Category: Uncategorized

Photo Credit; Thoko Chikondi, Assosiated Press

19 March 20223

By Vincent G. Malunga

Many of you would have already seen various ghastly images and video clips of scenes of flooding and devastation from Malawi on the news or social media emanating from the wake of Cyclone Freddy that originated from the Mozambican channel of the Indian ocean and swept across Mozambique and into Malawi and parts of Southern Africa. Freddy has created a trail of destruction evocative of the invective and relentless Freddy Kruger of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies fame.

Damage ranges from:

Loss lives (well over 300 by some counts)

Swept away homes and shelter

Sink holes on roads

Broken bridges

Flooded crop fields

Loss of livestock

Disruption to school and work attendance

And others

This has come at a time when Malawi is already struggling to cope with economic hardships that were compounded by a 25% devaluation in 2021 that has since fuelled inflation and its pervasive and distortionary income redistributive effects, whose brunt the poorest bear the most.

The country of over 20 million inhabitants, over 80% of whom (by some metrics), are still classified as poor by global standards, is reeling from the atrocious havoc Freddy has wreaked and is in dire need of help at all levels of society as its public disaster management mechanisms cannot cope.

The underlying causes for the physical damage caused include, among others:

Poor town planning

Unauthorised settlements in dangerous areas

Disregard for flood plains in construction

Uncompliant and unapproved building plans

Poor construction materials and techniques

Corruption

Various others

Undoubtedly, the country needs assistance from the international community to cope and rise from the muddy waters churned by Freddy.

There is a wide range of ways that individuals, corporates, NGOs, and governments can assist or donate including but

not limited to:

Cash donations

Tents for shelters and building materials

Camp beds, chairs, and kitchen utensils

Renewable energy solutions

Clothes and blankets

Unperishable foods

Sanitary products

Medicines and medical equipment

School materials

Various other home use products

There are already various key players setting up the capability and lead for activities to raise relief assistance to be sent to Malawi. For example, The Association for Malawians in South Africa, The Gift of the Givers, and the Lush Africa Foundation have all embarked on this noble endeavour. It is important that as many groupings as possible join the cause in various ways and collaborate where appropriate.

The key is speed, something parallel delivery rather than monolithic bureaucracy delivers much better. What the unfortunate and hapless victims do not have is time – they are homeless, hungry, without clothing and blankets, and illness is already setting in. It is thus imperative that everyone who can take initiative jump in to assist.

As Veronica Roth once said:

It is when you’re acting selflessly that you are at your bravest.

The Diplomatic Informer implores the international community in South Africa and fellow South Africans to mobilise their lot and do their part to assist Malawi in its hour of great need.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18 March 2023

By Susan Novela

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine South Africa

On 19 March 2023, Kazakhstan will elect the members of the Mäjilis.

These will be the ninth legislative elections since Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991 and the first snap election for the Mäjilis seats since 2016.

The parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan will mark the last step for the country’s complete reformation, based on modernisation and democratisation in line with the new path promoted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

The Kazakh parliamentary elections play a significant role in the country’s political spectrum because they confirm government leadership

and people’s support. They also increase the stability and reliability of this Central Asian republic, which has attracted the interest of regional and foreign investors.

As a result of the constitutional reforms adopted after the June 2022 referendum, 70% of Majilis deputies will be elected from party lists and 30% from single-member districts. Elections to maslikhats in

provincial regions and cities of national importance will also be held under a mixed electoral system with a 50/50 balance.

The new model of Majilis and maslikhats was adopted to fully protect voters’ national and regional interests and to ensure representation of a wide range of views in the power brokerage bodies.

In January 2022, Kazakhstan witnessed protests due to the rise of fuel prices, which flared up across the entire country, Kazakh President Kassim-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency and requested the support of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). After

some days of tension and chaos, national authorities, and security forces managed to stabilise the situation and quelled the protests.

Since January 2022, Kazakhstan has embarked on a reform process to guarantee the country’s stability, and according to Kazakh official

statements, increase domestic modernisation, and democratisation.

Indeed, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has often stated his strategy as

to open a new stage of political development for the country, which lays the foundation for a “New and Just Kazakhstan.”

In March 2022, Tokayev proposed constitutional reforms aimed at changing

the entire state model and form of government in the country by limiting the powers of the president, strengthening the role of Parliament, expanding the participation of citizens in political processes, and

further strengthening the protection of human rights.

