Pictorial: In what can only be interpreted as a show of support for Arega Kebede, the newly appointed President of the #Amhara State, Presidents from other regional states, senior army and intelligence officials and other invited guests have all gathered in the region’s capital #Bahir_Dar.
Regional media said they are gathered to attend the “inauguration” - an unusual rule of state etiquette for a regional president - of Arega, who was already sworn in by the regional Council on Friday.
Regardless of the show of support and elaborated inaugural ceremony, however, the newly appointed President, who was appointed after the resignation of former president Dr Yilkal Kefale, is facing the unenviable task of stabelizing the crisis-hit region that is under a federally declared state of emergency and is hosting bouts of miliatarized hostilities between the federal forces and the Fano combatants, a regional non-state armed militias. AS
Regional media said they are gathered to attend the “inauguration” - an unusual rule of state etiquette for a regional president - of Arega, who was already sworn in by the regional Council on Friday.
Regardless of the show of support and elaborated inaugural ceremony, however, the newly appointed President, who was appointed after the resignation of former president Dr Yilkal Kefale, is facing the unenviable task of stabelizing the crisis-hit region that is under a federally declared state of emergency and is hosting bouts of miliatarized hostilities between the federal forces and the Fano combatants, a regional non-state armed militias. AS
Egypt, Ethiopia resume negotiations on disputed Nile dam
Negotiations have resumed between #Egypt, #Ethiopia, and #Sudan on the grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project after a two-year suspension.
The aim is to reach a balanced and legally binding agreement that satisfies the interests and concerns of all three countries.
The talks come as Ethiopia proceeds with the fourth filling of the dam's reservoir.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/egypt-ethiopia-resume-negotiations-on-disputed-nile-dam/2977368#
Negotiations have resumed between #Egypt, #Ethiopia, and #Sudan on the grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project after a two-year suspension.
The aim is to reach a balanced and legally binding agreement that satisfies the interests and concerns of all three countries.
The talks come as Ethiopia proceeds with the fourth filling of the dam's reservoir.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/egypt-ethiopia-resume-negotiations-on-disputed-nile-dam/2977368#
Anadolu Agency
Egypt, Ethiopia resume negotiations on disputed Nile dam
Egypt, Ethiopia have been logged in years-long dispute on Nile dam project on Blue Nile
#Ethiopia, World Bank sign a $730 million grant agreement
A $730 million grant agreement was signed today between the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank to support the Regional Economic Corridor Project in Ethiopia. The project aims to improve connectivity and logistics along the Addis-Djibouti road corridor, which handles the majority of Ethiopia's maritime trade.
The funding will be used to construct 142 kilometers of road from Miesso to Dire Dawa, enhancing its quality, safety, and efficiency. Additionally, the project will benefit local communities by improving access to education, health, and water and constructing secondary roads for better connectivity.
The agreement was signed virtually on 27 August, 2023, by the Minister of Finance and the Regional Integration Director of the World Bank.
Photo credit: FBC
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=687364263432494&set=a.288721919963399
A $730 million grant agreement was signed today between the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank to support the Regional Economic Corridor Project in Ethiopia. The project aims to improve connectivity and logistics along the Addis-Djibouti road corridor, which handles the majority of Ethiopia's maritime trade.
The funding will be used to construct 142 kilometers of road from Miesso to Dire Dawa, enhancing its quality, safety, and efficiency. Additionally, the project will benefit local communities by improving access to education, health, and water and constructing secondary roads for better connectivity.
The agreement was signed virtually on 27 August, 2023, by the Minister of Finance and the Regional Integration Director of the World Bank.
Photo credit: FBC
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=687364263432494&set=a.288721919963399
#Ethiopia: ‘God wants us away from our enemies’: bitter legacy of war splits Ethiopian church
“Monasteries and churches were hit by shelling, by drone strikes, by air strikes,” said Bishop Yohannes, who heads Saint Frumentius Theological College in #Tigray. “Our ancient heritage was destroyed and looted by soldiers, who then killed our priests.”
