News: #Ethiopian Security, Intelligence task force detains more than 800 in #AddisAbeba for alleged involvement in #Adwa day disturbances
A joint task force for Peace & Security Operations in the capital announced that it has detained close to 880 people who it accused of mobilizing to disrupt the 127th celebration of the Victory of Adwa at the Minilik Square, Arada Subcity in the capital Addis Abeba on Thursday 02 March. The task force accused the detainees of harming people and causing damage to properties.
According to the task force of the total detainees, close to 560 came to the city from other regional states, and the rest were from various sub-cities in the capital city. “Preparations have been made beforehand,” Getu Argaw, commissioner for the Addis Abeba Police Commission and a member of the task force, said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-security-intelligence-task-force-detains-more-than-800-in-addis-abeba-for-alleged-involvement-in-adwa-day-disturbances/
A joint task force for Peace & Security Operations in the capital announced that it has detained close to 880 people who it accused of mobilizing to disrupt the 127th celebration of the Victory of Adwa at the Minilik Square, Arada Subcity in the capital Addis Abeba on Thursday 02 March. The task force accused the detainees of harming people and causing damage to properties.
According to the task force of the total detainees, close to 560 came to the city from other regional states, and the rest were from various sub-cities in the capital city. “Preparations have been made beforehand,” Getu Argaw, commissioner for the Addis Abeba Police Commission and a member of the task force, said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-security-intelligence-task-force-detains-more-than-800-in-addis-abeba-for-alleged-involvement-in-adwa-day-disturbances/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian Security, Intelligence task force detains more than 800 in Addis Abeba for alleged involvement in Adwa day disturbances…
News: Ethiopian Security, Intelligence task force detains more than 800 in Addis Abeba for alleged involvement in Adwa day disturbances Addis Standard -
#Ethiopia: Comedian-backed charity raises $1.6m in 48 hours
A crowdfunding campaign backed by Ethiopian comedian Eshetu Melese has led to more than $1.6m (£1.35m) raised within 48 hours for a charity that plans to build what it describes as the first nursing home facility for homeless people in the country.
The money has come from 15,200 donations, with the highest amount being $10,000.
The GoFundMe campaign is aimed at helping the charity #Mekedonia to raise $2m.
"Make a difference in the lives of countless elderly and mentally challenged people who live under dire circumstances on the streets - help us build home for the homeless," it says.
The comedian also helped the charity raise donations from local banks, though that amount is unclear.
Eshetu is a young stand-comedian and TV host in Ethiopia. He has become popular in recent years for a show that features talented children. https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0cg6kXcUbVjNK6qxzoagxn8UPL6F9aepjvKbfRjQd5ViKVxuck4v5hRHsddxnsZ82l
A crowdfunding campaign backed by Ethiopian comedian Eshetu Melese has led to more than $1.6m (£1.35m) raised within 48 hours for a charity that plans to build what it describes as the first nursing home facility for homeless people in the country.
The money has come from 15,200 donations, with the highest amount being $10,000.
The GoFundMe campaign is aimed at helping the charity #Mekedonia to raise $2m.
"Make a difference in the lives of countless elderly and mentally challenged people who live under dire circumstances on the streets - help us build home for the homeless," it says.
The comedian also helped the charity raise donations from local banks, though that amount is unclear.
Eshetu is a young stand-comedian and TV host in Ethiopia. He has become popular in recent years for a show that features talented children. https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0cg6kXcUbVjNK6qxzoagxn8UPL6F9aepjvKbfRjQd5ViKVxuck4v5hRHsddxnsZ82l
#Ethiopia: Rehabilitation Commission, #Tigray officials hold first meeting in #Mekelle on disarmament, national rehabilitation of Tigrayan forces
This is the first meeting between the two parties after the top military leadership of the federal army and Tigrayan forces concluded a five day meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on 12 November last year, agreeing to form a joint committee to “elaborate on the modalities for the implementation of comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program.”
Subsequently, the African Union appointed Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (MVCM) team had launched the disarmament process of Tigrayan combatants and confirmed Tigrayan forces’ handing over of heavy weapons to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces on 10 January.
Under the “Disarmament of Tigray armed combatants” of the Nairobi Declaration, it was stated that “disarmament of heavy weapons will be done concurrently with the withdrawal of foreign and non-ENDF forces from the region.”
However, today’s meeting is taking place in the backdrop of the continued presence and reports of grave human rights violations by the #Eritrean and #Amhara forces against civilians in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/news-rehabilitation-commission-tigray-officials-hold-first-meeting-in-mekelle-on-disarmament-national-rehabilitation-of-tigrayan-forces/
This is the first meeting between the two parties after the top military leadership of the federal army and Tigrayan forces concluded a five day meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on 12 November last year, agreeing to form a joint committee to “elaborate on the modalities for the implementation of comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program.”
Subsequently, the African Union appointed Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (MVCM) team had launched the disarmament process of Tigrayan combatants and confirmed Tigrayan forces’ handing over of heavy weapons to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces on 10 January.
Under the “Disarmament of Tigray armed combatants” of the Nairobi Declaration, it was stated that “disarmament of heavy weapons will be done concurrently with the withdrawal of foreign and non-ENDF forces from the region.”
