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

DREARY LANES

A street lamp around Addis Abeba Stadium melds into the concrete backdrop emblematic of the capital's ageing infrastructure. Over the past few years, Ethiopia's electric grid has been subject to destruction and theft, subjecting the public treasury to hundreds of millions in losses. Nearly half of the country's population does not have access to electricity. A series of projects by the World Bank has contributed to the slight but essential upgrade to the nation's grid, including a 500 million do...


Radar

PLUMPY HUMPS

A trio of donkeys drag along the main road in front of Menlik School around the Arat Kilo area. While the four-legged domestic animal is a venerated member of the Ethiopian labour force, its skin and meat are increasingly valued in the international markets. Rhong Chang, a donkey slaughterhouse operating in Assela Town, Oromia Regional State reopened its services after a seven-year break two years ago. Public outroar has often accompanied the entrance of donkey abattoirs into Ethiopia since anot...


Radar

IMPROMPTU AISLES

A bustling market emerges under a bridge in the boroughs of the Bole Michael area. Addis Abeba City Administration has launched a series of aesthetic initiatives embalmed in themes of beautification and urbanisation that have removed thousands of shops built with makeshift tents. Above a quarter of Addis Abeba's labour force is engaged in the informal economy, which while often associated with connotations of illegality, remains a sizeable employer in emerging economies across the world. Calibra...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email