Latest news with #HailemariamDesalegn
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
"Global South must cooperate against terrorism," says former Ethiopian PM after meeting Indian delegation
Addis Ababa: The all-party delegation led by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, met with the former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in Addis Ababa late on Friday. The delegation had arrived at Bole International Airport in Ethiopia on Friday, where they were received and welcomed by the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai. The delegation also includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V Muraleedharan (BJP), and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin. The delegation discussed bilateral cooperation, regional development, and the global fight against terrorism. After meeting the all-party delegation, the former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said, "Terrorism is a global problem and as a global community we need to cooperate and coordinate to fight against terrorism. The African Union has very good regulations as far as fighting terrorism is concerned, and especially when terrorism is state-sponsored, it is a very dangerous one. We need to find a way to fight terrorism... Global South, especially, has to cooperate and be strong in the fight against terrorism." Speaking after the meeting, Sule called the interaction "excellent," lauding Desalegn's five-decade-long engagement with Ethiopia's political and economic landscape. "They have seen a lot of conflict here. They have seen ups and downs in their economy and growth. But under his leadership, they had double-digit growth and many infrastructure projects--be it beautiful dams, railways, industrial parks," Sule noted, drawing parallels between India and Ethiopia's shared developmental aspirations. "We had a detailed discussion and told him what happened in Pahalgam. The attack on India's soul is just not accepted. And we all must commit ourselves to zero tolerance against any terrorism anywhere in the world. India will not accept any terrorist attacks anymore," Sule stressed, underlining the main theme of the delegation's engagements across the region. Sule also welcomed Ethiopia's inclusion in the G20 during India's presidency last year, calling it a significant milestone in India-Ethiopia ties. "It's very important for us to come here today to talk to them. We were very warmly received and reassured that in this journey of eradication of terrorism, Ethiopia still stands together solidly with India," she said. Commenting on Ethiopia's bilateral relations with Pakistan, Sule said that terrorism must be opposed globally, regardless of geopolitical alignments, "I think globally, everybody agrees that there has to be zero tolerance against terrorism. So I think we are very hopeful that when it comes to terrorism, we all stand united, whoever the other country may be, but we will not accept any terrorism anywhere in the world anymore." Meanwhile, echoing similar views, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, a member of the delegation, highlighted the need for decisive action against terror-sponsoring states. "We don't find the difference between terrorist organisations and the states sponsoring terrorism, we see the similarities in them. We will not be restraining ourselves, but for the security of the country, for the safety of the country, we will try to eliminate the threat of this terrorism wherever it is in whichever country that is sponsoring it," he said. The visit, part of India's broader diplomatic outreach following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, aimed to deepen bilateral ties and convey India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Global South must cooperate against terrorism," says former Ethiopian PM after meeting Indian delegation
Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], May 31 (ANI): The all-party delegation led by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, met with the former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in Addis Ababa late on Friday. The delegation had arrived at Bole International Airport in Ethiopia on Friday, where they were received and welcomed by the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai. The delegation also includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V Muraleedharan (BJP), and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin. The delegation discussed bilateral cooperation, regional development, and the global fight against terrorism After meeting the all-party delegation, the former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said, 'Terrorism is a global problem and as a global community we need to cooperate and coordinate to fight against terrorism. The African Union has very good regulations as far as fighting terrorism is concerned, and especially when terrorism is state-sponsored, it is a very dangerous one. We need to find a way to fight terrorism... Global South, especially, has to cooperate and be strong in the fight against terrorism.' Speaking after the meeting, Sule called the interaction 'excellent,' lauding Desalegn's five-decade-long engagement with Ethiopia's political and economic landscape. 'They have seen a lot of conflict here. They have seen ups and downs in their economy and growth. But under his leadership, they had double-digit growth and many infrastructure projects--be it beautiful dams, railways, industrial parks,' Sule noted, drawing parallels between India and Ethiopia's shared developmental aspirations. 'We had a detailed discussion and told him what happened in Pahalgam. The attack on India's soul is just not accepted. And we all must commit ourselves to zero tolerance against any terrorism anywhere in the world. India will not accept any terrorist attacks anymore,' Sule stressed, underlining the main theme of the delegation's engagements across the region. Sule also welcomed Ethiopia's inclusion in the G20 during India's presidency last year, calling it a significant milestone in India-Ethiopia ties. 'It's very important for us to come here today to talk to them. We were very warmly received and reassured that in this journey of eradication of terrorism, Ethiopia still stands together solidly with India,' she said. Commenting on Ethiopia's bilateral relations with Pakistan, Sule said that terrorism must be opposed globally, regardless of geopolitical alignments, 'I think globally, everybody agrees that there has to be zero tolerance against terrorism. So I think we are very hopeful that when it comes to terrorism, we all stand united, whoever the other country may be, but we will not accept any terrorism anywhere in the world anymore.' Meanwhile, echoing similar views, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, a member of the delegation, highlighted the need for decisive action against terror-sponsoring states. 'We don't find the difference between terrorist organisations and the states sponsoring terrorism, we see the similarities in them. We will not be restraining ourselves, but for the security of the country, for the safety of the country, we will try to eliminate the threat of this terrorism wherever it is in whichever country that is sponsoring it,' he said. The visit, part of India's broader diplomatic outreach following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, aimed to deepen bilateral ties and convey India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Led African Legacies Institute Delegation on Historic Visit to Washington, D.C.
