News: #NEBE reports majority vote in favor of new region in recent referendum, irregularities in #Wolaita zone
The referendum was held in six zones and five special districts, but NEBE said it is pending a decision on the results of the election in Wolaita Zone due to massive irregularities pre and during election process and complaints of vote fraud.
According the NEBE, it has verified and approved the results of the referendum held in five zones (Konso, South Omo, Gamo, Gedeo and Gofa) and five special districts (Burji, Basketo, Ale, Amaro, Derashe) where the majority voted in favor of coming together in cluster to form Ethiopia’s newest regional state.
Notable rejection of the new regional state was seen in #Gedeo zone where 46,749 people voted against the establishment of the new region out of 241, 695 valid votes.
However, the board announced that, “activities considered as serious operational violations” were committed in several polling stations in Wolaita Zone where there has been long lasting quest for statehood.
https://addisstandard.com/news-nebe-reports-majority-vote-in-favor-of-new-region-in-recent-referendum-irregularities-in-wolaita-zone/
The referendum was held in six zones and five special districts, but NEBE said it is pending a decision on the results of the election in Wolaita Zone due to massive irregularities pre and during election process and complaints of vote fraud.
According the NEBE, it has verified and approved the results of the referendum held in five zones (Konso, South Omo, Gamo, Gedeo and Gofa) and five special districts (Burji, Basketo, Ale, Amaro, Derashe) where the majority voted in favor of coming together in cluster to form Ethiopia’s newest regional state.
Notable rejection of the new regional state was seen in #Gedeo zone where 46,749 people voted against the establishment of the new region out of 241, 695 valid votes.
However, the board announced that, “activities considered as serious operational violations” were committed in several polling stations in Wolaita Zone where there has been long lasting quest for statehood.
https://addisstandard.com/news-nebe-reports-majority-vote-in-favor-of-new-region-in-recent-referendum-irregularities-in-wolaita-zone/
Addis Standard
News: NEBE reports majority vote in favor of new region in recent referendum, irregularities in Wolaita zone
Voting in Arbaminch during the 06 February referendum, Photo: NEBE Addis Abeba – The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that majority of the people in five zones and five special districts in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples…
Analysis: #Tigray Orthodox Church declines call by Synod to normalize relations, blames Synod for endorsing “war of genocide” on people of Tigray. What next?
By Medihane Ekubamichael
On 09 February, the Tigray Orthodox Church Council of Bishops held a joint meeting in which they have issued rejection to an earlier call made by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) Holy Synod’s Secretariat requesting for talks of reconciliation and normalization of relations between the Synod in Addis Abeba and Tigray Orthodox Church.
In a detailed account that highlighted the outcomes of the devastating two years atrocious war in the Tigray region, the Council of Bishops pulled no punches when blaming the Holy Synod for endorsing the “war of genocide” that was declared on the people of Tigray and explaining why they find it difficult to mend relations with it.
What is next?
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-tigray-orthodox-church-declines-call-by-synod-to-normalize-relations-blames-synod-for-endorsing-war-of-genocide-on-people-of-tigray-what-next/
By Medihane Ekubamichael
On 09 February, the Tigray Orthodox Church Council of Bishops held a joint meeting in which they have issued rejection to an earlier call made by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) Holy Synod’s Secretariat requesting for talks of reconciliation and normalization of relations between the Synod in Addis Abeba and Tigray Orthodox Church.
In a detailed account that highlighted the outcomes of the devastating two years atrocious war in the Tigray region, the Council of Bishops pulled no punches when blaming the Holy Synod for endorsing the “war of genocide” that was declared on the people of Tigray and explaining why they find it difficult to mend relations with it.
What is next?