As well as the nine new bishops, four others who were part of the synod have joined the Tigrayan church. Tesfay estimated that most of Tigray’s population of about 6mn, as well tens of thousands in the Tigrayan diaspora in the US, Europe and Australia, would form its congregation.
The Ethiopian church’s synod responded this month by excommunicating several Tigrayan clergymen, including the 13 rebel bishops, accusing them of heresy and creating an illegal regional structure that contravened the “unity” of the church and country.
https://www.ft.com/content/e57c58c7-9ebb-4683-822b-4c35543ad11f
“Monasteries and churches were hit by shelling, by drone strikes, by air strikes,” said Bishop Yohannes, who heads Saint Frumentius Theological College in #Tigray. “Our ancient heritage was destroyed and looted by soldiers, who then killed our priests.”
As well as the nine new bishops, four others who were part of the synod have joined the Tigrayan church. Tesfay estimated that most of Tigray’s population of about 6mn, as well tens of thousands in the Tigrayan diaspora in the US, Europe and Australia, would form its congregation.
The Ethiopian church’s synod responded this month by excommunicating several Tigrayan clergymen, including the 13 rebel bishops, accusing them of heresy and creating an illegal regional structure that contravened the “unity” of the church and country.
https://www.ft.com/content/e57c58c7-9ebb-4683-822b-4c35543ad11f
#Ethiopia: Skyrocketing food prices plague low-income families, uncertain future creates a fret
In recent months, #inflation rates, particularly in food, have risen significantly, causing financial strain on low-income families. Price increases have affected items like onions, edible oil, meat, and teff, a staple grain in Ethiopian cuisine.
The impact of food inflation in war-torn #Tigray cannot be overstated, as families struggle to provide enough food for their children amidst skyrocketing prices. The recent conflict in the #Amhara region has further aggravated food prices, negatively impacting the population.
The government is implementing measures to tighten monetary policy and reduce inflation. However, doubts remain over its practical implementation.
https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-skyrocketing-food-prices-plague-low-income-families-uncertain-feature-creates-a-fret/
In recent months, #inflation rates, particularly in food, have risen significantly, causing financial strain on low-income families. Price increases have affected items like onions, edible oil, meat, and teff, a staple grain in Ethiopian cuisine.
The impact of food inflation in war-torn #Tigray cannot be overstated, as families struggle to provide enough food for their children amidst skyrocketing prices. The recent conflict in the #Amhara region has further aggravated food prices, negatively impacting the population.
The government is implementing measures to tighten monetary policy and reduce inflation. However, doubts remain over its practical implementation.
https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-skyrocketing-food-prices-plague-low-income-families-uncertain-feature-creates-a-fret/
Addis Standard
In-depth: Skyrocketing food prices plague low-income families, uncertain future creates a fret - Addis Standard
In-depth: Skyrocketing food prices plague low-income families, uncertain future creates a fret Addis Standard Business -
71 Ethiopians arrested over suspected human trafficking in #Machakos
Over 70 #Ethiopians were arrested in #Kenya for allegedly being involved in human trafficking.
Police responded to a tip-off from the public and found the suspects loitering in a residential area.
The arrested individuals are currently detained and will be brought to court for further investigation on Monday.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/eastern/2023-08-27-71-ethiopians-arrested-over-suspected-human-trafficking-in-machakos/
Over 70 #Ethiopians were arrested in #Kenya for allegedly being involved in human trafficking.
Police responded to a tip-off from the public and found the suspects loitering in a residential area.
The arrested individuals are currently detained and will be brought to court for further investigation on Monday.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/eastern/2023-08-27-71-ethiopians-arrested-over-suspected-human-trafficking-in-machakos/
The Star
71 Ethiopians arrested over suspected human trafficking in Machakos
They have been detained at Mavoko SNP police station.
