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Ethiopia Mends Ties with AfDB, Premier Apologises for Staff Assault, Assures Accountability and Safe Return

Jan 19 , 2024

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has issued a formal apology to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its President, Akinwumi Adesina (PhD), for a recent incident involving the Bank's staff. This led to the withdrawal of all international AfDB staff from Ethiopia.

The apology came as part of a series of meetings held in Addis Abeba from December 29 to 31, 2023, between the Prime Minister and Adesina. They have resolved tensions following an assault on two international staff members of the AfDB, including its country director, by Ethiopian security agents, a matter which had remained unresolved despite a high-level mission from the Bank in November 2023.

The AfDB has expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meetings and the Ethiopian government's response to the incident. The AfDB's ongoing portfolio in Ethiopia is substantial, encompassing 22 projects with a total value of 1.24 billion dollars.

The Bank has announced the resumption of its normal operations in Ethiopia, with all international staff returning to the country.

Prime Minister Abiy gave firm assurances about the safety and security of the AfDB personnel and committed to respecting their rights, privileges, and diplomatic immunities, according to a statement the Bank issued today.

"He pledged to cooperate in investigating the incident and to ensure accountability for those involved," said the statement.

The controversial incident followed missing funds that were supposed to be transferred to the Bank, an issue the Ethiopian government agreed to assist in the investigation.

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