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-tigray-orthodox-church-declines-call-by-synod-to-normalize-relations-blames-synod-for-endorsing-war-of-genocide-on-people-of-tigray-what-next/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Tigray Orthodox Church declines call by Synod to normalize relations, blames Synod for endorsing “war of genocide” on…
Members of the Tigray Orthodox Church Council of Bishops (Picture: DW) By Medihane Ekubamichael @Medihane Addis Abeba - On 09 February, the Tigray Orthodox Church Council of Bishops held a joint meeting in which they have issued a rejection to an earlier…
The Interview: “Government’s lack of clear political agenda exacerbated the war in Oromia”: Colonel Gemechu Ayana
A must read interview to understand why the OLF-gov. 2018 peace talks collapsed, leading to the current complex war in #Oromia.
Interview by Beka Atoma Boru
Excerpts:
AS: When you returned from Asmara, you were persuaded to embrace peaceful struggle. Is it because the agreement you made was breached that the armed struggle continued, or was there a conviction that there still was a cause to fight for?
Colonel Gemechu: The main reason was the failure on the government’s side to uphold the agreement. The government declared war on our fighters in Wollegga. Some of those who returned from Eritrea and were stationed in Arsi were shot dead only fro asking minor questions. They poisoned those who returned heeding a call by Jawar, Bekele Gerba and Abba Gada Beyene Senbeto. The government didn’t have the interest to obey the agreement and that’s what necessitated the armed struggle. It is not because the OLF fighters back then didn’t embrace the peaceful struggle but because the government made it clear that it was impossible.
AS: Over the past four years the war in Oromia has transpired significantly and became more complex. What is your reading? How do you describe what is going on today?
Colonel Gemechu: The OLA’s position is clear. It is fighting in the belief that anyone who stands against the freedom of the Oromo, is the enemy of the Oromo. This belief does not change because who controls the government power has changed. The OLA fought the Dergue, it fought the EPRDF and it still is fighting. It is not about who took power, it fights for its demands. There are people who give up when they become ministers, those who abandon their demands when they enter the parliament. We have seen such people including from within the OLF, but the OLA believes that anyone who stands against the freedom of the Oromo is its enemy, whether a national group or an organization. But anyone who believes in the right of self-determination whether they are Amhara or Guraghe or Tegaru, is a friend of the OLA, this is clear.
https://addisstandard.com/the-interview-governments-lack-of-clear-political-agenda-exacerbated-the-war-in-oromia-colonel-gemechu-ayana/
A must read interview to understand why the OLF-gov. 2018 peace talks collapsed, leading to the current complex war in #Oromia.
Interview by Beka Atoma Boru
Excerpts:
AS: When you returned from Asmara, you were persuaded to embrace peaceful struggle. Is it because the agreement you made was breached that the armed struggle continued, or was there a conviction that there still was a cause to fight for?
Colonel Gemechu: The main reason was the failure on the government’s side to uphold the agreement. The government declared war on our fighters in Wollegga. Some of those who returned from Eritrea and were stationed in Arsi were shot dead only fro asking minor questions. They poisoned those who returned heeding a call by Jawar, Bekele Gerba and Abba Gada Beyene Senbeto. The government didn’t have the interest to obey the agreement and that’s what necessitated the armed struggle. It is not because the OLF fighters back then didn’t embrace the peaceful struggle but because the government made it clear that it was impossible.
AS: Over the past four years the war in Oromia has transpired significantly and became more complex. What is your reading? How do you describe what is going on today?
Colonel Gemechu: The OLA’s position is clear. It is fighting in the belief that anyone who stands against the freedom of the Oromo, is the enemy of the Oromo. This belief does not change because who controls the government power has changed. The OLA fought the Dergue, it fought the EPRDF and it still is fighting. It is not about who took power, it fights for its demands. There are people who give up when they become ministers, those who abandon their demands when they enter the parliament. We have seen such people including from within the OLF, but the OLA believes that anyone who stands against the freedom of the Oromo is its enemy, whether a national group or an organization. But anyone who believes in the right of self-determination whether they are Amhara or Guraghe or Tegaru, is a friend of the OLA, this is clear.
https://addisstandard.com/the-interview-governments-lack-of-clear-political-agenda-exacerbated-the-war-in-oromia-colonel-gemechu-ayana/
Addis Standard
The Interview: “Government’s lack of clear political agenda exacerbated the war in Oromia”: Colonel Gemechu Ayana
Colonel Gemechu Ayana, former member of the OLA and current senior officer of the OLF, Photo: Addis Standard Following the peace agreement that ended the two years war in Northern Ethiopia, and amid increasing militarized hostilities between government forces…
Business: #China offers zero-tariff treatment to Ethiopia
China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable items originating from Ethiopia, Burundi and Niger from March 1, 2023, according to a statement released by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
The new step is conducive to materializing the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, helping the least developed countries accelerate their development, and building an open global economy, the commission said.