#ASDailyScoop: Prominent politician Bekele Gerba resigns from Oromo Federalist Congress, seeks asylum in US
#BekeleGerba, a prominent figure in Ethiopian politics, has resigned from the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and sought asylum in the United States.
Bekele's resignation from #OFC comes after being imprisoned following violence in 2020.
He initially intended to meet Ethiopian expatriates in the #US but now believes it unnecessary to return to #Ethiopia due to the changing political landscape.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-prominent-politician-bekele-gerba-resigns-from-oromo-federalist-congress-seeks-asylum-in-us/
#BekeleGerba, a prominent figure in Ethiopian politics, has resigned from the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and sought asylum in the United States.
Bekele's resignation from #OFC comes after being imprisoned following violence in 2020.
He initially intended to meet Ethiopian expatriates in the #US but now believes it unnecessary to return to #Ethiopia due to the changing political landscape.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-prominent-politician-bekele-gerba-resigns-from-oromo-federalist-congress-seeks-asylum-in-us/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Prominent politician Bekele Gerba resigns from Oromo Federalist Congress, seeks asylum in US - Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Prominent politician Bekele Gerba resigns from Oromo Federalist Congress, seeks asylum in US Addis Standard Politics -
#Ethiopia's combined aircraft fleet is valued at $5.25 billion
*Ethiopia dominates the African aviation industry with the highest fleet market value, even though it doesn't have the most aircraft in Africa.
*The top five countries, including #Egypt, #Morocco, #South_Africa, #Kenya, and #Ethiopia, account for over 70% of the total African fleet by market value.
African airlines are expected to start taking delivery of newer and higher-value aircraft in the next five years, with #Ethiopian Airlines leading the way with the most firm orders.
https://simpleflying.com/ethiopia-aircraft-fleet-5-billion-usd-value/
*Ethiopia dominates the African aviation industry with the highest fleet market value, even though it doesn't have the most aircraft in Africa.
*The top five countries, including #Egypt, #Morocco, #South_Africa, #Kenya, and #Ethiopia, account for over 70% of the total African fleet by market value.
African airlines are expected to start taking delivery of newer and higher-value aircraft in the next five years, with #Ethiopian Airlines leading the way with the most firm orders.
https://simpleflying.com/ethiopia-aircraft-fleet-5-billion-usd-value/
Simple Flying
Ethiopia's Combined Aircraft Fleet Is Valued At $5.25 Billion
Ethiopia's air transport sector is driven by its well-performing national carrier.
#Ethiopia: Ethiopian athletes who placed country six in medals table arrive in Addis Abeba to a heroes’ welcome
The Ethiopian athletics family who took part at the World Athletics Championships 2023 competitions in #Hungary, #Budapest and placed the country at six place in the world and second in Africa medal table arrived at Bole International Airport early this morning.
The winning team was welcomed by Minister of Culture and Sports, Kejela Merdasa, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye and other senior government officials.
There will be a display of paraded welcoming ceremony through the city’s main street Bole road, which will be closed off for the event to allow the athletes to meet and greet their fans.
Ethiopia won a total of nine medals: Two Gold in Women’s 10000m and Women’s Marathon; four silver - two of which in Women’s 10000m, and in Women’s Marathon, as well as Women’s 1500m and Men’s 3000; and three bronze: Women’s 10000m, in Men’s 1000m and in Men’s Marathon. AS
The Ethiopian athletics family who took part at the World Athletics Championships 2023 competitions in #Hungary, #Budapest and placed the country at six place in the world and second in Africa medal table arrived at Bole International Airport early this morning.
The winning team was welcomed by Minister of Culture and Sports, Kejela Merdasa, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye and other senior government officials.
There will be a display of paraded welcoming ceremony through the city’s main street Bole road, which will be closed off for the event to allow the athletes to meet and greet their fans.
