Development Partners Group welcomes Ethiopia’s reconstruction plan for conflict-affected regions

Addis Ababa, March 18, 2022 (FBC) – Ministry of Finance discussed with heads of agencies of Development Partners Group on the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan for the conflict-affected Regions.

Ministry of Finance presented the Government of Ethiopia’s framework for Reconstruction and Recovery plan of the conflict-affected regions namely, Amhara, Afar, Tigray, Benshangul, and Part of Oromia to the Head of Agencies of the Development Partner Group.

The Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, in his welcoming statement elaborated about the overall social, economic, and political impacts of the conflict, COVID, and drought that the country is now facing. He further emphasized the significance of the damage to the livelihood, infrastructure, and humanitarian crisis.

The Minister explained about the government-led joint framework for reconstruction and recovery plan being supported with the technical engagement of key experts from the development partners.

Currently, he said the government has been taking the necessary measures to start basic services and government services in conflict-affected regions.

Overall, the representatives of the Development Partner group welcomed the initiatives taken by the government in preparation for such an ambitious recovery plan.

In line with this, the World Bank elaborated about the preparation of the current project aiming at addressing some of the major impacts of the war is being finalized. Some partners also expressed their concerns on the issues of comprehensive peace, humanitarian access to Tigray, and human rights violations.

The minister expressed his gratitude to the development partners for their continuous support to minimize the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-affected areas and for their technical and financial support for the government’s recovery and reconstruction effort.

He also updated development partners about the inclusive national political dialogue is also part of the bold actions that the government of Ethiopia is taking.

Regarding challenges in humanitarian operations, the Minister stated that TPLF’s renewed aggression on Afar has blocked the main route of the land transport access to Tigray Region. He also said the government is taking the necessary steps to hold those perpetrators of human rights abusers accountable.