On 5 June 2022, a national referendum on amending the Constitution of Kazakhstan was held. Around 77% of Kazakh voters decided to amend the

country’s Constitution. International observers who attended the referendum was pleased with the results. They observed that every

requirement of the electoral legislation and the country’s international obligations were successfully met. Kazakhstan’s Central Referendum Commission accredited 272 foreign observers representing 25 countries and 11 international organisations to make the referendum objective and transparent.

On 20 November 2022, early presidential elections confirmed Tokayev’s leadership and accorded him a new mandate of seven years. Among six

candidates, Tokayev won the presidential elections, securing his leadership and the people’s support for his strategy for a new Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is a key player in the Central Asian geopolitical arena. Due

to its geographical position and natural resources, regional and

international powers. The country has attracted foreign investment and

entrepreneurs, thanks to its natural resources, including abundant

natural minerals, hydrocarbons, and rare earth metals.

The parliamentary elections represent the last step in the modernisation

and stabilisation of the country desired by the Kazakh leadership in

response to the perplexities and doubts that arose during and following

the protests of January 2022.

Should the turnout at the polling stations be high and the ruling party

Amanat wins. These elections could confirm the Kazakh citizens’ approval

of the work of Tokayev and thus seal his leadership and government by giving them solid support for their strategy both in domestic and

foreign policy.

It seems that the elections of March 19, 2023, in Kazakhstan will be held fairly and transparently, considering that its conduct is one of

the necessary constitutional and legal prerequisites for the

continuation of the implementation of reforms in Kazakh society, for

which the people of Kazakhstan voted in the constitutional referendum.

We wish all election participants, candidates in their constituencies, political parties, and the citizens of Kazakhstan good results as their

vote will create conditions for better life in peace, freedom, security, and stability.

#Kazakhstan

#2023KazakElections

#Majilis

Photo: His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa 

Photo Credit: Dirco/GCIS

16 March 2023

Their Excellencies President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Samia Suluhu Hassan also attended and addressed the South Africa-Tanzania Business Forum at the CSIR Convention Centre in Tshwane where discussions on the various potential opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.

In his address, President Ramaphosa reflected on the firm and enduring ties between South Africa🇿🇦 and Tanzania🇹🇿. He said “This partnership is founded on a friendship that stretches back many decades, when the people of Tanzania stood alongside the people of South Africa in our struggle to end apartheid and establish a democratic society.”.

Photo: Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania

The two countries established the Bi-National Commission in 2011, and through that platform, bilateral trade and investment between the two countries has continued to grow.

The President further highlighted the investments by South African companies between 1997 and 2022, in a total of 250 projects valued at US$ 1 billion, which have created more than 18,000 jobs in Tanzania: “The projects cover sectors like agriculture, construction and real estate, telecommunications, financial services, transportation, manufacturing, mining and petroleum, tourism, energy infrastructure, services and broadcasting”.

#RSATanzaniaForum

#TanzaniaInSA 🇹🇿🇿🇦

#SATanzaniaRelations

#BetterAfricaBetterWorld

hoto: Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa 

Photo Credit: Dirco/GCIS

16 March 2023

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, on a state visit to South Africa, urged more security cooperation and trade between the two countries.

Hassan, Tanzania’s first female leader, met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the capital Tshwane/Pretoria on Thursday, where her delegation of Cabinet Ministers discussed trade opportunities and possible agreements with their South African counterparts.

This is President’s Hassan, first official visit to South Africa since she became president of Tanzania following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021.

“We have agreed to enhance our cooperation in the areas of trade and investment considering that South Africa is among the main sources of direct foreign investment in Tanzania,” said Hassan. She added that tourism and manufacturing are the leading sectors for investment.

President Ramaphosa said trade volumes between Tanzania and South Africa continued to increase but could be improved further.

“A key aspect of our bilateral cooperation is the promotion of trade and investment between our two countries,” said Ramaphosa. “President Hassan and I will be joining the South Africa-Tanzania Business Forum later today, which brings together business people from our respective countries.”

He said that among the industries under discussion at the business forums are agriculture and agro-processing, oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure development.

The two leaders also noted their countries’ long-standing relations stretching back to the anti-colonial struggle.

Among global challenges, the leaders noted the effect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on African nations, including the interruption of the supply of agriculture-related products such as fertilisers which have exacerbated the continent’s food security situation problems.