Ethiopia won a total of nine medals: Two Gold in Women’s 10000m and Women’s Marathon; four silver - two of which in Women’s 10000m, and in Women’s Marathon, as well as Women’s 1500m and Men’s 3000; and three bronze: Women’s 10000m, in Men’s 1000m and in Men’s Marathon. AS
#US knew of #Saudi forces killing #Ethiopian migrants, but kept quiet — report
The United States has been aware of Saudi security forces killing Ethiopian migrants since 2022, but kept quiet about it, according to The New York Times.
Human Rights Watch reported that Saudi border guards had fired machine guns and mortars at Ethiopians crossing from #Yemen into Saudi territory, potentially killing hundreds.
The US response may have been muted due to efforts to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and advance a potential normalization deal with #Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-knew-of-saudi-forces-killing-migrants-but-kept-quiet-report/
The United States has been aware of Saudi security forces killing Ethiopian migrants since 2022, but kept quiet about it, according to The New York Times.
Human Rights Watch reported that Saudi border guards had fired machine guns and mortars at Ethiopians crossing from #Yemen into Saudi territory, potentially killing hundreds.
The US response may have been muted due to efforts to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and advance a potential normalization deal with #Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-knew-of-saudi-forces-killing-migrants-but-kept-quiet-report/
The Times of Israel
US knew of Saudi forces killing Ethiopian migrants, but kept quiet — report
Washington was informed of killings on Saudi-Yemen border while trying to smooth ties with Riyadh and broker deal for Israel, New York Times reports
#Ethiopia: Fallout over administrative restructuring claims lives near Arba Minch, #Southern_Ethiopia region
At least 17 people were killed and many injured in clashes between government security forces and local residents in southern Ethiopia.
The violence erupted over opposition to a new administrative plan to incorporate the area into the limits of #Arba_Minch city.
A doctor in Arba Minch confirmed that at least 12 people have died and 15 others were injured.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fallout-over-administrative-restructuring-claims-lives-near-arba-minch-southern-ethiopia-region/
At least 17 people were killed and many injured in clashes between government security forces and local residents in southern Ethiopia.
The violence erupted over opposition to a new administrative plan to incorporate the area into the limits of #Arba_Minch city.
A doctor in Arba Minch confirmed that at least 12 people have died and 15 others were injured.
https://addisstandard.com/news-fallout-over-administrative-restructuring-claims-lives-near-arba-minch-southern-ethiopia-region/
Addis Standard
News: Fallout over administrative restructuring claims lives near Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia region - Addis Standard
News: Fallout over administrative restructuring claims lives near Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia region Addis Standard News -
#Ethiopia-#Somalia: Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (#ENDF) serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (#AMISOM) have on Saturday provided drinking water to residents of #Lugulo area in #Kismayo town, #Jubbaland State.
The team from AMISOM ENDF supplied the precious commodity to 700 deserving households which have been severely affected by the ongoing drought.
ATMIS in a statement said that this is part of its Civil-Military engagement to support local communities living in Kismayo.
AMISOM troops have been involved in donation of food supplies and medicine to needy populations living in close proximity to their camps for years.
Somalia is facing a humanitarian crisis due to a prolonged dry spell that has also affected decimated crops and livestock and even caused huge displacement of people.
Source: frontieronline
The team from AMISOM ENDF supplied the precious commodity to 700 deserving households which have been severely affected by the ongoing drought.
ATMIS in a statement said that this is part of its Civil-Military engagement to support local communities living in Kismayo.
AMISOM troops have been involved in donation of food supplies and medicine to needy populations living in close proximity to their camps for years.
Somalia is facing a humanitarian crisis due to a prolonged dry spell that has also affected decimated crops and livestock and even caused huge displacement of people.
Source: frontieronline
#Ethiopia: Women’s Association of #Tigray demands thorough investigation into recent brutal killing in #Mekelle
The Women’s Association of Tigray is demanding a thorough investigation into a recent atrocity in Mekelle. 32-year-old Zewdu Haftu was killed on 20 August, 2023.