However, today’s meeting is taking place in the backdrop of the continued presence and reports of grave human rights violations by the #Eritrean and #Amhara forces against civilians in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/news-rehabilitation-commission-tigray-officials-hold-first-meeting-in-mekelle-on-disarmament-national-rehabilitation-of-tigrayan-forces/
Addis Standard
News: Rehabilitation Commission, Tigray officials hold first meeting in Mekelle on disarmament, national rehabilitation of Tigrayan…
From left: Turhan Saleh, Getachew reda and Ambassador Teshome Toga attending the first consultative forum in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray state . Picture: Tigray TV Addis Abeba - Representatives of the Federal National Rehabilitation Commission led by its…
#US Weighs Offering Economic Lifeline to #Ethiopia Despite War Atrocities
The Biden administration is weighing plans to lift restrictions on aid and financial assistance to war-battered Ethiopia in a move that has drawn backlash from human rights advocates and some factions within the administration.
The plan, if confirmed, is expected to be announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during an upcoming visit to the Ethiopian capital of #AddisAbeba later this month, according to multiple current and former officials familiar with the matter.
The debate playing out within the administration over its Ethiopia policy reflects a concern among top aid and human rights officials as well as lawmakers in Congress that U.S. President Joe Biden hasn’t done enough to acknowledge or hold Ethiopia accountable for atrocities, ethnic cleansing, and possible war crimes it committed during a devastating two-year war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group in the country’s northern Tigray region. That war cost hundreds of thousands of lives and destabilized Africa’s second-most-populous country.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/09/us-ethiopia-war-tigray-aid-peace-agreement/
The Biden administration is weighing plans to lift restrictions on aid and financial assistance to war-battered Ethiopia in a move that has drawn backlash from human rights advocates and some factions within the administration.
The plan, if confirmed, is expected to be announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during an upcoming visit to the Ethiopian capital of #AddisAbeba later this month, according to multiple current and former officials familiar with the matter.
The debate playing out within the administration over its Ethiopia policy reflects a concern among top aid and human rights officials as well as lawmakers in Congress that U.S. President Joe Biden hasn’t done enough to acknowledge or hold Ethiopia accountable for atrocities, ethnic cleansing, and possible war crimes it committed during a devastating two-year war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group in the country’s northern Tigray region. That war cost hundreds of thousands of lives and destabilized Africa’s second-most-populous country.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/09/us-ethiopia-war-tigray-aid-peace-agreement/
Foreign Policy
U.S. Weighs Offering Economic Lifeline to Ethiopia Despite War Atrocities
The internal administration debate comes ahead of Blinken’s plans to visit Africa.
News: Starving IDPs in #WagHemra zone, Amhara region urge immediate food aid, plea for assistance to return to their homes
Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who were uprooted from their homes in #Tsagbiji and #Abergele districts in Wag-Hemra zone of the Amhara region and currently harbored at Woleh makeshift camp in the zone say they are suffering from acute hunger as they haven’t received any food aid since June last year.
The IDPs said that despite expectations to return back to their homes following the signing of the peace agreement between the Tigrayan authorities and the federal government of Ethiopia, they are unable to return and still suffering in the camp.
Abraha Woldu, one of the IDPs who came from Tsagbiji district with his family of five said, “we are starving, we are only waiting for our death”. He noted that they were getting aid through the safety-net program before, but since June they have not been given anything at all.
Debash Belay Ayele, another IDP and a father of two, said, “it has been more than a year since we were displaced from Tsagbiji district, and our life has become very miserable ever since”.
https://addisstandard.com/news-starving-idps-in-wag-hemra-zone-amhara-region-urge-immediate-food-aid-plea-for-assistance-to-return-to-their-homes/
Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who were uprooted from their homes in #Tsagbiji and #Abergele districts in Wag-Hemra zone of the Amhara region and currently harbored at Woleh makeshift camp in the zone say they are suffering from acute hunger as they haven’t received any food aid since June last year.
The IDPs said that despite expectations to return back to their homes following the signing of the peace agreement between the Tigrayan authorities and the federal government of Ethiopia, they are unable to return and still suffering in the camp.
Abraha Woldu, one of the IDPs who came from Tsagbiji district with his family of five said, “we are starving, we are only waiting for our death”. He noted that they were getting aid through the safety-net program before, but since June they have not been given anything at all.
Debash Belay Ayele, another IDP and a father of two, said, “it has been more than a year since we were displaced from Tsagbiji district, and our life has become very miserable ever since”.
https://addisstandard.com/news-starving-idps-in-wag-hemra-zone-amhara-region-urge-immediate-food-aid-plea-for-assistance-to-return-to-their-homes/
Addis Standard
News: Starving IDPs in Wag-Hemra zone, Amhara region urge immediate food aid, plea for assistance to return to their homes
IDPs in Wag-Hemra zone (Picture: Wag-Hemra zone communications) Addis Abeba – The Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who were uprooted from their homes in Tsagbiji and Abergele districts in Wag-Hemra zone of the Amhara region and currently harbored at Woleh…
#Ethiopia: Disaster Risk Management Council holds first emergency response meeting in seven years as ongoing drought devours millions of #Ethiopians
However, this is the first emergency meeting by the Council convened to review the reports showing the scale and depths of the ongoing drought, the extent of the damage on both human lives livestock heads and properties.
