Ethiopia apologizes to ADB

The African Development Bank reported that AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina paid to visit to Addis Ababa and held meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from December 29 to 31, 2023.

According to the BA, the meetings were productive and resolved the situation. The Bank afterwards received a formal apology from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Ethiopian government, with firm assurances concerning the safety and security of the Bank and its staff, respect for diplomatic rights, privileges and immunities staff and headquarters deal of the Ethiopian government with the African Development Bank.

As a reminder, a diplomatic incident occurred during which two international staff members of the AfDB Group based in the Bank’s country office in Ethiopia were severely assailed by agents of the Ethiopian security forces, the AfDB filed a formal complaint to the Ethiopian government regarding the incident.

“The Bank has also obtained a firm commitment from the Government to investigate and share the formal report of investigations into the incident with the Bank, as well as ensuring full accountability of all those involved,” reads a press release from the ADB.

Additionally, the Ethiopian government pledged to fully cooperate with the Bank on inquiries into the matter of the stolen funds that were to be transferred to the Bank.

In light of the meetings between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and AfDB President, Mr. Adesina, and the government’s formal apology and strong commitments from the Prime Minister to resolve issues related to the incident, the African Development Bank will now resume normal operations in Ethiopia.