Ethiopia will host the 35th African Union Summit in the next few days. Beating the destructive propagandas and white lies that were disseminated by some western countries including the US and their allies against Ethiopia, the 35th African Union Summit of leaders would be held as usual at the headquarters of AU, in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. And African leaders would meet up at the capital city, Addis Ababa, to hold their annual conference, and deliberate the issue of Africa by Africans.
Even though Western countries attempted untiringly to intimidate African leaders from attending the Summit raising security issues and saying at this moment Addis Ababa is not a safe place to host the meeting, their ill conspiracies have foiled owing to our African brothers and sisters.
According to Ambassador Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision made by Africans to hold the 35th AU Summit in Addis Ababa has abashed forces that were tarnishing Ethiopia’s image.
As the Spokesperson told local media, there were many conspiracies that had been brewed to ward off the Summit from taking place in Addis Ababa and upset the cart. Apart from the Coronavirus pandemic, there were invisible hands of some forces that were disgruntled by the law enforcement operation held in northern parts of the country, behind the perpetration to disrupt holding of the Summit in Addis Ababa. Ambassador Dina indicated.
African brothers and sisters who clearly understand what is going on the ground have shown their strong solidarity to Ethiopians in deciding to hold the Summit in Addis Ababa. “This is a great victory for Ethiopians,” the Spokesperson remarked.
In fact, for understandable reason, over the past two years, the summits were held in virtual conferences, because it was not possible to carry out in person [in a normal face-to-face meeting], due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, within the coming few days, the Summit would be carried out in Addis Ababa in the physical attendance of participants. Following this, Ministry of Health has made the necessary preparations and precautions to implement the highest possible COVID-19 prevention strategies.
According to Health Minister Dr. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia is ready to host the 35th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa. The Summit has not been convened in person for two years due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic. However, currently the Ministry has finalized preparation to hold the Conference in a manner the COVID-19 protocols are exercised strictly and accordingly to ensure the health of the participants.
Ethiopia has made the necessary preparations to successfully implement the COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Rapid COVID-19 test will also be carried out on a regular basis to ensure the health of the participants, she added.
To make this a reality, her Ministry has reached an agreement with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to take fast COVID-19 tests from participants on a daily basis.
What is more, all participants should bring their test results and immunization certificates. They are also expected to apply the necessary precautionary measures when they enter into the airport, at the hotels, as well as during the meeting days.
“We have discussed with Ministry of Tourism, Addis Ababa City Administration and stakeholders, and we devised a strategy to enable hotels which serve guests and transport service providers to adhere to the highest possible prevention protocol of COVID-19,” the Minister added.
Dr. Lia also urged the community to strictly exercise the necessary precautionary and preventive measures at all areas, particularly at public spaces, transport facilities and other places.
In related development, the National Committee that was established to oversee preparations to host the African Union Ministerial and Heads of State and Government Sessions has announced that, preparations are well underway to host the upcoming AU Summit and Ministerial Session.
This was revealed following the review the Committee has made regarding the progresses made so far to hold the upcoming AU Summit.
According to Chairperson of the Committee and State Minister Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, activities are carried out accordingly to make the Summit a success. Appreciating the works performed so far, she called on the committee members to expedite the completion of the remaining tasks.
Ethiopians should use the opportunity to promote Ethiopia’s image and host guests with the spirit of genuine hospitality, Ambassador Birtukan urged.
More than 20 stakeholders tabled preparations in their respective sectors, including safety and security issues, accommodation and other related services as well as health facilities, especially coronavirus testing and related protocols, MoFA reported.
The Ministerial Session will be held on 02-03 February 2022, and the 35th ordinary Session of the A.U. Assembly is scheduled for 05-06 February 2022.
The AU Summit, in its meeting, is expected to discuss a wide range of issues, especially in food security program, regional peace and security, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 and similar issues. Simultaneously, it will also elect members of Union’s Peace and Security Council and conduct other elections.
This year’s Summit will be marked with a theme “Building Resilience in Nutrition on the African Continent: Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development,” it was learnt.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 30 JANUARY 2022
