The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced its decision to immediately withdraw all its international employees from Ethiopia in response to an assault on its workers by government security forces.
The incident, described as a very serious diplomatic incident, occurred on October 31, leading AfDB to file a formal complaint with Ethiopian authorities.
The complaint detailed the physical assault and prolonged detention of two AfDB employees. The institution’s move to withdraw its international staff reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel.
AfDB, headquartered in the Ivory Coast, is a prominent development institution in Africa, providing financing to governments and private companies investing in the continent. The bank’s portfolio in Ethiopia includes 22 projects valued at $1.2 billion.
Ethiopian state finance minister Eyob Tekalign expressed regret over the incident. However, as of the announcement, there has been no immediate response from Ethiopian government officials.