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An independent Ethiopia based online media focusing on current affairs. Original content+daily gist of media monitoring
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#Ethiopia: UNICEF, WHO and the Regional Health Bureau have launched yesterday the integrated measles campaign in #Tigray, targeting over 800,000 children aged 6-59 months.

The integrated campaign includes measles vaccination and catch-up for unvaccinated children, nutrition screening and treatment of acute malnutrition, vitamin A drops and deworming against intestinal parasites.

UNICEF further said that during the campaign, pregnant and lactating women presenting at health facilities are also screened for malnutrition and can be vaccinated against COVID-19.
#Ethiopia: The difficult choice between water and school

Mohammed is a teacher at a school in #Borena Zone, #Oromia Region of Ethiopia. The last few years have seen the number of children attending his class diminish nearly daily.

“Many of these children leave because their families choose to seek water, pastures and assistance, which gives them more chances of surviving this drought than going to school. I cannot blame them,” he says.

In some cases, children in this area will only be able to attend school once a week, spending most of their days fetching and carrying water on foot wherever it is available.

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“The reality is that even if the children go to school, it is either they are exhausted from their walks trying to get water, or they simply cannot concentrate in class because of the constant worry of not having water or food once they’re back home after school,” Mohammed adds.

https://storyteller.iom.int/stories/ethiopia-difficult-choice-between-water-and-school
#Ethiopia: Ethiopian machines for Ethiopian farmers

*Locally produced seed cleaners are making a big difference in Ethiopia and inspiring innovation in
#Benin

In 2022, GIC Ethiopia partnered with Techno-Nejat Industries in #Adama, Ethiopia, to design and produce a first run of mobile seed cleaners for use by smallholding farmers across the country. Techno-Nejat has an established track record in agricultural fabrication and was eager to take on the new collaboration.

In early March, the company completed the initial delivery of eight seed cleaners. The machines process chickpea, soy, wheat, and barley seed with a maximum capacity of 1.5 tons per hour. With wheels and a compact, efficient design, they are also easy to move from one farmer’s property to another. At a cost of US $7,500 and a production time of 55 days, the machines have potential both for expansion within Ethiopia and scaling up for export.

https://www.cimmyt.org/news/ethiopian-machines-for-ethiopian-farmers/
#Ethiopia: Army kills three civilians, severely injures six following protests in #Sitti zone, #Somali region: local official

A local official said three people were killed and six others were severely injured after members of the defense forces fired on a crowd during a protest held in Ayisha district, Sitti Zone of the Somali regional state on Monday, 27 March 2023.

A senior government official from the district who asked to be anonymous told #Addis_Standard that residents of the district who felt that the national army was implicitly supporting security forces from the Afar region in the ongoing border disputes between the two regions were protesting on Sunday and Monday.

The official added that the #Ethio-#Djibouti highway was closed as a result of the protests and members of the army who arrived in the area on Monday demanded for the highway to be opened.

“After some confrontations local government officials managed to convince the protesters to open the highway but members of the army suddenly opened fire killing three and injuring six others,” he said.

https://addisstandard.com/news-army-kills-three-civilians-severely-injures-six-following-protests-in-sitti-zone-somali-region/
News: Rising cases of #Cholera in Ethiopia as death toll reaches 50, 3.3 million people at high-risk

The spread of Cholera outbreak to East #Bale, #Guji and #Borena zones of #Oromia and #Dawa Zone of #Somali regions has resulted in the deaths so far of 50 people with 2,276 total cholera cases registered as of 23 March, the latest UN report said.

According to the report the total cholera caseload has doubled since the end of January 2023, and close to 3.3 million people are now at high-risk in those affected areas.

In January the Cholera outbreak was reported in 66 kebeles of 8 woredas across Bale, Guji and West Arsi zones of Oromia and 2 woredas of Liban zone of Somali regions with a total number of 1,055 cases reported as of 30 January 2023. Currently, the outbreak has spread to 177 kebeles across 22 woredas (of whom 18 in Oromia). Moyale woreda both from Oromia and Somali sides is the latest to report the outbreak.

According to the UN, between 12 and 18 March, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) reported 363 new cholera cases, the highest numbers reported since the beginning of the outbreak in Harana Buluk woreda of Bale Zone of Oromia on 27 August 2022.

https://addisstandard.com/news-un-alarms-rising-cases-of-cholera-in-ethiopia-as-death-toll-reaches-50-3-3-million-people-at-high-risk/
Analysis: #Ethiopian rights defenders’ call for independent investigations into war-related crimes deterred, as gov’t pushes for transitional justice

By Million Beyene


The Ethiopian government has been relentlessly opposing and even working to terminate the UN’s International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE), an office mandated by the UN to investigate violations committed during Ethiopia's two-years devastating war that started in the Tigray region and spread to Afar and Amhara regions, covering what's now commonly referred to as "the northern part of Ethiopia."