Hassan is set to host United States Vice President Kamala Harris when she visits Africa at the end of March as the U.S. continues its outreach to African countries.

Harris’s trip to Africa follows visits by the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, first lady Jill Biden, and the current trip of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Photo Credit: Dirco

#TanzaniaInSA #SAinTanzania #TheAfricaWeWant

#presidenthassan #PresidentRamaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania

16 March 2023

This week, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on an official State Visit.

The State Visit crowned the 2nd Session of the South Africa-Tanzania Bi-National Commission (BNC).

The Commission comprises four committees: Political and Diplomatic; Defence and Security; Economic Affairs, and Social and Cultural Affairs.

South Africa and Tanzania enjoy strong fraternal, historical as well as excellent political, economic, and social relations that were cemented during the period of the liberation struggle. #SAinTanzania

The ruling party in Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), supported the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in the struggle against apartheid.

These ties culminated in the establishment of official diplomatic relations when South Africa achieved freedom in 1994 and have since evolved into excellent political, economic, and social relations.

The Bi-National Commission is a platform for strengthening cooperation especially in areas such as trade and investment, infrastructure, transport, energy, water, science and innovation, education, defence, agriculture, environment, health, and culture, among others.

Tanzania is one of South Africa’s foremost trading partners on the continent.

South Africa wishes to see an increase in trade and investment and broader economic development between the two countries. To this end, total trade between South Africa and Tanzania increased from R6,89 billion in 2021 to R8,71 billion in 2022.

The strong economic ties are evidenced by the presence of more than 250 South African companies in diverse sectors in Tanzania.

The programme of the Heads of State and Government was preceded by meetings of senior officials on 13 and 14 March 2023 and the Ministerial Bi-National Commission on the Senior Officials on 15 March 2023. These engagements took place at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s OR Tambo headquarters in Pretoria.

On the margins of the State Visit and the BNC, a Business Forum was held under the theme ““Forging a New Deal between South Africa and Tanzania Towards High Levels of Trade and Investment”.

The forum focused on agriculture, agro-processing, oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure development.

President Ramaphosa and President Hassan addressed a plenary session of the Business Forum on the afternoon of the State Visit on 16 March.

#TanzaniaInSA 🇹🇿🇿🇦#BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍

­

Photo: The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Dr Stergomena Tax

Photo credit: Dirco

15 March 2023

This week, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, co-chaired the South Africa – Tanzania Ministerial Bi-National Commission (BNC) with her Tanzanian counterpart, Dr Stergomena Tax, in Pretoria

Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor on the occasion of the Ministerial Session of the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania.

Minister Pandor extended a warm welcome to Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, on her first visit to South Africa as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation.

Minister also highlighted some of the acts of solidarity performed by the South African businesses in Tanzania and the South African High Commission.

The two countries met earlier to consolidate the work of the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission, which seeks to enhance and strengthen the current excellent and cordial bilateral relations.

#SATanzaniaRelations

Photo credit: Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA

 

Photo: Yerkin Akhinzhanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa

Photo: CEO of the Diplomatic Informer Magazine SA and HE Mr Yerkin Akhinzhanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa

15 March 2023

Welcome HE Mr Yerkin Akhinzhanov, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa.

Ambassador Akhinzhanov presented his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, 14th March 2023.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa, the First Class Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary was the Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Norway and he has held numerous posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as served at the different Kazakhstan mission’s in his capacity as:-

– Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

– Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the international organizations in Vienna

-Director of the Department of Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

-Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States of America

– Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations

Bilateral Relations

After Kazakhstan gained its independence on 16 December 1991, South Africa was one of the first to recognize Kazakhstan, thereby emphasizing its genuine interest to establish and develop as an independent entity in the system of international relations. South Africa and Kazakhstan established full diplomatic relations on 5 March 1992.

A milestone event in the development of bilateral relations was the opening of the Embassy of South Africa in the Republic of Kazakhstan in December 2003 in Almaty. In February 2008, it was relocated to the young capital of Kazakhstan – Astana city (Nur-Sultan now), coincided with its 10th Anniversary. In December 2016, H.E. Ms. Kiitumetsi Siipelo Tandeka Matthews was appointed the Ambassador of South Africa to Kazakhstan.

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in South Africa was opened in December 2013, the only diplomatic mission of Kazakhstan in the vast

region of Southern Africa.