During the 2016 drought in which more than 10 million Ethiopians were exposed to climate shock and were left in need of emergency food assistance, a similar emergency response plan was coordinated under the auspices of Demeke Mekonnen, then deputy prime Minister, enabling Ethiopia stave off the impacts of the drought before the lives of human and livestock were lost.
But despite the presence of multiple warnings and media reports in the last year and half, minimum efforts were exerted by the government to mitigate the ongoing drought, which has already devoured millions of livestock in #Borana zone, southern #Oromia and #Dawa zone in #Somali regional state.
In the pastoralist and semi-pastoralist communities in South #Omo zone in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) region, an outbreak of Hashimoto’s disease driven from the drought has killed at least 11 people, officials told Addis Standard. reports are surfacing from #Konso and #Dawro zones of the same region indicating the death of humans as well as livestock due to the drought.
https://addisstandard.com/news-disaster-risk-management-council-holds-first-emergency-response-meeting-in-seven-years-as-ongoing-drought-devours-millions-of-ethiopians/
However, this is the first emergency meeting by the Council convened to review the reports showing the scale and depths of the ongoing drought, the extent of the damage on both human lives livestock heads and properties.
During the 2016 drought in which more than 10 million Ethiopians were exposed to climate shock and were left in need of emergency food assistance, a similar emergency response plan was coordinated under the auspices of Demeke Mekonnen, then deputy prime Minister, enabling Ethiopia stave off the impacts of the drought before the lives of human and livestock were lost.
But despite the presence of multiple warnings and media reports in the last year and half, minimum efforts were exerted by the government to mitigate the ongoing drought, which has already devoured millions of livestock in #Borana zone, southern #Oromia and #Dawa zone in #Somali regional state.
In the pastoralist and semi-pastoralist communities in South #Omo zone in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) region, an outbreak of Hashimoto’s disease driven from the drought has killed at least 11 people, officials told Addis Standard. reports are surfacing from #Konso and #Dawro zones of the same region indicating the death of humans as well as livestock due to the drought.
https://addisstandard.com/news-disaster-risk-management-council-holds-first-emergency-response-meeting-in-seven-years-as-ongoing-drought-devours-millions-of-ethiopians/
Addis Standard
News: Disaster Risk Management Council holds first emergency response meeting in seven years as ongoing drought devours millions…
This is the first emergency meeting by the Council in seven years. Picture: FanaBC Addis Abeba: The National Disaster Risk Management Council held an emergency meeting yesterday under the chair of Demeke Mekonnen, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign…
#NewsAlert: Blinken due in #Ethiopia next week
State Department confirmed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ethiopia next week.
Blinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger March 14-17, 2023. “On March 15, the Secretary will visit Addis Abeba, Ethiopia where he will discuss implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement to advance peace and promote transitional justice in northern Ethiopia. He will also meet humanitarian partners and civil society actors to discuss humanitarian assistance delivery, food security, and human rights,” the state department said.
He is also expected to meet with African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
https://addisstandard.com/newsalert-blinken-due-in-ethiopia-next-week/
State Department confirmed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ethiopia next week.
Blinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger March 14-17, 2023. “On March 15, the Secretary will visit Addis Abeba, Ethiopia where he will discuss implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement to advance peace and promote transitional justice in northern Ethiopia. He will also meet humanitarian partners and civil society actors to discuss humanitarian assistance delivery, food security, and human rights,” the state department said.
He is also expected to meet with African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
https://addisstandard.com/newsalert-blinken-due-in-ethiopia-next-week/
Addis Standard
NewsAlert: Blinken due in Ethiopia next week
Secretary Blinken and PM Abiy at the US-Africa summit in Washington D.C. Addis Abeba - State Department confirmed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ethiopia next week. Blinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger March 14-17, 2023. "On March…
#Ethiopia: #Sidama region says recent deadly violence near bordering West #Arsi, #Oromia region neither border dispute nor ethnic clash
Sidama region has said that the recent violence that saw at least a dozen people killed in border areas with West Arsi zone of the neighboring Oromia region is neither border dispute nor ethnic clashes between the Sidama and the Oromo people, as widely reported.
Speaking to #AddisStandard, Alemayehu Timothewos, head of the Justice and Security Bureau of Sidama region, said that the violence erupted last week after a dispute between individuals was escalated.
Alemayehu said that several people were killed and property was destroyed due to the conflict, and said that there were casualties from both sides. He stated that the conflict occurred after an ethnic Sidama individual killed a person in a fight that broke out in Gubo village of East Guji Zone. Relatives of the victim then traced the individual and acted in retaliation killing many people and destroying properties.
Ahmed Haji, the chief administrator of West Arsi Zone, corroborated Alemayehu’s remarks, and said reports that the deceased were attacked after they were called for a meeting is inaccurate.
https://addisstandard.com/news-sidama-region-says-recent-deadly-violence-near-bordering-west-arsi-oromia-region-neither-border-dispute-nor-ethnic-clash/
Sidama region has said that the recent violence that saw at least a dozen people killed in border areas with West Arsi zone of the neighboring Oromia region is neither border dispute nor ethnic clashes between the Sidama and the Oromo people, as widely reported.
