Selecta One, a German horticultural firm, announced its relocation from Ethiopia’s Amhara region to Kenya and Uganda due to an unstable political climate and military tensions, resulting in over 1,000 job losses. CEO Ansgar Klemm expressed sorrow over the decision, emphasizing employee safety concerns and the broader impact on the community amid ongoing regional conflict.
Selecta One, a German horticultural company, has decided to relocate its operations from the Amhara region of Ethiopia to Kenya and Uganda, citing the unstable political climate and a tense military environment as key factors for this decision. This move has unfortunately resulted in the loss of over 1,000 jobs, significantly impacting the local community.
The company, which operated a site in Kunzila, West Gojjam Zone, stated that the prolonged logistical challenges they faced over the past two years could not be rectified under the prevailing conditions, despite substantial efforts. They emphasized that ensuring employee safety was not feasible.
Ansgar Klemm, CEO of Selecta One, referred to the closure as a bitter moment, expressing sorrow over the loss after years of development efforts in the region. He had hoped for improved conditions following the end of the civil war in November 2022 but acknowledged that the ongoing political instability was a severe obstacle.
Moreover, Klemm highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the relocation, which would not only affect over 1,000 individuals directly but also impact approximately 10,000 others in the surrounding area. The Amhara region has been plagued by conflict, leading to significant job losses and industrial damages as reported earlier this year.
Intense armed conflict has escalated in the West Gojjam Zone, notably with violent confrontations over the past months, resulting in casualties and damage to agricultural resources in the area. This ongoing strife continues to threaten the livelihoods of many residents, underscoring the urgent need for stability and peace in the region.
In summary, Selecta One’s relocation from the Amhara region highlights the severe impact of political instability and conflict on businesses and local communities. The loss of over 1,000 jobs not only affects individuals directly employed by the company but also reverberates throughout the local economy. The ongoing violence in the region is indicative of broader systemic issues that require urgent attention.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
