Ethiopia to Introduce Visa-Free Entry for African Travelers

The government of Ethiopia will allow African travellers to enter into the country without visa this fiscal year (2018/19), according to President Mulatu Teshome.

The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) and the House of Federation (HoF) of Ethiopia today held a joint session.

While addressing the session, President Mulatu said the country will begin giving visas on arrival for African travellers this Ethiopian fiscal year (2018/19).

He further said the government will do more to accelerate Ethiopia’s move to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In his speech, the President also presented a motion detailing on government’s plan for this fiscal year.

“Due to political unrest, our last year performance was not as expected,” the President said while speaking about government’s last year achievement.

However, as part of the efforts to widen the political space and protect human rights of citizens, thousands of prisoners were released, he noted.

Ethiopia and Eritrea restored relations after 20 years of stalemate and exiled political parties have returned home following the ratification of an amnesty law by the Parliament, he added.

As a chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ethiopia has played the leading role to resolve problems between South Sudanese conflicting parties and to mediate Eritrea and Djibouti, the President said.

He further noted that the government will take the necessary measures to ensure rule of law and contain contraband trade at border areas.

He added the government will make economic reform and attract more investment by encouraging the private sector through policy and legal reforms.

He further said the government will reform democratic institutions and various laws.

The President called on competing parties to pursue a peaceful path and be responsible for their political activities.

He also urged the media to play a vital role in the democratization process in the spirit of accountability.

SOURCES: Fana Broadcasting Corporate-FBC