Politics
Ethiopia Commends EAC, SADC for their commitment to Regional Peace in Spirit of African Solutions to African Problems
Feb 9, 2025 976
Addis Ababa, February 9, 2025 (ENA)--Ethiopia has commended the East African Community (EAC) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) for their commitment and collaboration to foster regional peace and stability in the spirit of African Solutions to African Problems is exemplary. A historic summit, jointly convened by EAC SADC, two major regional blocs, was held on Saturday in the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam to address the escalating crisis in eastern DRC. Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Ethiopia welcomes the outcome of the Joint Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the EAC and SADC held in Dar es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania. Ethiopia commends President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chairperson of the EAC, and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Chairperson of SADC for their leadership in convening the successful meeting.   Their commitment and collaboration to foster regional peace and stability in the spirit of African Solutions to African Problems is exemplary, the ministry stated. African leaders on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and reaffirmed their full support for seeking a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.   In a final communique, regional leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of supply lines in the DRC. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, leaders attending the summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five days to devise technical measures for enforcing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Ethiopia's Pursuit of Sea outlets Catalyst for Regional Growth, Cooperation
Feb 9, 2025 419
Addis Ababa, February 9, 2025 (ENA) – Member of the House of People's Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee, Ambassador Dina Mufti, reiterated that Ethiopia's firm commitment to securing access to the sea could be a regional catalyst for growth and cooperation. Ambassador Dina emphasized that Ethiopia's quest for sea outlet is not only critical for the national development but also plays a significant role in fostering regional growth and integration. He explained that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is firmly anchored in international law and driven by a vision of shared prosperity within the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Dina, who is also a Chairperson of the Western European, European Union, and Ethiopian Parliamentary Friendship Group, further highlighted the extensive benefits that Ethiopia's gaining of access to a seaport would offer, including increased trade, enhanced logistics, and improved connectivity, contributing economic growth and benefitting neighboring countries as well. Ambassador Dina also noted that Ethiopia's efforts align with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which affirms the right of landlocked countries to access the sea. He stressed that the country's quest for sea access is a legitimate right protected by international law, aimed at fostering regional cooperation and shared prosperity. The ambassador’s comments come at a time when Ethiopia is actively engaged in diplomatic discussions with neighboring countries to identify mutually beneficial solutions for sea access. The Ethiopian government remains committed to achieving this goal through peaceful and diplomatic means. Access to a seaport, Ambassador Dina stressed, would have a transformative effect on Ethiopia’s economy while also promoting regional integration, peace, stability, and competitiveness, thus enhancing the region's global economic standing. He further pointed out that more than 32 landlocked countries worldwide, 16 in Africa, 14 in Asia, and 2 in Latin America, currently rely on neighboring ports, a right universally acknowledged under UN conventions. Ethiopia, he affirmed, is simply seeking to exercise this legitimate right despite challenges aimed at obstructing it. Landlocked nations often face higher transportation costs, inefficiencies due to lengthy transit times and fees, and potential disputes with coastal neighbors. Ethiopia's pursuit of sea access is therefore not just in its own national interest but also takes into account the broader regional context. Ethiopia’s quest for a port is rooted in a spirit of cooperation, he said, adding that granting Ethiopia access to the sea would not only elevate its economy but also bring substantial benefits to the neighboring countries that control port access.
UN chief Appeals for Mediation to End Crisis in Eastern DR Congo
Feb 8, 2025 938
Addis Ababa, February 8, 2025 (ENA)— The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called for more efforts to end the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Guterres has also appealed for mediation to end the crisis, adding that now is the time to end the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. During a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres described the situation in DRC as "deeply concerning." Fighting between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and Congolese government forces escalated in January. The rebels claimed they had taken control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, before heading south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The conflict in the eastern region "is having an enormous human toll," with thousands of people killed, and hundreds of thousands forced from their homes in the eastern country, he said. The humanitarian situation in and around Goma is perilous, Guterres said. "Meanwhile, the conflict continues to rage in South Kivu and risks are engulfing the entire region." "My message is clear: Silence the guns. Stop the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uphold international human rights law and international humanitarian law," Guterres said. He urged all players, including neighboring countries, sub-regional organizations, the African Union and the United Nations, to play an active and constructive role toward an end of the conflict. Guterres made the appeal for peace ahead of the African Union summit on the DRC situation in Addis Ababa, which he is expected to take part in next week.
