France's Ambassador to Ethiopia up until last week, Remi Marechaux, arrived in Addis Abeba four years ago with a dual mandate of representing his country and engaging with the African Union (AU). He dove into familiar waters from his previous role as Director General for Africa, using Ethiopia's ancient, never-colonised status as a unique lens to understand its growth and development as well as its many problems.

Ambassador Marechaux was captivated by Ethiopia's identity, characterised by a sense of statehood and authority, even during internal conflicts. He painted a vivid picture of a country steeped in historical continuity and cultural pride, setting it apart from its African neighbours. Marechaux noted the country's pride in history, which he observed complicated international relations sometimes. According to him, Ethiopians tend to be selective about external assistance, differing from their French-speaking counterparts, where historical ties often smooth diplomatic and economic interactions.

Marechaux believes it is essential for diplomats to skillfully manage this delicate matter, balancing respect for Ethiopia's sovereignty while promoting shared interests. The Ambassador noted that France's relationship with Ethiopia was distinctly different from that of its former colonies in Africa. In French-speaking countries, historical and linguistic connections generally ease access to decision-makers, with many leaders having studied in France. However, building relationships in Ethiopia required more effort, as the ties were less familiar. This called for a more patient and educational approach, as he worked to clarify France's role and intentions in the region.

Despite arriving at a difficult time, marked by wars in the north and the aftermath of the pandemic, the Ambassador said he witnessed the resilience of the Ethiopian people.

He proudly celebrated the 125th anniversary of French-Ethiopian diplomatic relations, spotlighting numerous bilateral initiatives that brought both countries closer. From enhancing the French-Ethiopian school, Lycee Gebremariam, to reviving the Ethiopian French business club, he focused on establishing lasting institutions, including new residences and cultural projects.

In an exclusive interview with our Managing Editor, TAMRAT G. GIORGIS, Ambassador Marechaux spoke about impressive achievements, such as enhanced cultural diplomacy, projects such as repurposing the National Palace on Menelik Avenue into a museum and preserving the Lalibela churches. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of economic reforms and post-conflict initiatives, which were vital in stabilising affected areas. Throughout his tenure, Marechaux's diplomatic approach embodied patience, respect, and consistent responsiveness to the country's needs.

Fortune: Reflecting on your tenure, what were your expectations before arriving in Ethiopia, and how did the reality compare?

Amb. Remi Marechaux: My position here was unique due to my dual role with the African Union (AU). My previous assignment was director general for Africa, which allowed me to continue covering similar subjects.

Ethiopia’s historical depth and its status as a never-colonised nation were significant draws. The opportunity to work in a country known since antiquity, and to benchmark Ethiopia’s development without colonial blame, was intriguing.

Ethiopia’s identity is unique; many Ethiopians do not define themselves as African first. This historical and cultural depth has made my tenure fascinating. Despite arriving during a crisis, including the war in the north, I witnessed Ethiopia’s resilience.

Celebrating the 125th anniversary of our diplomatic relations allowed us to highlight various aspects of our partnership. We worked on numerous initiatives, including the French-Ethiopian school and transforming the Ethiopian French business club. I focused on institutions that would benefit future relations, such as new residences and cultural projects.

Q: Given your extensive experience in Africa, how did you find your stay in Ethiopia compared to other countries you served on the continent, particularly of its unique attributes?

Ethiopia stands out due to its historical continuity and cultural pride. Unlike other African countries, it has maintained a distinct identity, largely untouched by colonisation. This uniqueness is evident in its strong sense of statehood and authority, which has persisted despite internal conflicts.

However, the country's historical pride sometimes complicates its international relations. Ethiopians' sense of self-reliance means they are selective about external assistance. This contrasts with my experience in French-speaking African countries, where historical and linguistic ties often make diplomatic and economic engagements smoother. Ethiopia’s deep-rooted culture requires a nuanced approach, balancing respect for its sovereignty with promoting mutual interests.

Q: Do you find France's approach to its relationships with Ethiopia differs from that with former French colonies in Africa?

In French-speaking African countries, historical and linguistic ties often facilitate more accessible access to decision-makers. Many leaders in these countries have studied in France or have familial ties, which creates a familiarity that smoothens diplomatic interactions.

