News Gov’t ban on vehicle imports stokes uncertainty among diplomatic community
By Sisay Sahlu
September 21, 2024
Embargo could constitute breach of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
The federal government’s embargo on the import of non-electric vehicles has left members of the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa as well as representatives of international organizations grappling with its implications.
Many are uncertain how to implement the directive introduced officially last month, arguing it lacks clarity on the scope of the embargo and potential exceptions.
Officials at the Ministry of Finance issued the directive in a bid to cut fuel import costs and reduce carbon emissions. Their counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have since notified all diplomatic and consular missions, as well as regional and international organizations based in the capital, that they are subject to the new rules as well.
Officials claim the prohibition is aligned with global efforts to combat climate change, with a focus on transitioning to renewable energy. However, according to several sources within the diplomatic community, the directive is fraught with challenges that could significantly impede the operations of these missions.
“The government’s rationale for banning non-electric vehicles is to cut fuel import costs and fast-track its climate goals. While these are admirable aims, the lack of infrastructure to support EVs makes this decision impractical. With fewer than a hundred charging stations in the entire country, how are we expected to implement this directive effectively?” asked one frustrated diplomatic source in Addis Ababa.
He warned that such sweeping policies could have far-reaching consequences in the “African Brussels.”
“Transitioning to electric vehicles is indeed an eco-friendly solution, but there are other concerns, such as the environmental impact of battery production and disposal, as well as the significant resources required to manufacture EVs. These are considerations that cannot be ignored, and more time is needed to address them,” said the diplomat.
Another source working for an aid agency pointed out the difficulties the ban poses for humanitarian work.
“The countryside has limited access to electricity, and charging facilities are virtually non-existent. Electric vehicles are simply not viable for transporting aid to rural areas where the need is greatest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the federal government said the move is part of its commitment to emission reduction and combating climate change in a statement to the diplomatic and international community last month.
The statement specifically prohibits the import of fuel-powered vehicles and directs all diplomatic personnel to import only electric vehicles moving forward. Despite this clear stance, the statement has left many unanswered questions. .
“Embassies and international organizations are now contemplating whether to hold discussions with the Ethiopian government to seek clarification or perhaps influence a revision of the directive,” said one source.
Some diplomatic and consular missions argue the decision, in its current form, could be interpreted as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
This convention obliges host countries to assist diplomatic missions in carrying out their operations efficiently, including providing the necessary logistical support, which would include allowing the import and use of non-electric vehicles until the appropriate infrastructure is in place.
The diplomatic community’s concerns are further exacerbated by Ethiopia’s current lack of preparedness for a large-scale transition to electric vehicles.
Bereket Tesfaye, an advisor to Storage Battery Energy and a consultant for Energizing Development Ethiopia, echoed these sentiments.
He highlighted several key challenges that Ethiopia faces, including a severe shortage of charging stations, insufficient electrical supply, and a lack of skilled labor to maintain electric vehicles.
“The government’s plan is ambitious, but without the proper groundwork, it will be difficult to see it succeed. There are issues ranging from financing schemes to training institutions that need to be addressed before this transition can take place,” said Bereket.
He believes that the government should have consulted more extensively with relevant stakeholders before implementing the directive.
“This decision feels rushed. It’s not something that can be brought into practice without adequate consultation and planning. The government will need to establish financing mechanisms, expand the electric grid, and train a new workforce to handle the increased demand for electric vehicles,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised by various stakeholders, the government has yet to issue any clarification regarding the specifics of the new directive. The Reporter’s requests for an official response have thus far been unsuccessful.
Nonetheless, the lack of clarity has left many diplomatic missions in a state of uncertainty as they grapple with how to adhere to the directive without disrupting their day-to-day operations.
For some embassies, the confusion has led to changes in their plans, especially when it comes to managing their fleet of non-electric vehicles. One major western embassy had intended to auction used non-electric vehicles that had been sitting unused in their compound, with hopes of putting them back into service. However, due to the ambiguity surrounding the directive, it has had to reconsider these plans.