Africans Urged for Unified Voice to Secure Justice, Restitution for Wounds of Slavery & Colonialism
Feb 8, 2025 524
Addis Ababa, February 8, 2025 (ENA)-- The 38th African Union (AU) Summit due to convene in Addis Ababa next week has identified "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation" as its theme. In relation to the chosen theme, reparation expert at the Diaspora Africa Forum, Desta Meghoo, said that Africans must unite behind a cohesive policy and legal framework to effectively address the enduring damages inflicted upon the continent. In an exclusive interview with ENA, she also stressed the need for a unified African voice to secure justice and restitution for the lasting wounds of slavery and colonialism. "My ancestors were ripped from the shores of West Africa, taken and dropped in Jamaica," Meghoo related, adding that "for us, the issue of reparation is relevant and important. We have been fighting for many decades, if not a century plus. So, this particular initiative of reparations will help to bring together both Africa and the diaspora because the whole issue of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism essentially impacted both the continent and those of us children that were taken away, she stated. According to Meghoo, although Ethiopia was not colonized colonial policies have impacted her. ''They have to this day impacted Ethiopia. And so when we unpack it in the context of unity and solidarity with the continent of Africa, as the heads of states and the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) and others will be doing throughout this year, Ethiopia can lead, by example, supporting the initiatives of the African Union towards reparations." Meghoo emphasized that Ethiopia's leadership support to AU reparation initiatives is crucial. Furthermore, who is also a Pan-African artist, pointed out the importance of unified continental policies for the return of artifacts, rather than disparate national approaches. She said that "whether they were stolen from the transatlantic slave trade, or stolen in wars such as what happened here; whether it was Adwa or previous or thereafter, we need to come together in solidarity to develop iron clad policies for the return of our items." Meghoo acknowledged the ongoing efforts of West African nations, particularly Ghana, in advocating for the return of stolen artifacts; but expressed hope that these efforts would be coordinated through a continental system established by the AU. The reparation expert insists that there shouldn't be one policy for Ethiopia, one policy for Ghana, and one policy for Nigeria and so forth. She outlined a two-pronged approach to achieving meaningful reparations. The first is government-to-government engagement involving policies, laws, and precedents negotiated through the AU. And the second, raising public awareness. Finally, the curator of the Pan-African Wing at Addis Ababa University's Institute of Ethiopian Studies, emphasized the importance of balancing development with the preservation of indigenous knowledge and culture, cautioning against mimicking foreign models at the expense of African heritage.
AU Summit Expected to Officially Demand Int’l Community for Justice, Reparations
Feb 8, 2025 535
Addis Ababa, February 8, 2025 (ENA) - The 38th African Union Summit, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa next week, is set to shine a spotlight on the critical themes of reparatory justice and racial healing. AU has unveiled bold 2025 Theme: Demand for Justice and Reparations for Africans and Diaspora which will officially be officially launched by Heads of State and Government during the Summit IN Addis Ababa. The summit is expected to give very importance homework to the global community to engage in meaningful dialogue and policy formulation aimed at addressing historical injustices faced by people of African descent. For many, reparatory justice represents not just a financial compensation for past wrongs but also a comprehensive framework for recognizing and rectifying the socioeconomic and cultural injustices that have persisted over centuries. The summit provides a unique platform for African nations and their counterparts worldwide to collectively address the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism that has adversely affected millions of individuals in Africa and the global African diaspora. The summit aims to foster collaboration between African nations and global partners, seeking to create a unified stance on reparatory justice that can lead to actionable policies. The scars of past injustices are deep-rooted, and the healing process requires substantial acknowledgment of those wrongs. What Does Reparatory Justice for Africa Entail? Reparatory justice for Africa can promote healing, equity, and recognition of the rights and contributions of African peoples when defied. It encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from colonization, slavery, and systemic discrimination, including the following: Historical Acknowledgment: Recognizing and documenting the impacts of colonialism and slavery on African societies is crucial. This includes research and public acknowledgment of the injustices faced by African people over centuries. Financial Reparations: Proposals often include compensatory payments to African nations and communities affected by colonial exploitation. This could also involve investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to support economic development. Land Restitution: Addressing issues of land ownership and restitution is essential, especially in