Oxfam International and Ethiopian Government Sign New Agreement

Oxfam strengthens collaboration with African Union to address new crises

International agency Oxfam and the Government of Ethiopia signed an agreement in partnership with Oxfam’s Liaison Office on the African Union in Addis Ababa. The agreement marks a new chapter in our relations with the AU.

“We are extremely proud to further strengthen our working relationship with the African Union. The AU has taken some welcome steps forward in addressing poverty and suffering across Africa in recent years, but much more still needs to be done. Over 300 million Africans are still living in poverty and Africa is facing multiple challenges from deadly conflicts to climate change and the economic crisis. We cannot afford to be complacent. This agreement will help us work together to address these crises and enable people across the continent to realize their social and economic rights,” said Irungu Houghton, Oxfam’s Pan Africa Director.

We have worked closely with the African Union over the past six years. In 2007, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AU. A senior Oxfam delegation led by Mr Irungu Houghton and His Excellency State Minister Dr. Tedeka Alemu on behalf of the Ethiopian Government were in attendance at today’s ceremony. The following members of the delegation were also present: Daniel Fantaye, Country Director Intermon, Oxfam Spain; Sara Musa, Deputy Regional Director, Oxfam America; Felekle Tadele, Country Director, Oxfam Canada; Suleika Jaouad, Pan Africa Associate, Media Liaison: Oxfam International.

We work in over 30 countries in Africa, providing humanitarian and development aid such as water, sanitation and education, and supporting local partner groups with programs to promote economic and social justice. We also continue to campaign for poor Africans to have better access to essential services such as education and healthcare; greater rights for women; increased support for poor farmers and small-scale sustainable agriculture; and protection from violence.

We advise Governments worldwide to address the growing global climate and financial crises, for which Africa is least responsible yet pays the highest human cost.

“We also appreciate the strong collaboration we have with the Federal and Democratic Government of Ethiopia. The establishment of our Liaison Office should be seen as evidence of Oxfam’s commitment to support to the AU in creating better conditions for all African peoples,” said Houghton.