BY ADDISALEM MULAT
Lawmaking and oversighting the executive body are one of the noble and major duties of the House of Peoples’ Representatives. But, the highest legislative body of the country is also responsible for approving foreign and diplomatic agreements and fostering Ethiopia’s ties with the outside world.
Accordingly, the house is currently taking various initiatives to create a clear understanding among the international community in relation with internal matters such as the law enforcement operation in Tigray, Ethio-Sudan border dispute and GERD contention.
In this regard, Foreign and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives is the driver force behind achieving the major objective of the house. The committee has had central role to play in addressing confusion among diplomatic communities regarding the pressing issues of the country.
Particularly, the tsunami of misinformation unleashed by some local and foreign activists as well as Egypt and Sudan regarding the law enforcement operation and Ethio-Sudan border and GERD disputes, have arguably misguided some international organizations and countries.
In this regard, the Committeehas been briefing setting foreign ambassadors in Addis Ababa also holding talks with visiting officials of various nations. This has played paramount role in clearing confusion.
In a previous interview with The Ethiopian Herald regarding the House’s undertaking to provide information to the outside world about the pressing issues of the country and address their concern, member of the Stranding Committee Hordofa Bekele said that currently, various groups are circulating distorted information about the federal government’s law enforcement operation to achieve their ill-intents.
They are also pretending that there are serious violations of human rights in Tigray region. It is a well-known fact that there is a long-standing dispute in connection with the utilization of Abbay (Nile) River. Although they know that the operation has been carried out in an ethical manner, they are deliberately spreading false information. The main aims of these groups are to thwart the country’s development and to realize their interests.
Various groups are working day and night to prevent Ethiopia from getting foreign aid and to stop the construction of the GERD. More than 65 percent of the Ethiopian citizens are living without electricity, but these groups are working tirelessly by supporting the internal and external foes to prevent Ethiopia from exercising its rights to use the Abbay (Nile) river for electricity, irrigation, and other related purposes
“Complaints from the international community stem from interests and are intended to impede the country’s development activities. Countries that have interests on the Abbay River are triggering Sudan to get into conflict with Ethiopia. A lot of works are being done by the Ethiopian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and Ethiopian embassies across the globe by creating high-level awareness creating forums.”
As everyone knows, Ethiopia and Sudan shares border. In addition to this, the two countries have long-aged trade and investment relations, as well as people-to-people and cultural ties. Currently, there is a widespread public protest in Sudan against its government for its actions against innocent people in various parts of the country, he added saying that the Sudanese rulers are creating border dispute by crossing the border of one sovereign state, Ethiopia, to divert their public’s attention instead of focusing on pressing issues of their country. Every time, when there is a change of government in Sudan, there is a tendency to invade Ethiopia. Everyone needs to know this.
He stated that the solution for this problem is maintaining the unity of Ethiopians and building the country’s economy. We need to increase Ethiopia’s bargaining power and also we need to do a lot of diplomatic activities.The work of informing the international community about the reality of our countryshould not be left to the government alone. Every citizen should be a diplomat for his country.
Lately, the Standing Committeehas been coming up with a range of undertakings that smooth the progress of diplomatic ties in the midst of various countries.
This past week, Dr. Negeri Lencho, Chairperson of the Foreign and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, held talks with Ambassador of South Sudan to Ethiopia, James P. Morgan with the purpose of buttressing ambassadorial ties in the midst of the two nations.
According to information obtained from House of Peoples’ Representatives social media account, the two nations vowed to take the two nations’ relations to the next level of accomplishment stronger than ever.
During the discussion, Chairperson of the Foreign and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives elucidated that Ethiopia has a need for placing emphasis on economy,security, investment, trade and things of that sort with the intention of heightening the relations of the two nations. Moreover, he stressed that the two nations should ameliorate the public-to-public ties with the intention of mitigating and disheartening crime.
Ethiopia has been constructing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam devoid of causing any significant harm to downstream countries. Ethiopia does not have an inkling of interest to harm them. Above and beyond, there is no stone Ethiopia leaves unturned to get to the bottom of the problem concerning the GERD in a peaceful manner. When the dam sees the light of day, it will play a significant role in showering the rural areas of Ethiopia and South Sudan with electricity, the Chairperson added.
Hordofa Bekele, a member of the Standing Committee on his part said the GERD will not endanger the existence of Sudan or Egypt and the benefits are significant. He added that Ethiopia and South Sudan should further enhance their comprehensive relations.
South Sudan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia James P. Morgan, on his part said Sudan and Ethiopia have had good relations since ancient times. He recalled, for example, that Sudan was on Ethiopia’s side during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, he added
He recalled that when South Sudan was established as a new country in 2011, Ethiopia supported the peace process. Ambassador James said Ethiopia is still supporting South Sudanese students by providing scholarships and security force training.
He said South Sudan is issuing ID cards to Ethiopians to jointly prevent crime and ensure lasting peace along the border.
Ambassador James stressed the need for Sudan and Egypt to resolve their differences over the GERD through mediation by the African Union and for Ethiopia to be ready for the talks.
Also this week, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagesse Chaffo conferred with Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rachid Benlounes at his office.
During the talks, the Speaker stated that political cooperation between Ethiopia and Algeria will continue to be strengthened, according to the social media account of the House.
He said the two countries have a long history of relationship and will continue to strengthen economic and social ties without any political hindrance.
“Ethiopian Airlines has also reached an agreement with the Ambassador to expand flights to Algiers and Addis Ababa in order to expand the economic horizons and facilitate trade between the two countries.”
Speaker Tagesse discussed about the Pan-African Parliament with Ambassador Rachid and said the two countries will work together after the 6thnational election to strengthen the institution and provide better leadership.
Rachid Benlounes, on his part said his country is willing to work with Ethiopia to strengthen political and economic cooperation adding that Algeria would hold legislative election on June 12, adding that his country would work hand in hand with Ethiopia to strengthen the Pan-African Parliament and its leadership after the election.
The Ethiopian Herald April 25/2021