countries where land was taken from indigenous populations. This can involve returning land or compensating communities for lost territories. Cultural Preservation: Efforts should be made to restore and promote African cultural heritage that was suppressed or destroyed during colonial times. This includes funding for cultural institutions, education programs, and the return of cultural artifacts. Policy Reforms: Advocating for changes in policies that perpetuate inequality and discrimination is vital. This can include reforms in education, health care, and economic policies that disproportionately affect African communities. International Accountability: Engaging international bodies to hold former colonial powers accountable for their actions can foster a sense of global responsibility. This might involve diplomatic pressure or legal actions at international courts. Community Empowerment: Supporting grassroots movements and empowering local communities to lead their own reparative justice initiatives ensures that solutions are culturally relevant and community driven. Continued Advocacy: Ongoing advocacy and education are essential to maintain momentum and keep the conversation about reparative justice alive. This can involve coalitions, campaigns, and public forums to raise awareness and support for the cause.
Kenya, Ethiopia in Forefront in Fostering African Unity & Pan-Africanism
Feb 8, 2025 780
Addis Ababa, February 8, 2025 (ENA) -- The United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) Executive Director, Nicodemus Bore praised the ongoing efforts of Kenya and Ethiopia in fostering African unity and pan-Africanism. The two countries have long been at the forefront of promoting pan-Africanism and unity across the continent, Bore told the Pulse of Africa (PoA). Both countries are working to foster peace, cooperation, and shared development within Africa. “As you are aware, Kenya and Ethiopia are in the forefront in fighting for inclusion of everyone into the pan Africanism.” He further emphasized Ethiopia’s significant role in the African Union (AU), highlighting its importance as the host of the AU’s headquarters. “Our countries, Kenya and Ethiopia have worked very hard.” Moreover, he emphasized the importance of unity among African nations in securing a more powerful global presence, expanding markets, and fostering greater prosperity for the continent. “If we all come together and become one African continent, then we will be able to have a good place in the world to sell our ideas, to sell our products, and expand our markets and bring wealth to Africa,” Bore noted. Reflecting on his recent visit to the historic National Palace in Addis Ababa, Bore noted we saw the place where the Organization of African Union (OAU) signed their first charter and walked through the gates to have dinner in the palace. “This is a place where people come, they feel like home, a home where there is peace, a home where you feel at home, a home where everybody listens to you, whether a big country or a small country.” He said, "We urge African countries to emulate what is happening in Ethiopia." Bore urged African nations to look to Ethiopia as a model for peaceful coexistence, drawing attention to Ethiopia's unique diversity, with over 80 ethnicities that coexist harmoniously. “In Ethiopia, despite the many different ethnic groups, everyone stands united as Ethiopians. This is a lesson for us all. If we can unify as Africans, we will secure a stronger presence on the global stage, expand our markets, and bring greater prosperity to the continent. As the African Union prepares for its upcoming meeting in Ethiopia, Bore’s message echoed a call for greater cooperation, peace, and unity across Africa, emphasizing that only through collective action can the continent realize its full potential.
Algerian NLF Calls for Stronger African Solidarity to Address Challenges
Feb 6, 2025 769
Addis Ababa, February 6, 2025 (ENA) --- The National Liberation Front (NLF) of Algeria has underscored the critical importance of stronger solidarity among African nations to tackle the pressing challenges of the continent. Abdelkrim Benmbarek, secretary-general of Algeria's NLF, emphasized the need for a united African front to address the multifaceted issues facing the continent. Benmbarek made this statement following his visit to key landmarks in Addis Ababa where he attended the Second Congress of the Prosperity Party. In an interview with ENA, Benmbarek stressed that African unity is essential for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the continent’s global standing. He described the congress as a "historic opportunity" to deepen cooperation and form strategic partnerships among African nations and political parties. Solidarity, he argued, is vital to confronting Africa's most urgent socioeconomic and political challenges. Benmbarek further emphasized the need to prioritize shared African interests over secondary differences, calling for a unified approach to tackling common issues. According to the Secretary-General, advancing economic and political integration is crucial for fostering stability and development across the continent. Expressing optimism about the potential for progress through joint initiatives, Benmbarek stated that African solidarity is the key to securing a more prosperous future. He noted that sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices would strengthen Africa's resilience and ensure a brighter future for its citizens. “Together, Africans can build a stronger continent, ready to face any challenge,” Benmbarek asserted.