The first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to South Africa was the Kazakhstani statesman, diplomat

H.E. Mr. Talgat G. Kaliyev. He held this high post in 2014-2019.

On 12 July 2019, H.E. Mr. Kanat K. Tumysh, currently the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, was appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to South Africa. He presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa on 15 October 2019.

#SAKazakhstanRelations

#Kazakhstan

#Bilateral

🇿🇦🇰🇿| Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, HE Mr Yerkin Akhinzhanov presents his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa

🇿🇦🇵🇰Head of Mission-Designate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, HE Mr Aftab Hasan Khan presents his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇸🇾| Head of Mission-Designate of Syrian Arab Republic, HE Mr Bassam Darwish presents his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇲🇿| Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of Mozambique, HE Mrs Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas presents his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇦🇺| Head of Mission-Designate of Commonwealth of Australia, HE Ms Tegan Elizabeth Brink presents her Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇧🇼 Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of Botswana, HE Ms Sanji Mmasenono Monageng presents her Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇯🇵 Head of Mission-Designate of Japan, HE Mr Ushio Shigeru presents his Letters of Credence to HE President Cyril Ramaphosa.

🇿🇦🇸🇮Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of Slovenia, HE Mr Sašo Podlesnik.

🇿🇦🇹🇱 Head of Mission-Designate of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, HE Mr Francisco Miranda Branco.

🇿🇦🇰🇳 Head of Mission-Designate of the St Kitts and Nevis, HE Ms Verna Uwana Mills.

🇿🇦🇸🇸 Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of South Sudan, HE Mr Simon Duku Michael.

🇿🇦🇬🇲 Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of The Gambia, HE Mrs Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay.

🇿🇦🇧🇪Head of Mission-Designate of the Kingdom of Belgium, HE Mr Paul Jansen.

🇿🇦🇦🇹 Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of Austria, HE Mrs. Romana Königsbrun.

🇿🇦🇳🇴Head of Mission-Designate of the Kingdom of Norway, HE Mr. Gjermund Saether.

­🇿🇦🇳🇵Head of Mission-Designate of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, HE Mr Dan Bahadur Tamang.

🇿🇦🇱🇰Head of Mission-Designate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, HE Prof. Gamini Gunawardena.

🇿🇦🇵🇭 Head of Mission-Designate of the Republic of the Philippines, HE Ms Noralyn Jubaira Baja📷: Jacoline Schoonees/Dirco #DIRCO

15 March 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday, 14 March 2023, received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate the credentials ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

Heads of Mission-designates were from the following countries: Kazakhstan, Norway, Pakistan, Mozambique, Australia, Japan, Botswana, Slovenia, Syria, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Belgium​, South Sudan​, Gambia​, East Timor​,

Welcome remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa

Welcome remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presentation of Letters of Credence of New Heads of Mission accredited to South Africa, Sefako Makgatho Guest House, Tshwane

Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Directors-General in the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all the new heads of mission as you begin your tenure as representatives of your respective countries to the Republic of South Africa.

Your presence here is a firm indication of the commitment of your respective governments to maintain and deepen relations with South Africa.

It is significant that all the continents of the world are represented here this afternoon since South Africa has always endeavoured to maintain friendly relations with all countries.

We firmly believe in the indivisible unity of humanity and that we share a responsibility to continuously strive to settle differences between countries peacefully and permanently.

Global solidarity is required if we are to meet pressing international challenges such as energy and food insecurity, climate change, conflict, and the existential threat of nuclear weapons.

We need to be united in our efforts to advance sustainable peace and development.

South Africa works to actively promote the centrality of multilateral institutions in managing global affairs and respect for international law and agreements.

We seek to work with our partners across the world to build a more democratic, just, and equitable world order, one which prioritises the needs and interests of the poor and vulnerable.

As the people of the world, we have a shared interest in ending poverty and closing the disparities in wealth, skills, resources, and access to education, health, and social support.

South Africa stands ready to work with all governments and people in achieving these objectives.

We trust that your presence in South Africa as the representatives of your respective peoples will enable us not only to build bilateral relations but to cooperate in building a better world.

Your Excellencies,

You begin your appointments in South Africa at an important time for our country.

Like nations across the world, we are working to rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made many of our economic and social challenges far worse.

These efforts to be rebuilt are being held back by a severe energy crisis that has affected every aspect of life in this country.

Therefore, our most immediate and pressing task is to stabilise the supply of electricity and to ensure energy security into the future.

