African Development Bank Demands Action Over Alleged Assault by Police


African Development Bank Demands Action Over Alleged Assault by Police

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has lodged a formal complaint with Ethiopian authorities after police detained and physically assaulted its staff members based in Addis Abeba a few weeks ago. One of the two detained and later released included AfDB's Country Manager, Abdul Kamara (PhD), who is now in Canada attending a medical check-up. The severity of the incident was such that it prompted an intervention by Ethiopia's high-ranking officials, including President Sahleworq Zewdie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). A high-level inquiries force chaired by Teklewold Atnafu, monetary policy advisor to the Prime Minister, has been established to probe the case, sources disclosed. At least two individuals from the Ministry of Finance were taken in for questioning with developments around the same time which involved "mistakes" in handling membership fees. The Bank's statement, issued after a long silence, emphasised the gravity of the situation, pointing to a breach of the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic relations. The AfDB has sought assurances from the Ethiopian government that those responsible will face justice. The incident marks a significant diplomatic rift between international organisations based in Addis Abeba, testing the boundaries of diplomatic immunity and norms. It was also followed by a transfer of millions of dollars by Ethiopian authorities servicing a membership with the AfDB, which was found to be fraudulent.


Radar

Dashen Bank Rolls Out Mobile Payment Solution

Dashen Bank has introduced a new digital payment service that allows customers to pay for fuel with ease using the Dashen Super mobile app. The service was officially launched on May 13 and is now available at every fuel stations. According to the bank, the Dashen Super app enables users to make payments in just three clicks, offering a fast and convenient alternative to traditional payment methods. Dashen Bank announced that it plans to expand the service across all fuel stations in the coun...


Radar

Four Key Agreements Passed in Parliaments 29th Regular Session

In its 29th regular session of the fourth year, Ethiopia's 6th Parliament approved four key agreements: two loan deals, the establishment of a finance corporation, and an air transport agreement. Assistant Minister of State for Finance, Meseret Haile, introduced the proposed loan agreements and requested they be sent directly to a second reading for discussion and approval. Parliament accepted the request and proceeded with a detailed discussion on the draft proclamations. Members of Parli...


Radar

New Pact Targets Rural Road Links, Food Security Goals

The Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure has signed an agreement with several federal institutions to launch a major project targeting rural connectivity and food security. At the signing ceremony, State Minister Yetmegeta Asrat represented the Ministry alongside officials from the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Federal Public Procurement and Property Authority, the Environmental Protection Authority, and Helvetas Ethiopia. A separate agreement was also signed...