Emmanuel OchayiThe African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced the immediate withdrawal of all its international staff from Ethiopia, following an alarming breach of diplomatic protocol and physical assault on its international personnel.
This action leaves the office operating under an Officer-in-Charge, drastically altering the bank’s presence within the country.
“The safety and security of our personnel are non-negotiable,” stressed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, in response to the distressing events that unfolded on October 31st.
The incident involved the unlawful arrest, physical assault, and unjust detainment without charge of two AfDB international staff members based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Expressing deep concern, Dr. Adesina stated, “This incident stands as a flagrant violation of diplomatic immunities guaranteed under our Host Country Agreement with the Ethiopian government.”
The Bank intervened at the highest levels, leading to the release of its unjustly detained employees. Yet, subsequent efforts to seek transparency and a comprehensive investigation from the Ethiopian government yielded unsatisfactory results.
“Our delegation’s assessment does not instill full confidence in the safety of our staff or their ability to carry out duties without fear of harassment,” emphasized Adesina, underlining the ongoing anxiety within the Bank and among stakeholders.
Despite the Bank’s extensive $1.24 billion portfolio invested in Ethiopia’s development projects, the unresolved incident threatens future operations.
Highlighting the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s progress, Adesina reiterated, “Our continued presence and operations hinge upon a satisfactory resolution of this egregious incident.”
As a precautionary step, international staff will work remotely until the government’s transparent sharing of investigation findings and punitive measures against the perpetrators.
The African Development Bank stands resolute in safeguarding its employees’ rights and privileges, yet the unresolved incident casts a shadow over its future involvement in the country’s socioeconomic growth.
The ball remains in Ethiopia’s court to rectify the situation and restore confidence in ensuring a secure working environment for international organizations like the AfDB.
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