The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken the unprecedented step of recalling all its international staff from Ethiopia, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to a recent breach of diplomatic protocol and assault on two of the bank’s international staff members by Ethiopian security forces. The AfDB expressed disappointment with the Ethiopian government’s failure to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.
In a statement sent to us on Wednesday, the bank revealed that its international staff currently in Ethiopia will operate remotely from outside the country until the Ethiopian government shares the findings of its investigations transparently with the AfDB.
The statement detailed the events leading to this decision, citing the unlawful arrest, physical assault, and hours-long detention without charge or official explanation of two Addis Ababa-based staff members on October 31, 2023. The incident represented a blatant violation of their diplomatic immunities, rights, and privileges under the African Development Bank Group’s Host Country Agreement with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Upon learning of the incident, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina promptly engaged with the highest levels of authority in the Ethiopian government, leading to the release of the bank’s two staff members. The AfDB’s withdrawal of international staff underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel in Ethiopia and its expectation of a thorough and transparent investigation by the Ethiopian government into the security breach.”
It continued, “The African Development Bank formally communicated with the government of Ethiopia through an official note verbale on 6 November requesting a full and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Bank President said, “The assessment from the Bank’s delegation indicates that the situation is still not yet resolved in a satisfactory manner. It also does not provide full confidence that all the African Development Bank’s employees feel safe and secure to carry out their duties and move around the country without fear of harassment.”
“The October incident continues to cause much anxiety across the African Development Bank Group and especially among staff at the Ethiopia country office. The incident has also raised concerns among the Bank’s shareholders, other multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, the broader diplomatic community, and other stakeholders.”
Adesina emphasised the bank will do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and the protection of their rights and privileges in the conduct of their work.
He said that the bank remains committed to supporting the country’s socioeconomic development.
Adesina, however, noted, “While the bank appreciates the excellent relations it has with Ethiopia until this egregious incident, its continued operations and future presence in the country could be negatively affected if the incident is not fully resolved.”
The statement further stated that the directive doesn’t affect nationally recruited staff from Ethiopia
“These measures will not affect nationally recruited staff from Ethiopia who will continue their work and remain in the full employment of the Bank. The Bank will assure them and their families of its duty of care. The office will remain open under an Officer-in-Charge.”
