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US, UK Addis Abeba Embassies Issue Rare Demarches Calling for AfDB Staff Assault Investigation

Dec 27 , 2023

The United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) embassies in Addis Abeba issued rare demarches today, urging an investigation into the recent detentions and assaults on senior staff members of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The embassies urged the importance of adhering to diplomatic immunity standards as set by the Vienna Convention.

AfDB's President has expressed serious concern over the safety and security of his staff in Ethiopia and pulled international staff from the country.

Events escalated after two senior staff members of the AfDB faced detentions and physical assault in late October 2023, involving Abdul Kamara, the AfDB's country manager, and his colleague. Both individuals, despite their diplomatic status, were detained for several hours by security forces under circumstances that remain unclear.

The altercation reportedly began over a dispute with the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance. According to sources from the AfDB, the dispute centred around a questioned 5.2 million dollar deposit into a bank account purportedly associated with the AfDB, representing Ethiopia's annual contribution to the Bank. Kamara, a senior economist from Senegal, disputed the authenticity of the account, which may led to the subsequent altercation with the security forces.

The Ethiopian government, acknowledging the gravity of the incident, has formally recognised the diplomatic breach and assured a thorough investigation into the matter, promising accountability. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has intervened, ordering the immediate release of the detained staff and the initiation of an investigation.

The AfDB, despite the incident, has reiterated that its operations in Ethiopia remain unaffected, stressing its commitment to the safety and security of its staff.

However, the incident has raised concerns about the security of international employees in Ethiopia and the country's adherence to international diplomatic norms.

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