In reference to the severe crisis that the government of Ethiopia and the country's economy are suffering from due to the policies of its prime minister, Addis Ababa announced plans to close dozens of embassies abroad in an attempt to reduce expenses.
According to the Kenyan “East African” website, Abi Ahmed said in a briefing to lawmakers in his country’s parliament that Ethiopia will close many embassies, including in Kenya, in order to manage costs, and most of the diplomats will work as non-resident ambassadors.
Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia should not have 60 or so embassies and consulates at the moment. Instead of throwing US dollars everywhere, at least 30 embassies should be closed, and the ambassadors should be here in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister added that his country's ambassador to Kenya, for example, can be present in Addis Ababa and make field trips only to meet with officials while following the events in Nairobi through the media.
Ahmed said that given the current situation in Ethiopia, the country does not need to have 60 or so embassies and consulates. He said ambassadors would be asked to drive their own cars instead of hiring drivers.
In the wake of the conflict in Tigray, the Ethiopian government's resources have come under pressure, the Kenyan website said. Last week, Addis Ababa was forced to halt the offensive in Tigray after the costs of the war began to affect the country's economy.
Addis Ababa has admitted that the country has lost $2.3 billion since the outbreak of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020, but this cost did not take into account military spending or the loss of livelihoods, deaths and injuries among civilians, as well as the loss of hours of economic productivity due to the decision of civilians out of danger.
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