Speaking to #AddisStandard, Alemayehu Timothewos, head of the Justice and Security Bureau of Sidama region, said that the violence erupted last week after a dispute between individuals was escalated.
Alemayehu said that several people were killed and property was destroyed due to the conflict, and said that there were casualties from both sides. He stated that the conflict occurred after an ethnic Sidama individual killed a person in a fight that broke out in Gubo village of East Guji Zone. Relatives of the victim then traced the individual and acted in retaliation killing many people and destroying properties.
Ahmed Haji, the chief administrator of West Arsi Zone, corroborated Alemayehu’s remarks, and said reports that the deceased were attacked after they were called for a meeting is inaccurate.
https://addisstandard.com/news-sidama-region-says-recent-deadly-violence-near-bordering-west-arsi-oromia-region-neither-border-dispute-nor-ethnic-clash/
Addis Standard
News: Sidama region says recent deadly violence near bordering West Arsi, Oromia region neither border dispute nor ethnic clash…
News: Sidama region says recent deadly violence near bordering West Arsi, Oromia region neither border dispute nor ethnic clash Addis Standard -
Rebuilding schools, hospitals top priority in #Ethiopia's #Tigray: charity
Rebuilding schools and hospitals is the "number one priority" in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region after two years of brutal conflict, Janti Soeripto, head of the US-based charity Save the Children told AFP on Friday.
"It's everything. Absolutely, physical infrastructures need to be rebuilt: from water systems, boreholes, water pumps... a lot of it was literally destroyed. I have seen pictures of healthcare facilities that were completely ripped apart, completely. Not only were stuff taken, but X-ray machines were smashed, all the equipment was taken, fridges are gone, the building is completely unusable. So physical infrastructures, rebuilding of school and healthcare facilities: absolutely number one priority. But then there's the stuff that is invisible... how do we make sure they get access to the mental health and psychosocial support they need?"
https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/rebuilding-schools-hospitals-top-priority-in-ethiopias-tigray-charity-pxs1qgtf
Rebuilding schools and hospitals is the "number one priority" in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region after two years of brutal conflict, Janti Soeripto, head of the US-based charity Save the Children told AFP on Friday.
"It's everything. Absolutely, physical infrastructures need to be rebuilt: from water systems, boreholes, water pumps... a lot of it was literally destroyed. I have seen pictures of healthcare facilities that were completely ripped apart, completely. Not only were stuff taken, but X-ray machines were smashed, all the equipment was taken, fridges are gone, the building is completely unusable. So physical infrastructures, rebuilding of school and healthcare facilities: absolutely number one priority. But then there's the stuff that is invisible... how do we make sure they get access to the mental health and psychosocial support they need?"
https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/rebuilding-schools-hospitals-top-priority-in-ethiopias-tigray-charity-pxs1qgtf
Zawya
Rebuilding schools, hospitals top priority in Ethiopia's Tigray: charity
Four months since the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a peace deal, medicine and food supplies were still insufficient
News: #Amnesty asks #Blinken to put human rights at heart of conversation with Prime Minister Abiy
“Secretary Blinken’s trip to Ethiopia comes at a critical time in the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) and when the Ethiopian government is actively mobilizing support to terminate the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (#ICHREE),” Kate Hixon, Africa Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA, said. “United States and international community engagement remains vital, and it is positive to see the Secretary prioritizing Ethiopia.”
Last week, a group of 63 worldwide human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) appealed to the permanent representatives of member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, on February 28, to reject any resolution forwarded by Ethiopia the mandate of the UN’s International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE).
The group’s appeal came in the backdrop of news that Ethiopia has circulated a draft resolution asking for the termination of the rights experts in the country.
“We write to urge your delegations to reject any resolution to prematurely terminate the mandate of ICHREE, and to express your support for the mandate and work of the Commission,” the group’s appeal reads.
Ethiopia’s latest attempt at blocking the ICHREE and its works failed in December last year when its draft resolution requesting the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly to not approve any resources was rejected by a vote of 71 against 32 in favor, whereas 50 members states abstained the vote.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amnesty-asks-blinken-to-put-human-rights-at-heart-of-conversation-with-prime-minister-abiy/
“Secretary Blinken’s trip to Ethiopia comes at a critical time in the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) and when the Ethiopian government is actively mobilizing support to terminate the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (#ICHREE),” Kate Hixon, Africa Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA, said. “United States and international community engagement remains vital, and it is positive to see the Secretary prioritizing Ethiopia.”
Last week, a group of 63 worldwide human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) appealed to the permanent representatives of member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, on February 28, to reject any resolution forwarded by Ethiopia the mandate of the UN’s International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE).
The group’s appeal came in the backdrop of news that Ethiopia has circulated a draft resolution asking for the termination of the rights experts in the country.
“We write to urge your delegations to reject any resolution to prematurely terminate the mandate of ICHREE, and to express your support for the mandate and work of the Commission,” the group’s appeal reads.