China will move further to gradually expand such treatment to all the least developed countries that have established diplomatic ties with China, it added.
“I am confident that this preferential treatment will help boost Ethiopian exports to China, bring more benefits to Ethiopian people and further strengthen the friendship between our two peoples”, said Zhao Zhiyuan, Ambassador of China to Ethiopia,
FBC
China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable items originating from Ethiopia, Burundi and Niger from March 1, 2023, according to a statement released by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
The new step is conducive to materializing the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, helping the least developed countries accelerate their development, and building an open global economy, the commission said.
China will move further to gradually expand such treatment to all the least developed countries that have established diplomatic ties with China, it added.
“I am confident that this preferential treatment will help boost Ethiopian exports to China, bring more benefits to Ethiopian people and further strengthen the friendship between our two peoples”, said Zhao Zhiyuan, Ambassador of China to Ethiopia,
FBC
#Tigray: Moha Soft Drinks Factory, #Mekelle Branch, has resumed production thT was halted during the two years war in the Tigray regional state
The factory's resumption of operations is a “source of hope for the workers affected by the war,” regional media Dimtsi Woyane quoted the company's management and employees as saying.
The factory has suffered losses of more than 400 million birr in the past two years due to the war, the report further said.
“The factory's management and employees expressed hope that the factory will contribute to the recovery of Tigray.”
The factory's resumption of operations is a “source of hope for the workers affected by the war,” regional media Dimtsi Woyane quoted the company's management and employees as saying.
The factory has suffered losses of more than 400 million birr in the past two years due to the war, the report further said.
“The factory's management and employees expressed hope that the factory will contribute to the recovery of Tigray.”
#Israel’s #Africa dilemma
“Israel has long sought strong ties with Africa, but the recent expulsion of Israel's ambassador to #Ethiopia from the #AfricanUnion summit could potentially harm its efforts to improve relations.”
***
Israel aims to normalize its relations with many countries with the great support of the U.S. in the international arena. Since the African continent is of great importance in terms of Israeli foreign policy, the issue of developing relations with the continental countries has been one of the priority agendas of the Tel Aviv Administration for a long time. The Abraham Accords, in effect since Sept. 15, 2020, include normalization declarations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. They also gave a great impetus to Tel Aviv's normalization efforts with African countries.
sabahdai.ly/_1jq8
“Israel has long sought strong ties with Africa, but the recent expulsion of Israel's ambassador to #Ethiopia from the #AfricanUnion summit could potentially harm its efforts to improve relations.”
***
Israel aims to normalize its relations with many countries with the great support of the U.S. in the international arena. Since the African continent is of great importance in terms of Israeli foreign policy, the issue of developing relations with the continental countries has been one of the priority agendas of the Tel Aviv Administration for a long time. The Abraham Accords, in effect since Sept. 15, 2020, include normalization declarations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. They also gave a great impetus to Tel Aviv's normalization efforts with African countries.
sabahdai.ly/_1jq8
Daily Sabah
Israel’s Africa dilemma
Israel has long sought strong ties with Africa, but the recent expulsion of Israel's ambassador to Ethiopia from the African Union summit could...
#Analysis: Prospective graduates fret over time constraints as ministry of education set to launch exit exam to tackle deteriorating competency
By Molla Mitiku
The education system has left students in more disarray as the assessment mechanism has fallen under sabotage, professor Tirusew Tefera, an expert in Education, who served as a Professor and Laureate in Special Needs Education at Addis Abeba University said.
