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. The Bank is currently financing close to two dozen projects in Ethiopia, with a portfolio valued at USD 1.24 billion.

Source: Ethiopian News December 20, 2023 12:11 UTC