Ethiopia’s latest attempt to discredit the ICHREE however, faced opposition by a group of 63 worldwide human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) who have appealed to the permanent representatives of member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council to reject any resolution forwarded by Ethiopia on the mandate of the UN’s International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE).

Unlike the strong support and push for UN mandated independent investigation into rights violations committed during the war from international human rights groups, there has been systematic pressure to deter local rights defenders operating in Ethiopia from making similar calls.

Yared H/Mariam, a legal expert and head of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center told #Addis_Standard that local rights groups failed to be vocal for independent investigation fearing its consequences as “the position of the government on the issue is political”.

“I believe they choose to remain silent fearing for their existence,” Yared noted. https://addisstandard.com/analysis-ethiopian-rights-defenders-call-for-independent-investigations-into-war-related-crimes-deterred-as-govt-pushes-for-transitional-justice/
#Ethiopia: #OLA calls PM Abiy’s remarks on peace talks “ill-timed and misleading”, yet notes “positive signs” for negotiations

The #Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has said that prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s claim that more than ten attempts were made to negotiate with the group is “inaccurate” and depicted that the attempts were “not sincere efforts to engage with OLA leadership.”

In a statement released subsequent to the premier’s remarks. OLA pointed out that “the regime deployed several local mediation committees to persuade individual OLA officers to surrender, which ultimately resulted in failure.”

Responding to PM Abiy’s claim that his government faced challenges to negotiate with the rebels accusing them of not being “a united force”, OLA said “the regime should not be attempting to develop a new propaganda narrative suggesting that the OLA is too decentralized to negotiate with” further noting that, “the OLA’s leadership is the High Command.”

https://addisstandard.com/news-ola-calls-pm-abiys-remarks-on-peace-talks-ill-timed-and-misleading-yet-notes-positive-signs-for-negotiations/
#Ethiopia: #OmoValley #Emergency

#MSF responds to kala azar emergency response in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley

#Kala_azar, a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies, is not only one of the most neglected tropical diseases but also one of deadliest. It has become endemic in many parts of Ethiopia after it was first documented in 1942. More than 3.2 million people across the country are at risk.

“Patients come with a huge swelling of their spleen and liver, a fever, malnutrition and sometimes even bleeding because their bone marrow is affected,” said MSF doctor Hiwot Melak. “It's among the neglected tropical diseases that can cause a 95 percent fatality [rate] if left untreated. So, you can understand the urgency of finding these cases and putting them on treatment.”

One elderly man named Samakaoulu Kumuhuli Data shared that he had lost two wives and five children because of the disease.

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/msf-responds-kala-azar-emergency-response-ethiopias-omo-valley
News: #Ethiopian lawmakers approve Digital IT bill into law

The bill was presented by the Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice, MP Etsgenet Mengistu, who said that it is important to establish a “comprehensive, consistent and reliable system for the registration of the citizens” in the country and to have a legal basis for the use of the digital ID system by keeping the information of the registrants.

She also stated that the Digital ID law will create “favorable conditions for establishing a system of transparency and accountability” in the services provided using the ID and for a streamlined service delivery system.

The Parliament cited unnamed MPs who proposed that individuals and institutions who provide the digital ID fraudulently to be be considered to have committed the “crime of treason” and face severe punishment, according to the statement from the Parliament.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-lawmakers-approve-digital-it-bill-into-law/
News: Council of opposition parties in #BenishangulGumuz region urge NEBE to hold delayed elections

The parties’ request is yet to be seen by the board, and a decision will be made afterward, according to the board’s official who spoke to #Addis_Standard.

Elections did not take place in four constituencies in Benishangul Gumuz regional state namely, #Metekel Constituency; #Shinasha Special Election Region; #Kamashi constituency; and #Dalit constituency.
And out of the total 99 seats in the regional council, elections were held only in 28, which were all won by ruling prosperity party, but that doesn’t meet the minimum threshold required by regional constitution to form a government.
Yohannes Tessema, executive member of the council and head of Boro Democratic Party’s (BDP) political affairs, said that the regional state government has reached a peace agreement with the armed groups operating in the region and the security situation has improved significantly.

https://addisstandard.com/news-council-of-opposition-parties-in-benishangul-gumuz-region-urge-nebe-to-hold-delayed-elections/
News: #Ethiopian Rights Commission denounces gov’t restrictions, harassment on opposition political parties

The rights commission recalled the restrictions, harassment and arrests of other political opposition parties including the #Oromo Liberation Front and the #Qucha People’s Democratic Party, especially on the members of the leadership.

