Addis Ababa: The Development Partners Group Heads of Agency have discussed the National Demobilization and Reintegration Program (NDRP) and the socio-economic situation in Ethiopia today.

The meeting was chaired by Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew and the two Development Partners Group (DPG) Co-chairs, Ramiz Alkabarov, United Nations Resident Coordinator; and Paul Walters, UK Development Director.

Acknowledging the development partners commitment and active engagement in the support of the Government of Ethiopia in its endeavor to stabilize the economy and sustain peace in the country, the state minister recalled the importance of the Pretoria peace agreement.

The two DPG co-chairs underscored the need to expedite the implementation of the agreement to ensure lasting peace and stability in the country, according to Ministry of Finance.

National Demobilization and Reintegration Program (NDRP) Commissioner, Teshome Toga, presented on the occasion a framework the Government of Ethiopia has been workin
g on with the support of development partners and other stakeholders.

He pointed out that disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program aims to answer with the main objective of enhancing human security and consolidating peace through sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants into civilian life in Ethiopia.

The DPG co-chairs expressed their commitment to extend support to the government in its effort to stabilize the country’s economy for sustainable livelihood of the public in general and conflict and climate change population in particular.

Meanwhile, the meeting endorsed membership of Czech Republic to the Development Partners Group.

In her conclusion remarks, Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew underlined that the government would continue to pursue the reform agenda designed with the aim of building resilient green economy in the country with particular attention to the most vulnerable people in the country with the continued support of development partners

Source: Ethiopian New
s Agency

Mr Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ketu South has appealed to chiefs in his municipality to choose peace to propel the area’s development.

Ketu South Municipality, which is divided into three traditional areas namely Aflao, Klikor and Somé, has had its share of chieftaincy disputes especially in Aflao and Somé Traditional Areas.

In November 2023 during Sometutuza celebration, the socio-cultural festival of the Somé people, their Paramount Chief, Torgbiga Adamah III disclosed that his eight year’s reign had been characterised by lawsuits and litigation requiring that energies and resources, which should have gone into development of the traditional area were directed at resolving the issues.

Mr Lugudor, in a welcome address at the inauguration ceremony of the Ninth Assembly of Ketu South Municipal Assembly, said chieftaincy disputes remained a key issue that could disturb Ketu South’s peace.

The inauguration followed the successful conduct of the District Level Elections in Decem
ber 2023.

Mr Lugudor said: ‘One key issue that can derail the peace and tranquility we are enjoying in Ketu South is chieftaincy disputes. I want to use this opportunity to humbly appeal to our chiefs to choose peace and follow laid down legal means to address any misunderstanding amongst them.

‘Let us use our energies, talents and powers to promote issues that will bring development and jobs to the Municipality.’

The MCE said he was happy that a number of Assembly Members had been re-elected while others had also been re-appointed which meant that the Assembly would have a good number of old experienced members to share their accumulated wealth of experience with new members.

He asked them not to disappoint their people by living up to the expectations of them as Assembly Members.

‘You are to ensure that you serve the people in the various electoral areas and communities to improve their general living conditions and also make them part of the decision-making process and governance at the local level,’
Mr said.

He added: ‘The day had in attendance chiefs from all three traditional areas, members of the Muslim community, the Clergy, security services, heads of departments and units, the Municipal Electoral Officer and his team, political actors and the public.’

Source: Ghana News Agency