ABIDJAN, Cote D’ Ivoire – The African Development Bank has announced the immediate withdrawal of all its international staff from Ethiopia.
According to a press statement from the bank delivered to The Trent by email on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, this decision comes in the wake of a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and assault on two of its international members by Ethiopian security forces.
On October 31, 2023, two Addis Ababa-based staff members of the Bank were unlawfully arrested, physically assaulted, and detained for several hours without any formal charges or explanation, violating their diplomatic immunities and rights under the Bank’s Host Country Agreement with the Ethiopian government.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, engaged with the highest levels of Ethiopian authority, resulting in the release of the detained staff members.
Despite this, the Bank expressed ongoing concerns for the safety and security of its personnel in Ethiopia.
“The assessment from the bank’s delegation indicates that the situation is still not yet resolved in a satisfactory manner,” said Dr Adesina.
He emphasized the persistent anxiety among the bank’s staff in Ethiopia and broader concerns raised by shareholders, other multilateral development banks, and stakeholders.
While the bank’s office in Ethiopia will remain operational, headed by an Officer-in-Charge, the international staff will now work remotely outside the country.
This measure will not affect nationally recruited Ethiopian staff who will continue their duties under the bank’s employment.
The bank has sought a full and transparent investigation into the October incident from the Ethiopian government but notes with concern that no report or investigation details have been shared to date.
“The incident has raised concerns among the Bank’s shareholders, other multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, the broader diplomatic community, and other stakeholders,” Adesina added.
Despite these challenges, the Bank remains committed to Ethiopia’s socioeconomic development, with an ongoing portfolio in the country comprising 22 projects totaling $1.24 billion as of September 30, 2023.
However, Dr Adesina cautioned that the Bank’s future presence and operations in Ethiopia could be adversely affected if the incident remains unresolved.
The African Development Bank’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel remains unwavering, with Dr Adesina affirming that every possible measure will be taken to protect their rights and privileges.
The bank awaits the findings of the Ethiopian government’s investigation and the measures taken to address the grievance.