All the harassment, prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the government or other bodies on the opposition political parties to prevent them from holding their general assemblies or other meetings of their organizations are violations of the law and the rights to assemble, organize and participate.

The commission also indicated that the government has an obligation to facilitate citizens to exercise their right to assembly and to provide protection to the participants.

Earlier on 14 March #Addis_Standard reported the arrest of 12 leaders and members of Gurage Unity and Justice Party (#GOGOT) which the party said is part of continued pressure from the government since its establishment.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-rights-commission-denounces-govt-restrictions-harassment-on-opposition-political-parties/
#NewsAlert: #Ethiopia terminates charges against #TPLF military, civilian leaders

The Ministry of Justice has announced that the charges against the military and civilians members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) who were accused of various criminal offenses have been terminated.

In July 2021, the Federal Prosecutor charged 62 former and current members of the TPLF under the case file of Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), Chairman and Executive Committee (EC) member of the Tigray People’s Liberation front (TPLF). The file includes Executive Committee, and Cabinet members of the regional state government, which was ousted by the federal government and subsequently replaced by an Interim Administration in December 2020.

In January 2022, top former TPLF officials including Sebhat Nega, Mulu G/Egziabher, Kidusan Nega, Ambassador Abadi Zemu, Abay Woldu were released.

Former Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim was briefly released but was taken back under police custody after refusing to testify against 42 defendants in Abreha Tekeste’s file.
https://addisstandard.com/newsalert-ethiopia-terminates-charges-against-tplf-military-civilian-leaders/
News: Ruling Prosperity Party head in East #Wollega, #Oromia shot dead

Desalegn Bokonja, head of the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) office in East Wollega Zone in Oromia regional state, was shot dead today in Nekemte city,the city’s communication bureau said.

Desalegn was killed this morning “at the door of his residence” in what the communication office said was “an attack by unknown” assailants. He left his residence to go to his workplace the office said, describing him as “a fearless comrade” who was not concerned about his personal and family life as he “tired day and night” to change the city since he was young. youth and has been working hard to ensure the benefits of his people.

“Today is a day of darkness and sorrow for the city of Nekemte; we are deeply saddened by the loss of our comrade who is determined to ensure the interest of our people”, the statement from the office further said, and assured the people that “the development and the journey to prosperity will continue.”

https://addisstandard.com/news-ruling-party-head-in-east-wollega-oromia-shot-dead/
Update: Senior #TPLF, former federal gov. officials, opposition leader #DoriAsgedom released after charges terminated

By Medihane Ekubamichael

Defense lawyer Tadelle G/Medihin told #AddisStandard that among the notable civilian officials released today is Dori Asgedom, Chairman of the Assimba Democratic Party (#ADP), who had been behind bars in Addis Abeba since January 2021. Dori is a recognizable political figure who represented the Irob minority community, the party’s stronghold in Tigray regional state. Dori was a topic of Addis Standard’s recent in-depth reporting.

Dori told Addis Standard that although they had expected the released sometime soon, it came as a surprise especially since they had a court hearing this morning which was adjourned for next hearing. “I am glad that the Pretoria peace agreement is gradually bringing about a series of relief and solutions to the people of Tigray. I hope other remaining issues are also to be resolved accordingly,” Dori said.

https://addisstandard.com/update-senior-tplf-former-federal-gov-officials-opposition-leader-dori-asgedom-released-after-charges-terminated/
A Digital Revolution in #Ethiopia's Community Health Program

In Ethiopia, approximately 40,000 trained health extension workers (HEWs) act as the nation’s frontline health workforce, each serving about 2,500 individuals with health promotion, disease prevention, and basic curative services. They face a high workload due to the country’s large population. The government is currently digitizing the community health information system, called the electronic community health information systems, or #eCHIS.

This system is expected to bring tools and networks into place to digitize data, and automate workflows, enabling HEW performance management and supervision, while alleviating burdens placed on them by antiquated reporting systems.

https://www.jsi.com/strengthening-ethiopias-health-system-echis/
#Israeli, #Ethiopian think tanks sign national security MOU

*#Israel hopes to provide Israeli technology to Ethiopia so it can better manage its natural resources.

Ethiopia sees itself as a gateway to the African horn, which includes South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea and Kenya, JCPA President Dan Diker said, and it would like to develop into more of a global diplomatic power.

“If we can combine Israel’s tech power with their resources, they can become that power,” Diker said. With the signing of the MOU, the center will work to find Ethiopian Israeli technology partners that could help the country better leverage its resources.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-735940