“Due to the fact that the system has jettisoned quality issues and as cheating become rife, there is urgency for the ministry to administer various mechanisms like exit exam,” he told #AddisStandard.
Although prospective graduates do not protest against taking the exit exam, they complain for the cramming of schedule with their final term tasks.
Finote Demeke, a prospective graduate at St. Mary University, said, in spite of the university’s efforts in assisting the students to be ready for the exit exam, they are swamped with frustration on time constraints.
They worry about tight schedule they do in the coming four months that they have course that ranges 15 to 20 credit hours in the semester and they have to work on their senior essay.
“We need to complete final semester courses, do senior essay and take the exit exam that create a dismay on the prospective graduates. There should be enough intervals for the exit exam,” Finot told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-prospective-graduates-fret-over-time-constraints-as-ministry-of-education-set-to-launch-exit-exam-to-tackle-deteriorating-competency/
By Molla Mitiku
The education system has left students in more disarray as the assessment mechanism has fallen under sabotage, professor Tirusew Tefera, an expert in Education, who served as a Professor and Laureate in Special Needs Education at Addis Abeba University said.
“Due to the fact that the system has jettisoned quality issues and as cheating become rife, there is urgency for the ministry to administer various mechanisms like exit exam,” he told #AddisStandard.
Although prospective graduates do not protest against taking the exit exam, they complain for the cramming of schedule with their final term tasks.
Finote Demeke, a prospective graduate at St. Mary University, said, in spite of the university’s efforts in assisting the students to be ready for the exit exam, they are swamped with frustration on time constraints.
They worry about tight schedule they do in the coming four months that they have course that ranges 15 to 20 credit hours in the semester and they have to work on their senior essay.
“We need to complete final semester courses, do senior essay and take the exit exam that create a dismay on the prospective graduates. There should be enough intervals for the exit exam,” Finot told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/analysis-prospective-graduates-fret-over-time-constraints-as-ministry-of-education-set-to-launch-exit-exam-to-tackle-deteriorating-competency/
Addis Standard
Analysis: Prospective graduates fret over time constraints as ministry of education set to launch exit exam to tackle deteriorating…
Analysis: Prospective graduates fret over time constraints as ministry of education set to launch exit exam to tackle deteriorating competency Addis Standard -
#ASDailyScoop: #Japan grants $1.14 million to improve health, protection needs of women and girls in #BenishangulGumuz, #Amhara regions
Japan and #UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency jointly launched on 20 February a project with 1.14 million USD that aimed to improve health and address the protection needs of women and girls in Benishangul Gumuz and Amhara regions.
According to a press release the Embassy of Japan in Addis Abeba to Addis Standard, the project which was ennoscriptd as “Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender Based Violence (GBV)’’ will be implemented in selected emergency-affected woredas in both Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz Regions.
Eight districts are selected from #NorthShewa, #WestGojjam, #Awi, and #Oromo Special zones from the Amhara region, and two districts from the #Metekel zone of Benishangul Gumuz region for the implementation of the project.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-japan-grants-1-14-million-to-improve-health-protection-needs-of-women-and-girls-in-benishangul-gumuz-amhara-regions/
Japan and #UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency jointly launched on 20 February a project with 1.14 million USD that aimed to improve health and address the protection needs of women and girls in Benishangul Gumuz and Amhara regions.
According to a press release the Embassy of Japan in Addis Abeba to Addis Standard, the project which was ennoscriptd as “Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender Based Violence (GBV)’’ will be implemented in selected emergency-affected woredas in both Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz Regions.