Ethiopia’s latest attempt at blocking the ICHREE and its works failed in December last year when its draft resolution requesting the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly to not approve any resources was rejected by a vote of 71 against 32 in favor, whereas 50 members states abstained the vote.
https://addisstandard.com/news-amnesty-asks-blinken-to-put-human-rights-at-heart-of-conversation-with-prime-minister-abiy/
Addis Standard
News: Amnesty asks Blinken to put human rights at heart of conversation with Prime Minister Abiy
A survivor from Tigray region, waits at a UNFPA-supported facility for women and girls who have been subjected to gender-based violence. Photo: UNFPA Addis Abeba: Amnesty International USA urged Antony Blinken, United States secretary of state, to tailor…
News: #Ethiopia dismayed by #ArabLeague’s resolution calling for “flexibility” on filling, operation of #GERD
Ethiopia said it is dismayed by the resolution issued by the Arab League regarding the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
A statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that “the management and utilization of the Nile River, including the filling and operation of the GERD, must be left to the concerned parties in Africa” accusing the Arab League of serving “as the spokesperson of one state, disregarding basic principles of international law”.
“Such attempts to politicize the issue of GERD neither advance friendly relations nor support the efforts to arrive at amicable solutions, as they are not based on facts or supported by law,” the statement added.
On 09 March, the Arab League’s foreign ministers council issued a resolution calling on Ethiopia to show flexibility on filling and operation of the GERD, after the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asked Arab nations to pressure Ethiopia to halt its “unilateral and unco-operative practices” according to media reports.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-dismayed-by-arab-leagues-resolution-calling-for-flexibility-on-filling-operation-of-gerd/
Ethiopia said it is dismayed by the resolution issued by the Arab League regarding the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
A statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that “the management and utilization of the Nile River, including the filling and operation of the GERD, must be left to the concerned parties in Africa” accusing the Arab League of serving “as the spokesperson of one state, disregarding basic principles of international law”.
“Such attempts to politicize the issue of GERD neither advance friendly relations nor support the efforts to arrive at amicable solutions, as they are not based on facts or supported by law,” the statement added.
On 09 March, the Arab League’s foreign ministers council issued a resolution calling on Ethiopia to show flexibility on filling and operation of the GERD, after the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asked Arab nations to pressure Ethiopia to halt its “unilateral and unco-operative practices” according to media reports.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-dismayed-by-arab-leagues-resolution-calling-for-flexibility-on-filling-operation-of-gerd/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopia dismayed by Arab League’s resolution calling for “flexibility” on filling, operation of GERD
Ethiopia’s mega dam GERD (Photo; Seleshi Bekele (PhD) Addis Abeba - Ethiopia said it is dismayed by the resolution issued by the Arab League regarding the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). A statement released by the Foreign…
Commentary: Ever-increasing #Cholera outbreak in #Oromia Region may lead to disastrous consequences – #OPA
Cholera cases have been on the rise from 2015 to 2023, creating an even greater challenge for the region. In that time frame, there have been 109 cases and 1 death in 2015, 5232 cases and 59 deaths in 2016, 3433 cases and 21 deaths in 2017, 123 cases in 2018, 970 cases and 5 deaths in 2019, 1488 cases and 13 deaths in 2020, 604 cases and 4 deaths in 2021, and 1329 cases and 22 deaths in 2022, resulting in an average case fatality rate of 1.7% in the region, beyond the World Health Organization’s acceptable rate of 1%. The outbreak has been mainly concentrated in 4 zones and 97 woredas, with Bale Zone having the highest case fatality rate of 3.1%, and Delo Mena woreda’s case fatality reaching as high as 9.1%.
The main cause of these outbreaks is the failure to effectively implement the four steps necessary for the control of outbreaks and pandemics: prevention, response, management and control.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-ever-increasing-cholera-outbreak-in-oromia-region-may-lead-to-disastrous-consequences-opa/
Cholera cases have been on the rise from 2015 to 2023, creating an even greater challenge for the region. In that time frame, there have been 109 cases and 1 death in 2015, 5232 cases and 59 deaths in 2016, 3433 cases and 21 deaths in 2017, 123 cases in 2018, 970 cases and 5 deaths in 2019, 1488 cases and 13 deaths in 2020, 604 cases and 4 deaths in 2021, and 1329 cases and 22 deaths in 2022, resulting in an average case fatality rate of 1.7% in the region, beyond the World Health Organization’s acceptable rate of 1%. The outbreak has been mainly concentrated in 4 zones and 97 woredas, with Bale Zone having the highest case fatality rate of 3.1%, and Delo Mena woreda’s case fatality reaching as high as 9.1%.
The main cause of these outbreaks is the failure to effectively implement the four steps necessary for the control of outbreaks and pandemics: prevention, response, management and control.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-ever-increasing-cholera-outbreak-in-oromia-region-may-lead-to-disastrous-consequences-opa/
Addis Standard
Commentary: Ever-increasing Cholera outbreak in Oromia Region may lead to disastrous consequences - OPA - Addis Standard
Commentary: Ever-increasing Cholera outbreak in Oromia Region may lead to disastrous consequences - OPA Addis Standard -
News: Communities in drought-hit #Borana reel amid rising aid delivery scandal, officials refute allegations
By Biruk Alemu and Medihane Ekubamichael
#Yabelo, Borana – Community members in Yabelo, the administrative capital of the drought-hit Borana zone, in Southern Oromia, are reeling in the midst of allegations on the rising cases of corruption in aid administration that saw a portion of the aid deliveries are taken for personal use by the people in charge of local aid distribution.
