African Development Bank Withdraws International Staff from Ethiopia

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken the decisive step of immediately withdrawing all its international staff from Ethiopia, following a recent breach of diplomatic protocol and the assault on two of its international members by Ethiopian security forces.

This action does not affect the nationally recruited Ethiopian staff, who will continue their work under the Bank’s employment, ensuring their safety and well-being, along with that of their families.

The move follows an alarming incident on October 31, 2023, where two Addis Ababa-based AfDB staff were unlawfully arrested, physically assaulted, and detained without charge, violating their diplomatic immunities and rights outlined in the Host Country Agreement between the Bank and the Ethiopian government.

Upon learning of the incident, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, swiftly engaged the highest levels of Ethiopian government, leading to the release of the two staff members. The Bank subsequently formally requested a transparent investigation into the matter through an official note to the Ethiopian government on November 6.

Despite efforts, including a high-level delegation sent to Addis Ababa on November 22, the situation remains unresolved, leaving concerns about the safety and security of AfDB personnel in Ethiopia.

Dr. Adesina expressed worry over the lack of shared reports or details of investigations by the Ethiopian government regarding the incident, causing anxiety among Bank staff in Ethiopia and raising concerns among shareholders, diplomatic entities, and stakeholders.

In response to the unresolved situation, the Bank has opted for precautionary measures, with international staff working remotely outside Ethiopia until the government’s investigative findings are transparently shared with the Bank. Adesina emphasised the Bank’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and protection of its personnel’s rights in their work.

He acknowledged the Bank’s substantial ongoing support for Ethiopia’s socioeconomic development, totalling $1.24 billion across 22 projects as of September 30, 2023. However, Adesina underscored that the incident’s unresolved nature could adversely affect the Bank’s operations and future presence in the country.

The African Development Bank maintains its dedication to Ethiopia’s development but insists that resolving the incident is pivotal to safeguarding its ongoing collaboration with the country.