News AfDB recalls foreign staff from Ethiopia office
By Ashenafi Endale
December 20, 2023
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has decided to withdraw all of its international staff from Ethiopia following an assault by Ethiopian security forces on two of its staff members a few weeks ago.
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said the assault “continues to cause much anxiety” in a statement released earlier today.
The Bank’s Ethiopia office located on Africa Avenue (Bole Road) will remain open, helmed by an officer-in-charge and its Ethiopian staff, who will continue to work for the AfDB.
“The incident has also raised concerns among the Bank’s shareholders, international financial institutions, [and] the broader diplomatic community,” said Adesina.
Nigeria, the US, and Egypt are among the AfDB’s largest shareholders. The Bank is currently financing close to two dozen projects in Ethiopia, with a portfolio valued at USD 1.24 billion.