or delays in obtaining your visa for Ethiopia, the Embassy urges all applicants to submit their visa applications through the official e-Visa website only.