The African Legacies Institute (ALI) ( a pioneering organization dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the legacies of democratic African Heads of State and Government, achieved a significant milestone during a high-profile visit to Washington, D.C. Leading the delegation was H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who was among a select group of former heads of state invited by the Multicultural Coalition Presidential Inaugural Ball Committee. Accompanying him were ALI officials Rachelle Yayi, Franya Cabral Ruiz, Sheree M. Mitchell, and George Williams II. Representing the Institute with distinction, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn highlighted ALI's mission to preserve Africa's democratic legacies, emphasizing the importance of good governance, peaceful transitions of power, and sustainable development to an engaged and supportive audience. The visit reinforced ALI's unwavering commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the contributions of Africa's democratic leaders. As of 2025, 36 living former African Heads of State and Government have successfully overseen democratic transitions. Their enduring legacy, marked by integrity, visionary leadership, and adherence to constitutional principles, serves as an inspiration for future generations and underscores Africa's commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable democracy. Key Highlights of the Visit Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast The delegation attended the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria, a bipartisan event established in 1992 that convenes spiritual leaders and global dignitaries from over 50 countries. Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball The ALI delegation received a special invitation from Chairman Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual advisor to President Trump, to attend the prestigious Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball. The event brought together distinguished figures from politics, entertainment, and advocacy to celebrate leadership and unity. Historic Televised Interview with Voice of America The visit featured a historic televised interview of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn conducted by journalist Peter Clottey of Voice of America (VOA), the largest U.S. international broadcaster, reaching an audience of 35 million viewers. The conversation explored the profound contributions of former African democratic heads of state, particularly in national development, peacebuilding, and democratic governance. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn shared insightful reflections on leadership and the crucial role former African leaders play in shaping the continent's future. He underscored the importance of preserving their legacies to inspire and guide future generations. High-Level Meeting at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) The ALI delegation engaged with Dr. Joseph Sany, Vice President of the Africa Center at USIP, to explore potential collaborations on peacebuilding, leadership training, and governance frameworks, leveraging the expertise of former African Heads of State. Reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel The delegation attended a private reception hosted by Gunster Strategies Worldwide, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry figures. Distinguished guests included Nigel Farage, African Ambassadors to the U.S., U.S. Ambassadors to Europe, and high-level elected officials. Fireside Chat with Engineering Students at Howard University H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn led an intimate fireside chat with student leaders from Howard University's College of Engineering and Architecture. The discussion reinforced ALI's commitment to fostering stronger collaborations between Africa and the African Diaspora while encouraging students to support economic development on the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Legacies Institute.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Interview with former Ethiopian leader edited to falsely attribute negative comments to him
The Facebook video begins with a speech bubble and Amharic text that reads: ''The country is falling apart', Hailemariam Desalegn said.' Hailemariam resigned as Ethiopian prime minister in February 2018 following mass protests in the country (archived here). He is currently serving as board chairperson of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an African continental organisation. More than 220 users have shared the post, which contains 52 seconds of footage showing Hailemariam speaking to the camera. A similar post was also published on Facebook here. 'We have been killing each other for years. We should say enough now. Enough is enough; there should be no more bloodshed. Honestly, we have all made mistakes,' Hailemariam says at the start of the video. 