African Development Bank Withdraws International Staff from Ethiopia Amid Diplomatic Breach

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has opted to withdraw its international staff from Ethiopia.

The decision was announced in a statement released on Wednesday, with the bank asserting that the withdrawal aims to address the recent breach and assault on its personnel.

According to the statement from the Communication and External Relations unit of the AfDB, the measures taken will not impact nationally recruited staff from Ethiopia, who will continue their work and remain in full employment with the bank.

The AfDB has assured these staff members and their families of its commitment to duty of care.

The decision to withdraw international staff follows a troubling incident on October 31, 2023, when two Addis Ababa-based AfDB staff members were reportedly unlawfully arrested, physically assaulted, and detained for hours without charge or official explanation.

This incident represented a blatant violation of their personal diplomatic immunities, rights, and privileges outlined in the African Development Bank Group’s Host Country Agreement with the Ethiopian government.

Upon learning of the incident, AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, took immediate action by contacting the highest levels of authority within the Ethiopian government. As a result, the two AfDB staff members were released.

In response to the ongoing situation, President Adesina emphasized the need for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

The African Development Bank formally communicated with the Ethiopian government through an official note verbale on November 6, requesting comprehensive details of the investigations carried out.

President Adesina expressed concern over the lack of a satisfactory resolution, stating, “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 AfDB’s decision to withdraw international staff underscores the importance of upholding diplomatic norms and ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel in the host country.

The bank remains vigilant in seeking a resolution to the matter and calls for a transparent investigation by the Ethiopian government to address the breach and assault on its staff.

The Ethiopian office of the AfDB will continue to operate under an Officer-in-Charge despite the withdrawal of international staff.