Alarmed community members informed team Addis Standard on the ground that they encountered flour branded after Busa Gonofa, a regional relief commission, solely packed for aid purposes were appearing on markets in the outskirts of Yabelo.
***
“Retailers are even asked to buy flour that came through individual and group aid providers”, said one resident, adding that the issue has been lurking in the town, and he believes that most of the aid donations are highly likely to end up into the pockets of corrupted officials in charge of receiving the aid at the warehouses in Yabelo.
https://addisstandard.com/news-communities-in-drought-hit-borana-reel-amid-rising-aid-scandal-officials-refute-allegations/
By Biruk Alemu and Medihane Ekubamichael
#Yabelo, Borana – Community members in Yabelo, the administrative capital of the drought-hit Borana zone, in Southern Oromia, are reeling in the midst of allegations on the rising cases of corruption in aid administration that saw a portion of the aid deliveries are taken for personal use by the people in charge of local aid distribution.
Alarmed community members informed team Addis Standard on the ground that they encountered flour branded after Busa Gonofa, a regional relief commission, solely packed for aid purposes were appearing on markets in the outskirts of Yabelo.
***
“Retailers are even asked to buy flour that came through individual and group aid providers”, said one resident, adding that the issue has been lurking in the town, and he believes that most of the aid donations are highly likely to end up into the pockets of corrupted officials in charge of receiving the aid at the warehouses in Yabelo.
https://addisstandard.com/news-communities-in-drought-hit-borana-reel-amid-rising-aid-scandal-officials-refute-allegations/
Addis Standard
News: Communities in drought-hit Borana reel amid rising aid delivery scandal, officials refute allegations - Addis Standard
News: Communities in drought-hit Borana reel amid rising aid delivery scandal, officials refute allegations Addis Standard -
Consecutive failures of the long and short rainy seasons in 2022 had impacted the food security of at least 9.9 million people in drought affected areas of Ethiopia.
*24 million people living in drought affected areas
*11 million people estimated to be food insecure
*About 6.85 milllion #livestock deaths since late 2021
About 24 million people are currently living in drought affected areas, of whom 13 million vulnerable pastoralists and agro pastoralists are targeted for urgent life-saving
assistance in 2023. Food insecurity, malnutrition and health conditions of the affected population are worsening, with eroded coping capacities and increased vulnerabilities.
https://addisstandard.com/news-un-says-11-million-people-food-insecure-as-drought-situation-in-ethiopia-continues-to-worsen-requires-urgent-response/#
*24 million people living in drought affected areas
*11 million people estimated to be food insecure
*About 6.85 milllion #livestock deaths since late 2021
About 24 million people are currently living in drought affected areas, of whom 13 million vulnerable pastoralists and agro pastoralists are targeted for urgent life-saving
assistance in 2023. Food insecurity, malnutrition and health conditions of the affected population are worsening, with eroded coping capacities and increased vulnerabilities.
https://addisstandard.com/news-un-says-11-million-people-food-insecure-as-drought-situation-in-ethiopia-continues-to-worsen-requires-urgent-response/#
#Ethiopia: Political parties oppose ongoing consultations on transitional justice policy options, urge priority for peace, national dialogue
Several leaders of opposition political parties who were invited to take part in the ongoing nationwide consultations on transitional justice policy options have walked out of a meeting on Friday 10 February, urging the government to give priority for peace and national political dialogue.
The consultation forums are being organized by the Ministry of Justice to engage various stakeholders in the formulation of a policy document that guides the transitional justice process that Ethiopia aspires to embark on.
Chairperson of the Sidama Federalist Party Elias Tesemma who took part in the consultation prepared for opposition political groups last week told #AddisStandard that “it is political problems that are trembling the country, and a consensus through national political dialogue should precede any attempt of ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation”
https://addisstandard.com/news-political-parties-oppose-ongoing-consultations-on-transitional-justice-policy-options-urge-priority-for-peace-national-dialogue/
Several leaders of opposition political parties who were invited to take part in the ongoing nationwide consultations on transitional justice policy options have walked out of a meeting on Friday 10 February, urging the government to give priority for peace and national political dialogue.
The consultation forums are being organized by the Ministry of Justice to engage various stakeholders in the formulation of a policy document that guides the transitional justice process that Ethiopia aspires to embark on.
Chairperson of the Sidama Federalist Party Elias Tesemma who took part in the consultation prepared for opposition political groups last week told #AddisStandard that “it is political problems that are trembling the country, and a consensus through national political dialogue should precede any attempt of ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation”
https://addisstandard.com/news-political-parties-oppose-ongoing-consultations-on-transitional-justice-policy-options-urge-priority-for-peace-national-dialogue/
Addis Standard
News: Political parties oppose ongoing consultations on transitional justice policy options, urge priority for peace, national…
Nationwide consultations on transitional justice policy options was launched on Monday 06 March (Picture: ETV) Addis Abeba - Several leaders of opposition political parties who were invited to take part in the ongoing nationwide consultations on transitional…
Children in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray Region return to school, but trauma lingers
The more than two-year-long civil war in Ethiopia has left many children orphaned or separated from their families.
