Selecta One, a German horticultural firm, will move its operations from Ethiopia’s Amhara region to Kenya and Uganda due to safety concerns related to ongoing conflict. This transition will lead to over 1,000 job losses and reflects a broader economic crisis in the region. Recent violence has inflicted significant damage on local communities and industries.
Selecta One, a German horticultural firm, has announced it will relocate its operations from the conflict-affected Amhara region of Ethiopia to Kenya and Uganda, citing an “unstable political situation and tense military environment” as the reasons for this decision. This shift will lead to the loss of over 1,000 jobs in the Kunzila site, situated in the North Achefer district of the West Gojjam Zone.
The company has emphasized that their decision stems from logistical challenges that could not be resolved given the current conditions, even with their best efforts. They pointed out that there was no firm guarantee for the safety of their employees, making the closure necessary. CEO Ansgar Klemm described this situation as a “bitter pill to swallow,” expressing the painful nature of the decision to close operations in Kunzila after years of intensive development and investment in the region.
Klemm reflected on the hope for improvement following the end of the civil war in November 2022, but reiterated that ongoing political instability and military tensions are insurmountable obstacles. He also noted that the relocation would not only impact the 1,000 direct jobs lost but also affect about 10,000 individuals indirectly within the area.
Recent reports have documented the grave impact of the conflict in the Amhara region, where clashes have resulted in significant job losses and economic damage. In August 2023, it was noted that over 3,000 permanent jobs were lost, along with an estimated 2.5 billion birr in damages to industries, particularly affecting flower and vegetable cultivation. The West Gojjam Zone has been a hotspot for violent confrontations, with instances of heavy weapon usage in recent months, exacerbating the crisis.
Incidents earlier this year in Jimat Enkokma Kebele tragically included the deaths of four individuals, further underlining the toll of the conflict on local communities, as agricultural fields were also severely damaged within the ongoing strife.
In conclusion, Selecta One’s relocation from Ethiopia’s Amhara region highlights the severe impacts of ongoing political instability and military conflicts on businesses and employment. This move, driven by safety and logistical challenges, sadly results in substantial job losses and represents a broader crisis in the region’s economy. The situation underscores the urgent need for resolution and stabilization to protect the livelihoods of thousands affected by the conflict.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