Eight districts are selected from #NorthShewa, #WestGojjam, #Awi, and #Oromo Special zones from the Amhara region, and two districts from the #Metekel zone of Benishangul Gumuz region for the implementation of the project.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-japan-grants-1-14-million-to-improve-health-protection-needs-of-women-and-girls-in-benishangul-gumuz-amhara-regions/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Japan grants $1.14 million to improve health, protection needs of women and girls in Benishangul Gumuz, Amhara regions
Ms. Suzanne Mandong, UNFPA Representative in Ethiopia (Left), ITO Takako, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia (Right) during the launch ceremony Photo: Embassy of Japan in Addis Abeba Addis Abeba - Japan and UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency…
#EthiopiaDrought
After all livestock are dead, now what is left for #Borana pastoralists? Unveiling devastating impacts of prolonged drought
Though Borana drylands have a long history with routinely occurring drought consequences, currently the severity, length, and frequency of drought have been changing. The damage and losses incurred due to the recent drought by Borana pastoralists are never seen before in history.
According to unpublished Borena Zone Multi-Agency Rapid Assessment Report the absence of five consecutive seasons of rainfall resulted in prolonged drought in the area. Borana area receives a bimodal pattern of rainfall with the main rains (Ganna) falling between March and May, and the short rains (Hagayya) between September and November. The recent drought is due to the failure of rain for three years.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/commentary-after-all-livestock-are-dead-now-what-is-left-for-borana-pastoralists-unveiling-devastating-impacts-of-prolonged-drought/
After all livestock are dead, now what is left for #Borana pastoralists? Unveiling devastating impacts of prolonged drought
Though Borana drylands have a long history with routinely occurring drought consequences, currently the severity, length, and frequency of drought have been changing. The damage and losses incurred due to the recent drought by Borana pastoralists are never seen before in history.
According to unpublished Borena Zone Multi-Agency Rapid Assessment Report the absence of five consecutive seasons of rainfall resulted in prolonged drought in the area. Borana area receives a bimodal pattern of rainfall with the main rains (Ganna) falling between March and May, and the short rains (Hagayya) between September and November. The recent drought is due to the failure of rain for three years.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/commentary-after-all-livestock-are-dead-now-what-is-left-for-borana-pastoralists-unveiling-devastating-impacts-of-prolonged-drought/
Salesians provide aid to more than 100,000 people since start of #Tigray conflict
Although a peace deal was signed and many services restored, such as flights from #AddisAbeba to #Mekele, people are still in need. Banks are open but people still do not have access to their accounts, according to the Salesians.
“The access to send humanitarian aid to Tigray has become easier and we continue to assist people that have been impacted,” explained Father Abba Hailemariam Medhin, provincial of the AET vice-province. “People are still in need of food and non-food items. Psychological assistance for those impacted and educational centers are starting back up, but first, people need to have some food and they have to take care of their health.”
https://missionnewswire.org/ethiopia-salesians-provide-aid-to-more-than-100000-people-since-start-of-tigray-conflict/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ethiopia-salesians-provide-aid-to-more-than-100000-people-since-start-of-tigray-conflict
Although a peace deal was signed and many services restored, such as flights from #AddisAbeba to #Mekele, people are still in need. Banks are open but people still do not have access to their accounts, according to the Salesians.
“The access to send humanitarian aid to Tigray has become easier and we continue to assist people that have been impacted,” explained Father Abba Hailemariam Medhin, provincial of the AET vice-province. “People are still in need of food and non-food items. Psychological assistance for those impacted and educational centers are starting back up, but first, people need to have some food and they have to take care of their health.”
https://missionnewswire.org/ethiopia-salesians-provide-aid-to-more-than-100000-people-since-start-of-tigray-conflict/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ethiopia-salesians-provide-aid-to-more-than-100000-people-since-start-of-tigray-conflict
MissionNewswire
ETHIOPIA: Salesians provide aid to more than 100,000 people since start of Tigray conflict
Salesian missionaries have been responding with aid for those impacted by the conflict in Ethiopia*, which started in November 2020, in the Tigray region. Recently a peace deal was struck and things are slowly returning to some normalcy. During the conflict…
#Ethiopia: Unresolved IDP crisis, alarming lack of basic healthcare causing suffering in conflict affected parts of #Oromia
The Oromia region of Ethiopia is experiencing one of the worst internally displaced person (IDP) crises in decades, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Armed groups from Oromia and neighboring regions, as well as measures taken by the federal and regional forces, have all contributed to this crisis. Natural disasters linked to the climate crisis, like the recent draught, have had a devastating impact on vulnerable communities in Borana zone and surrounding area.