Upcoming AU Summit Provides Opportunity to Strategize for More Successful Future
Feb 6, 2025 959
Addis Ababa, February 6, 2025 (ENA) --- The upcoming African Union Summit in Addis Ababa provides an opportunity to strategize for a more successful future, particularly in addressing setbacks like silencing the guns and accelerating economic development across the continent, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla remarked. The summit will take place in Addis Ababa next week, with a primary focus on the theme of "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. The 38th Summit is expected to addressing the historical injustices stemming from colonialism, slavery, and apartheid. The summit aims to galvanize support for the African Reparations Agenda, uniting the African citizenry and diaspora in a call for justice and recognition of the profound impact of these historical crimes. The summit will also be reassessing and recalibrating Agenda 2063, following a review of its first decade (2013-2023). The summit is also expected to discuss ways on tackling key challenge, including strategies to overcome setbacks in achieving specific goals, especially in areas like silencing the guns and accelerating economic development. Strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will also be a central theme of the discussions.   In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, emphasized the significance of the upcoming summit and highlighted the country's extensive preparations. Ambassador Nebiyu emphasized Ethiopia's full readiness to host a productive and impactful AU summit. This summit is particularly significant as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the first decade of Agenda 2063, acknowledging both its achievements and the challenges encountered. According to Ambassador Nebiyu, the summit provides an opportunity to strategize for a more successful future, particularly in addressing setbacks like silencing the guns and accelerating economic development across the continent. Strengthening the AfCFTA will also be a crucial part of the discussions. The review of the first decade of Agenda 2063 has shown progress in certain areas, but also revealed that key goals, such as achieving peace and security and fostering robust economic growth, have faced significant challenges. As a result, the upcoming summit will focus on developing strategies to address these gaps and bring the AU's flagship program back on course. Ambassador Nebiyu also stressed the importance of the African Peer Review Mechanism in this process. Agenda 2063 is the AU's ambitious framework for Africa's transformation, setting strategic goals for economic growth, sustainable development, peace, and security. The AfCFTA aims to create a unified market for goods and services across the continent, promoting intra-African trade and investment. Ambassador Nebiyu also emphasized the thorough preparations undertaken by Ethiopia to ensure the success of the summit. The Ambassador also said that the country is finalizing the necessary documentation to ensure the summit outcomes reflect the country's national interests while contributing to the broader progress of the continent. The upcoming AU summit is expected to draw heads of state and government, along with other high-ranking officials from across Africa, to deliberate on these critical issues and make decisions that will shape the future of the continent.
