from ALEXIS DOUMBIA in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast Bureau
ABIDJAN, (CAJ News) – THE African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has lodged a formal complaint with Ethiopian authorities following the arrest of two staff members at the end of October.
The Ivory Coast-headquartered bank decried the arrest by security forces as a “very serious diplomatic incident.”
There was an official explanation as to why the pair was apprehended.
AfDB welcomed that the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, immediately acted when he learnt of the incident, ordered the immediate release of the affected staff and promised to order an immediate investigation into the incident.
“For their part, the government has formally acknowledged our complaint, recognised the gravity of the incident, and reassured us that all those involved in breaking the law will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice, ensuring transparency and full accountability,” AfDB stated from Abidjan.
Furthermore, the government reassured the bank that its staff in Ethiopia and those travelling to the country on mission will continue to enjoy full respect of their rights, privileges and diplomatic immunities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as well as the AfDB’s Development Bank’s Host Country Agreement with Ethiopia.
“The African Development Bank values its excellent relations with the government of Ethiopia and is currently engaged with the authorities, through diplomatic channels, concerning the incident,” it stated.
– CAJ News