Security Concerns Cast Doubt on Addis Abeba Global Telecom Conference

An international conference scheduled to take place in Addis Abeba next year faces uncertainty following the introduction of a nationwide state of emergency two weeks ago.

The International Telecommunication Union, a specialised United Nations agency for information and communication technologies composed of 190 member countries, organizes the World Telecommunications Development Conference every four years since 1985. Ethiopia was selected to host the eighth global conference in June 2019, marking the first time it would take place in Africa.

It was initially scheduled for 2021 but was postponed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Close to 2,500 participants, including government officials from various countries, are expected to attend.

A national organising committee chaired by the minister of Innovation & Technology and co-chaired by the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) was set up two years ago. Committee members include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Police Commission and the National Intelligence & Security Services.

Organisers have expressed their disquiet after a state of emergency was declared by parliament earlier this month. There has not been any formal communication for a change of venue, Balcha Reba, director-general of the ECA, told Fortune. However, concerns have been raised informally over how the conference can be held in Ethiopia under the prevailing security circumstances.

The Director-General attributes "inaccurate reporting" by the international media for casting doubt on the security situation in Addis Abeba. Authorities remain positive that the conference can be held even if the state of emergency is extended. It would not be the first time a global meeting was held in a country under a state of emergency, Balcha says. In 2016, Turkey hosted 2,000 delegates for the 26th Universal Postal Congress under a state of emergency spanning two years.

A response was given to the officials of the ITU who raised their concerns, Huria Ali, a state minister for Innovation & Technology, disclosed.

"We've continued our work," she said.

A branded logo for the conference has been released, and a website with information and registration features was launched. The organising committee has also agreed with the UNECA to use the conference hall for the event. Over the past year, a series of virtual conferences dubbed “Road to Addis” have been hosted with senior government officials, including President Sahle-work Zewde, in attendance.

The 10-day conference is expected to generate business for the hospitality industry, transport companies and tourist sites.