The psychological trauma lingers for these children.
https://www.voanews.com/a/children-in-ethiopia-tigray-region-return-to-school-but-trauma-lingers/7002509.html
The more than two-year-long civil war in Ethiopia has left many children orphaned or separated from their families.
The psychological trauma lingers for these children.
https://www.voanews.com/a/children-in-ethiopia-tigray-region-return-to-school-but-trauma-lingers/7002509.html
VOA
Children in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Return to School, but Trauma Lingers
The more than two-year-long civil war in Ethiopia has left many children orphaned or separated from their families
#Ethiopia-#Israel - #Israeli teachers' racist WhatsApp chat caught by pupils
Israel's education minister has apologised to Ethiopian Israeli schoolgirls whose teachers mocked them in a WhatsApp group on a school trip.
The girls spotted the teachers messaging each other in a chat group they created called Black School Trip.
One of the girls filmed the chat over a teacher's shoulder, then shared it on social media, calling the teachers "a disgrace".
The teachers involved were suspended and the incident is being investigated.
There are about 150,000 citizens of Ethiopian origin in Israel, the first of whom arrived in sizeable numbers in a series of top secret Mossad-led operations in the 1980s.
The Ethiopian Jews' integration in Israel has been challenging, with the community suffering disproportionately high levels of unemployment and poverty as well as discrimination, although their situation has shown signs of improvement in recent years.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64919768
Israel's education minister has apologised to Ethiopian Israeli schoolgirls whose teachers mocked them in a WhatsApp group on a school trip.
The girls spotted the teachers messaging each other in a chat group they created called Black School Trip.
One of the girls filmed the chat over a teacher's shoulder, then shared it on social media, calling the teachers "a disgrace".
The teachers involved were suspended and the incident is being investigated.
There are about 150,000 citizens of Ethiopian origin in Israel, the first of whom arrived in sizeable numbers in a series of top secret Mossad-led operations in the 1980s.
The Ethiopian Jews' integration in Israel has been challenging, with the community suffering disproportionately high levels of unemployment and poverty as well as discrimination, although their situation has shown signs of improvement in recent years.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64919768
BBC News
Israeli teachers' racist WhatsApp chat caught by pupils
The education minister apologises after Ethiopian Israeli girls film teachers mocking them on a trip.
#Ethiopia: Rampant cash hoarding regress improved banking services in #Tigray, cash shortage persists after central bank dispensed 5 billion birr
By Mihret G Kristos
Banks in Tigray are facing cash shortage and therefore significantly limited the amount of money one can withdraw due to widespread cash hoarding after the central bank dispensed 5 billion birr to Tigray in February.
The decision had enabled banks to resume their much-needed services amidst growing complaints from residents who despite re-opening of banks in the region were unable to get services due to shortage of cash. The services however are short lived.
A bank manager at one of the private banks in Mekelle, capital of Tigray region, who asked not to be named, told Addis Standard that traders and the rich have withdrawn all their money in cash in the first two weeks after the central bank sent 5 billion birr cash to Tigray.
At the time, “we have been providing withdrawal services according to the central bank’s standard, allowing an individual to withdraw up to 50,000 birr cash per day. In the first two weeks branches have been withdrawing up to 30 million birr everyday” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-rampant-cash-hoarding-regress-improved-banking-services-in-tigray-cash-shortage-persists-after-central-bank-dispensed-5-billion-birr/
By Mihret G Kristos
Banks in Tigray are facing cash shortage and therefore significantly limited the amount of money one can withdraw due to widespread cash hoarding after the central bank dispensed 5 billion birr to Tigray in February.
The decision had enabled banks to resume their much-needed services amidst growing complaints from residents who despite re-opening of banks in the region were unable to get services due to shortage of cash. The services however are short lived.
A bank manager at one of the private banks in Mekelle, capital of Tigray region, who asked not to be named, told Addis Standard that traders and the rich have withdrawn all their money in cash in the first two weeks after the central bank sent 5 billion birr cash to Tigray.
At the time, “we have been providing withdrawal services according to the central bank’s standard, allowing an individual to withdraw up to 50,000 birr cash per day. In the first two weeks branches have been withdrawing up to 30 million birr everyday” he said.
https://addisstandard.com/news-rampant-cash-hoarding-regress-improved-banking-services-in-tigray-cash-shortage-persists-after-central-bank-dispensed-5-billion-birr/
Addis Standard
News: Rampant cash hoarding regress improved banking services in Tigray, cash shortage persists after central bank dispensed 5…
Mekelle city, Tigray (Picture: FBC) By Mihret G Kristos @MercyG_kirstos Addis Abeba - Banks in Tigray are facing cash shortage and therefore significantly limited the amount of money one can withdraw due to widespread cash hoarding after the central bank…
News: #SaudiArabia resumes #Ethiopian domestic workers recruitment after three years of deferment, recruitment fee limits at $1,840
Addis Abeba: Saudi Arabia has announced the reopening of doors for domestic workers after three years long of deferment, limiting the recruitment fee for domestic agencies to 1,840 USD. The Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development (MHRSD) has issued a warning that organizations and agencies that are authorized to hire domestic workers in the nation must adhere to the established payment ceiling.
