ADDIS ABABA – The Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia has pledged to support ongoing service delivery initiatives and law enforcement efforts in conflict-affected areas of northern Ethiopia.
In a press release sent to The Ethiopian Herald, the embassy announced that the Government of Japan is strengthening its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in alignment with its commitment to Ethiopia’s peace and recovery efforts.
According to the statement, Japan has been a key contributor to UNDP’s multi-partner Peace Support Facility, providing approximately 3 million USD to assist local authorities in Afar, Amhara, and Tigray states in post-conflict rebuilding efforts.
Japan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori, emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable peace, stating: “The Government of Japan has provided support for the Peace Support Facility to enable quick recovery within communities. I have observed that regional government officials, with the support of UNDP, are taking strong initiatives and making every effort to reconstruct people’s lives to pre-conflict standards.”
The ambassador also highlighted the various peace support activities funded by Japan, including the restoration of governance structures. These efforts have led to the rehabilitation of 190 government and justice offices, 64 schools, 22 healthcare facilities, and 127 water schemes.
Furthermore, Japan’s contributions have played a crucial role in revitalizing livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons returning to their communities.
UNDP Ethiopia Resident Representative Samuel Doe underscored the significance of Japan’s support, stating: “The Government of Japan’s contributions to the Peace Support Facility have been invaluable in advancing peace building and recovery efforts in Ethiopia. These resources are directly impacting millions of lives, enabling communities to rebuild and move forward.”
In addition, Japan has procured 12 motorbikes and three vehicles to strengthen the operational capacity of Regional Recovery and Reconstruction Offices (RROs), local police forces, and Woreda administrations.
The official handover of the motorbikes took place in Addis Ababa in the presence of the Amhara State Finance Bureau Head Tilahun Mehari (PhD) and the Afar Recovery and Reconstruction Office Head Nuredin Mohammed.
Moreover, Japan’s ongoing partnership with UNDP in the areas of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), National Dialogue, and peace support underscores its dedication to promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development in Ethiopia.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 3 APRIL 2025