'There should not be anyone who dares to claim the purity of bloodshed, especially those of us who are politically involved in the ruling party and...' says Hailemariam. A noticeable jump in his voice occurs before he continues and says: 'With the ongoing bloodshed and conflicts in Ethiopia, many people are wondering whether the country is on the verge of disintegration. Of course, the current critical situation can lead to such fears.' As he says this, a photo of Abiy comes up. After his voice skips again, Hailemariam says: 'Things on the ground do not look like what some people write when they are in prison … It is possible to write gossip books of 200, 300, 400 or 500 pages if you concentrate for just one week.' A picture showing the cover of a recently published book by popular Ethiopian opposition politician Jawar Mohammed pops up. Ethiopia's army and rebel forces in Oromia and Amhara regions remain locked in ongoing conflicts. In Oromia, the army has been fighting rebels from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) since 2018, while in Amhara, they have been battling Fano rebels since July 2023. On January 24, 2025, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a new report that indicated a rise in extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the two regions, Ethiopia's most populous (archived here). According to the report, grave rights violations against civilians have escalated in the conflict-affected areas. However, the claim that the video shows Hailemariam recently lamenting his country as one in decline is unfounded. AFP Fact Check used the video verification tool InVID-WeVerify to conduct reverse image searches on keyframes from the video. The results led to a longer video published about a year and a half ago. It was published on YouTube by Addis Maleda, a multimedia outlet based in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, on August 3, 2023 (archived here). The YouTube video is more than 50 minutes long and shows journalists interviewing Hailemariam. At the 47-minute mark, Hailemariam tells his interviewers: 'I believe we can come out of the current crises. The vital issue is to be committed to settling our problems through dialogue. There should not be anyone who dares to claim the purity of bloodshed, especially those of us who are politically involved in the ruling party and opposition parties or others who were involved in politics with differing levels, we all have our contributions to the current crises. I hope the time will come when we all admit this and commit ourselves to resolve it.' However, in the altered clip, his speech ends halfway, after the words 'ruling party,' creating the impression – aided by the addition of a photo of Abiy – that Hailemariam is speaking of state failure attributed solely to the government. At 49'22' in the original video, Hailemariam then says: 'I am also optimistic about the future of Ethiopia, considering the history of countries that became world powers. The Americans have gone through tragic civil wars, the same goes for the Europeans. But they said enough is enough and switched to democracy. So why not us?' However, these hopeful statements about his vision for the future of Ethiopia were deliberately omitted. Furthermore, the altered video began with these words that followed: 'We have been killing each other for years. We should say enough now. Enough is enough, there should be no more bloodshed. I think now is the time to say enough.' Through omission and by changing the order of his answers, it gives the impression that Hailemariam is fed up with the Ethiopian state and worried about its fragmentation. Similarly, the first and last sentences are removed when Hailemariam says, moments later: 'I always believe that there is hope for Ethiopia. Otherwise, I know that with the ongoing bloodshed and conflict in Ethiopia, many people are wondering whether the country is on the verge of disintegration. Of course, the current critical situation can lead to such fears. But it is very important to calm down and work on transforming the country.' Again, this type of editing make it seem like Hailemariam believes Ethiopia is falling apart. Toward the end of the original interview, a journalist asks Hailemariam if he intends to write an autobiography. 'Writing a book is not a big deal. However one should conduct thorough research before writing. It should be like those who write while they are under custody in prison. It is possible to write gossip by sitting down in a prison. But I do not want to write such a book. I want to write a book with very solid data and evidence.' He adds: 'You can write gossip books of 200, 300, 400 or 500 pages if you concentrate for just one week.' Once more, only the last sentence is retained in the altered clip. At the same time, the cover page of memoirs recently published by Ethiopian opposition politician and government critic Jawar Mohammed appears on screen, to make it seem like Hailemariam is talking about Jawar's book. Jawar's memoirs, titled 'I Will Not Regret,' were published in December 2024, more than a year after the original interview with Hailemariam. Israel Endale, the spokesperson for the Hailemariam and his Roman Foundation – a non-profit organisation founded in April 2018 – described the claim as 'fictitious'. Speaking to AFP Fact Check, Israel said: 'The claims made by certain media outlets are based on a fictitious assertion. It is important to clarify that the former prime minister never stated that his country was falling apart.' Furthermore, he confirmed that Hailemariam's interview was purposefully altered and shared on social media to mislead the public.