The statistics are alarming. The conflict-induced displacement in the region has reached more than 1.5 million IDPs and 285,865 households distributed across 11 Zones and 96 Woredas. There are more than 142 IDP sites located in the region. The western and southeastern parts of the region are the most heavily affected, with Guji Zone hosting the highest number of IDP sites (31 sites), and East Wollega Zone hosting the highest number of IDPs (282,245).
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-unresolved-idp-crisis-alarming-lack-of-basic-healthcare-causing-suffering-in-conflict-affected-parts-of-oromia-opa/
The Oromia region of Ethiopia is experiencing one of the worst internally displaced person (IDP) crises in decades, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Armed groups from Oromia and neighboring regions, as well as measures taken by the federal and regional forces, have all contributed to this crisis. Natural disasters linked to the climate crisis, like the recent draught, have had a devastating impact on vulnerable communities in Borana zone and surrounding area.
The statistics are alarming. The conflict-induced displacement in the region has reached more than 1.5 million IDPs and 285,865 households distributed across 11 Zones and 96 Woredas. There are more than 142 IDP sites located in the region. The western and southeastern parts of the region are the most heavily affected, with Guji Zone hosting the highest number of IDP sites (31 sites), and East Wollega Zone hosting the highest number of IDPs (282,245).
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-unresolved-idp-crisis-alarming-lack-of-basic-healthcare-causing-suffering-in-conflict-affected-parts-of-oromia-opa/
Addis Standard
Commentary: Unresolved IDP crisis, alarming lack of basic healthcare causing suffering in conflict affected parts of Oromia – OPA
OPA delivered aid to IDPs in Horro Guduru and Guji zones in January, 2023, Photo: OPA By Oromia Physicians Association @oromiaphysician Addis Abeba - The late, legendary artist Hachalu Hundessa’s music still resonates with the pain felt by hundreds of thousands…
#ASDailyScoop: Journalist Tewodros Asfaw released on bail after nine days of imprisonment
Journalist Tewodros Asfaw has been released from prison on Wednesday night after federal supreme court upheld federal high court’s ruling of his release on 30,000 birr bail.
On 17 February, Federal High Court had ruled Tewedros’s release on bail of 30,000 birr but police appealed to the supreme court forcing him to stay in prison.
Binyam Asfaw, Tewodros’s brother, confirmed to #AddisStandard that Tewodros was released on Wednesday night after nine days of imprisonment. He was taken from his home by security forces on Tuesday 14 February, following schism within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), which has now been resolved.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-journalist-tewodros-asfaw-released-on-bail-after-nine-days-of-imprisonment/
Journalist Tewodros Asfaw has been released from prison on Wednesday night after federal supreme court upheld federal high court’s ruling of his release on 30,000 birr bail.
On 17 February, Federal High Court had ruled Tewedros’s release on bail of 30,000 birr but police appealed to the supreme court forcing him to stay in prison.
Binyam Asfaw, Tewodros’s brother, confirmed to #AddisStandard that Tewodros was released on Wednesday night after nine days of imprisonment. He was taken from his home by security forces on Tuesday 14 February, following schism within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), which has now been resolved.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-journalist-tewodros-asfaw-released-on-bail-after-nine-days-of-imprisonment/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Journalist Tewodros Asfaw released on bail after nine days of imprisonment
Journalist Tewodros Asfaw, Photo: Tewodros Asfaw Alem/Facebook Addis Abeba - Journalist Tewodros Asfaw has been released from prison on Wednesday night after federal supreme court upheld federal high court’s ruling of his release on 30,000 birr bail. On…
News: #Ethiopian Rights Commission says restrictions on free movement of people, trade impede recovery efforts of IDP returnees in #Afar region
EHRC said that “IDPs and returnees are not being provided with adequate, timely and accessible humanitarian assistance including food, water, shelter, health, education and other social services”.
