April 11, 2025
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
The annual Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit (PAYLS) was held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa from April 3-5, under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa,” during which President Taye Atske Selasie addressed the summit.
President Taye held a discussion with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Presidential Office on Wednesday (April 9). Their discussions focused on regional peace and security, as well as ongoing institutional reforms within the AU, including financial sovereignty and sustainable funding for peace support operations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with the AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, on Tuesday (April 8), where the two sides discussed key regional peace and security affairs.
PM Abiy appointed Ambassador Hadera Abera as State Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political and Economic Affairs and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye as State Minister of Foreign Affairs for Resource Management and Services. Both were welcomed on Thursday (April 10) by the leadership and staff of the ministry.
The official transfer of power in the Tigray region took place on Tuesday (April 8) in Addis Ababa, attended by Prime Minister Abiy and members of the diplomatic community. The Prime Minister said the decision followed weeks of discussions based on the Constitution, the Pretoria Agreement, and input from the diplomatic community. General Tadesse Worede, who served as deputy to Getachew Reda, has been chosen to lead the transitional government and guide Tigray toward peace and development. The Prime Minister also appointed former Tigray region interim president Getachew Reda as his advisor on East African affairs, effective immediately on Friday (April 11).
In a statement released on Wednesday (April 9) by the National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Abiy, significant progress was affirmed in political, economic, social, and diplomatic spheres despite ongoing challenges. The Council commended security forces for their sacrifices and expressed gratitude to the international community for its support. It also addressed regional and global issues, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to diplomacy, regional stability, and securing access to the sea.
The Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission between the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Uganda was successfully held on April 4, preceded by a senior officials’ meeting on April 3. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos received the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, Ambassador Christine Pirenne, at his office on Wednesday (April 9). The two sides discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
FM Gedion and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, on Tuesday (April 8) held a telephone conversation. During the discussion, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Turkmenistan.
On the same day, Gedion held talks with Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia Joshua Tabah and Canadian Special Envoy to the African Union (AU) Ben Marc Diendéré. The two sides exchanged views on a range of national and regional issues.
The 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was commemorated on Monday (April 7) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew.” The occasion brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, the African Union Commission, members of the diplomatic corps, religious institutions, international organizations, academic institutions, and the Rwandan community in Addis Ababa. (See article)
The second Ethiopia-Brazil Business and Investment Promotion Forum took place on Tuesday (April 8) in São Paulo. It was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Brazil in collaboration with Wafa Marketing and Promotion. (See article)
The International Floriculture and Horticulture Trade Fair took place in Addis Ababa from April 1 to 3, under the theme “Horticulture for a Sustainable Ethiopia.” The event brought together key stakeholders in the horticulture sector, including government officials, industry leaders, local and international businesses, and experts, to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the horticultural industry. (See article)
During an interview with an Ethiopian news outlet, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Nebiat Getachew said Ethiopia’s determined pursuit of economic reforms is firmly rooted in the nation’s core interests and its enduring commitment to the African continent. The spokesperson mentioned Ethiopia’s calculated engagement with global blocs, including its recent BRICS membership, emphasizing that all actions are driven by the desire to ensure national advancement and continental solidarity.
An Ethio–Greek Business and Investment Forum was held in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday (April 8). The Forum, which was organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome and the Ethiopian Honorary Consulate in the Hellenic Republic in collaboration with the Hellenic–African Chamber of Commerce, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, other government institutions, and members of the Ethiopian and Greek business communities, along with private companies.
Eritrea
Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited Eritrea on Thursday (April 10) for talks with President Isaias Afwerki focused on strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh received Vice-President of the Russian State Duma, Viktoria Abramchenko, on Wednesday (April 9) at the Palace of the Republic. The visit marks part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Djibouti and Russia.
Kenya
The World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit 2025 was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday (April 9). President William Ruto addressed the summit that hosted 4,500 delegates, 350 exhibitors and leaders shaping Africa’s future in trade, innovation, and sustainability.
Sudan
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met Mali’s intelligence chief, Modibo Kone, in Port Sudan on Wednesday (April 9), the latest high-level contact aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
South Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy received Benjamin Bol Mel, who delivered a message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday (April 7). PM Abiy underscored that Ethiopia remains committed and will continue to extend its steadfast support to the brotherly people of South Sudan.
Africa and the African Union
Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, convened with the African Union Commission Chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Wednesday (April 9), reaffirming closer collaboration in promoting peace and stability across the region. They also reiterated their shared commitment to the principle of subsidiarity and strengthened AU–REC collaboration for greater coherence and effectiveness.
The 8th African Leadership Forum was held in Kampala on Tuesday (April 8), where leaders called for “Africa-first” strategies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the need for economic and ideological transformation, while former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn highlighted the importance of strong governance, transparency, and climate-smart agriculture, along with support for smallholder farmers and a transition to renewable energy.