We are therefore focused on several measures to substantially improve the performance of our existing power stations and bring additional generating capacity online as speedily as possible.

Throughout this administration, we have been working to restore effective governance, stabilise public finances, and end all forms of corruption and mismanagement.

We are working to achieve policy certainty and align policies and programs across government.

This is part of a broader effort to make South Africa a country in which it is easier to invest and do business.

South Africa is willing to acknowledge its shortcomings and is prepared to take the necessary measures to correct these.

We are moving with determination and urgency to increase investment, grow our economy, and create jobs, especially for young people.

We have embarked on an ambitious investment drive informed by an understanding that, under the current conditions, far greater investment is a prerequisite for faster economic growth.

It is an understanding that jobs will not be created, and poverty will not be reduced unless we grow our economy.

It is our wish that we will use the good relations between our countries as the basis for greater levels of investment and bilateral trade, which will promote economic activity and development in our respective countries.

We are seeking mutually beneficial cooperation and collaboration to ensure that our societies make progress and that our people benefit from the relationships we build.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is very much aligned with South Africa’s economic growth and development strategy, which places emphasis on regional and continental integration. Therefore, the benefits for Africa are immense as it will also create conditions for greater flows of trade and investment between Africa and the rest of the world.

Your Excellencies,

In conclusion, allow me to thank each of you, on behalf of your countries, for continuing to honour us with your friendship and cooperation.

We look forward to working with you to strengthen relations between our people and to contribute to building a better world for the benefit of all.

I thank you.

Photo Credit: GCIS/Dirco

#Lettersofcredence

#diplomacy

#bilateral

15 March 2023

Malawi and Mozambique were on Saturday hit by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which killed more than 100 people, injured scores of people and left a trail of destruction that ripped through the southern African neighboring countries over the weekend.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and could be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Photo: Hendry Keinga weeps after losing a family member in a mudslide in Mtauchira village in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy in Blantyre, Malawi

Photo Credit: [Esa Alexander/Reuters]
By Rabson Kondowe

Tropical Cyclone Freddy on saturday ripped roofs off buildings and brought widespread flooding around the port of Quelimane before moving inland towards Malawi with heavy rains that caused landslides.

Power supply and phone signals were cut off in some parts of the affected area.

President Ramaphosa offers condolences:-

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people, offered condolences to the governments and citizens of Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar which have been affected by Cyclone Freddy.

This tropical cyclone, which originated off the north-west of Australia in recent weeks and has travelled across the Indian Ocean, has resulted in nearly 140 deaths, a high rate of injury and the loss of public infrastructure and private property in the three Southern African states.

President Ramaphosa said: “As the Government and people of South Africa, we are saddened by the loss of human life, livestock, infrastructure and property experienced by our sister nations.

“Our thoughts are with the many families who have lost loved ones in this disaster and we share the wishes of the people of Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar that these extreme weather incidents will subside so that recovery and rebuilding efforts can proceed.”

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

State House Malawi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malawi

#MalawiFloods

#MozambiqueFloods

#TropicalCycloneFreddy

10 March 2023

On 7 March 2023, Dr. Muktar Kedir, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of South Africa delivered a speech on the closing session of the retreat organized by the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) held in Pretoria from 4-7 March 2023.

The Capacity building training was composed of twenty five Ethiopian women representatives from different regions, work background and level of leadership with an objective to reach a common position on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda for Ethiopia, in the Post Peace Agreement Processes and future peace processes.

On his remark the Ambassador said that “Ethiopia strongly believes that active and vibrant participation of women, who are the main victims of conflicts, in the peace building process, is crucial, once the conflicts cease to exist. Based on this conviction, the Ethiopian government is doing its level best to enable the participation of women in the post conflict peace building process”
H.E. Amb. Dr Muktar Kedir have also assured the governments’ full commitment to the implementing a transitional justice policy that ensures accountability, truth, and redress for victims, reconciliation, and healing which in turn strengthens the effort to enhance the participation of women in the post conflict peace process.

H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Director-General of United Nations Women’s Affairs, former Deputy President of South Africa, and member of the High-Level Panel for the AU-led peace process who delivered a a remark on the closing program, emphasized that the peace of Ethiopia is the peace for all as Ethiopia is the origin of mankind, and pledged her support to the implementation and effectiveness of the peace process.

Source: The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of South Africa