According to the statement undue economic pressure the IDP returnees are experiencing due to restrictions on free movement of people and business activities have become serious impediment in creating enabling conditions for the permanent establishment of returnees.
The ban on the entry of various basic consumer goods, including fuel, which were transported to #Tigray region through Afar regions’ zone two and zone four has not been lifted, the statement said.
Furthermore, the work of cleaning the areas which were war zones like the Fokisa kebele, Gulina district from mines and explosives has not been done properly, and has created a security threat for the returnees the statement underscored.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-rights-commission-says-restrictions-on-free-movement-of-people-trade-impede-recovery-efforts-of-idp-returnees-in-afar-region/
EHRC said that “IDPs and returnees are not being provided with adequate, timely and accessible humanitarian assistance including food, water, shelter, health, education and other social services”.
According to the statement undue economic pressure the IDP returnees are experiencing due to restrictions on free movement of people and business activities have become serious impediment in creating enabling conditions for the permanent establishment of returnees.
The ban on the entry of various basic consumer goods, including fuel, which were transported to #Tigray region through Afar regions’ zone two and zone four has not been lifted, the statement said.
Furthermore, the work of cleaning the areas which were war zones like the Fokisa kebele, Gulina district from mines and explosives has not been done properly, and has created a security threat for the returnees the statement underscored.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-rights-commission-says-restrictions-on-free-movement-of-people-trade-impede-recovery-efforts-of-idp-returnees-in-afar-region/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian Rights Commission says restrictions on free movement of people, trade impede recovery efforts of IDP returnees…
Situation of IDPs in Afar region, Photo: EHRC Addis Abeba – Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said IDP returnees in war-affected zones in Afar regional state unable to get back to their normal lives due to hindrances and restriction on free movement…
News: Activities resume in #Wolkite after week long strike over security forces’ crackdown on water shortage protesters
The residents of Wolkite City, in restive #Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (#SNNP) region have resumed regular activities after series of discussions with the city administration and reaching consensus that the SNNP special forces would withdraw the city.
Residents told Addis Standard that public and business activities were halted for a week in protest against security forces’ crackdown on civilians who were demonstrating peacefully demanding solutions for scarce potable water in the city last week.
Hayider Murad, who participated in the city administrations’ discussion held on Wednesday with elders, religious leaders and residents of the city said, the mayor of the city has promised residents to discuss with pertinent bodies to carry out the issue of deployment of the SNNP special forces out of the city.
Residents inquired that they should be held accountable and even if any serious security problem happens, no special force should intervene but the national defense army, he added.
https://addisstandard.com/news-activities-resume-in-wolkite-after-week-long-strike-over-security-forces-crackdown-on-water-shortage-protesters/
The residents of Wolkite City, in restive #Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (#SNNP) region have resumed regular activities after series of discussions with the city administration and reaching consensus that the SNNP special forces would withdraw the city.
Residents told Addis Standard that public and business activities were halted for a week in protest against security forces’ crackdown on civilians who were demonstrating peacefully demanding solutions for scarce potable water in the city last week.
Hayider Murad, who participated in the city administrations’ discussion held on Wednesday with elders, religious leaders and residents of the city said, the mayor of the city has promised residents to discuss with pertinent bodies to carry out the issue of deployment of the SNNP special forces out of the city.
Residents inquired that they should be held accountable and even if any serious security problem happens, no special force should intervene but the national defense army, he added.
https://addisstandard.com/news-activities-resume-in-wolkite-after-week-long-strike-over-security-forces-crackdown-on-water-shortage-protesters/
Addis Standard
News: Activities resume in Wolkite after week long strike over security forces’ crackdown on water shortage protesters
Protesters against chronic lack of water in Wolkite city. Photo: Social media Addis Abeba – The residents of Wolkite City, in restive Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) region have resumed regular activities after series of…
From our archive: Published in June 2022
Editorial: #Drought in #Ethiopia: Call it by what it is – a national disaster
“The federal government should not only follow suit in admitting to the severity of the drought, but declare it as a national disaster in order to mobilize the level of response it deserves.”
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-drought-in-ethiopia-call-it-by-what-it-is-a-national-disaster/
Editorial: #Drought in #Ethiopia: Call it by what it is – a national disaster
“The federal government should not only follow suit in admitting to the severity of the drought, but declare it as a national disaster in order to mobilize the level of response it deserves.”
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-drought-in-ethiopia-call-it-by-what-it-is-a-national-disaster/
Addis Standard
Editorial: Drought in Ethiopia: Call it by what it is – a national disaster
Addis Abeba - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines drought as “a period of abnormally dry weather long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance.” Persistent drought has been a recurring disastrous phenomenon in Sub-Saharan…
Exclusive: Some investors offering #Ethiopia maturity extension on 2024 bond - sources
An informal group of international bondholders has proposed to Ethiopia's government to extend the maturity of the country's $1 billion eurobond issue coming due in 2024, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The proposal involves the debt maturity being extended to 2029 or 2030 as well as an amortising structure to avoid a big lump-sum payment at the end, with the last five years seeing repayments of $200 million a year, said one of the sources, who like the others asked not to be named because talks are private. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/some-investors-offering-ethiopia-maturity-extension-2024-bond-sources-2023-02-23/
An informal group of international bondholders has proposed to Ethiopia's government to extend the maturity of the country's $1 billion eurobond issue coming due in 2024, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The proposal involves the debt maturity being extended to 2029 or 2030 as well as an amortising structure to avoid a big lump-sum payment at the end, with the last five years seeing repayments of $200 million a year, said one of the sources, who like the others asked not to be named because talks are private. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/some-investors-offering-ethiopia-maturity-extension-2024-bond-sources-2023-02-23/
Reuters
Exclusive: Some investors offering Ethiopia maturity extension on 2024 bond - sources
An informal group of international bondholders has proposed to Ethiopia's government to extend the maturity of the country's $1 billion eurobond issue coming due in 2024, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
News: Four high-ranking officials of opposition #OLF including EC member Kennasa Ayana critically ill inside prison, denied treatment
Kennasa Ayana, member of the executive committee of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and three other senior officials of the party who are also the party’s central committee members have been critically ill and denied urgent treatment, spokesperson of OLF Lemmi Gemechu told #AddisStandard.
Kennasa Ayansa, Dawit Abdeta, Gadaa Oljirra (PhD) and Gadaa Gebissa who are currently detained at Burayu police station have all developed chronic diseases according to Lemmi.
In May last year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a report following an investigation into the detention of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) leaders in various detention centers in Oromia. The report confirmed that many OLF leaders and members are “illegally detained” and subjected to abuse.
https://addisstandard.com/news-four-high-ranking-officials-of-opposition-olf-including-ec-member-kennasa-ayana-critically-ill-inside-prison-denied-treatment/
Kennasa Ayana, member of the executive committee of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and three other senior officials of the party who are also the party’s central committee members have been critically ill and denied urgent treatment, spokesperson of OLF Lemmi Gemechu told #AddisStandard.
Kennasa Ayansa, Dawit Abdeta, Gadaa Oljirra (PhD) and Gadaa Gebissa who are currently detained at Burayu police station have all developed chronic diseases according to Lemmi.
In May last year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a report following an investigation into the detention of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) leaders in various detention centers in Oromia. The report confirmed that many OLF leaders and members are “illegally detained” and subjected to abuse.
https://addisstandard.com/news-four-high-ranking-officials-of-opposition-olf-including-ec-member-kennasa-ayana-critically-ill-inside-prison-denied-treatment/
Addis Standard
News: Four high-ranking officials of opposition OLF including CC member Kennasa Ayana critically ill inside prison, denied treatment…
Ailing high ranking OLF officials Kennasa Ayana, Dawit Abdeta, Geda Gebissa and Geda Oljirra (PhD), Photo: Social Media Addis Abeba – Kennasa Ayana, member of the central committee of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and three other senior officials…