Reshaping Ethiopia’s Destiny through Grand Narratives
Feb 6, 2025 614
Reshaping Ethiopia’s Destiny through Grand Narratives By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, February 6, 2025 (ENA) - Over the last six years, the Federal Government of Ethiopia has rendered a special attention to the issue of building grand narratives among the population to forge the state building endeavours. Ethiopia is home to diverse nations, nationalities and peoples with their own distinct languages, cultures, religion, values and traditions. The notion of building shared narrative generally emanates from Ethiopians coexistence for millennia, their common aspirations, and value systems to thrive together. Of course, acknowledging and addressing historical grievances, injustices, and traumas that Ethiopians have endured in different era history of our country are prerequisites before implementing systems through which corrective steps will be taken to nurture grand narratives. There have been historical accusation and counter-accusations across social and linguistic layers in Ethiopia, erupting conflicts, inequalities and marginalization. Such deep-seated grievances have plunged the country into cycles of civil war, poverty and extreme and zero-game political system. The way authoritarian rulers attempted to deal with the demands of political forces has never worked—they simply crushed what they considered were enemies. Inclusive and democratic system were not in place. In a message Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed in connection with the 5th anniversary of Prosperity Party (PP) he said that the reform program resolved past shortfalls, retained present achievements and charted out a pathway for Ethiopia’s future development. He underlined that PP has been mending old political fractures and tried to build up on positive political assets in the country. This indeed is one of the fruits of the national reform program. Today, Ethiopia is confronted with backlogs of unaddressed issues that it has inherited from past. So addressing these problems through round table discussions should be carried out through the lense of grand narratives, critical to reshaping Ethiopia’s future. Resolving Ethiopia’s past history requires extensive dialogue, and understanding by active participation underscoring its diversity and national unity. Hence, taking a course of action that unifies national identity should transcend ethnic, religious, or linguistic identity the home grown political philosophy—Medemer. Ever since the inception of the nation-wide reforms launched in 2018, the Government of Ethiopia has given a special attention to the promotion of peace and reconciliation as the core value of governance and sustainable development. This was demonstrated by releasing thousands of inmates and political prisoners who were languishing in the dungeons and secret prisons across the country as a goodwill gesture for the prevalence of peace in the country. Political parties who were operating in foreign lands were also provided with amnesty to come back home and engage in the democratic process and development of peaceful life in the country. In the efforts made thus far, progresses are consolidated, shortcomings addressed and past mistakes corrected, laying a foundation for national unity, peace and development. The national dialogue is an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon, paving the way for Ethiopia’s bright future. The National Dialogue Commission has been active over the last three years in conducting consultations and agenda items across the regions based on phased approach. This is major departure for the Ethiopian peoples to come together through their representatives to build national consensus and grand narratives on major issues of the country. For a national consensus, it is important to engage in inclusive dialogue and consultation processes involving diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, political parties, civil society organizations, religious leaders, elders, the youth and women. Ethiopia has also launched a Transitional Justice Policy aimed at overseeing and executing the transitional justice process in a methodical, cohesive, and efficient manner at national level. Central to Ethiopia's transitional justice journey is the establishment of a truth-seeking process, such as a truth and reconciliation commission. This systematic investigation aims to illuminate past human rights abuses, identify perpetrators, and uncover the circumstances surrounding these atrocities. By acknowledging victims' suffering and confronting the nation's history, this process can foster a shared understanding and pave the way for accountability and justice. The foundation of Prosperity Party eliminated the political configuration between center and periphery, the major party and partners, the farmers and pastoralists, the revolutionaries and the reactionary as well as the enemies and friends, replacing them with the concept of supremacy of ideas and concepts. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made repeated calls to armed groups to lay down their arms and accept the path of peace. The prime minister recently renewed his call to the armed groups to embrace the path of peace to which the government will go the extra mile. Recall the people in Oromia and Amhara regions held rallies, voicing their unwavering support for the government's ongoing efforts for peace and foster development. Conflicts in Oromia and Amhara regions caused numerous social and economic crisis, prompting the public to hold rallies in different areas of the regions in support of government's repeated appeal for peace and dialogue. This has prompted former militants in Oromia and Amhara to accept the path of peace, underscoring the futility of armed struggle that does not take the country anywhere, rather than causing destruction. The decision of former militants to embrace peace after heeding the government's call and responding to the people's demand for peace serves as a powerful demonstration that armed conflict is not a viable solution to Ethiopia’s problems. The government is dedicated to fostering lasting peace and national consensus in Ethiopia and called on all citizens to contribute their share to the success of the national effort. Peace never comes through guns or violence. This is evident in the political history that Ethiopia has passed through to date. Lessons must be drawn from what Ethiopia has experienced through its history. All told, as the National Dialogue Commission is tasked to resolve differences and disagreements through broad-based inclusive public dialogue that engenders national consensus, political forces and armed groups should be on board to bear the brunt of the burden to at least alleviate the backlogs of Ethiopia’s problems, which this generation passes on to posterity.