In Ethiopia, the long-standing relationship is well-rooted but not as widely known by the general public, requiring more effort to build connections.

The major difference lies in the administrative culture and the need to explain our role and intentions more thoroughly. While in French-speaking countries, the familiarity with France and its systems allows for quicker and more direct engagements, in Ethiopia, we often have to start from scratch, explaining who we are and what we represent. This difference demands a more patient and educational approach in Ethiopia.

Q: You came at a time of delicate moment, during the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent civil war, which made bilateral relations and your work difficult.

The conflict impacted our work, particularly in terms of economic investments. French companies faced challenges in repatriating profits due to the unstable business environment and frequent regulatory changes. Despite these obstacles, we secured some successful investments, especially in agribusiness.

The conflict underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability. For example, the post-conflict initiatives we launched in the war-affected areas aimed to provide immediate benefits and support the peace process. These efforts included rehabilitating hospitals and improving agricultural productivity, crucial in stabilising the affected regions. However, the ongoing instability remains challenging for sustained economic growth and foreign investment.

Q: Conflicts are ongoing, mainly in the two largest regional states. What specific contributions has France made to address the multiple crises Ethiopia faces?

Our contributions are driven by the Ethiopian government’s requests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided vaccines in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, appreciating their efficient distribution efforts. On the economic front, we were actively involved in the previous IMF agreement, providing grants and technical assistance to support Ethiopia’s economic reforms.

Post-conflict, we were among the first to deploy concrete projects in the war-affected areas, such as rehabilitating hospitals and improving the electrical grid. These initiatives were designed to deliver immediate benefits and support long-term stability. Our approach is always to respond to Ethiopian priorities, ensuring our assistance aligns with their needs and goals.

Q: During the conflict and its aftermath, France and other Western countries, were criticised for prioritising bilateral relationships over their value commitment to upholding human rights. Do you see these criticisms as reasonable?

Upholding human rights is a core value of French diplomacy. We candidly discussed human rights concerns with Ethiopian authorities, though we chose a respectful and private approach rather than public condemnation. This method conforms with our belief that constructive dialogue is more effective than public lecturing.

Q: Do you find it difficult to balance maintaining smooth relationships with the government and being outspoken?

It depends. You can express your thoughts candidly without public posturing. We practice what can be termed "quiet diplomacy." My President, ministers, and I communicate frankly with Ethiopian interlocutors when necessary, but we do so respectfully and privately. Public lectures are not our approach.

We believe that private discussions are more efficient and respectful. Our public statements, whether bilateral or with partners, never use forceful language like "you must." Instead, we discuss issues privately to be both effective and respectful.

Q: Were there times when you felt you had to speak out publicly against certain developments against gross human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity?

Yes, there are times when public statements are necessary, especially in the face of horrific crimes. However, it is not always the most effective way to address issues on the ground. Public statements may satisfy public opinion but do not always lead to practical solutions.

During the conflict, we told Ethiopian interlocutors early on that a military solution was not viable and a political solution was needed. The Ethiopian government's decision to include a transitional justice mechanism in the Pretoria Agreement reflects an understanding that aligns with this perspective.

We supported the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and collaborated on the joint report with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This report acknowledged that crimes against humanity were committed during the conflict, leading to the inclusion of transitional justice in the Pretoria Agreement. We believe that promoting a culture of accountability through these mechanisms will ultimately benefit Ethiopia’s long-term stability and governance.

Q: Upon your departure, do you feel satisfied that you have done enough to uphold human rights in Ethiopia?

Yes. However, upholding human rights is not just about speaking out. We have had a productive relationship with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, exemplified by the joint report with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This report acknowledged crimes against humanity and war crimes, and the Ethiopian government endorsed it, leading to the transitional justice process.

Public denunciations might not have had the same impact. The government’s acknowledgement of these crimes and the steps toward transitional justice show their commitment. However, ongoing conflicts mean that human rights issues are far from resolved, and continuous efforts are necessary.

Q: Do you see national dialogue and transitional justice process as sufficient instruments for Ethiopia's ongoing conflicts?

It depends on the outcomes. These processes have not yet delivered concrete results. We are still waiting for the national dialogue to start and for transitional justice to lead to prosecutions for the most horrific crimes.