The Tigray Disaster Relief Fund has also called for an investigation and accountability for the crime.
https://addisstandard.com/news-womens-association-of-tigray-demands-thorough-investigation-into-recent-atrocity-in-mekelle/
The Women’s Association of Tigray is demanding a thorough investigation into a recent atrocity in Mekelle. 32-year-old Zewdu Haftu was killed on 20 August, 2023.
The Tigray Disaster Relief Fund has also called for an investigation and accountability for the crime.
https://addisstandard.com/news-womens-association-of-tigray-demands-thorough-investigation-into-recent-atrocity-in-mekelle/
Addis Standard
News: Women's Association of Tigray demands thorough investigation into recent brutal killing in Mekelle - Addis Standard
News: Women's Association of Tigray demands thorough investigation into recent brutal killing in Mekelle Addis Standard News -
#US rejects report it failed to publicly raise issue of #Saudi border killings
The US denies accusations of failing to publicly condemn Saudi Arabia over the killing of #Ethiopian migrants at the #Saudi_Yemen border.
Human Rights Watch released a report documenting the attacks, while The New York Times claimed American diplomats were aware of the incidents but did not criticize Saudi Arabia.
The State Department responded, stating it has engaged Saudi officials to express concerns and urge transparency in investigations.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-rejects-report-it-failed-publicly-raise-saudi-killing-migrants
The US denies accusations of failing to publicly condemn Saudi Arabia over the killing of #Ethiopian migrants at the #Saudi_Yemen border.
Human Rights Watch released a report documenting the attacks, while The New York Times claimed American diplomats were aware of the incidents but did not criticize Saudi Arabia.
The State Department responded, stating it has engaged Saudi officials to express concerns and urge transparency in investigations.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-rejects-report-it-failed-publicly-raise-saudi-killing-migrants
Middle East Eye
US rejects report it failed to publicly raise issue of Saudi border killings
The State Department cited Middle East Eye's reporting on attacks, but the Biden administration is weighing new arms sales and security ties to Riyadh
News Alert: At least 183 killed in clashes in #Amhara since July; 250 #Tigrayans detained in new wave in Western #Tigray: #UN
In Amhara region, following clashes between the military & #Fano militia, and the 04 Aug. state of emergency, "the situation worsened considerably."
More than 1,000 have been arrested across Ethiopia under this law. Many of of whom young people of Amhara ethnic origin.
In Western #Tigray at least 250 ethnic Tigrayans were detained reportedly in joint operations by the Amhara police, local authorities and local militia
Victims were then reportedly taken by armed youth in Wolkait in Western Tigray, to an area under the Tigray Interim Regional Administration.
https://addisstandard.com/news-alert-at-least-183-killed-in-clashes-in-amhara-since-july-250-tigrayans-detained-in-new-wave-in-western-tigray-un/
In Amhara region, following clashes between the military & #Fano militia, and the 04 Aug. state of emergency, "the situation worsened considerably."
More than 1,000 have been arrested across Ethiopia under this law. Many of of whom young people of Amhara ethnic origin.
In Western #Tigray at least 250 ethnic Tigrayans were detained reportedly in joint operations by the Amhara police, local authorities and local militia
Victims were then reportedly taken by armed youth in Wolkait in Western Tigray, to an area under the Tigray Interim Regional Administration.
https://addisstandard.com/news-alert-at-least-183-killed-in-clashes-in-amhara-since-july-250-tigrayans-detained-in-new-wave-in-western-tigray-un/
Addis Standard
News Alert: At least 183 killed in clashes in Amhara since July; 250 Tigrayans detained in new wave in Western Tigray: UN - Addis…
Addis Abeba – UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner said “at least 183 people have been killed in clashes in Amhara region since July, and expressed its concerns at “the deteriorating human rights situation in some regions of Ethiopia.” “In Amhara…