Private Sector Key to Ensuring Peace and Prosperity: PM Advisor Daniel Kibret
Feb 5, 2025 519
Addis Ababa, February 5, 2025 (ENA)- The private sector plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and prosperity by fostering national unity and consolidating a grand narrative for Ethiopia, Deacon Daniel Kibret, Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, noted. A conference on the private sector's contribution to Ethiopia's sustainable peace was held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum today. On the occasion, the advisor presented a discussion paper titled "The Role of the Private Sector in Building Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia".   In the paper, he highlighted the necessity of building a grand narrative for nation-building. According to him, the private sector is instrumental in consolidating this narrative and achieving a prosperous Ethiopia. On his part, Peace Minister Mohammed Idris stressed the vital role of businesses in cultivating connections between diverse societies and enhancing overall harmony.   Pointing out the significance of business interactions in fostering understanding, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence among various communities, he urged the private sector to strengthen its role in strengthening the effort of the government to ensure peace. He reiterated that the private sector's involvement is essential for maintaining sustainable peace in Ethiopia and the effort must be continuous. Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (ECCSA) President, Subsib Abafira, highlighted the critical role of peace in creating a favorable environment for investment and international trade, stressing that a peaceful atmosphere is vital for business success and economic growth. He emphasized the private sector's huge role in promoting and sustaining peace. Some of the participants of the conference affirmed that the private sector is well-equipped and fully committed to contributing to the preservation and promotion of long-term peace and stability.
Ethiopia Pledges to Consolidate Peace and Development in South Sudan
Feb 5, 2025 700
Addis Ababa, February 5, 2025 (ENA) - Ethiopia will further strengthen its contribution toward promoting peace and development in South Sudan, Prosperity Party (PP) Vice President and Democratic System Building Center Head with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah said. Adem held talks with a delegation led by Peter Lam Both, Secretary-General of the South Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). PP Vice President noted on the occasion that the two countries have a blood-bound relationship, and the cultural, historical, and people-to-people ties are a manifestation of this. Recalling Ethiopia's key role in bringing peace to South Sudan in 1972, 2005, and 2018, Adem added that the country has extended support to strengthen the South Sudan People's Liberation Movement since its formation. According to him, Ethiopia has made contributions to bring about peace and development in South Sudan; and the nation will continue playing this historic role. Adem also pointed out the significance of the infrastructure projects underway in fostering economic bondage between the countries. Expressing PP's readiness to enhance party-to-party relations, he stated its willingness to collaborate in capacity building in this regard. South Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretary-General, Peter Lam Both said he has witnessed a remarkable leap in development under the leadership of the Prosperity Party during his stay in Addis Ababa. He further said that Ethiopia's aspiration to become exemplary to prosperity in Africa is on the right track. Peter Lam Both, who noted the need for SPLM to learn from the experience of Prosperity Party, stated that his party is ready to work together with PP in this regard.
SPLM Secretary-General Calls for Unified African Response to Global Challenges
Feb 5, 2025 367
Addis Ababa, February 5, 2025 (ENA) - The Secretary-General of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), Peter Lam Both, has called for greater unity and collaboration among African nations to address the continent's pressing challenges, including poverty, migration, and external influence. In exclusive interview with ENA, while he is in Addis Ababa to participate during the Prosperity Party's Second Congress, where he was attending as a representative of a sister party, Both emphasized the importance of peer learning and adopting successful strategies across the continent. "If Africa doesn't work together, it will affect us greatly," he cautioned. He further urged African leaders to focus on economic transformation, democratization, and the development of a common market to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Secretary-General expressed concern that despite decades of independence, many African nations remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. Both stressed the urgent need to create economic opportunities within Africa, so that its citizens don't have to risk perilous journeys abroad in search of a better life. He also called for the relaxation of travel restrictions between African countries, which he described as hindering regional integration. Looking ahead to the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit, Both called on leaders to develop concrete programs and a coordinated development agenda. He highlighted the issue of migration, attributing it to a lack of economic opportunity, and urged the creation of a common market and the capacity to bring African products to market. A central theme of Both's address was the need for African solidarity in the face of external pressures. He warned of upcoming foreign policies from powerful states that could significantly impact the continent and stressed the importance of a unified African response. SPLM called for a strengthened AU, empowered by its member states, to effectively advocate for the continent's interests on the global stage. He emphasized that a united Africa is better positioned to negotiate with powerful nations and resist external influence. "One country cannot influence a powerful state that comes to them," he explained. "But when we work together through the African Union… we will be able to get out victorious from all of this."
