The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, said it has issued in letters today declaring a “persona non grata” for seven individuals who the Ministry said are working for various UN affiliated organizations working in Ethiopia “
#US, #EU, #Germany & #UK condemn #UN staff expulsion, ask Ethiopia to reverse decision; US threatens to use Executive Order
The Embassy of the United Kingdom said, “Humanitarian partners to Ethiopia are concerned by the expulsion of individuals working for the United Nations (UN) who are essential to providing life saving assistance to millions of Ethiopian citizens throughout the country,” adding, “Ethiopia is in the midsts of multiple humanitarian crisis. The UN delivers principled humanitarian aid, addressing needs on a neutral, impartial basis.”
Before calling on the Federal government to reverse its decision, the statement read, “We call on the government of Ethiopia to reverse this decision with immediate effect.”
Echoing the British government calls, the German Embassy in Addis Ababa on its part said, “As one of Ethiopia’s largest humanitarian partners, we share Antonio Guterres’ concern about expulsion of UN staff in Ethiopia who are essential to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to millions of Ethiopians,” adding, “ Germany ask the government of Ethiopia for expulsions to be reversed.”
The UN Secretary General António Guterres said he “was shocked by the information that the Government of Ethiopia has declared seven UN officials, including senior UN humanitarian officials, as persona non grata.”
He also said the UN was now engaging with the Government of Ethiopia in the expectation that the concerned UN staff will be allowed to continue their important work.
In early August Ethiopia has temporarily suspended #MSF Holland, the #Norwegian Refugee Council and Al-Maktoume humanitarian operations in Ethiopia.
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