The payment ceiling set for #Ethiopia is very low compared to other countries.
The decision fits with the Ministry's ongoing efforts to organize and regulate recruitment market prices as well as monitor and manage their implementation to guarantee the caliber of the services provided.
A year ago, #AddisStandard received several reports of detainees held in inhumane conditions in Saudi Arabia prisons. Ethiopians detained in Saudi Arabia’s prisons revealed that a crackdown on illegal, as well as legit, migrants targeted many Ethiopians. Nursing mothers, infants, and pregnant women were suffering in the prison without sufficient food, medicine, and a proper place to sleep, and urged the government to intervene, according to the detainees; complaining about Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officials abandoning their responsibilities and ignoring their pleas.
MHRSD has issued instructions governing the transfer of domestic workers’ sponsorship and rules for recruiting and presentation of labor services with the aim of strengthening the contractual connection and increasing market attractiveness.
Editor's Note: This story is edited to correct the $1,840 recruitment fee which was reported as wage limit.
https://addisstandard.com/news-saudi-arabia-resumes-domestic-workers-recruitment-after-three-years-of-deferment-wage-labor-limits-at-1840/
Addis Abeba: Saudi Arabia has announced the reopening of doors for domestic workers after three years long of deferment, limiting the recruitment fee for domestic agencies to 1,840 USD. The Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development (MHRSD) has issued a warning that organizations and agencies that are authorized to hire domestic workers in the nation must adhere to the established payment ceiling.
The payment ceiling set for #Ethiopia is very low compared to other countries.
The decision fits with the Ministry's ongoing efforts to organize and regulate recruitment market prices as well as monitor and manage their implementation to guarantee the caliber of the services provided.
A year ago, #AddisStandard received several reports of detainees held in inhumane conditions in Saudi Arabia prisons. Ethiopians detained in Saudi Arabia’s prisons revealed that a crackdown on illegal, as well as legit, migrants targeted many Ethiopians. Nursing mothers, infants, and pregnant women were suffering in the prison without sufficient food, medicine, and a proper place to sleep, and urged the government to intervene, according to the detainees; complaining about Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officials abandoning their responsibilities and ignoring their pleas.
MHRSD has issued instructions governing the transfer of domestic workers’ sponsorship and rules for recruiting and presentation of labor services with the aim of strengthening the contractual connection and increasing market attractiveness.
Editor's Note: This story is edited to correct the $1,840 recruitment fee which was reported as wage limit.
https://addisstandard.com/news-saudi-arabia-resumes-domestic-workers-recruitment-after-three-years-of-deferment-wage-labor-limits-at-1840/
Addis Standard
News: Saudi Arabia resumes Ethiopian domestic workers recruitment after three years of deferment, recruitment fee limits at $1…
Photo: saudi-expatriates website Addis Abeba: Saudi Arabia has announced the reopening of doors for domestic workers after three years long of deferment, limiting the recruitment fee for domestic agencies to 1,840 USD, the country’s local media reported.…
News: Security, Intelligence Task Force accuses “some foreign nationals” of alleged dollar laundering and counterfeit
The Ethiopian Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force accused “some foreign nationals” who enter the country using tourist visas and other legal means, are engaged in weakening #Ethiopia’s economy by “printing counterfeit dollars” using rented hotel and guest rooms as their basis. Without mentioning the nationalities of the said foreign nationals, the Joint Task Force said that some of these suspects are “detained and being investigated.” It also accused suspected of “using drugs.”
The Joint Task Force said that in an operation it conducted in different parts of Addis Abeba city on Saturday 11 March, five individuals suspected of “illegal dollar circulation”, “counterfeit dollar printing”, and “illicit weapons circulation” have been detained and are being investigated. However, it didn’t clarify if all the five suspects were foreign nationals.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-intelligence-task-force-accuses-some-foreign-nationals-of-alleged-dollar-laundering-and-counterfeit/
The Ethiopian Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force accused “some foreign nationals” who enter the country using tourist visas and other legal means, are engaged in weakening #Ethiopia’s economy by “printing counterfeit dollars” using rented hotel and guest rooms as their basis. Without mentioning the nationalities of the said foreign nationals, the Joint Task Force said that some of these suspects are “detained and being investigated.” It also accused suspected of “using drugs.”
The Joint Task Force said that in an operation it conducted in different parts of Addis Abeba city on Saturday 11 March, five individuals suspected of “illegal dollar circulation”, “counterfeit dollar printing”, and “illicit weapons circulation” have been detained and are being investigated. However, it didn’t clarify if all the five suspects were foreign nationals.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-intelligence-task-force-accuses-some-foreign-nationals-of-alleged-dollar-laundering-and-counterfeit/
Addis Standard
News: Security, Intelligence Task Force accuses “some foreign nationals” of alleged dollar laundering and counterfeit
Picture: Joint Tssk Force Addis Abeba - The Ethiopian Joint Security and Intelligence Task Force accused "some foreign nationals" who enter the country using tourist visas and other legal means, are engaged in weakening Ethiopia's economy by "printing counterfeit…