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African Development Bank Demands Action Over Alleged Assault by Police

Nov 16 , 2023

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).

The Bank's statement, issued today 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. 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.

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