A Week in the Horn 23.05.2025
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a high-level delegation, arrived in Paris, France, on Thursday (May 22). On the next day, PM Abiy and President of France Emmanuel Macron engaged in positive discussions on a wide range of issues that strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries.
Addis Ababa became the epicenter of Africa’s digital ambitions this May, as it hosted the largest technology conference and exhibition ever held in the country, the Ethiopian Technology Expo (ETEX 2025). Organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) in collaboration with the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), the three-day event brought together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors at the Addis International Convention Center from May 16–18. (See article)
Ethiopia hosted the “AI for Africa” event on Saturday (May 17) as part of the Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025. Held on the second day of the expo, officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy, the event featured a high-level policy dialogue focused on advancing artificial intelligence in Africa on the continent’s own terms. (See article)
The East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) was held from May 11-15 in the political and diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa. The meeting of intelligence chiefs of member states was themed “Enhancing Regional Security Through Intelligence Cooperation” and brought together participants from 13 African countries. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 20), a major continental conference and expo dedicated to advancing Africa’s digital identity for development agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh led Ethiopia’s high-level delegation to the Second Brazil-Africa Dialogue on Food Security, the Fight Against Hunger, and Rural Development in Brazil on Tuesday (May 20), emphasizing Africa’s potential to achieve measurable development progress
The biennial United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting was held in Berlin on May 13–14, with the participation of 134 UN Member States. The theme of this year’s ministerial was “The Future of UN Peacekeeping—For More Effective and Safer UN Peace Operations.” Member states and regional organizations in attendance renewed their political commitment and pledged various peacekeeping capabilities, including personnel and equipment. (See article).
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos attended the third AU-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, which was held on Wednesday (May 21), with a thematic focus on current security challenges, multilateralism and prosperity.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera met separately with Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Berk Baran, Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia, at his office on Thursday (May 22). Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, deepening economic ties, and exchanging views on regional issues.
He also received Endre Stiansen, Norway’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, on Wednesday (May 21). They discussed ways to strengthen Ethiopia–Norway relations and promote regional peace and security.
State Minister Hadera also met with a Chinese business delegation led by Wang Xiaohan, Vice President of the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, and encouraged investment in Ethiopia’s liberalizing economy on Monday (May 19).
The 14th Meeting of the Ethio-Russian Intergovernmental Working Group on Military and Technical Cooperation was held in Moscow on Wednesday (May 21). Ethiopia’s State Minister of Defense, Martha Luwigi, described the cooperation as a key pillar of the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa and Speaker of the House Tagese Chafo participated in the 20th ILO Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners on Tuesday (May 20) at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. They highlighted Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform and the need for inclusive, coordinated action to achieve economic stability.
Ethiopia participated in the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting held in Brasília on Thursday (May 22). Ambassador Leul Tadesse affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to industrialization as a core element of its 10-Year Development Plan aimed at driving economic growth and job creation. Earlier, Ethiopia also participated in the 10th BRICS Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Brazil on Tuesday (May 20).
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States in Baghdad on Saturday (May 17).
Sudan
On Monday (May 19), Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan appointed Kamil al-Tayeb Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan. Idris is a former Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a past presidential candidate.
Africa and the African Union
On Wednesday (May 21), the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, participated the third AU-EU ministerial meetings in Brussels.
In a statement released on Monday (May 19), AUC Chairperson Youssouf welcomed the appointment of Kamil al-Tayeb Idris as Sudan’s Prime Minister, calling it a positive step toward inclusive governance.
Chairperson Youssouf and his delegation were received by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Al-Salam Palace on Saturday (May 17) during his visit to attend the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad. Discussions focused on strengthening Iraq-Africa relations and exploring strategic cooperation opportunities.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts