News Analysis: Despite alarming reports, #Oromia region claims drought in #Borana not out of hand, govt “responding appropriately”

Debela Itana, Director of Logistics for Response and Rehabilitation at the Oromia Busa Gonofa, regional commission in charge of humanitarian response, told #AddisStandard that the state government has been responding to the emergency by allocating over 200 million birr this year.

According to Debela, the number of people in need of assistance in the Borana zone due to the prolonged drought and food shortages has increased by more than 500 thousand in six months, from 375,000 in September to 867,140 now.

However, residents told Addis Standard in early February that people were dying due to water and food shortages. “Now we have given up on our cattle, we are now striving to save our lives,” said Bekalu Abera, a resident of Arero district of Borana zone.

Furthermore, Dinka Dadhi, a communications specialist in Arero district, told Addis Standard last month that the elderly and children were dying due to starvation, as they have low hunger tolerance. He also said that although some aid agencies are providing life-saving assistance, the assistance they provide is not adequate. https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-oromia-region-says-drought-in-borana-zone-not-out-of-hand-government-responding-appropriately/

News: A whopping near $4 billion required to help more than 20 million #Ethiopians in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023

Among the targeted people includes an estimated 4.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs). Although internal displacement is not a new phenomenon in Ethiopia, “among the displaced people there is a high number in protracted displacement,” according to the report. This includes 886,000 IDPs who had been displaced for under one year; one million IDPs who had been displaced for 1-4 years; and as many as 745,000 IDPs who had been displaced for more than five years as of September 2022.

“We are appealing for $US 3.99 billion to assist over 20 million people across the country with food assistance. Of those, 4.4 million people are targeted for multi-sector non-food assistance, of which two thirds are women and children,” said Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission of Ethiopia (#EDRMC).

https://addisstandard.com/news-a-whopping-near-4-bn-required-to-help-more-than-20-m-ethiopians-in-need-of-humanitarian-assistance-in-2023/

News: Amidst loose relationship with #Tigray Church, Orthodox Patriarch arrives in #Mekelle for first time since war

By Medihane Ekubamichael

It came only a week after the #Tigray Orthodox Church Council of Bishops rejected the Synod’s earlier letters sent to five Archbishops in the Tigray regional state requesting for talks of “reconciliation.”

Liqe Tiguhan Eskinder Gebrekiristos, Public Communication Directorate Head of the Holy Synod, told #AddisStandard that His Holiness has traveled to Mekelle for a daylong trip, in accordance to a decision by the Holy Synod. And the only purpose of his travel is to attend the farewell ceremony of the late His Holiness Abune Yohannes II and comfort those who are grieving.

Liqe Tiguhan further said that the Patriarch is to return to his seat this afternoon and he will not be privately discussing on the matter as that was addressed to the Holy Synod. He also refuted rumors speculating the Patriarch’s visit to Tigray with talks over the rift between the EOTC Synod and the Tigray Orthodox Church.

His Holiness has been accompanied by members of delegations including Archbishops His Holiness Abune Tomas and His Holiness Abune Entons, according to the Synod’s Communication.

https://addisstandard.com/news-amidst-loosened-relation-with-tigray-church-orthodox-patriarch-arrives-in-mekelle-for-first-time-since-war/

News: #BenishangulGumuz, #BlueNile States hold peace and security conference in Ad-Damazin city

A peace and development conference between senior officials of Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz region and Sudan’s Blue Nile state has started today in Ad-Damazin city, the capital city of Sudan’s Blue Nile state.

The conference is being attended by high level officials including the Presidents of Benishangul Gumuz region Ashadli Hassan and of the Blue Nile state, General Muhammad Al-Omda.

Being held under the theme “peace, development and good neighborliness”, the conference will discuss issued of peace, security and development activities carried out jointly in the past between the two states.

https://addisstandard.com/news-benishangul-gumuz-blue-nile-states-hold-peace-and-security-conference-in-ad-damazin-city/

#Somalia's Neighbors to Send Additional Troops to Fight Al-Shabab

The three neighboring countries of Somalia are to send new troops to support Somali forces against al-Shabab in the next phase of military operations, the national security adviser for the Somali president said.

In an interview with VOA's Somali Service on Wednesday, Hussein Sheikh-Ali said #Djibouti, #Ethiopia and #Kenya will be sending troops in addition to the soldiers they already have serving as part of the African Transitional Mission in Somalia, or ATMIS. He said the new troops will not be part of the ATMIS mission.

"It is their plan to be coming inside Somalia within eight weeks," he said.

Ali declined to give specific number of the incoming troops, citing "operational purposes."

"Their role is to jointly plan and jointly operate under the command of the Somali security forces," he said. "So, they will be fighting against al-Shabab alongside Somali forces. That is the plan." https://www.voanews.com/a/somalia-s-neighbors-to-send-additional-troops-to-fight-al-shabab-/6986748.html

Business: #Mastercard Foundation, #Gebeya announce $48 m partnership to equip #Ethiopia’s next generation entrepreneurs

Mastercard Foundation and Gebeya Inc. have announced Mesirat (“to work”), a five-year program that will equip 100 entrepreneurs in Ethiopia with their own multi-sided gig marketplaces.

Powered by a $48 million partnership, the two organizations and several other consortium partners will leverage their combined experience and expertise to co-create and replicate Gebeya’s model 100 times in tourism and hospitality, agriculture, education, construction, healthcare, commerce, manufacturing, Information Technology (IT), professional services, transport, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and entertainment sectors.

Mesirat will also empower entrepreneurs—especially young men and women—to launch and fully run their own gig marketplaces successfully across Ethiopia. This innovative partnership will equip two million young people with market-facing skills and enable one million of them (70 percent women) to find work.

https://addisstandard.com/business-mastercard-foundation-gebeya-announce-48-m-partnership-to-equip-ethiopias-next-generation-entrepreneurs/

Crisis in #Ethiopia: Drought and conflict put 28 million in need

For the second year in a row, Ethiopia ranks as number two on #Watchlist – making it one of the top countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian need in 2023.

Prolonged drought in the southeast of the country, continued economic stresses, and the impact of conflict in northern Ethiopia, Oromia and elsewhere, are all exacerbating needs for millions of people. Here's what you need to know about the ongoing emergency.

Ethiopia is heading toward its sixth consecutive failed rainy season, which threatens to prolong a drought already affecting over 30 million people.

https://www.rescue.org/article/crisis-ethiopia-drought-and-conflict-put-28-million-need

News: Ethiopian Rights Commission says one killed during 127th Adwa victory celebrations, #EOTC accuses police of forcefully disrupting spiritual services

By Medihane Ekubamichael

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said, security forces have “overreacted” and needlessly beaten people, used tear gas, plastic and lethal bullets, and other excessive measures including on older persons and children resulting in at least one death, several bodily injuries and distress on people gathered around Menelik Square for the 127th year celebrations of the victory of Adwa on Thursday.

EHRC’s statement said, a traditional, popular and peaceful gathering of people around Menelik Square and a religious congregation in nearby Saint George Church was violently disrupted by the unnecessary and excessive actions of the security forces.

The Addis Abeba Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) also disclosed that many faithfuls were injured and spiritual ceremony was discontinued due to a tear gas thrown at the church following a measure taken by government forces to disperse a crowd during the celebration at the city’s Menilik II Square held yesterday.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-rights-commission-says-one-killed-during-127th-adwa-victory-celebrations-eotc-accuses-police-of-forcefully-disrupting-spiritual-services/

News: Residents say at least three killed in #Guji zone, #Oromia following protests over decision to incorporate Negelle town into newly formed East #Borana zone

By Natnael Fite

At least three civilians were killed, two were injured and several others were arrested in ongoing protests in the Guji zone, Southern Oromia, following the establishment of the new zone of ‘East Borana’, comprising 10 districts from Borana, Bale and Guji zones, residents told Addis Standard.

The Caffee Oromia, on Monday, February 27, 2023, announced that, East Borana zone will be formed as the 21st zone of Oromia, and the former zonal capital of Guji zone Nagelle would be the seat of the administration of the newly formed East Borana zone, while the administration of the Guji zone moves to Adola Rede.

The decision which the regional parliament said was made “to respond to the long-standing demands of development, security and good governance of the people” was outright rejected by residents of the Guji zone leading to massive demonstrations in several cities and towns of the zone.

Boru Meshi, a native of Guji and a journalist who is closely following the issue, told Addis Standard that the reason for the protests was the announcement of the incorporation of three districts including Negelle, the capital of Guji zone, to the newly established ‘East Borana’ zone.

“Negelle is a town with a great history among the Guji people and it is a town that the people and intellectuals have paid a high price for. It is unacceptable to simply move it to another zone without consulting the people,” Boru said.

https://addisstandard.com/news-residents-say-at-least-three-killed-in-guji-zone-following-protests-over-decision-to-incorporate-negelle-town-into-newly-formed-east-borana-zone/

News: Journalists at #TPLF owned Dimtsi Woyane media in #Tigray resign en masse protesting lack of editorial freedom, bad leadership

By Mihret G/Kristos

Several journalists at the TPLF owned #DimtsiWoyane Television and Radio (DW) headquartered in Mekelle, Tigray region, have resigned from their jobs in protest against lack of editorial freedom and bad media leadership.

#AddisStandard spoke to at least five journalists who have already resigned from their roles, and learned that over two dozen other journalists are in a process of submitting their resignations.

Haftom Hayle, a journalist, who is among those who have already submitted their resignations, told Addis Standard that he resigned because the media only entertains ideology of one group, and that he couldn’t practice his profession freely.

He said: “Tigray people’s agenda is not the priority of the media, and journalists are promoted based on party membership despite their knowledge and experiences”.

https://addisstandard.com/news-journalists-at-tplf-owned-dimtsi-woyane-media-in-tigray-resign-en-masse-protesting-lack-of-editorial-freedom-bad-leadership/

#Ethiopia: Rights Groups Alarmed by Ethiopian Efforts Against War Crimes Probe

Rights groups say they are concerned after a report this week said Ethiopia wants to terminate a U.N.-backed investigation into abuses committed during the two-year #Tigray war.

Human Rights Watch this week published a letter signed by 63 rights groups to the U.N. Human Rights Council, expressing concern about Ethiopia’s plans to introduce a motion to end the commission probing the war in Tigray region.

Amnesty International, one of the groups to sign the letter, says terminating the mandate of the commission would have serious consequences.

Amnesty’s Horn of Africa campaigner Suad Nur says it would only serve what she calls Ethiopia’s deeply embedded culture of impunity

“It will also deny justice for victims and survivors of gross human rights violations," Nur said. "This is including sexual violence from a highly atrocious conflict.”

https://www.voaafrica.com/a/rights-groups-alarmed-by-ethiopian-efforts-against-war-crimes-probe/6988505.html

News: Security forces arrest several senior gov’t officials, youth, activists in #Gurage zone following intensified crackdown on dissent

By Biruk Alemu

Residents of the restive Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) told #AddisStandard that security forces have intensified arrests including on senior government officials, the youth and activists since Tuesday.

Menur Reshid, member of Gurage Zone Council, Taje Demeke, former chairwoman of the Zone’s Council, Asrat Tadele, Head of Urban Trade and Enterprise, Sefa Jamal, Head of Revenue Office of Wolkite City, Mulugeta Fikade, Head of Security of Addis Sub-city of Wolkite City, Fikre Azata, head of the regional industrial center, and Tesfaye Minuta, the director of Wolkite University’s registrar directorate are among government officials who were arrested in Wolkite by the #SNNPR special forces and the federal police, a resident of Wolkite who did not wish to be named, told Addis Standard.

In addition, leadership of the Gurage Media Network Beyene Wondemu and Zermaw Yitbarek and lawyer and legal advisor Jember Abdo have also been arrested in Addis Abeba.

The resident said that more than 15 community leaders and youths are in prison, adding that “they were arrested because they peacefully struggled for the rights of the Gurage people”.

https://addisstandard.com/news-security-forces-arrest-several-senior-govt-officials-youth-activists-in-gurage-zone-following-intensified-crackdown-on-dissent/

News: Amidst rejection from opposition groups, #Tigray concludes establishment of IRA, awaiting negotiated deal with federal gov’t

The Tigray region has announced that it has finished preparations to establish Interim Regional Administration (IRA) pursuant to the Pretoria peace agreement reached between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF in November last year, and is awaiting to strike a negotiated deal with the federal government on the IRA.

“The process of establishing an interim government has been concluded from Tigray’s side, the next step is to negotiate with the federal government,” deputy chairperson of the IRA establishing committee Muluwork Kidanemariam told #AddisStandard.

According to Muluwork, after conducting various tasks, the committee of nine members set up to oversee the establishment of the IRA held a two day conference since 02 March, and 400 representatives from across the region have taken part in the formation of the IRA.

Muluwork said, “everything including who will hold what position has been sorted out” adding that, power sharing among the ruling TPLF, the military, opposition groups and scholars have been agreed upon.

https://addisstandard.com/news-amidst-rejection-from-opposition-groups-tigray-concludes-establishment-of-ira-awaiting-negotiated-deal-with-federal-govt/

#Ethiopia: even during period of peace, lasting humanitarian consequences of the conflict remain

"Healthcare personnel in #Tigray have been working without pay for over twenty months. In some places, they reuse gloves and give expired drugs to patients. So, unfortunately, it is easy to understand why many decided to leave their work. Against this backdrop, thousands of wounded people need urgent surgical care, protheses and physical rehabilitation. Waiting lists keep growing as people once cut off from assistance by the fighting are now able to access medical facilities," Patrick Youssef, #ICRC Regional Director for #Africa

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/ethiopia-even-during-period-peace-lasting-humanitarian-consequences-conflict-remain

#Sudan, #Ethiopia agree to accelerate efforts to settle border dispute

Abel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council on Sunday met a number of regional leaders in the marines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) held in Doha.

In a meeting the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to settle the pending issues, particularly the border demarcation.

“The two sides agreed on the importance of continuing efforts and accelerating its pace regarding the issues of border and economic cooperation, and activating trade exchange to achieve the common interests of the peoples of the two countries,” said the Sovereign Council in a statement after the meeting.

https://sudantribune.com/article271537/

#Ethiopia: Deso Gelmisa leads clean sweep for Ethiopia at #Tokyo Marathon

Deso Gelmisa led an Ethiopian clean sweep of the podium at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, with Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s race.

In a tight finish, the 25-year-old Deso Gelmisa finished in 2:05:22 to win his first World Marathon Major by one second ahead of compatriot Mohamed Esa.

Tsegaya Getachew finished third, two seconds further back.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tokyo-marathon/2023/03/04/a722cd5e-bb0a-11ed-b0df-8ca14de679ad_story.html

#Ethiopia: The Alliance for #Coffee Excellence (ACE) suspends 2023 Cup of Excellence Ethiopia and auction

The Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) has announced the suspension of the Cup of Excellence (CoE) Ethiopia 2023 competition and auction.

This decision was made by the Coffee and Tea Authority due to several issues within Ethiopia that prevented ACE from conducting its rigorous activities required for the program. The organisation has made every attempt to continue with the 2023 edition, but the situation in Ethiopia forced them to suspend operations. ACE’s efforts will now be directed towards a 2024 program.

Over the past three years, ACE has successfully carried out three Cup of Excellence.

https://www.gcrmag.com/ace-suspends-2023-cup-of-excellence-ethiopia-and-auction/