United Russia Party Stresses Need for Cooperation among BRICS, African Parties
Feb 4, 2025 1080
Addis Ababa, February 4, 2025 (ENA) Russian Federation Senator and Supreme Council Bureau Member of United Russia, Andrey Klimov, said discussions and cooperation among BRICS and African parties are crucial to bring practical results. According to him, discussions and cooperation among BRICS ruling political parties and other African political parties will bring about practical results in the near future. Last year, for instance, Russia hosted such a forum for BRICS family members, Klimov said, adding that there were representatives from different political parties, including Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party. “This is a good signal, but we'd like to go further,” he stressed. At the Vladivostok forum, the parties --- not only the Prosperity Party, but parties like the African National Congress and the Algerian party as well as others discussed a lot of things, Klimov stated. “We're looking forward to having some more practical results of such kind of cooperation, either inside BRICS family or among our cooperation with African parties, in the nearest future,” Furthermore, the United Russia Party is looking for a round table of party leaders of ruling parties of Africa here in Addis, he revealed. “We have discussed this with the President of the Prosperity Party and Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed; and he supported that idea.” Klimov hopes that the round table, with the participation of the Russian ruling party, United Russia, can find ways to solve Africa’s challenges. There are a lot of challenges in Africa, including digital security and environmental challenges that require cooperation among different actors such as Russia to solve, he added. “There is a big list of things which we have to solve before we can say that we have stable security in Africa; and the stability of Africa is a very good foundation for all the rest things, including mutual cooperation, fruitful cooperation between countries of Africa and Russian Federation.” Klimov further stated that Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party, the largest political party in Africa with more than 15 million members, is important for Ethiopia and Africa. With regard to Ethio-Russian relations, the senator and bureau member said there has been absolutely good relations between Russia and Ethiopia. The recent participation of the Russian ruling party delegation at the Second Congress of the Prosperity Party has also created a platform for discussions among party representatives. The emergence of Prosperity Party as the biggest political party in Africa contributes a lot to the stability of Ethiopia, he noted. This means there is one party member out of ten Ethiopians, he stated, pointing out “this is a good instrument to understand situations in the regions, to understand the vision of common people, to understand the proper ways of solving this and that problem inside your federation.”
Ethiopia, Kenya Launch Joint Operation against Shene Militant Group along Border Areas 
Feb 4, 2025 873
Addis Ababa, January 4, 2025 (ENA) --The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) of Ethiopia and Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced the commencement of a coordinated operation targeting the Shene militant group along the border regions of the two countries. NISS said in a press release sent to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), this joint operation follows agreements reached during high-level security consultations led by Ambassador Redwan Hussein, Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, and Noordin Mohamed Haji, Director-General of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), alongside senior defense and police officials from both countries. The operation aims to implement security agreements focused on combating threats that jeopardize the national interests of both nations. Specifically, it targets activities related to terrorism, contraband trade, and the illegal trafficking of people and arms. The primary objective is to dismantle the Shene militant group operating in border areas, thereby enhancing regional stability. Joint security forces from Ethiopia and Kenya are actively conducting operations in designated camps of the group within their respective border territories to neutralize the group’s influence. In a related statement, Kenya’s National Police Service highlighted that the Shene group’s cross-border movements have contributed to various crimes, including the illegal trade of arms, human trafficking, and mineral smuggling, as well as fueling ethnic conflicts. The group’s actions have been identified as a significant threat to Kenya’s national security, prompting the launch of extensive operations to restore peace and stability, the statement added. Thus far, these operations have inflicted substantial human and material losses on the militant group. NISS reaffirmed that the ongoing operation will continue with intensified efforts. Despite rejecting peace overtures in the past, the militant group still has an open path to peaceful resolution, it underlined. The National Intelligence and Security Service has called on remaining members of the group to abandon violence and embrace the opportunity for peace.
Ethiopian News Agency
2023